Bit of a green thumb

Posted on Mon Oct 23rd, 2023 @ 3:06pm by Cadet Senior Grade Ki'ana & Cadet Senior Grade René Rouen

3,929 words; about a 20 minute read

Mission: 1 - Cruising through the galaxy
Location: USS Stardancer, Arboretum

René entered the Arboretum aboard the Stardancer. He was feeling a bit homesick, not so much for Paris, but for the Rouen family estate in the French city of the same name. Some of his fondest summer time memories had been working at the vineyard Grand-Pere Laurent Rouen had retired to. He saw a tall officer in sciences blue on hands and knees at a rose bush. He made a throat clearing sound so as not to startle them by approaching quietly. "Pardonne moi."

Hearing someone call out to her Kiana wiped her hands on her pants and stood, towering over the human by at least a foot. She hadn't expected anyone to come and talk to her while she was working - which wasn't to say the brief disruption to the monotony of her work was unwelcome. "I'm afraid I don't speak the language you just spoke, stranger, so I'll just have to assume you're trying to get my attention," She said with a kind craggy Kelpien smile. "How may I help you?"

René face palmed himself. "My apologies. I sometimes change from Federation Standard to my native French when I am off duty. I wanted to speak with someone about possibly getting space to grow grapes."

"Oh! Well then." Ki'ana glanced around her. From her point of view she could see most of the room - which was always a bonus when identifying bits of empty space. "I think I'll have to ask - but I think here might do," She led him over to a small patch of soil about thirty metrea away. "Grapes, you say. Which variety? What kind of grape does often dictate the conditions it requires to thrive,"

René took a knee and dug his hands into the soil. "I was wanting to grow some Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Though I might have to change the soil composition a bit." He extracted his hands from the soil and brushed them off. I was hoping to...possibly use the grapes in wine production."

"Leave the composition of the soil to us, friend. We have the equipment stored away, as much as it might not look the part," Ki'ana said as she pulled out her PADD and began to type on it. "And don't worry about the conditions, either - instruct us and we'll be able to create them, I'm sure." She smiled back at him. "What's your name? I'll be sure to help you ask if that's allowed. You have all the equipment necessary to brew your own wine?"

René wiped his right hand across his tunic to wipe off the last of the dirt before extending his hand toward Ki'ana. "Name's Rouen, René Rouen and I don't have everything to make wine yet. I figured I could produce what I needed over time using the ship’s fabrication facilities."

"I... don't know if that's possible, but I'm sure there is a way." Ki'ana shook the offered hand. For someone so skinny by appearance, she did have a surprisingly powerful grip. The benefits of being Kelpien! "Call me Ki'ana. Is there anything else I can help you with, René?" She asked with a craggy smile.

René was thoughtful as they shook hands. He kept eye contact as he released Ki'ana's hand. "You're a Kelpien. I understand that your society is still a very agricultural one. I have not been back to my family's vineyard for several years and I am afraid I am a bit rusty at what is required for growing good grapes to make wine. Would you be able to spare some time to assist me in researching what I need to for growing suitable grapes?"

"Largely agricultural." Ki'ana corrected him gently. It was a misconception among non-Kelpiens and a somewhat common one at that - which she had no problem with correcting. No use in getting angry over misinformation. "There are plenty of guides that have to do with the growth and cultivation of plants in the ship's computer, including grapes - but I would be pleased to help you nonetheless." She said.

The doors to the arboretum hissed open once more, admitting a redheaded human girl who high fived the Kelpien and strode off towards the embedded labs. "Bye! See you tomororw, Alyssa!" Ki'ana called out to the redhead.

René glanced at Alyssa for a moment before returning his gaze to Ki'ana. "My apologies. I didn't mean to categorize you into a stereotype and you are correct that I could obtain all the...technical information regarding growing grapes. It's just been my experience that growing any plant requires a certain...nuance not obtainable from a data file"

"Oh, you are absolutely correct! Which is why I said that I'd be pleased to help you." Ki'ana answered as she began walking towards the arboretum's exit. "Trust me - I too know a fee things about growing plants to be harvested - I'd help out on my father's farm as a girl, see." She unzipped her jacket and threw it over her arm, leaving her in the gray undershirt of her uniform. "Ah, memories."

René followed Ki'ana to the exit, taking one final glance towards the lab area as he walked behind her. "My family owns a chateau and vineyard in Rouen, but we also own and operate one of the oldest fencing academies in Paris. Sometimes...I believe that I have disappointed my family when I chose a career in Starfleet."

