PHD #236: The Future of Flora
The Future of Flora
Summary: Lunair seeks out Cameron to discuss with him the future of the Hydroponics lab and to welcome a fellow gardener aboard.
Date: 20 Oct 2041 AE
Related Logs: Bounteous Harvest
Players:
Cameron Elpis Lunair 
Hangar Deck - Starboard, Midship - Battlestar Cerberus
This Hangar Bay is filled with boxes, crates and other various supplies that are needed throughout the ship. Most have been moved to one end and lashed with tarps to keep them out of the way. The place has gone from extra ship storage on one end and the ability to house over 450 people on the other end. Whatever could be made into cots has been set up like a huge barracks. Some areas have been made more presentable with a few items that belong to the person holding onto their small area in this world.
Marines guard this area 24/7 and food is brought in cafeteria style, feeding people out of vats and buckets as they line up with their plates. One area has been tarped off to the side, which holds canvas showers and sinks. As a small improvement in the standard of living, the Head, showers, and sinks have been hooked up to running water and sewage, meaning that they no longer stink or need to be cleaned daily.
Post-Holocaust Day: #236

He didn't know what to expect, but it wasn't… this. In comparison to life before and life on board the Battlestar Cerberus, Ewe Aerilon was a paradise. He knew it was going to be difficult, almost claustrophobic, being trapped on a ship with no earth beneath his feet, no wind in his hair, no sunlight, no grass, no trees … nothing but people and noise and despair and cold metal all around him. He hadn't realized just how much he had grown accustomed to living in small towns again, having only a handful of people around him. Now it feels like he's surrounded by bodies. Surrounded by fear and despair and struggle in a place where there's nothing to ease the discomfort. Sure, there are other benefits. Food that doesn't have to be hunted, foraged, grown and harvested every day. Clean water. Plumbing. Shelter and heat and all the basics. But if he's honest, he wishes he were back on that lowly sheep farm on the Isle of Langley.

Things are all the more difficult because of the fact that there's nowhere else to go but this dreary hangar and with the exception of the occasional civilian patient in need, nothing to do to keep his hands and mind occupied. At least on Aerilon there was always something that needed doing. In truth? He half wonders if his skin shan't split open from all the pressure he can feel building inside. At the moment, though, he's occupied with a patient. Since he has his own supplies, dwindling though they are, none of the crew seems to care if he treats the civilians onboard. One less problem and hassle for them. And so many of them have started to come to Cameron with their various injuries and woes, which he dutifully tends. The cut is a mean one, deep, but not severe. He cleans it and stitches it, all the while with a young girl of six sitting quietly beside him, watching as he works. Elpis doesn't like the ship and the crowds either and tends to spend every moment she can at Cameron's side.

Lunair is a Marine. A teeny marine. Sorta. She hums softly, a botany book under one arm. She's looking for something as she meanders into the Hangar. She seems to be in a good mood, if a bit distracted. She smiles politely at folks in passing. A little wave to some of the younger occupants. And mercifully? They all have running sewage pipes now. It's been a busy time for Marines. Hmm. But she is on the hunt. A look here, a glance there. The purple-eyed Marine is vigilant. "Excuse me …"

Ocean eyes lift at the soft polite voice, blonde-brown hair falling over his brow and off to one side as he meets those violet irises for a moment before bending his head back down to the work before him. "Yes?" he replies in a mild and friendly tone as he carefully makes a knot and then cuts the thread from the neatly stitched flesh. He cleans the area, applies antibiotics, and then places a clean gauze pad over the injury before wrapping it securely into place, informing the man before him, "Come back to me in a week and we'll remove the stitches if it's healing well. If you have any heat, pain, or discomfort, let me know. Don't want it to become infected, but I think it should be fine." The man offers his thanks and looks at Lunair curiously for a moment before getting out of the way. Stripping off his gloves, Cameron tosses them into a small bag he keeps close by for garbage, looking up at the Marine once more before asking, "Can I help you?"

It's a strange eye color admittedly, but there it is. Lunair is patient and waits her turn. She smiles politely, "I was told there was someone who was into gardening picked up recently. I'm in charge of the gardens onboard," She explains. "So I figured I would come look and meet them," Poor Lun's a little out of the loop. "Have you seen him?" Her bearing is quietly distant, sort of noble and regal - a marker of upper class blood.

