A Cultural Exchange (part 3)

Posted on Sat Sep 17th, 2016 @ 4:00pm by Commodore Samantha York & Colonel Damon Raine & Lieutenant Illise Hale

1,239 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Shadow Dance
Location: Jenefra
Timeline: Day 2, morning

[CONTINUED]

[OLD]

Jellicon nodded. "The Sahlila vines are very old. They are estimated to be somewhere in the neighborhood of between 55 and 60 million years old. Our scientists believe that at one time this plant would have been invasive, spreading over the better part of the southern continent. During that era, the region had a very dry and hot climate mixed with naturally rocky topography, which was perfect for growth of the Sahlila. However, during a period of rapid climate change approximately ten million years ago, the vines were devastated and were very narrowly wiped out as much cooler temperatures and heavy rains came through the region. Fortunately it seemed to have found a haven in what we now know to be the Bloodstone Desert, a well deserved name since the white sands stand stark contrast to the rock formations and spires which are covered by the dark red flowers of the Sahlila Vine . The desert itself is surrounded by mountains which would have prevented those heavy rains from completely killing off what few vines remained."

"The roots themselves grow very slowly, only one or two centimeters each year. For a single flower to grow on a vine it needs to be several centimeters long; between ten and fifteen. The trouble with the plant is that it's vine cannot be snipped and grafted on to a new rock. It has to grow naturally on a new stone and sprout a flower before it can be successfully trimmed away."

[NEW]

"Unfortunately, several centuries ago, people it seems had little patience." Jellicon continued. "They started cutting away portions of the rock faces with vines on them, thereby shrinking the already few areas where the Sahlila could be found. We are fortunate that the King at the time, King Runada, declared that the Saslila become a protected species and put a stop to it."

Damon furrowed his brow. "It is surprising that the people of the time would go through so much effort as to break away chunks of rock and risked destroying this plant's habitat just for a morning pick-me-up."

"The flowers are much more than that. The flower petals are also very high in nutrients. It is considered a superfood. Our people could live off just a few cups of Lasah a day. A carefully maintained flower could very well support an individual indefinitely. "

"Impressive." Damon nodded appreciatively.

"The plant itself is closely protected today. The petals are harvested under strict supervision and only by a select few groups. Some individuals have been allowed to keep a Sahlila Vine and cultivate it, but only if it was a personal gift given to them or their families by the King. It is a very high honour to be given a plant. The inner gardens of the palace are full of ornate carvings with a Sahlila flower growing on them. They are considered to be as valuable as the crown jewels."

"So for us to receive one of these plants, we would have to be given one as a Royal gift." Damon now understood.

"Correct." Jellicon smiled.

Illise sipped at her drink again, having a newer appreciation for it. She could see a very profitable and rarefied market for it should the Jenefrans have the mind, although she was starting to think that they might rather hold onto it as a cultural treasure rather than exploit it. She smiled to herself at the thought. Experiencing the unique and unknown was part of the reason she had joined Starfleet in the first place. Being one of likely a select few to enjoy this unique experience was a pleasure indeed.

"Thank you for sharing this with us Jellicon." Illise said, meaning both the history and the flower itself.

"It has been my pleasure." He responded.

"And now, to the next room," Jellicon said, leading them into a room that had some later Jenefran art. "There was a time when the Jenefrans nearly killed themselves by their misuse of technology. This room represents the world before we chose to embrace peaceful change."

There was a large mural along one wall with buildings on top of tall platforms that seemed to sit in the the midst of odd, brownish-colored clouds. There seemed to be a thicker layer of clouds closer to the ground. What little could be seen of it showed very little vegetation. There were some stumpy trees, but none of the brilliant flowers she'd seen in the King's garden.

"How long did it take to recover the vegetation?" Sam asked.

Jellicon paused for a moment. "It took twenty of our years for the air to clear and another decade for the plants and animals to return. Fortunately, we lived in three dozen city states on one continent. Once the air and soil healed, we built boats and brought plants from the other continents. That aided in the recovery."

"I'm glad you were able to restore your world. It is quite beautiful," Sam said.

Jellicon smiled. "Thank you. We are quite pleased ourselves."

When they were done, he led them to the next room, which showed the current Jenefra in several murals. One mural showed the countryside of Jenefra, another the major city, and the third, the Royal Palace.

Waist-high stands showcased some of the finer art with pottery, textiles, and metal sculptures.

"This represents Jenefra today. Or the artistic side of Jenefra. We are quite proud of our tapestries and fine clothing, as well as our art and sculpture." He glanced at the others. "I believe our wares would compete adequately with those in your Federation."

The three walked around, looking at the murals and the art.

When they were done looking, Jellicon led them to a room in the front. This one was less a museum and more of a souvenir shop. "Here you may purchase replicas of some of the art you saw in the museum. Do you have any further questions about our history or culture?"

"I have quite a few," Sam admitted. "Do you have any books I could purchase and read later?"

Jellicon nodded. "Indeed. We have several. Would you like to purchase one of them?"

"If you don't mind, I'd like to buy one of each," she said. She also selected three pieces of pottery and a painting of the Royal Palace and gardens. On a whim, she selected a portrait of the royal family as well.

Damon was amused by the amount of goods Samantha was bagging. "Our quarters will need an expansion at this rate."

Sam grinned. "Not a bad idea. For now, I'll put the pottery in my office." That should work, but Damon was right, they would definitely need to think about expanding.

For himself, Damon purchased a painting of what looked to be a rock formation out of the Bloodstone Desert.

Illise selected a lovely piece of pottery and several books on the subject of Jenefran scientific progress that she though might make interesting reading. The pottery was more for decoration, as her quarters were still rather spartan.

Jellicon beamed as he took their gold. "Thank you. Feel free to return if you wish anything else."

"We will, thank you," Sam said, pleased to take her purchases back to the ship. "You have been an excellent guide."

Jellicon bowed. "At your service."

____
OFF

Jellicon
Jenefran Historian

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Illise Hale
Chief Science Officer

Colonel Damon Raine
Chief Strategic Operations Officer

 

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