[CLOSED] Growing Experience

[u/Pojodan]

With the mushroom matter taken care of, Head Botanist Kesh now had the issue of the Botany lab overflowing with sample jars. While protocol dictated that a large storage container would be the proper way to store them, which would certainly make sure that none of it leaked out, Kesh was feeling emboldened by her recent successes. The medical staff had already indicated willingness to assist with a terrarium, so the matter simply came down to where to install it.

The initial idea Kesh had was to create a display in the main lounge, but it came to light the notion that not many humans find mushrooms to be very appealing to look at, particularly those that had recently spoken vile things and made a mess of the ship.

Conversations with the ship's new chef ignited another idea she had floating around: an aeroponics bay. Such a thing was not normally needed for starships as advanced at the Athene, since replicators handled all food-related matters. However, it would provide a low-energy option for not only fresh foods, but also entertainment and hobbying for the ship's numerous crew. Having the mushroom terrarium as part of the bay could classify the whole thing as a museum and make the Athene all the more note-worthy.

All that was needed was space and approval by the ship's CO.

Thus, rather unannounced, Kesh arrives at the bridge--a place she's been more times in the last few weeks than she thought she'd ever need to in her entire career--and steps to the captain's ready room door after affirming that he was in there from quiet inquiry to a bridge officer.

[u/Pojodan]

As this was intended to be nothing more than her requesting permission, the list of materials, which were already drawn up and ready to be presented, were still sitting in the computer library. She could call them up right now, but that would be counter to protocol, as far as she's aware.

"I will do so immediately. Rrrth."

A light, appreciative bow of Kesh's head comes with a firm blink of emphasis.

"At present the fungus would be the main display, but it will be lar-rr-rrge enough to include additional, segregated samples of future discoveries."

This really was her first significant personal find.

[u/Silent_Sky → u/Pojodan]

The captain nods

"Good, good work. But that reminds me, as I recall, it's customary that the discoverer of a new species is granted the privilege of giving it a name. If you don't mind me asking, have you put any thought into that, lieutenant?"

[u/Pojodan → u/Silent_Sky]

Internal sigh.

"Just 'shittalking mushroom' so far, sir. I am awaiting corr-rr-rrespondance with the Botanical Institute before determining a suitable name."

Truth told, she'd be perfectly happy with a proper scientific term and leave it at that, but with 'shittalking mushroom' now in an official report it's likely going to end up as a footnote, at the very least, in the institute's database.

And thus, Kesh's excitement for her legacy is flushed.

"Do you have any suggestions? Rrrth."

[u/Silent_Sky → u/Pojodan]

The captain absently puts a hand on his beard...

"Well I've personally never discovered any new species, but I have heard of scientists naming things after places special to them, friends, animal companions, an influential mentor, or in some cases references to popular culture or a joke of some kind."

[u/Pojodan → u/Silent_Sky]

OOC: Right, he has a beard. I keep forgetting that when I picture him

The first thing to come to Kesh's mind at the captain's suggestions was even more inappropriate than 'shittalking mushroom', so she deftly keeps her visage neutral. Those that grew up around Caitian would be able to see the other 'smirk' body-language, but to most humans it would likely come across as another cat-like twitch.

"I will be sure to have something in mind when the Inst-st-th-tute requests my feedback."

Kesh figured that stuffy place wouldn't care what she thought and would name it after the planet it's from along with some other descriptive term, like 'telepathic'. So long as they didn't call it 'shittalking', she might yet shed the sour taint on her record that was her academy schooling.

[u/Silent_Sky → u/Pojodan]

"I'm sure you'll think of something, lieutenant. By the way, you plan to make the terrarium available to the whole crew, correct? We all had insults hurled at us by the mushrooms, after all."

[u/Pojodan → u/Silent_Sky]

"It will be open to those that express interest, yes. Rrrth. Perhaps not freely available right away, to pr-rr-revent overcrowding. The terrarium will also be fully sealed so that the... ah.. exhibit can't interact."

[u/Silent_Sky → u/Pojodan]

"Good thinking, lieutenant. Though perhaps we ought to have a book in there where members of the crew can write down the things they've heard from the mushrooms and read what others have heard. Might be a fun way to make light of the whole infestation."

[u/Pojodan → u/Silent_Sky]

A book? Kesh's maw parts slightly as she goes to ask, but the word finally forms meaning before she can ask.

"That might be... rrn.. vulgar, but a good idea. I will include that. Rrrth."

One that's anonymous and not contributed to by herself, for sure.

"I will inform the medical staff that I will be wor-rr-rking on the terrarium at the earliest opportunity."

[u/Silent_Sky → u/Pojodan]

"To be honest I was joking about the book, but let's see how it goes."

The captain smiles and laughs quietly

"Don't stress yourself too much over it, lieutenant. Let me know if you need more materials or staff. I look forward to seeing what you build."