7
Roses and ivy tangled into each other like they were fighting for space.
The grass had almost overtaken the stone path they walked.
All the flowering trees only let through a stark amount of light, casting warm shadows over everything.
With the combination of pungent floral scents and the chilly feel of rustling leaves, Quark became enamored with this new world.
They drank the warm light of this unnamed star that hid behind the trees.
Was it a star at all? Curiosity after curiosity spilled from his mouth as a rapid succession of questions.
Seret barely had time to answer the last one before Quark fired another.
Pulse, rightfully amused, hung back, watching as Seret resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
"I want to know too," Quark said, "Why is it so different? What happened to the last place? The city we were in?"
"There are hardly two dreams that are exactly alike," she told him. "Even in reoccurring dreams, a trained eye can see the differences."
On the other hand, Pulse was satisfying their thoughts with their other senses.
They touched the petals of flowers, they reached to try to touch the light that warmed their face, and they pondered the trickling sounds of a nearby running creek, looking in that direction, pacing slowly behind the other two.
"Make sure you fill them in on all this," Seret told Quark with annoyance.
A cat rubbed against Pulse's leg, making a pleasing sound—purring- while Pulse ran their fingers through their chocolate, sleek fur. Quark could see the similarities in appearance between the cat and Seret. Though the cat was much friendlier.
"Should be just a minute more before McCarthy is in REM," Seret said, checking her watch. "Any last questions?"
Quark tapped his lip. "Do you have any advice? For keeping Leo happy and all?"
"McCarthy will let you know what she wants," she explained. "I don't think you'll have trouble figuring that out with her."
"And the things she needs?"
Seret's nose twitched. "We will talk about that part of the job next sleep cycle. Go on for now. McCarthy is waiting."