Lt. Cmdr. Alora DeVeau - "A History of Saintpaulia"
Amanda Nordstrom
((DeVeau’s Office, Starbase 118))
Red. Some people didn’t like the colour. It was the shade of blood, the colour chosen when a ship was at high alert, and the hue used in conjunction with anger and rage. But red was also beautiful. It splashed across the sky at sunsets, coloured hearts drawn by millions of children, and was the classic colour of the ever endearing rose.
Originally, African violets had not come in any red hues. Those that had been found on the forested mountain sides, tucked into crevices where they had shallow soil, but plenty of water from the humid air, or from nearby waterfalls. The main colour had been purple, but selective breeding had proven that purple could not be produced without blue and red, and somewhere down the line other shades such as yellow, white, and even green were somehow coaxed out of the gene pool. Eventually, all colours of the rainbow were represented in what had become one of the most popular house plants in what had then been the United States of America, if not the world, and all in less than a hundred years after their discovery.
Alora loved them. She loved plants in general, but the gesneriads had a special place in her heart, and that particular species was the top pick among among the family of flora. When Alora had taken to the stars so had the plants. In truth, it was not their first foray. That had come way back in 1984 on Earth when seeds had been sent to space for what was supposed to be just under a year, wound up orbiting Earth for six years, then were brought back. Out of it had come yet another variety called the EverFloris.
But that was not one of the varieties that Alora picked. No, her choice was a chimera, a variety that could not be easily propagated, but was striking by the unique patterns on its flowers. Stripes were limited to these types of violets, and it was one of these that Alora picked, red petals with a darker red stripe right down the middle and dark leaves.
DeVeau: I recommend this one, then. I can send you all the instructions for care, but it's very easy. Lift the insert that has the plant itself, put water in the bottom. It waters itself and you don’t have to fill it but every week or two. Re-pot once or twice a year. I’ll send you a message with all the information, but it’s really very easy - and hardy.
In truth, they were easy. The standard temperature that most humans and even Rodulans lived in was ideal, not too hot, not too cold. The pots made watering easy, and the plants could go a year most of the time without need for reporting - though Alora would usually recommend doing so every half a Standard year for ideal growth and blooming.
Aristren: That… is very kind of you, thank you.
DeVeau: I enjoy giving beauty to others and I’m happy to share it both with you and your partner.
Aristren: I am sure we will be working well together. If there is anything, please do not hesitate to let me know. I am eager to get back into the flow of things, but I am flexible as to in what capacity that is.
DeVeau: I look forward to it. And if you ever just want a tour or to hang out with someone, feel free to give me a call.
Yes, she did. Alora liked working with others. She was far too social of a creature to be in the sort of field where she did most of her work alone. Inwardly, though, she hope that work wasn’t in line with some of the woman’s more extreme abilities. And she didn’t mind making new friends outside of work either.
Aristren: ::she inclined her head:: I am sure we will have that opportunity.
DeVeau: I hope so. I think that’s everything. Let me know if you have any questions or needs. It was lovely to meet you.
There was no verbal reply but after she rose, Aristren bowed, then left carrying the violet with her. Alora watched her, then turned back to her console. It had been a nice break from Paddwork, but now it was time to return to the grind, so to speak.
-- Lt. Cmdr. Alora DeVeau First Officer Starbase 118 Ops al...@blar.net M239008AD0