***
It was another day and Juniper shuffled through his notes, seated at the dining table with Flora and Fauna lounging nearby. The two plant beasts occasionally chirped or stretched their vines toward him, Juniper's thoughts, however, were anything but serene.
Gio's birthday was just around the corner, and while he'd already begun planning something special for his partner, another pressing matter occupied his mind. The issue of vegetable production and distribution refused to be ignored, lingering like an unfinished thread. His abilities, paired with Flora and Fauna's, could address the food scarcity issue, but the logistics and ethical concerns made the situation delicate.
Juniper sighed, setting down his pen and running a hand through his hair. He needed advice—practical, grounded advice.
***
Demetrius and Yong-Jin joined him in the living room, Demetrius leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, while Yong-Jin sat back his gaze quietly studying the notes Juniper had put together.
"I've been thinking about the vegetable production issue," Juniper began, his voice steady but tinged with nervous energy. "I have an idea, but I'm not sure if it's practical or even… ethical."
"Go on," Demetrius said, his tone inviting.
"Well, what if we create a cooperative system with plant beasts? Not just relying on Flora and Fauna, but finding other plant beasts who are willing to help. We could form a partnership, not one where they're exploited, but where they have autonomy and benefits. Maybe even create sanctuaries for them." Juniper paused, glancing at the two beasts who were now sitting up and watching him intently. "The problem is, I don't know how many plant beasts are out there, how to find them or if they'd even want to cooperate. It's not like I can force them, nor would I ever want to."
Demetrius nodded thoughtfully. "but it's going to require more than just willingness on the beasts' part. You'd need infrastructure, distribution channels, and protection to ensure the beasts aren't targeted or exploited by others."
"And trust," Yong-Jin added, his voice quiet but firm. "You're talking about how people view plant beasts. That won't happen overnight, considering they aren't well known or seen as intelligent. You'd need support—from individuals and organisations with influence."
"That's why I wanted to talk to Marshall Maynard," Juniper said. "I thought maybe… I don't know, he'd have insight into the logistics or even the diplomatic side of things."
Demetrius exchanged a glance with Yong-Jin before leaning back. "It's a good idea. Maynard has experience with large-scale operations, and he's pragmatic. But be prepared—he's not one to sugarcoat things."
"I'll go with you," Yong-Jin said unexpectedly, breaking the brief silence.
Juniper blinked, surprised. "You? I thought Demetrius would—"
"Demetrius has other commitments," Yong-Jin said smoothly, though there was a flicker of something unreadable in his expression. "Besides, since Maynard is my great uncle. It makes sense for me to accompany you."
Juniper nodded. "Alright"
***
The following day, Juniper stood in the hall of the military headquarters, Flora and Fauna trailing close behind. Their vines occasionally brushed against his legs staying close to him. Yong-Jin walked beside him, his composed demeanour a stark contrast to Juniper's nervous energy.
"Juniper, Good to see you again" Maynard greeted pleasantly, his gaze briefly lingered on Flora and Fauna before turning onto Yong-Jin giving him a squinted ambiguous glance.
Juniper glanced between them, confusion evident on his face. Maynard seemed to tone down his expression and offered a faint smile.
Yong-Jin didn't respond much and he walked over with Juniper.
The three of them settled into the office, and Juniper quickly explained his idea. Maynard listened intently, his expression unreadable as Juniper spoke about the potential of working with plant beasts to address food scarcity.
"It's an intriguing concept," Maynard said finally. "But as you've probably realised, it's not as simple as it sounds."
Juniper nodded. "I know. I don't even know how many plant beasts are out there or if they'd want to help. And then there's the issue of distribution, security, and… well, everything else."
"The logistics are one thing," Maynard said, leaning forward. "But the real challenge is societal perception. Plant beasts are seen more as wild creatures with little intelligence, not like the beast partners that you see regularly. Changing that mindset will take time and effort. And then there's the question of sustainability. Even if you can find plant beasts willing to help, can you rely on them long-term? What happens if they decide to leave or if something happens to them?"
Juniper frowned, the weight of the issues sinking in. "I hadn't thought about that."
"I'm interested in your abilities you showed when you came here" Maynard said "Your connection to these beasts and your plant-based abilities are unique. If you can find a way to amplify those abilities or create a system that doesn't solely rely on the beasts, you might have a sustainable solution."