The smells and sounds of the house had become foreign,
lacking the deep thrum of a starship
or a station that normally lulled Juliette to sleep. She dozed, then woke, then
meditated, then dozed again. As she awoke for the final time she groggily
realized what she had gotten would have to do.
Unpacking the Biome took the better part of an hour. It was a
small, dense shrub with short tangled branches clutching a dense nebula of deep
green leaves bunched around mantis oblong pods, most of which were open to
reveal an off-white orb inside. At the center of each orb was a red spot giving
each the countenance of a baleful read eye. For its thick foliage and startling
appearance, much of what made the Biome the subject of such intense scrutiny at
Daystrom was not in the leaves or eyes, but in the fibers and microorganisms
amid its roots.
“Your secrets are below the surface. How very like Betazed
you are” Juliette thought and softly murmured to the Biome, her first
spoken words since she had arrived.
Once she had the plant’s facing to her satisfaction, she
experimented with the drapes, trying different gauzes or silks, to get the
light just so. Satisfied, she stepped
back. “Well Panoptes, what do you think?” again both verbally and
telepathically. As she gently listened for a response, she sensed Papa at the
doorway.
Does he ever answer?
He asked with wry amusement.
No. not yet. But
scanners show rudimentary responses to both stimuli. Maybe it doesn’t
understand me. Maybe it has nothing to say. Isn’t it amazing, Papa? Fully
grown, they take up tens or hundreds of square kilometers.
That large? I can’t
even imagine a tree that size.
Its not just plant matter that makes up the
entirety of the creature, it’s a system of living organisms, much like we are,
really. We’re comprised of systems of
organs; it’s a system of biotic and abiotic components. Vegetation, soil biota
and even the lower animal species contribute to the overall organism. It was an
amazing find for a biological survey on some unremarkable moon in the Hoken
system. The only reason we even investigated was because Hoken III itself was a
desert ball, but the beta moon was just covered in jungle, like some sort of
genesis effect. Then we noticed the
specialized plants – ocular, aural, vibration sensitive varieties that adjusted
their behavior in a very coordinated manner. Unfortunately, they’re hostile to most
sentient mammals.
Then how did you get this Biome?
In searching around, we found a dig site where someone had dug up
the central root cluster of one of the Biomes, and tracked it down to some Orion
harvesters who were selling them – whole or piecemeal. We recovered—
She paused. Yes, best to skip the
protracted firefight on the Orion vessel – how she jammed her mind against the
Tulprin’s even as she jammed her arm deeper into its gnashing jaws; both
efforts to keep it from tearing her arm off, the connection letting her taste of her blood
in its mouth, feel her bones grating against its teeth -- those awful moments
ending in a moment of searing agony as it disintegrated in phaser fire. She reflexively
rubbed her arm.
We recovered it, and with the help of botanists from Risa, managed
to keep it alive and get it planted back into its region. It took a couple
months for it to re-establish itself within its area, but after that, It was
the only region we didn’t have to wear EV suits to filter out toxic pollen or
dodge exploding seed pods. We found
Panoptes sprouting near the central cluster. It was the only plant disconnected from the
rest of the root networks. We excavated
it slowly, to let the Biome refuse our actions, and here he is.
You named it Panoptes? He doesn’t look much like a giant, and it
might be a few short of a hundred eyes, but a good choice, nonetheless. And the Biome are telepathic?
We found some of the root structures had the wrong composition for
water and nutrients, but where transmitting *something*. I acted on a hunch, digging around one of the
larger root structures and touching it. I sensed a presence, but it wasn’t like
anyone I’d sensed before. When I tried to make contact, its response was so
overwhelming it threw me into cortical shock. The doctor had to use a lobe – Juliette
sensed his sudden anxiety before he could hide it, and looked over to his pale
face. Whoops. Papa, don’t look at me that way. There was nothing to worry
about, really.
He laughed humorlessly. Nothing to worry about. This from the woman
whose last contact was ‘I just wanted to let you know I’m fine, I’ve been in
sickbay getting my lungs purged.’
I inhaled toxic spores, but Ensign Yores caught a face full of
this sap that was highly acidic – burned all the way down to the bone…She felt his growing unease and let her thoughts dwindle to
silence. She forced her tone to be
upbeat. So everything turned out alright.
The silence that followed was uncomfortable.
Juliette started to protest and he cut her
off. No, just let me worry. You’re my
daughter and I worry. I’d never let my worry stop your dreams. Just…
Be careful. Yes Papa, I’m careful. I’m surrounded by Starfleet
officers. I serve on a state of the art starship. We’re professionals. We’re
careful.
