Philosophy and Plants

Posted on Sat Mar 18, 2017 @ 12:01pm by Lieutenant JG Jacob Hartley & Lieutenant T'Lara

Mission: An Orion to Die For
Location: Gardens
Timeline: MD 1 || 1750

Jacob smiled as he knelt down in front of the rose bush, and gently felt the petals. He liked that there were real plants on a ship: It wasn't something people often had because of the peril's of travelling in space. He frowned as he saw an unwanted weed growing, so removing the small knife he always kept on his person, he trimmed the weed very gently, so that the rose could grow unobstructed.

"Have you ever stopped to consider the situation of weeds?" A voice asked from behind him. It was a kind voice, female, quite light and airy in a way that almost disguised a certain tone used generally by Vulcans.

Jacob turned and looked up at the voice, and allowed a small smile. He had perused the senior officer's files before arriving, and he knew that this was the Chief Medical Officer, T'Lara. "I have. Weeds can't help being weeds, it's their nature to block and smother the plants. But whilst a case can be made for weeds to be allowed to thrive, what would the cost be?" He replied, as he stood up. "Jacob Hartley." He said, by way of introduction.

"T'Lara" The doctor returned with a courteous nod. She was minus the blue lab coat and efficient up-do she generally sported while on duty, her dark hair falling around the teal neck of her standard officers uniform.

"To determine the cost one would have to define the preferred aesthetic" she said thoughtfully, fixing her large blue eyes on Jacob. "One can surmise from the configuration of this garden that you prefer a floral ornamental style. I find more stimulus from observing the natural course of life, colourful blooms or otherwise." Her tone was, light and conversational, her body language open.

Jacob nodded in contemplation. "I do enjoy the aesthetic, yes. It is welcome to see such beauty in a cold place such as space, or even on a ship. But there is truth in what you say also; to observe the natural course of life can be beautiful." He conceded. "It has been my experience that there are times when the natural course must be...assisted. It is not always pleasant, but with the right touch, life can flourish with the bare minimum of interference. Sometimes, a weed can simply be...relocated. But other times, pruning must be made, for the good of the whole." He said.

His voice remained calm, and in fact he felt a certain...enjoyment at such a conversation. It wasn't often he was able to speak about such things; but he always welcomed the views of others. "Even if there are times when pruning might not be considered...welcome, it can be needed, as distasteful as it can be." He concluded his viewpoint. It was strange...being able to use gardening views in such a manner.

T'Lara nodded thoughtfully, looking at the flowers Jacob had so studiously protected with his weeding. "Is it not true that some species when pruned come back even stronger than before? The flora on Vulcan are just by their existence examples of greater strength born from an adversity."

Jacob nodded. "Indeed. There are cases, such as the example you mentioned, where they can come back stronger. And that is always the risk one takes with weeding, being careful to prune all of the right parts, lest they return and cause greater trouble. But then, sometimes they can return and be less detrimental." He said.

"True I think of people as well as plants." T'Lara offered reflectively, changing subjects in the blink of an eye.

"What do you do when you're not tending the gardens?"

"Well, when not on duty, I split my time between chess, Kal-Toh, Parkour training on the holodeck, cooking, reading or writing. I enjoy a variety of interests." Jacob replied.

"And when on duty?" The Doctor's eyes remained fixed on Jacob in a way a human's never would.

"I'm the new Assistant Chief of Intelligence." He replied. "Which mostly means correlating reports and analyzing data. Nothing exciting, but it needs to be done."

T'Lara nodded slowly with experienced understanding. She almost looked like she was smiling, although in actuality it was simply the corners of her mouth which were naturally slightly turned up.

"Between you and me Lieutenant" she said, finally looking away, "my job is much the same and certainly less exciting than it sounds. But, to use a human expression I have my finger in many pies and most of them taste quite interesting."

Jacob nodded. "Indeed. I've always found that when many pies are tasted, there can be a cause of indigestion." Jacob said, with a small smile. "But there is always a certain level of curiosity, I suppose. And whilst indulging too much can be dangerous, tasting can give...some satisfaction." He said. "So tell me, what do you find most interesting about the...pies?"