"Oh!" replies Cameron in surprise, "Did Marko tell you that? I gave him a list, but Gods know where everything I brought has gone to. Might be still back on Aerilon, or it might have been brought up by now." Clearly, he's a bit worried. Cameron spent the last eight months of his life finding, tending, and protecting those plants. If they were to be lost or destroyed out of casual negligence… Offering his hand, he greets, "I'm Dr. Cameron Adair."

A smile and a nod. "Yes, he's my husband." Lunair seems pleased. "It's actually likely here or in storage for safekeeping," She explains. "But they are safe. I'd be pretty mad if your things were lost," Not to mention those precious plants. She carefully takes the hand. "I'm Lieutenant Junior Grade Raine Lunair-Scaurus." She seems pleased by this. "I am /currently/ in charge of the Hydroponics, though it is largely being shifted over to civilian hands," There's a faint hint of bittersweet happiness. She /likes/ gardening. But at the same time… "How are you finding it here?"

Relief washes over him as Cameron leans back on his bunk, the girl at his side curling an arm about his waist as she tucks in closer to him now that he's not working, staring up at Lunair uncertainly. "Well, that's good to know. I tagged them all with their names and ideal growing conditions, so hopefully they'll get the care that they need." One brow lifts as he slowly repeats, "Lieutenant Junior Grade Rain Lunair-Scaurus…. that's, quite the mouthful," he teases slightly. "What shall I call you?" He frowns slightly noting mildly, "Seems to me that those best suited and experienced should be the ones tending to the Hydroponics, regardless of whether they are civilians or military. I mean, we're all in this together now, right?" At her question, however, Cameron looks about him for a moment and then replies, "Honestly? It's something of a shock to the system. Please," he offers, gesturing to the now vacated chair in front of him, "please have a seat?" Idly he rubs the small arm wrapped around him in a reassuring gesture that is clearly almost unconsciously done.

Lunair nods. "Of course," She beams. Lunair's sympathetic. She peers at the little girl and smiles back. "Hello there." Then a soft laugh. "Raine is fine," A hand wave. "The rank is habit. My husband and I are the same rank - so we hyphenated our last names to prevent confusion," She explains. Then a shrug. "Perhaps. The thing started from my potted plants. I suspect it's just me being sentimental." She admits quietly. Something she started raising, now it's grown. "We need to expand it anyway," A hand wave. "It - a lot of people are happy, like Miss Rose," She admits, "That's a good thing. And people will be moving onto that freighter soon. We've fitted it with an FTL drive," She explains. "Um. Sure," She carefully sits. "Have you met Rose?"

"Cameron," replies the doctor, likewise not very big on formalities or titles. His gaze is likewise sympathetic as he notes, "Still, it's hard to have something that you've created and put your time and energy into be taken away from you. It's your baby. I understand exactly how you feel. I would have a hard time just giving up what I've worked so hard on for the past eight months. Which is why I hope to be involved with taking care of the gardens at least some now that I'm here. And, I'll confess, I think it'll be good therapy. I need to work with something green just to keep from going a bit crazy inside this metal box we're in." Shaking his head, Cameron replies, "I have not met anyone named Rose yet. Is she going to be taking over for you then?"

Lunair smiles a little at that. "Yes, I'd like to keep the potted plants and medicinal plants. Or at least enough of the potted ones for a friend. It helps her get by," She explains. "But don't worry, I know you and Miss Rose will do just fine." There's a pause as she considers it. "I suspect it will make many people happier too," She just shrugs at that. "However, I am not really in on a lot of civilian news. I think Sawyer Averies would be another good contact. She's a reporter and very vocal in setting up a civilian government," Lunair's tone is neutral. She's sitting near Cameron and talking a little. "She's one of the scientists yes," Lunair nods. "Really likes algae. She seems nice. Have you been allowed to see the gardens yet?"

"Perhaps, if there are multiples, you can keep a smaller garden over here? Probably best that the main garden have everything available in it, but there's no reason why there cant be several hydroponics gardens. Really, that would probably be the wisest course of action. That way, if something disastrous happens to one, we won't lose everything. We can take clippings, start multiple gardens, diversify. That would be the smartest course of action I think." His smile is a little sly as he notes, "And then you can keep your hydroponics lab as well…" His head tilts to one side as he echoes, "Algae?" In truth, that's not something Cameron's given much thought to before. "Huh. My knowledge is more in the arena of medicinal plants, with basic vegetable and fruit gardening thrown in as well." He shakes his head regretfully and notes, "They don't let us civilians go anywhere, so no, I have not yet seen the gardens."

