Flowers for Valentine's Day

It was the 14th of… December? Sure, the date wasn't the right one for planning the day of love and friendship, but in Luisa's calendar, she couldn't afford the luxury of getting everything ready just a few days in advance. She had already spent a few years getting to know people, spending some time with them and sharing moments, some more precious than others.

"Come on, think Luisa, think," Luisa said as she walked around her room. "There has to be something I can do for my friends and colleagues."

After a few moments, she had an idea. She could try to practice with her alteration of ornamental plants, so she started sketching a few ideas for the occasion involving plants, maybe she would manage to grow them and deliver them on time…

+ To Mike Patterson

Name of Plant: Boronia pattersonii

Note: I took the liberty of using one of the many plants found in Australia, knowing how much you are associated with the place. I've modified some of its flowers to give them the minimalist appearance of some cryptids, or so I've tried, I keep working with Amalia when I can to improve my artistic side. I really hope you like it. As seasons go by, the flowers will change shape, and like anything coming from that place, they're very hard to kill…. Maybe they'll kill you!

Nah, just kidding, it's 100% safe.

+ To Borja Dowell

Name of Plant: Marsilea borjae

Note: I chose this plant because it's from an endangered genus from Spain. At first I wanted to add an anomalous effect to make it a major environmentalist plant, then I remembered that I can't create anomalies and I stopped. Instead, it's decorated with flowers of different shapes and colors, in fact, if you look at the petals you will find the ethical guidelines of each department written on them; I know more than anyone that you're not used to receive letters or gifts like this, but the decisions you make and the weight of your duties…

I think you deserve a gesture of appreciation, at least from me.

+ To Altair Emil Cervantes Falcón

Name of Plant: Tagetes altairii

Note: What better plant to give you than one connected to the Mesoamerican cultures of Mexico? I wish I had created a plant that behaved like a pet and could protect you, even though I don't have the permission to do so and it would be reckless of me; but that doesn't stop me from giving you a plant that has flowers made of obsidian. We don't talk too much, but thanks to my position I've learned about you, and I can imagine how interesting and dangerous it is to be an agent out there, among the smoke and demons of the past.

I hope you enjoy this little gift.

+ To Marw

Name of Plant: Nepeta marwii

Note: I've never been a fan of pets like dogs or cats, but there's a big difference with such an enigmatic being like you, with so many facets and files, you even seem to be a legend at this point. Anyway, the few times we've met, we shared peculiar anecdotes, so to speak. This plant is a variation of catnip. What additional effect does it have? None really, but if you let it bloom fully, its flowers will form a portrait of you with different colored petals.

Best of luck with your investigations, 7-Lives Detective.

+ To Jacobo Merlin

Name of Plant: Arabidopsis merlini

Note: I still remember when we met for the first time. I was in a cell and everyone was wondering where I had come from, there I was looking like I knew everything, but I didn't understand anything, and you were watching my progress. Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to have the position I have now. Leaving that aside, this genus of plants can count. If I had the time and approval, I could create a plant organism capable of acting as a quantum computer; although I'm going off topic and obviously my proposal would be much more formal. The plant is only ornamental, in its leaves you can find different numbers, although all belong to pi, at least for this year. Who knows what the numbers will be next year.

Thank you for everything.

+ To Vicario

Name of Plant: Crocus vicarioi

Note: I had to do some research to find out which plant to give you, but I had a hunch and chose a plant used by the ancient Greeks. On its flowers you can find drawings of various statues of ancient Greek, and especially variations of the three reapers. I know you work translating and it is usually a task not as exciting as others within the Foundation, but no less interesting. Perhaps I could give you some tips, if you like. So why did I give you this gift? Partly it's an act of appreciation for knowing that my old translation department, where I started my career and where I trained as a researcher, is in good hands like yours.

I'm sure that, with you, this place will maintain its excellence.