A few weeks after Mel's agricultural duties lessened, Orion's Blossom opened to the public. Mel was surprised how easy it had been! No startup costs, no loans or investors, she had simply filed her idea for a tea shop with the Compact office on Thypso and waited for a response. A week later, she received a data packet approving her idea. The notice included files detailing the location and logistics of the project, the office's expectations of her, and health and safety standards to accommodate both Affini and Xeno patrons. Two weeks after that, she stood in the sunny park adjacent to her hab unit and looked in awe at the new building.

 

The seating area was an open lawn, spacious and dotted with chairs and tables of different sizes. Some spots were left open for patrons to sit on the soft earth. A large canopy formed from intertwining trees created a shady space to protect visitors from the sun and the rain. The physical structure consisted of a small kiosk with a countertop sheltered by an overhanging awning. The workspace held various machines for brewing and a small door behind the counter led to an enclosed glass greenhouse.

 

“You should be all set to begin now.” said the Affini coordinator next to her, tapping some last-minute information into their data pad. “The hydroponics in the back are all set up and you can move your plants in anytime!”

Mel stood wide-eyed, taking in the gorgeous space prepared for her in just a few weeks. “And- it's mine?” She asked excitedly.

“Well, the facility and equipment belong to the Compact,” the Affini replied, “but so long as there are no issues, the space is yours to operate and change as you see fit!” The Affini leaned down towards Mel with a warm smile. “Welcome to Orion's Blossom!”

 

Word spread quickly through the hab units. When Mel officially opened the shop she had a steady stream of patrons all day; Terrans, Xenos, and especially the Affini. The tea flowed as she met and chatted with neighbors she didn't even know she had. It was… honestly quite overwhelming! She felt an anxious knot growing in her stomach as more and more people passed through. Her breathing became shallow and more rapid. She looked desperately for a lull in the number of visitors, until suddenly she recognized a familiar face and a friendly wave. “Sylnathi, you came!' Mel cried happily.

“Of course, dear!” the Affini replied, smiling as she approached the counter. “You didn't think I'd miss your opening day, did you?”

 

Sylnathi selected a brew she had never heard of, 'Darjeeling', and Mel promptly brought her a cup of the steaming beverage. As Mel handed it to her, Sylnathi's expression changed to one of concern. “Dear, your hands are shaking.”

“W- what?” Mel asked. Looking down she saw that the Affini woman was correct. A tremor ran through her body, vibrating the liquid in the cup as she held it. Mel felt the knot tighten further.

“Melrose, why don't you take a break?” Sylnathi said quietly. She reached out one of her vines to grab a small sign which read ‘Closed, Please Come Back Later!’ and placed it on the countertop.

 

Mel sat with Sylnathi in a sunny grove within the park. The Affini chose a quiet spot with hardly any people around. Mel felt nervous, her hands fidgeting as she did her best to take slow steady breaths. “How is your first day going?” Sylnathi asked her gently.

“It- It's a lot.” Mel squeaked. “There's so many people, I didn't expect it to be so busy!”

“Well, you're a curiosity!” Sylnathi said with a smile. “Everyone wants to see the new place. I'm sure you'll have a more manageable number of patrons in a week or two. And of course, you- Ohh goodness, this tea is a delight!”

 

Mel looked at her, confused. “But you haven't drunk...” her voice trailed off as she saw one of the Affini's tendrils dipped into the cup as she held it.

“Not with our mouths, dear.” Sylnathi said. “We Affini draw nutrients from our leaves and roots. Tea was actually a brilliant idea you know, it allows us to experience Xeno foods and flavors we otherwise couldn't.” Mel watched fascinated as the level of liquid in the cup slowly lowered and Sylnathi’s expression filled with warm satisfaction.

 

The two talked for over an hour. Twice, Sylnathi stopped Mel from returning to the kiosk. “Your personal well-being is more important than a few missing cups of tea.” she said smartly. Mel felt her body begin to relax. Her breaths came more evenly and the knot in her stomach lessened. As her Affini companion finished her tea, she spoke to Mel in a more stern voice. “Melrose, since we've worked together I've had access to your medical records; Xeno wellness and all that. You have a history of Anxiety and Depression, yet you refuse to take any medication for it. Why is that?”

 

Mel felt her hands fidgeting again and she averted her eyes. “I don't say this to berate you, but from a place of concern.” Sylnathi continued gently. “Today has already taken a noticeable toll on you. Wouldn't it be better to have something which could help you with that?”

Mel shook her head and replied “I can't do that again, it's too much! Last time I tried, it- it didn't end well. I could barely eat. I ended up in the hospital from malnutrition.”

Sylnathi's expression was full of sympathy. “Perhaps with Terran pharmaceuticals, but you forget that the Compact provides access to Xenodrug substitutes for a variety of medications.” she offered. “I’m sure we could find you something more agreeable?”

 

Mel tilted her head, intrigued. “Something without the side effects?” She asked.

“I can't promise you no side effects, but very likely not the ones you experienced before!” the Affini reassured her. Sylnathi's strong arms gently helped the Terran girl to her feet. The contact on Mel's skin was intense, a mix of disorienting and foreign stimulation. “How about I give you a little something to help with today?” Sylnathi cooed softly, pulling Mel in closer. “And if you like it, we can make it a more regular thing. Is that okay?”

The plant woman’s touch was far softer than her appearance suggested. Mel nodded nervously. “Alright. Just- just to try it.” she whispered.

 

The Affini's vines gently encircled her and Mel felt a pricking sensation on her thigh. She looked down to see one of the flowering buds on Sylnathi's tendrils pressed against her leg, its petals wrapped around her skin. As it withdrew, she noticed the Pistil in the center of the flower resembled a hypodermic needle. A small red dot and a mild soreness told her something had been injected into the muscle – not dissimilar to her own medications. “What did you-”

“Give it a moment, dear.” Sylnathi interrupted her.

 

The vines holding her tightened their grip, supporting Mel where she stood. A few seconds later, a new sensation began to spread through Mel's body from the injection site on her leg. It was as though she were being submerged in a warm bath, relaxed and calm. The sensation of Sylnathi's skin on hers became one of comfort and pleasure, no longer alien but an embrace she craved like nothing before. A mild dizziness took her, a gentle headrush that cleared her thoughts like a ripple across a pond. She gasped, her breath steadying once more, and looked up at the beaming Affini next to her. “Well? How do you feel?” she asked.

“It's strange,” Mel began, “But I do feel better. I won't get sick, right?”

“Highly unlikely.” Sylnathi replied, slowly withdrawing her supporting tendrils. Mel missed the sensation from those vines the moment they left her body.

 

The two walked back to the kiosk together. Mel held on to Sylnathi's arm for comfort more than support. Stepping behind the counter, Mel began serving tea once more. The crowds seemed to bother her less now. Sylnathi stayed with her a while longer to make sure she was alright. “You should be good for today – and likely tomorrow as well – after the dosage I gave you.” The Affini said to her. “But let me know if those Xenodrugs bother you in any way! If they work well, we could get you a prescription. Or if you'd prefer, I'm happy to assist you myself!” With a grin, she tussled Mel's hair and the Terran girl felt a spark of pleasure and endearment shoot through her brain. As Sylnathi began to leave, she turned back once more and said, “Oh, I nearly forgot! I need you back in agro for some maintenance in 3 days’ time. You'll be there to help me, right?”

“Of course!” Mel cried, “I'll see you in a few days!”

 

Mel felt happy and upbeat for the rest of her day at Orion's Blossom. She slept especially well that night.