Curiosity piqued, Ki'ana's lilac eyes followed his gaze towards the labs. What did he want with them, he wondered. She didn't know if he had the training to operate the equipment within, for one. Perhaps he was merely curious what lay beyond. Or perhaps... the Kelpien shrugged, pushing that thought from her mind for now. "Why do you feel as if you are obligated to make your life choices to please your family?" She asked as they walked towards the turbolift together. "Have they objected to your choice of career? Made you feel sorry for it? It matters not what they think - if you are happy being here then so it is. I believe there is nothing to worry about,"

René shrugged. "I know. It is just that I am the first Rouen to choose a career that will take me away from Earth for an extended periods of time. Part of me will miss my family, but...the chance to explore the galaxy...being the first in my family to experience things, I can't even imagine."

"Seize it. Don't look back. I've never once regretted coming out here." Ki'ana replied. "Oh, by the way. Where are you headed? I'm headed back to my quarters to wear something casual before dinner. I'd hate to keep you from being elsewhere important,"

"I was just doing the same..." René paused and chuckled a bit. "...with one minor difference. I was going to listen to some music while having a glass of wine from the Rouen vineyard. Care to join me after you get changed?"

Ki'ana hummed as they stepped into the turbolift together. "Company is never out of place. Where would you like to do this?" She asked. "Your quarters, I assume, since we are evidently both going the same way."

"Whatever is most convenient for you." Rene took a hold of the turbolift stanchion. "Cadet Quarters." He turned to Ki'ana with a friendly smile as the turbolift went into motion. "You should probably have a taste of the wine you're efforts will be instrumental in producing."

"I think I shall," Ki'ana replied cheerfully. The turbolift doors hissed open shortly after, the journey wasn't long at all. "See you shortly? Feel free to send which room I should go to to my PADD," She said as she stepped forward out of the turbolift. "See you in ten minutes?"

René stepped off the turbolift with Ki'ana and gestured to the right. "Cabin 245. Ten minutes will be perfect. It will allow the wine to breathe before pouring."

"You'll have to tell me more when I get there. Later." Ki'ana smiled and disappeared down the hallway.

Exactly nine and a half minutes later, Ki'ana was standing outside René's quarters. She'd changed into a snug-fitting black t-shirt, jeans and black hooved shoes; something comfortable at any rate. She chimed the doorbell and waited. She didn't often drink wine, much less wine that'd been brewed by hand (so to speak) - to say that she wasn't excited to experience it would've been a lie.

René could have just called out for Ki'ana to just come in, but he was raised to properly greet visitors. He opened the door and gestured with a nod of his head. "Please, come in and make yourself comfortable." He pointed to the small table with a bottle of wine and two empty glasses. "The wine should only need another minute or two to breathe. Oh and please pick the music."

She could practically smell the wine as his door hissed open. Kelpiens had better senses of smell than most other species, of course, which meant being able to pick up on even supposedly faint scents - which the bottle of red wine wasn't. Ki'ana had admittedly never drank red wine before, but she could already tell she might like what he had to offer. "I'm quite partial to classical Andorian, if that's alright." She said, settling down at the table. "I understand that their music can be quite violent-sounding to some,"

René laughed and gestured to the acoustic and electric guitars sitting in a corner of the room. "I have a very wide range of musical tastes. So please, as my guest you choose."

Ki'ana glanced at where he was pointing, and she had to admit, she was impressed. "Live music? Oh, you really shouldn't have. Had I known better I'd think you might be trying to impress me," She joked.

Rene shrugged as he moved to the table. "My mother teaches music at university and I picked up some things."

René picked up the wine bottle and poured a generous amount in both glasses. He picked up the glasses and handed one to Ki'ana. He gave an approving nod as he raised his glass and made a toast. "To good music, fine wine and pleasant company."

The Kelpien smiled, clinked her glass to his and took a long, slow sip from the glass. "You make these wines yourself?" She asked. "Because it's very, very good. I quite like it,"

René took a sip. "My Grand-Pere's the one who runs the family vineyard and winery, but I have helped over the years. I'm glad you like it. I figured if you were going to help me with the raw material. You should get to enjoy the final product."

"If this is the final product, I'm quite excited to help you with the raw material." Ki'ana remarked through another sip of wine. "Well, tell me about you, René, and how exactly the son of winemakers finds himself on an odyssey through space." She requested, scooting an inch closer to him with her big lilac eyes on his face.

René looked back at Ki'ana. "A number of Starfleet officers took fencing lessons at the Salle D'armes Coudurier academy in Paris. My father is the owner and senior instructor. I studied there myself from the age of 8 until I left for the Academy just before my 18th birthday. What about you? Tell me about what makes Ki'ana...Ki'ana."