"Maybe," Lunair shrugs and smiles. "We'll see how it works." She offers. "Things are changing hands, so I may not have all the details as of yet," She admits. "But we've all but taken over one deck and will have the freighter too," She notes. "And yes, I was a bit surprised too. Normally I just scrub it off the bottom of a pool," Lunair looks wry at that. "But she seems to have plans for it. You'll probably find out more on meeting her." She goes quiet to listen, "Well. Medicinal plants will probably stay on Cerberus because I don't want the stock to go to someone's personal stash - military or civilian," She explains. "There's actually reasons for that, and I apologize. We've had … tensions. This is a bit of an info dump, but I felt it would be good to meet you and let you know where things stand. I will let the MPs know you are allowed to see the gardens. Freshest air on the ship," She admits with a smile.

Pursing his lips, Cameron and nods and returns, "Well, I'll certainly make that recommendation to anyone who will listen. It will be safer if we diversify and have multiple gardens than just one. So what you're saying is that there will be at least two gardens in the current plan? One here on Cerberus, and the other on the civilian freighter?" He chuckles and notes, "Well, I'm sure that there must be some good uses for algae. I've heard that some are good for eating, and they do produce quite a bit of oxygen. I'll have to ask Rose about it. I'm sure she would be happy to tell me all about their virtues. There's nothing a scientist likes better than touting their field of interest." His head tilts to one side, a hint of worry upon his face as he asks, "Tensions? I'm guessing you mean, beyond the obvious ones of being a race on the edge of extinction?" But he does smile and nod in relief at her offer, noting, "I'm happy to assist in any way I can. While you're still in charge, please feel free to make use of me."

Lunair nods as she listens. "Correct," She replies. "And I suspect you are right," She smiles.. There's a pause. She takes a deep breath. "Well, it's a long story. And not a very pleasant one," She did notice the kiddo. "It's a touch graphic in some parts," She offers simply. "That is appreciated. I suspect you and Miss Rose will be very busy as things turn over to civilian hands," She notes. "I'm on shift soon, but if I am busy, nearly any Marine can escort you to the Gardens. You can likely go to other places like the Athletic Area, too. There's not much beyond those places though." Athletic Area, Guest Quarters, Lunair's Player forgets where else. "Did you have any questions for me?"

Glancing down at the child tucked against his side, Cameron nods, his blue eyes lifting again with curiosity and concern glimmering in their depths. "Well then, I'll trouble you for the long story another time when we can discuss such matters freely." For indeed, Elpis seems to have no interest in being anywhere other than at Cameron's side at the moment. "So you'll grant me clearance for the Gardens… and we can go to the Athletic area?" He definitely perks up visibly at that piece of information. Shaking his head, Cameron' replies with a wry smile, "Gods, I have nothing but questions, but I don't think most of them are ones you can help me with. But yes, I would like to talk again when you have more time to do so." Reaching out his hand once more, Cameron notes, "Thank you for seeking me out. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to do so. Please give your husband my regards as well."

Lunair nods. "Of course," She smiles politely. Such things are not for children's ears. "Um, yeah, I think the Rec Room too." She ticks off on her fingers. "I know some of the other civilians go there and harming people doesn't seem to be one of your hobbies," A little shrug. "You might want an escort around so you don't get lost. Regardless," It's some freedom. Lunair smiles at his reply. "I understand. I would at least try." She pauses at the reached out hand and carefully shakes it. "Think nothing of it. It's good to meet new people," And rescue them! "He'll be glad to hear that. I don't always see much of him. He's pretty busy. But either way, be well and hopefully you'll like the garden." With that, she stands, smiles and waves. Off to do Marinely things!

"Quite the opposite," he assures her with a small crooked smile. "As with regards to an escort, that much is required to go anywhere aboard the ship, at least for now. Perhaps in time I will get the needed credentials and approval. Least I hope so." And with that he lets her depart to her duties, his attention shifting to Elpis and he leans down and whispers something into the little girls ear that finally brings a shy smile to her lips.

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