The Comet Orchid
The Comet Orchid is a flower unique to the Heart Garden of the Comet. It is named after the ship itself, and is the only place this particular varietal of orchid is found.
The orchid has extremely dark green leaves with a bioluminescent teardrop shaped streak of yellowish white down the center. The stems are a similar bioluminescent pale yellow, and seem to pulse and glow, especially when freshly watered. The tubers of the orchid are edible, if somewhat bland, and are often used as starchy fillers in recipes aboard the Comet.
The blossoms of the Comet Orchid come in many colors, and form sprays of flowers that resemble clusters of shooting stars. These flowers pulse and glow in darkness, and give off a mild, fresh floral fragrance used in cooking, cosmetics, and cleaning products made on the Comet.. If pollinated by one of the many pollinating species in the Heart Garden, they produce a flavorful bean pod that is used in cooking, drink making and air purifiers.
Every part of the Comet Orchid is edible, and in the conditions of the Heart Garden they grow quickly and plentifully. They are a favored food of many of the species on board the Comet, which is helpful because the Comet Orchid spreads prolifically. Many air vents around the Comet have potted Comet Orchids nearby, to keep the ship smelling clean and fresh regardless of conditions.
The Comet Orchid has two unique properties. Its innate bioluminescence makes it useful for emergency lighting, and a potted Comet Orchid is placed in every room where a child sleeps to provide a night light of sorts. Certain colors are often favored for mood lighting, and the Pink Light Brothel cultivates their own unique shade of pink to provide a sensual, ambient glow for their unique pleasures. The bioluminescence lasts for approximately four hours after harvesting, and is often used for cosmetic effects on the performing crews.
The secondary property is arguably the most useful. Comet orchids are superb oxygen recyclers, and form the majority of the air processing system. In addition, in low oxygen conditions, a Comet Orchid blossom can form a temporary symbiotic relationship with a living being. If placed in the respiratory system; the Orchid can provide limited air recycling in low oxygen conditions, for a period of up to four hours. This property does not work in a vacuum - the species must be able to breathe as they naturally would. The less available oxygen, the shorter the time frame of the symbiosis.
This symbiosis is not always beneficial. If the Orchid is not removed within a four hour timeframe, it becomes parasitic and starts to take over the host body. It must be surgically removed within eight hours, or the orchid permanently bonds with the host and cannot be removed without the host or the orchid dying.
Host Orchids retain their sentience for some time, but are permanently changed from the encounter. They care less and less for existing relationships and previous interests, eventually returning to the Heart Garden where they become its keepers. When the transition, referred to as Dryadism by the crew of the Comet, passes a certain point, the Host Orchid forms roots and cannot be permanently separated from their environment.
Maggi, the first dryad still exists, and lives in her own room in the Heart Garden. She rarely wakes from her plant life, and when she is aware enough to converse it is only on matters that concern the Heart Garden and Comet Orchids. Many people enjoy her garden for it's abundance and peace, and few people realise that Maggi is even there. If this has ever concerned her, she has not voiced an opinion in either direction.
Scientific Name
Orchidaceae Orchis Cometas
Origin/Ancestry
Earth Origin, Interspace Varietal
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Remove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Comments