Juliette watched him hide a dark
tangle of worry and doubt behind an apologetic smile. It hurt that he worried
no matter what she did or didn’t say. She abruptly changed the subject. So did you really give Jordres permission to
escort me home before Kamara gave permission to Morin?
She is Matron of House Sri. I overstepped my bounds. His tone was
the perfect mix of contriteness and subservience.
Juliette quietly applauded the
performance. Oh, how well-rehearsed! Just the perfect excuse if I would have left
Andres at the spaceport!
Wisely you did not, and it is Andres, is it? His tone was teasing.
Juliette felt her face get hot. Stop! But he is nice. I did consider going
off with him and leaving Morin at the space port. What would you have said
then?
Kamara’s tone cut between them, thick
with false drama. Oh, please forgive the
slight. My sister is a silly girl that spent too much time cavorting with
Vulcans far away from Betazed, and knows so little of our ways…
Juliette felt herself go cold, but
resisted a retort. “Vulcans hardly
‘cavort’, Matron.”
“Second Scion.” She responded formally, barely hiding her mix
of dismay at the Biome. And your pet.
Papa edged toward the door. I’ll leave you two to catch up.
Juliette protested. Papa, don’t go.
Kamara snorted. Catch up? Don’t you mean fight?
Juliette went from cold to hostile. You’re the one always starting – but her
father’s gentle, firm tone cut her off.
Our Second Scion’s time with us will not be as long as we’d like.
Juliette froze as the meaning overtook
her. He doesn’t mean just me. Karana
also caught herself short.
Make of it what you will. He replied as backed out of the doorway,
closing the French doors.
Juliette struggled to calm herself as
her fight fled from the specter of Lara, and she vowed to not repeat afternoon
tea. She felt Kanara uncharacteristically wall herself off – her arms crossed
arms as gazed out the window. The loss of Lara had troubled her deeply, even
though they bickered often. She tried to
shake the similarities from her mind.
I am sorry, Matron. I will speak to Ramel and remind him that the
scanners are for security only.
Karana’s response was resigned. It would be helpful for you to do so,
Scion. He will listen to you. Juliette felt a pang of worry at the
implication he listened to no one else. He should at least be listening to
Papa, and could not be allowed to go the way of Kent.
Suddenly, Kanara was herself again –
the matron in command. Ashe has a daughter learning Vulcan. I have
offered for you to tutor her while you are here.
Inwardly, Juliette sighed. Patronage. Obligation. Still, she liked Hortus. I will arrange time tomorrow.
Tomorrow morning. Tomorrow afternoon, we are having lunch at House
Tirese. They want a chance to review your work from the Daystrom presentation.
Dr. Tierse is working on a rebuttal.
I have read his synopsis. He is wrong and full of himself.
Then let the Daystrom jury tear him apart. Tierse outranks us by
at least ten. Be gracious and help him get his point across without looking a
fool. I am quite certain you can be diplomatic.
Oh, and the day after tomorrow, the Matron of House Cole would like a
demonstration of kareel-ifla. I hope you haven’t forgotten how.
I can recommend several good holos. Juliette replied with exasperation as she watched her time on
leave be consumed by house duty.
Holos are not telepathic, and one learns better by feeling, not
just seeing. We have obligation to these Houses and you need to contribute.
I do! Juliette protested. With research and my rank in Starfleet.
You do what you want, Sister, and think about the House
implications later. One can capitalize only so much on your successes. Without
your contribution here, it is merely something that happened ‘out there’ Karana waved her hands heavenward.
Juliette clenched her jaw, and only
let some resignation creep into her response. I remember House Cole fondly. I will be my pleasure to demonstrate
kareel-ifla for them. Sri glanced over at her sister, who was staring at
the table dubiously. Her glare matched the Biome’s.
Its a Biome, Sister.
That’s the thing that Jordres and Morin are all excited about? A
shrub with eyes?
It is a sentient, telepathic plant species.
Kamara regarded the Biome with new
interest, responding with a touch of defensiveness, I did read your paper, you know.
Juliette bit back the question of who
explained it to her. I am pleased you
took time from your busy schedule to do so.
I hope that it may contribute to the prestige of the House in some way.
Enough to attract the attention of one of the Hectad. Do you know
what that means?
Patronage?
Karana’s glance said it all. The
question was naive. Patronage directly to
Sri? Why would they skip four *hundred* houses and ignore their obligations?
Juliette shrugged. Tessa does not seem to hold much value in
the House System.