T'Lara frowned slightly, considering the question for a moment.

"When I was a doctor on Vulcan before I joined Starfleet I would travel to remote locations, farms, sanctuaries, monasteries. I found it to be rewarding working with those people, they were often less... focused, less rigid than the citydwellers my father treated" she explained, choosing her words carefully and diplomatically. "Starfleet officers are driven, experienced, level headed for the most part. I believe I do more to help the civilians I treat. The families and children, whether they are Federation citizens on board the ship or part of another race we might visit and aid with medical research. I make sure to spend some time with patients as well as running the medical department. Watching the progress of younger doctors becoming great physicians also has plenty of rewards."

Jacob nodded. "An unusual view, but one I can entirely appreciate. The problem I have found with a lot of Starfleet Officers is that they see the Federation as everything, that everyone is well fed, and looked after, and are always surprised when that isn't the case. There are many stories people have, many experiences, and I think it's important to care for those who don't have the same opportunities that we in the federation have, to help guide them to whatever their destinies might be. After all, we all have a purpose, and many times all people need is the right touch, the right guide. The right...care, I believe. That isn't to say that other's outside of the Federation and Starfleet can't provide that, but if we have something in abundance, then it is a duty to share and ensure all are cared for." He said. He knew some people didn't understand his views, but somehow, he felt that T'Lara would.

T'Lara nodded along in general agreement as Jacob spoke.

"Let us not forget that the Federation and Starfleet do excellent aid and medical work for many" she said earnestly, her new position as head of department playing on her thoughts. "Yet as a doctor I cannot be constrained to giving care only to those who reside inside and arbitrary line decided upon by politicians. To me, all life is sacred." She looked down at the flowers around their feet for a moment. "Which brings us back full circle to the situation of the weed." She looked back up at Jacob and blinked a couple of times, her right hand held in her left behind her back in a thoughtful pose which highlighted her uncommonly small frame.

Jacob nodded. "First, do no harm." He said, understanding. "That is a noble view, but can be complicated. What if, by doing no harm, it leads to great harm? I suppose that is the complicated view of the universe, of course. How do you know when to stay your hand, or to take action? Which course is the right one? And, of course, is there a correct course?" He asked, looking thoughtful. "It is why there must always be a ying and a yang, so to speak. Two, instead of one. One who will protect all life, and bring light to the darkness. And one who must protect that light, no matter the cost. But both are equally important, and can form a strong bond of understanding and a connection."

"Judgement, of course" T'Lara cut in as soon as Jacob had finished speaking, starting to pace around the general area, her hands still behind her back, occasionally looking at Jacob as she spoke. "We must use our judgement. None of us can predict the future and it is most illogical and I might add unhealthy to second-guess ourselves or pass judgement for consequences that could never have been anticipated. As for yin and yang or light and dark, history teaches us that there must be balance in everything. If the pendulum swings too far in one direction it risks toppling the entire machine."

"Indeed. And the evidence is, of course, there. Earth had its world wars, Vulcan had the time of awakening, even the Klingon's have had their own wars. War always comes as a result of such a toppling." Jacob agreed with her statement, and looked around at the garden. "So moments such as these, where we can see such peace, is always welcome."

As if in mocking response to these words T'Lara's com badge chirped.

"Dr T'Lara, please report to sickbay."

T'Lara pressed the badge mechanically as if it was something she had donea thousand times before. In reality it was probably many more.

"On my way." Her eyes remained fixed on Jacob. "I should go" she told him in a flat tone.

"Of course. I hope we have a chance for another discussion. I have found this one most...intriguing." Jacob said, with a smile.

T'Lara nodded her consent.

"Until next time." She turned quickly and moved off at her normal fairly rapid stride.

Jacob watched her leave and smiled as he turned back to the plants. He had to admit, she was an interesting woman, and he was always glad to talk about philosophy. But for now, he would definitely enjoy the peace of the gardens.