The last few weeks had been rough for Assistant JAG Jade Hart. After the attack by the Vaadwaur, she had spent several weeks in recovery. That meant she had been bedridden, and it about drove her to the point of insanity. She returned to work only a few days after being released for duty, but she was sure that her co-workers were trying to “help” her by taking most of the workload. She appreciated the gesture, but it was only driving her to the point of insanity even quicker. She needed to do something, anything.

Jade walked down the corridor to her office with a renewed determination. “You will get a case today, Jade. Whatever you have to do, you will have work when you leave here today!” she spoke out loud to herself. She rounded the corner near her office and almost dropped her coffee all over herself when she spotted someone standing outside her office.

What in the world? Did I forget an appointment? she thought to herself. She gathered herself and approached before speaking, “Hi there! You startled me as I wasn’t expecting anyone. Can I help you?

“Not the first impression I wanted to make,” Joshua chuckled. “The front desk said it was okay to wait here,” he paused. “Well, not here specifically, but- that’s not important.” He scratched the back of his head. “Let me start over: Dr. Joshua Bryant,” he offered his hand. “I’m a botanist in the Science Division. I have a… legal issue and you were recommended.”

Taken aback, Jade chucked nervously. “Recommend, huh? Well, that is the news I’ve been waiting on! Please come on in!” Jade stated as she opened the door to her office and entered the room. She set everything she was carrying down on the table and then remembered she was holding a coffee.
She frowned, “I’m sorry. I’m terribly rude as I only have enough coffee for one person.” She made her way around and sat in her big, comfortable chair. “What type of legal issue do you have?”

Joshua waved away the apology and sat in the chair opposite Jade. “Part of my volunteer duties is curating plants for the arboretum. It’s not simply adding plants, but creating overarching themes. I did an exhibit last year on induvial plants, with Alkekengi officinarum and the Solanaceae families.”

Joshua chuckled, “Sorry, got a bit nerdy there. Anyway, I’m looking to do an exhibit representing the Vaadwaur invasion with a theme of perseverance.” He typed commands into a PADD he carried. “Here’s a rendering of what the exhibit will look like.” Joshua handed over the PADD to Jade. “The Honey Pierrot and Purpura pulsum are easy enough, but the problem is with the Phantom Rantipole towards the center.” He pointed on the screen. “The Federation is fine with the plant residing in its native area in Bajor, but it’s illegal in space. The only thing I could find is that it can wreak havoc on spaceship and star base atmospheric regulators.”

Jade listened intently as he talked and jotted some notes down for her to look back at later. “Hmmm, I see. I’m not going to claim to be any kind of expert on this type of issue, but I do have an idea,” she provided.

“Great!” Joshua exclaimed. “I’m all ears for ideas that don’t violate Starfleet mandate. And maybe some that get juust outside,” he smiled.

“Let me know if what I am saying doesn’t make any sense to you. That seems to happen with me sometimes,” Jade said with a smile. “I think that if we can provide evidence that supports that the plant poses no credible threat to life-support or atmospheric regulation systems, then we may be able to get this thing approved. I know you said the plant can wreak some havoc, but if we can show the threat isn’t significant, then we could push to have the plant onboard, provided that it is housed in some sort of containment unit. What do you think?”

“Yeah, yeah… that’s a great idea,” Joshua said excitedly. “I have some mock-ups on there,” he pointed to the PADD. “And some I’ve actually used for… less than cooperative plants. Feel free to present any that you think will pass scrutiny.”

Jade took the PADD and examined it. She was definitely not as knowledgeable in this area, and that would show. “You know what? I think this one right here might be the easiest to pass scrutiny,” she stated as she pointed to the selected mock-up. “I will get to work right away and have the proposal submitted by later this afternoon. We should hear something back within the week, and I will keep you notified. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“No, that’s plenty,” Joshua said, rising from his chair. He shook her hand, “I appreciate you meeting me on short notice. And… sorry about the jump scare.” Joshua smiled and left Jade’s office.