Greenery

Posted on Sun Apr 13th, 2025 @ 8:03am by Lieutenant Michael Harris & Michał Lipinski

1,487 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Resistance is Necessary
Location: USS Jane Addams | Deck 7 | Primary Science Labs
Timeline: MD002 0800 hrs

Michał Lipinski had the privilege of being given the Starfleet oath as he accepted the offer from Lieutenant Commander Reeves to become the Captain's Yeoman. With all that duty and responsibility came more freedom to explore the starship and access areas that he could not before although there were of course some places that were still not privy to him, and that was fine. He did not need to see the armory or expose himself to whatever 'safe' exposure there was to the warp core in Main Engineering. This had caused Lipinski to study the starship's schematics and deck listing. He wanted to make sure that he did not get lost, turned around, or end up places that he should not be.

On Deck seven, he made his way down the corridors and checked what each room was labeled. Eventually he rounded a corner and found his way to a whole section that seemed to be devoted to the sciences. Perfect he thought and at this hour? It was quiet. He had hardly passed a soul aboard in the sciences section. He studied the PADD for a moment and patted his pocket before sliding the data device into his pocket. He gained access to a biological science laboratory.

It could have been labeled botany bay by the looks of it, greenery everywhere. Several racks containing plants - airponics and hydroponics sorted accordingly. There was a system to this madness. He just would need to study it for a handful of minutes. Where are you... he thought to himself expecting the lab to be empty. He had not seen anyone at least, but it was plausible to be taken by surprise amongst the plethora of plants.

Michael had been aboard the Jane Addams for a short time. But, in that time a lot had happened. He learned of the total destruction of his ship for one. He accepted a transfer to the Jane Addams and took over the ship's Chief Science Officer for the other. In the weeks that led to the Borg attack Michael had made the tough decision to give up drinking. Now, however, he wondered if that was such a good idea.

As part of becoming acclimated to this new assignment he took it upon himself to take stock of the science labs. So, he found himself on Deck seven working in the Primary Lab. Most everything was bigger or taller than Michael and as such he developed a sixth sense of sorts for when there were people around and now just such a sense was triggered. Without knowing fully who was there he called out. "Can I help you?"

Startled by the voice, Michał nearly leapt out of his skin. The sudden movement had jostled a horgl out of his pocket. He soon found himself looking a man substantially shorter than he was. "I-" How does one bring up such a thing. "I was looking for a plant to see if there was any grown aboard. I'm sorry if I interrupted your work."

"No interruption at all. I am new here so I am not too sure on what is aboard the ship. But I believe there is an arboretum. I am Lieutenant Michael Harris the Chief Science Officer. Pleased to make your acquaintance." Michael held out his hand to shake.

"Pleasure, Lieutenant," Michał replied shaking his hand. "Michał Lipinski, Risian Luxury Starcruiser 3rd Steward. Formerly at least. I'm currently training to become the Captain's Yeoman. I know we have an arboretum aboard though I don't think I'll find what I'm looking for there."

"Well then. What are you looking for? Can't help you if I don't know what it is you seek." It was interesting that the Captain had a Yeoman in training. Michael knew that it would be interesting to say the least to staff the ship. However, he thought that a position such as Yeoman would require a certain amount of trust. But no matter if the Captain trusted this kid than so should he.

Michał Lipinski looked around. No, there was no good way to spin this. "I have picked up some vices in my short lifetime" he commented nervously. "Namely to help with a bit of anxiety. So, I'm here hoping for whatever reason, you grow some snake leaf aboard."

The smile that had been on Michael's face quickly vanished. Up until this Borg attack he had been fighting his own addictions to alcohol, and he knew better than most the need to bury oneself in an addiction especially now. However, he could not allow this kid to go down the same path as him. At least not willingly. "You know that stuff does not get rid of anxiety. It in fact makes it worse, often inducing paranoia. It also has the wonderful brand of being illegal on Starfleet vessels. But, it is also said that a Captain's word is law aboard the ship. So, have you spoken with the Captain about this?"

"As I said, a vice." Lipinski said. "I'm open to finding something that is not illegal on a Starfleet vessel. I did not choose this Starfleet stuff, it chose me. On a Risian Luxury Starcruiser, I only partook between charters and when I wasn't going to be working the next day."

"Well there are a lot of health issues with anything that is inhaled. So, if you are looking for something to help you relax may I suggest some synthahol. It can help you relax, has no ill side effects and is allowed on the ship." It was the first, and best answer that Michael could think of. Of course it helped that he thought of having a drink constantly.

"Synthehol" echoed Lipinski. "It's just a tease. No ill side effects. Those are unfortunately kind of the point of wanting to forget the day, forget your ship and its crew were destroyed leaving you as probably the sole survivor left to hold onto their memories, tell their stories. Synthehol is well and good, but..." Lipinski sighed. "I know I need to kick the snakeweed."

"Listen here..." There was a small amount of edge in his voice as Michael began. A small amount of anger at what Lipinski just said crept into his voice. "...I am right there in that boat with you. I am the sole survivor of the USS Hawking. Everyone I had known for years, spent time with, enjoyed life with, they are all either dead or assimilated. So, when I say that I know how you feel now you know that I am not just saying that. True, forgetting the pain can be helpful at times, but I want you to ask if all those people that you miss would want to see you throw your life away."

Michał nodded. He understood, but their lives were worlds apart. "I'm from Risa, a pleasure planet. I spent most of my life working on yachts or luxury star cruisers. We worked hard and played harder, partaking on things when we didn't have guests to worry about often meant many vices in a short burst of time."

Michael understood where Lipinski came from, different worlds, different cultures handled things differently. "Well, you are on a Starfleet vessel now. You are correct in pointing out that what you have done in the past and now are different. So, if you would like to have snake leaf I can show you how to grow some in your own quarters. However, since you are the Captain's Yeoman in training you are going to have to this by the book. The only way that I would do this for you is if you speak with the Captain, or if you speak with Dr Pierce and he prescribes it for you. We all have vices, it is how we deal with them that separates us."

"I'm open and receive to doing this in a more proper way with a prescription, and honestly, I'm open to finding alternatives or ways to decrease my dependency, but I don't know if anyone has time to make me their pet project right now."

"My friend time for things like that is all we have right now. We have to lean on each other and help each other get through this. Or else how can we survive at all. So, my suggestion start with the Doctor. He seems like an accepting fellow." Michael smiled and reached up to tap the other man on his shoulder. Although because of the height difference Michael tapped the other man's elbow.

"Thanks, Lieutenant. I really appreciate your help" Lipinski replied. "If you ever need anything, you just let me know. I'll do what I can" he added.

"Back at ya Yeoman. And being owed a favor from the Captain's Yeoman can come in quite handy." Michael said with a smile as he returned to his duties.

 

RSS Feed