The Kelpien hummed and drummed her fingers on the table. "There isn't much to my story, actually. I grew up in a rural community before moving away from Kaminar to attend Starfleet Academy. I had to work thrice as hard as everyone else to do it, in fact." She replied. "But I did develop a liking for plants and the science behind plants from my father, who forced me to help out on his farm. It was a rather physically demanding childhood I had, but we bonded that way." She shrugged.

René listened attentively, his expression one of curiosity. "You say forced to work on the farm. Yet you became a botanist. Would you have gone into a different discipline if you had a choice?" He had felt compelled to live up to some of his family traditions too, but his family had always supported his decisions, even joining Starfleet.

"If by forced you believe I meant forced by threats, no, I was not. I'm sure even you were made to do certain things as a child which you might not have liked, in the interests of it being 'good for you'." Ki'ana responded. "With that in mind - might i have chosen something different had my father not pushed me to assist him? Perhaps. I might not have come to Starfleet at all - perhaps I might've been content to stay on Kaminar as a teacher. I've always somewhat fancied the idea of being an instructor in some kind of school."

René took a sip of wine and swirled it in his mouth as he listened to Ki'ana. He formed a mental image of Ki'ana in front of a group of students. "I could see that. There's quite a few teaching billets throughout Starfleet and not just at the Academy. The Vulcan Science Academy sponsors teaching and research fellowships in conjunction with Starfleet. I understand that scientists and engineers working with Colonial Operations Command often spend time as instructors to the children on colony worlds." He glanced at her nearly empty glass. "Would you like one more?"

"Yes, please." Ki'ana held her glass out to him to top up. "An instructor to children... now that sounds quite interesting. Perhaps I might consider it when my career in Starfleet is finished - for now, however, I am perfectly pleased with where I am. I'd still like to discover a plant and name it after me someday,"

René thought about the comment as he poured Ki'ana a second glass of wine. It would be a nice legacy he mused. He set the bottle back in the ice bucket before taking a sip from his still half full glass. "So what do you do for fun, if I may ask?"

"Now that we're on board the Stardancer? Run. Work out. Read. Drink a little bit." Ki'ana smiled. "Or other kinds of sports. You're welcome to join me if you like. Company is never unwelcome in my opinion. If not, I do find the time to make my own meals."

René smiled. "I enjoy cooking myself, mostly French cuisine like my mother taught me. I even briefly thought about becoming a chef at one point."

"Would you mind teaching me one day?" Ki'ana asked, raising an eyebrow. "I do like to learn new things... especially new ways of cooking. I'm sure I can think of a few ingredients that'd be lovely substitutes if I try.. "

René gave a nod of his head. "Of course. The ship's galley is open for crew use unless there is an event, though I do believe you need to reserve time and space like with the holodecks."

"It is? Oh, wow. I'll be using it plenty. I love to cook." Ki'ana replied cheerfully. "Perhaps one day I'll invite you to try something from home - most humans find Kelpien cuisine quite delectable, actually, if a little bit salty. Noodles, baked goods, grain dishes, we have them all. Just ask."

"I would like that. Let me know when." He gestured at the bottle. "I hope you found the wine to your liking."

"I love it," She replied with a wide smile. "But again - I'll have to get approval first. You know how the instructors are about alcohol. But here's to hoping!" Ki'ana put down her glass with a satisfied sigh. "Cooking... shall we try for next week? Friday, after all our duties for the day are done. We'll start small. How would you like to learn to make clear noodles from scratch?"

René gestured at the half full bottle on the table. "Take the rest as my compensation for the small plot for growing grapes. It's the least I can do for your help."

"Ooh, I don't mind~" Ki'ana smiled, picked up the bottle and instantly took a swig that was about a quarter of the remaining contents. "Mmm. Meet anybody interesting of late? Among our fellow cadets?"

René took a deep breath and let it out slowly before shrugging. "Are you asking if there's someone I am attracted to?"

"Or anyone you simply find intriguing." Ki'ana added. "Perhaps their past interests you. Or their hobbies. Or anything at all, even if it isn't in a sexual or romantic sense." She smiled sheepishly.

"I find most people to be intriguing, especially the non-human officers and crew." He took the last sip of wine and rose to place the glass in the replicator for recycling. "I enjoy meeting new people and find different cultures fascinating."

"Anyone specific so far? Aside from me, of course." Ki'ana added, through another swig of wine. "Of course, if you'd rather not tell, that's alright by me." She sighed. "I try to be much the same as you. At least, I like to think I do. Everyone is intriguing in their own ways. There's so much to find out and explore, don't you reckon?"

René was impressed with how Ki'ana was holding her wine. He couldn't fathom how she wasn't already drunk from what was the equivalent of three glasses of wine in the last 30 minutes. "You might want to save some for later."

