A Green Thumb Needed (Part II)

Posted on Tue Nov 22, 2022 @ 12:54am by Lieutenant Alanna Wells & Lieutenant JG Brianthe Oaxaca & Gunnery Sergeant Terry Henderson

1,430 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Si vis pacem, para bellum
Location: Pangaea

[PREVIOUSLY]

"Thank you, Alanna", Terry said, noting she was leaving. "I owe you one."

"No. We're all in this together. Helping each other is the only way we'll survive."

[CONTINUED]



After Alanna left, Terry followed Brianthe and asked, "What about storing?"

"Most of these herbs can be dried and stored long-term. With the aloe, you can break off what you need from the plant. It's all in the database and I'll give you the information you need back at Bag End."

She led him through the trees to a shady clearing where she grew her herbs. "This is what I have so far. It's enough for a small group, but if you aren't trying to be careful, you can grow them in larger quantities. There are also some types of algae and moss you can use. Those grow best in damp places and in caves."

"Well, hopefully a small bit is all we will need", Terry said, holding up crossed fingers. "I just need people to not do anything stupid and we should be fine."

"Isn't that the problem?" Bri grinned. "Okay, I'll give you a sampling of what I have. You can always come back for more." She carefully took small samples of a dozen plants and carefully placed them in a container. "Now, if you can come with me back to the cabin, I'll get you the rest." She turned and made her way around the trees to head back.

"A cabin", Terry said with a chuckle. "And all this time we've been sleeping on the ground. How did sciences get this approved? I thought everyone was supposed to be near the compound. Easier to defend and all that."

"Alyssa's been doing research here for months--which is a good thing. She's one of a very few people who understands the portal complex. The Cardassians don't know she's on Pangaea, and we want to keep it that way. Besides, it's not a big place." She led him to the side of the cabin facing the forest. From here, it looked like the steep side of an oddly-formed hill. Because she was in the computer, they both walked easily through the protective shielding to see the side of a two-story building shielding. Several windows looked out over the forest. She placed her hand on the panel by the door and it opened. "Come on in."

"Woah", Terry exclaimed. "Nice digs. Does it have a bar and a pool too?"

That made Bri laugh. It was a light, bell-like sound. "No. But we have replicators, shields, and a science computer." She nodded to the kitchen. "Would you like something to eat while I gather the information you need?" She thought there was still some bread and muffins left over from that morning.

"Although that would be great ma'am", Terry replied. "I would feel guilty getting more than what my squad has. I appreciate the offer greatly though. Now if your replicator could make enough to feed sixty Marines, I wouldn't say no."

"It could, but not on a regular basis," Alanna said, coming into the room. "We could send you back with some basic supplies, bread and such. And there's fruit nearby. At least you could take a meal back with you."

"Ma'am, you would become the most popular officer in the quadrant if you arranged that", Terry smiled at her. The grin could make most get the first impression that Terry was some big farm boy.

Alyssa frowned. "Just don't tell them where you got it. I have no wish to bring Cardassian interest to this part of the planet. They're ruin my work." Plus, she promised Jason she wouldn't put herself or the portal complex in jeopardy.

"Thirty Marines?" she asked, wanting to confirm it with Terry as she pulled out a basket and what amounted to a chute and set them up under the replicator. "This works for rolls and baguettes if we need to replicate a large number." She first programmed in 60 baguettes and started the replicator. She should be able to get some cheese, too.

"You are going to spoil us too much ma'am", Terry said. "Is there anything that I can do to help?"

He knew the replicator would be doing the work on the food, but that didn't mean there wasn't anything else that needed to be done. He didn't want to come off as a mooch.

Alanna turned to look at Terry. "We've got most things covered. But we do need information. if you could send us information about the portal complex or about any prisoners they have, it would be appreciated."

Terry hadn't heard Alanna come back in. He looked at her and smiled and gave her a nod.

"Well, I don't know about prisoners ma'... Alanna", Terry said. "As to the portals, we unfortunately had to execute final protection orders for the portal. The cave was collapsed with charges. Unless the Cardassians brought excavation tools, it will be a while before they will get access.

"I hope so." As long as they didn't find other ways in--which is what Alanna feared. "Do you have any telepaths in your group?"

"Not that I am aware of", Terry replied. "There's a Vulcan, but she can only do things by touch. Something tells me that the Cardassians are not going to line up for a mind meld."

"Not likely." Alanna chuckled. "Brianthe and I are both telepathic. It makes communicating easier if we're not too far away from each other. If you end up with a telepath in your group, let us know. "

"Sure thing", Terry said. "If it comes up that is. I don't tend to think about stuff like that. Race sort of escapes me as a conversation piece unless I am working on someone or training in sickbay."

"That's good enough." She generally didn't care, either, but in this case, it could be necessary if the Cardassians and Xi-Cadians began a serious manhunt on Pangaea. "Also let us know if you need more help, or if you hear of anything we need to know. We'll do the same."

"Sure thing, ma'...Alanna", Terry replied, still unused to calling an officer by their name on duty. "I am sure there will be plenty once the Colonel figures out where the Cardies are hiding."

Alanna nodded. She had no intention of waiting that long, but she appreciated the sentiment. "If you're ready, I'll take you back."

"That would be great Alanna", Terry answered with a chuckle. "I am sure pretty soon I'll start hearing complaints about how bad their scratches feel."

"I'm surprised you haven't already." She led him through the underground passage to the shuttle. "can drop you off a mile from the camp. I don't want the Cardassians to know I have this, or where we're based."

"Oooh, where did you get this baby?", Terry asked looking at the shuttle wide-eyed.
*tag

They were almost to the drop off site when Alanna could again feel Jason. He was battered and bruised, but otherwise okay--for now. At least he was alive. But she was worried and pressed a little deeper to make sure he was really okay.

It was hard to tell truly how Jason was. He was definitely hurting, but it was hard to tell what the truth was as she could sense multiple trains of thoughts that were definitely lies.

"Ma'am are you alright", Terry said gently shaking her shoulder. Seeing Alanna sort of space out made the medic in him kick in and he didn't use her first name.

She blinked and looked at him for a moment, reorienting herself. "Yes. Someone I am...close to...is injured. I was trying to ensure he was okay. And no, I don't know where he is. The location is..dark. But his injuries are not life-threatening." For now, anyway. But it was something, and she would hold on to it for as long as she could.

Ten minutes later, she landed the shuttle in a clearing. "Good luck, gunny."

"Thanks", Terry said. "Come get me if he needs help again. Hopefully he won't have a bone sticking through his chest like last time."

She looked at him, momentarily startled. "I will. Thanks." At least she knew there would be help on the planet if--when Jason needed it.

As soon as she was safely away, Alanna took the shuttle the long route back to Bag End.

____
OFF

Gunnery Sergeant Terry Henderson
Combat Medic
1st Marine Expeditionary Unit, 9th Marine Division
Deep Space 5

Lieutenant Alanna Wells
Chief Rabble Rouser and Scientist
Deep Space 5

 

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