Women in the Middle - Part I

Posted on Sun Apr 19, 2026 @ 5:52am by Lieutenant T'Lul & Lieutenant JG Brianthe Oaxaca

1,213 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Jubilee
Location: Arboretum
Timeline: MD01 - late afternoon after Ace Advice

After meeting with Matilda, T'Lul decided that she needed to meet this Lieutenant Brianthe Oaxaca. After all, if she was to help her patients, Ace Cannon and Matilda Cromwell, logically she needed to meet the woman that appeared to be on both of her patients' minds. Since this was not a psychological evaluation and Brianthe had not come to her for counseling, T'Lul decided that she had to be more circumspect and somehow make this appear organic. Therefore, she looked up Brianthe's dossier so she could determine what the botanist's appearance was before heading over to the Arboretum to go and seek her out.

Walking into the Arboretum, T'Lul observed the work that had gone into this place. There was a great amount of care placed in bedding, planting, and display of the various plants. There also appeared to be a lot of thought placed into the light and radiation that was disbursed among the plants. Taking her time, she continued to observe, trying to get a sense of who this mysterious Brianthe might be.

Brianthe and Paula were checking a section of the arboretum to make sure the plants didn't need to be trimmed, mulched, or fed, which usually amounted to both of them getting dirty and scratched.

"She's new," Paula said, nodding to a Vulcan who appeared to be wandering aimlessly.

"You're right. I don't think I've seen her here, either. Do you want to talk to her?" Bri asked, brushing her hands on the legs of her coveralls.

"No. You're better at that. I'll keep working here." Paula didn't think she'd even know what to say to a Vulcan, and would rather work with plants than talk anyway.

Bri nodded. "Okay. I'll check with you later."

Then Bri walked over to the woman and smiled. "Hi. Are you just wandering around or can I help you with something?"

The Vulcan counselor answered with a question, "Maybe a bit of both?" T'Lul decided that logic dictated that the best way to be circumspect was to pretend to be naive. "Can you tell me who is in charge of this Arboretum? It is obvious that a great amount of care has been dedicated to it."

"It's actually a team of botanists," Bri said. "There are two of us in charge, but we have a number of people working with us."

T'Lul wondered why Brianthe refused to introduce herself. She thought for a moment and considered the problem, realizing that she had not even introduced herself. Brianthe probably found that rude. "Which two would that be? And may I know your name? I am Lieutenant T'Lul."

Bri recognized the name, although she'd never met the Vulcan. "I'm Brianthe Oaxaca. I'm the senior botanist." She didn't think her rank mattered in this instance.

"Live long and Prosper, Brianthe Oaxaca," T'Lul told her, holding out her hand in the Vulcan greeting. "I have heard about you more than once," T'Lul explained to Brianthe. She looked over the woman and noticed how lithe Brianthe was. She had a more fairy-like appearance than the red-headed Matilda's surprise girl-next door appearance. T'Lul mentally compared her to Matilda and wondered why Ace preferred one over the other. Perhaps there was a difference in intellect? More investigation was required. "So, it would seem that you are the person that I should be talking to."

She raised her hand in a Vulcan greeting. "Well, that all depends on what you want to know," Bri replied. "Paula knows as much about the arboretum as I do."

T'Lul had not counted on that. She needed to keep Brianthe here and learn more about her. "Perhaps, but you are here and I am talking to you, now," T'Lul answered logically. "I am looking for a plant," T'Lul finally started. "Something that might suit my office or quarters. Something practical," T'Lul finally concluded. That seemed logical enough. She did not have a use for a plant, but if she was going to have one as a method of getting to know this Brianthe, then at least it should be able to survive her environments.

Bri raised an eyebrow. That wasn't what she expected from the counselor. "How much do you know about growing plants?"

"I have an academic understanding of many plants," T'Lul admitted. "I have not cared for one in my possession in some time. My priority is my patients and then my studies, which are controversial back on Vulcan. That requires me to gather more data for my theories." The Vulcan realized that she was talking more about herself than researching Brianthe, so she pulled back by saying. "I am doubtful that you would be interested in those, however."

"Maybe. If I'm helping someone pick a plant, I like to know what would work best," Bri said. "It sounds like you need one that takes little to no maintenance."

"That may be an accurate assessment," the Vulcan conceded. "Tell me, what is your favorite plant, and why?"

Brianthe laughed. It was a musical, bell-like sound. "That would be like asking a parent who their favorite child is and why. I have many favorites, for many reasons." She looked at the counselor for a moment. "Why do you want a plant for your office? And do you have someone who would take care of it for you? It sounds to me like you're far too busy to give it any proper care. That's not a criticism. Not everyone should have a plant. Or a pet, for that matter."

T'Lul noted the laugh. The musical quality of it could be attractive to a mate. That could explain something, but more information is necessary to come to any conclusions. "When I take on a responsibility, I take it seriously," the Vulcan assured her. "However, I have to admit that I came here to learn more about you. Do not worry, this is not a counseling session, unless you would like it to be. I merely have heard your name numerous times and wished to learn more about you. Would you mind talking to me for a while, so I could do that? If you wish, you could learn more about me, as well."

People generally didn't talk about Brianthe. Well, unless she dressed up and went to a bar or club. But she didn't go out very often, and never alone. So, she was curious. "Okay. But I would like to know who was talking to you about me."

She checked to make sure no one needed her help, then signaled to Paula that she was going in the back. "We can talk in the workroom."

She led the way through a side panel and into a small room with cabinets along one wall, shelves of pots and potting supplies, and a table in the middle. "Have a seat. Would you like a drink of something?"

T'Lul answered, "I do not require any libations or sustenance, thank you." She took a seat and continued, "However, do not let my lack of requirements prevent you from having something for yourself."

"Okay." Bri got herself a glass of water and sat down. "So, why do you want to know about me?"

(To be continued...)

Lieutenant T'Lul
Chief Counselor
Deep Space 5

&

Lieutenant JG Brianthe Oaxaca
Botanist
Deep Space 5 & Pangaea

 

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