Ki'ana took a half swing more and set the bottle down with a clink. Her cheeks had flushed a little by now, paintinf her face slightly pink. "Mmkay. I will.' She replied. "So, René." Her voice took on a mildly more playful edge. "Who's fascinated you the most so far? Again, not necesssrily in a sexual or romantic way. Someone you might want to find out more about a little more than you do others."

"Well, I haven't really met too many people since coming aboard." René had been busy with in processing and his familiarizing with the ship's tactical systems. "I did have dinner with our Chief Medical Officer. She is an El Aurian and...projects a bit of mystique about herself."

"Toareth? We've met." Ki'ana replied. "She's cute. The mystique is quite attention-catching, don't you agree?" The Kelpien giggled as she switched to lounging with one leg over the other. "El-Aurians and their long lives... maybe it's that that lends to the whole vibe don't you reckon? So many secrets..."

René nodded slowly as a smile crept to his face. "True. One could spend a life time trying to learn those secrets and still barely scratch the surface." He gestured at Ki'ana. "What about you? Anyone who piques your interest?"

"Well, first there's Aimee the lab tech. God, is she hot." Ki'ana replied. "I don't think we should date, though, you know, in case we get into a fight or somesuch. There's Mia the Orion, too. Ren is nice but he's only into men. Toar... well, Toar is just who she is." Ki'ana took another small swig of wine. "Can't say I don't find you interesting, either. I've never met someone who's cute and brews his own wine." Ki'ana seemed a little more open now that she was drunk. Interesting. "There's this buff Magna Roman in Security with red hair. I hear she's Magna Roman, anyway. A former gladiator. I'd ask her about her past but she's constantly working and doesn't socialize with anyone. I wonder why..."

René listened attentively. "You flatter me by including me on your list. I have met a few of the people you mentioned. I also hear we have a Changeling and a Cardassian aboard. Have you met them yet?"

"Cadet Jarane and I are friends, actually! And the Changeling..." Ki'ana blushed. "We've met. He turned into a popular Kelpien singer just to have a little fun." She added shyly. "I came to his quarters with cookies to share. A welcome gift. But he's so good-looking and smooth otherwise, like... I'm a bit jealous, actaully."

A smile crept to René's face when Ki'ana blushed. "You seem to be a bit enamored by this gentleman actually."

Ki'ana's cheeks instantly flushed pink, and she glanced away from him quickly as if to hide the expression of growing embarrassment on her face. "There's better girls than me, obviously." She answered. "I don't think he'd be interested. Besides, I have things to do that take up most of my time anyway! Its- it's no big deal," She huffed, feigning indignance. "Besides. I'm quite happy as I am. Heh..."

René sat still for a moment. "I wasn't making a suggestion, just an observation. But let me say a few things. There are different women, that doesn't mean better. You're not going to know if he's not interested if you don't try to find out more about him, it could result in the opposite you may find he is not interesting. Finally, we are all busy with getting the ship prepared for departure." He held up his glass. "Yet we are making the time to meet one another and get to know a little about are shipmates."

"Well, yeah. I suppose you're right." She remarked, standing and stretching out her long, gangly arms. "I suppose I'll just have to wait a bit and let things happen as they shall, hm?" She glanced back at René with a smile. "Well. I suppose I should be going now - meet again sometime?"

René stood up and offered a hand to assist Ki'ana up. "I'm quite sure we'll be seeing each other." He gave her a warm grin. "Especially if we're going to be starting a cottage industry in wine production."

"Oh, of course. It'll be our little secret." Ki'ana smiled and began to make her way to the door. The world quickly began to swim, and she very nearly tipped over in front of him.

René's other arm came up quickly and gripped her waist to steady her. "I am thinking someone has had a wee bit to much wine. Would you like me to walk you back to your quarters?"

"Oh, aren't you a gentleman." Ki'ana giggled and wrapped her arm around his shoulders. "I'd like that, can't have me fall over on my face now can I? I imagine Naltar might not want to hammer the imprint of my face from the deck plates." She gestured towards the door. "I'm one deck down, sweety. If you'll be so kind. I'll guide you."

René nodded as he wrapped an arm about her waist and picked up the bottle of wine with his free hand. "Of course and mustn't forget your down payment in our partnership."

"Oh, silly me. How could I forget." Ki'ana giggled and led him through the door, bumping her head on the doorway as she exited through. Whoops.

René got Ki'ana to her quarters, even stepping in to get her to the small couch. He placed the bottle in the small cold storage and began to head out. He paused at the door and glanced at her. "I had a pleasant evening and hope you did too. Sleep well Ki'ana."
He gave one last smile and wave before departing.

"See you around, René!" Ki'ana gave him a wonky grin as she stumbled into her quarters for the night.

 

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