She might not but her Matron certainly does. Tessa approached me
as the Second Scion of Morin, so she represents her house in this matter. Just
as you represent House Sri. I wouldn’t
believe House Morin would be so foolish.
House Morin did mention they felt that Betazed could research the
Biome as well as Daystrom.
I see, and do you know people within Daystrom who could you block
such a move? Kanara’s tone was thoughtful.
The question surprised Juliette. Potentially, but why would I? Kanara
didn’t answer, and Juliette mulled the question until the answer came to her in
a sick rush. Because once it’s a Betazed
project, it can fall under house rules. Her unease switched to anger. Project
leadership would go to House Morin.
Most likely House Lari, who is in the Decat. Their patronage to
House Morin has been generous.
But its my project! Juliette’s
thoughts were hot. I-I have the most
experience with the Biome.
Perhaps they’ll keep you on as some
sort of adjunct or consultant, provided you don’t bruise too many egos in the
Hectat.
To hell with the Hectat, the Biome is mine!
Kanara patted her hand gently, as one
would a child, which only served to add to Juliette’s fury. Before you go fighting the entire Hectat,
you might want to gather your allies, and cultivate relationships with
scientists closer to your standing. I
will make introductions and you will have your pick of the Pentahectat. Tierse,
while a fool, has connections in a variety of sciences, botany and genetics
included. You might even secure service from houses *above* our rank, but I
should handle that. Those are – delicate negotiations, but better than engaging
houses outside the Pentahectat. Do whatever you like with Jordres. Promise
whatever to get what you want, but do not expect me to keep your promises.
Enjoy him, then forget him.
Sri did not trust her reaction or her
expression and busied herself unpacking her clothing. Her head throbbed – from
her own emotions for a change. Forgive me
Karana, I know this is important to you, but I find this whole ordeal trivial
and stupid. Tessa Morin made fun of it herself.
She expected Karana to be hurt and
angry but she only smiled a little. Everyone
finds it trivial and stupid, Juliette, until it is their station which is being
overstepped. House Morin has two social scientists on retainer to consult on
house standings. Does that sound like someone who finds rankings trivial and
stupid?
Juliette frowned with doubt, and rubbed
her temples. I-I don’t know. I didn’t’
expect this. I don’t want this. I wanted to come home, to rest. Sister, Matron,
I’m very tired. I need to think.
That is the most sensible thing you’ve said so far. I’ll have tea
brought. Get rest, Sister.
***
The tea was sweet and hot, but rest was not an option. Like
most estates, House Sri had a small communications room that allowed for
holographic conferences. In the spirit of service, when it was not being used,
House Sri leant out the communication bandwidth for others to use. Still, she did not have to wait long to use
the subspace link to contact the Daystrom Institute.
Dr. Saurn was fully dressed and did not appear to have
hurried doing so, despite the late hour on Sol IV. “Project Allocations is choking off our access
to equipment and resources. That means no time on the scanners and super comps,
no lab time, no assigned techs. We can’t
even get time on the holo simiulators. You know researchers don’t like sitting
on their hands, so they’re starting to look for projects with some action.”
Juliette felt a flash of annoyance. “The Biome is a class
one project. It’s supposed to get priority.”
“Was a class one. And officially, its classification hasn’t
been changed. But it’s being resourced like a class five, which means it
couldn’t get snow if it was stationed on Andoria.”
The joke pulled a grim smile to her face. “I can talk to my
family about diverting some of the university resources.” A mere pittance of
data, on top of subspace delays. It might perhaps be enough to keep the project
on life-support. Perhaps. “Is there anyone I can talk to at Daystrom?”
He grunted. “Unless you can work that mind-melding of yours
over subspace, I’m talking to everyone I can. Everyone’s shields up and won’t
tell me a thing. He took on a more
conspiratorial tone, “I might not be able to do anything, but you – aren’t you
officially stationed at the Alpha Centauri Institute?”
Pull the research
project from Daystrom? She thought with a chill. Gods Unfortunate, that would be a battle. She wasn’t prepared to
burn bridges at Daystrom even if they were starving her project for resources.
“Technically, the USS Bath, but I do know some people there.”
“Do so. I talked to my contacts at Risa. They won’t let the
project within light years of orbit, so if you have any pull at ACI, pull hard.
I’m looking at empty labs within the week, and without progress and
researchers, what little resources left will be thrown elsewhere, or shifted to
a newly-constituted Biome research project.”
Juliette felt a thread of suspicion and tugged on it gently.
“Have there been any plans submitted?”
“None yet. I’ll let you know what and who if they manifest.”