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KAFERIAN APPLE CLUB USA

A Star Trek Fruit and Vegetable Appreciation Society



KNOWN HISTORY AND CULTURE
OF THE KAFERIAN APPLE


KAFERIAN PROCLAMATION

At the beginning of any discussion of Kaferian apples,
the following declaration must be acknowledged:

All Kaferian apple trees and seeds are protected under Kaferian government proclamation.

Genetic engineering or tampering of any form is prohibited under severe penalty.

Although the trees are not endangered in any way, they are a national symbol of the Kaferian people.

The Kaferian people honor nature in all forms: animal, vegetable, or mineral. They do not tolerate abuse of their natural resources as "aliens" do.

While they do tolerate offworlders, the Kaferians want to share those things in which they are most proud of, especially the Kaferian apple.


CHARACTERISTICS AND VARIETY

The physical characteristics of Kaferian apples are not of limited variation. The shapes, colors, and sizes are as diverse as the planets that they can grow on. Skin color may range from a pleasant light yellow to a deep red, yet all have the distinctive Kaferian green hue about them. Flesh color varies as the skin color, and flavor ranges from tart to very sweet, yet all types are palatable. Shapes are from a near perfect sphere to include oblate and oblong. Sizes are not as diverse as colors and shapes. The general size of the Kaferian apple is that of a medium to large Terran apple, never smaller but sometimes larger.

The tree is a deciduous plant, growing mostly in areas from tropical to sub-arctic. The fruit is a firm, fleshy specimen derived from the receptacle of the flower. The leaves vary from narrow to broad, oval to cylindrical. Blossom pedals are from rounded to pointed with a sweet fragrance. Color is from green-tinted white to speckled red. The wood is hard, durable, and fine-grained.


CULTURE AND PRODUCTION

Apple growing is not a highly specialized business venture on Kaferia. In fact, it is strongly discouraged. Those who have tried to do so have met with failure. It is mostly young Kaferians who make the attempt in hopes of becoming rich through exporting to offworlders.

The tree itself seems to "know", or "senses" its environment, that it is in an orchard and therefore refuses to produce. It is common to have only five trees per acre. Beyond that, the trees tend to get claustrophobic and reduces production of fruit. The trees prefer the wide open spaces, but enjoy humanoid companionship. Young trees can be grown in decorative planters for several years, but then must be planted in the ground in a suitable location.

The trees are hardy to many natural pests, such as insects, mites, aphids, and other parasites. The trees have a natural defense to these pests. The trees produce a mild toxin that repels insects and parasites, therefore sustaining minimal damage. The toxin is not harmful to animals or people. Animals inflict more severe damage to the trees, eating the leaves, bark, and roots. The Kaferians take measures to reduce the threat of damage and destruction by animals.

The apples do not cross-pollinate. They pollinate only through contact by insects and birds going from tree to tree, blossom to blossom. Only identical species pollen is recognized by the tree and only then will it produce fruit.

The trees cannot be grafted. The only exception ever documented was during a catastrophic period of drought. Many trees were nearly dead, with branches falling off. Only the same species of tree could be grafted, and only when the trees could "sense" the change in the environment that it would accept the graft. All other attempts are denied and rejected by each variety of the apple. Again, it is the young Kaferians who attemp this. The older folk seem to know better.

Commercial apple production on Kaferia is not necessarily limited to seasons. The trees produce fruit on a continuing basis, but do not over-produce. The trees have a sense about them as to the amount of fruit being required by their caretakers. The trees sense environmental conditions, such as temperature, drought, weather, and temperate regions.

Whereas tree stock cannot be preserved and stored, the seeds can. The Kaferians catagorize the varieties and store them with other indigenous plant forms. This is done as a precaution to unforeseen disasters.


CONSUMPTION

Kaferians eat apples fresh off the tree after being lightly washed to rid the fruit of insects or other pests.

The apple is also a main ingredient in many favorite recipes. They consist of desserts, casseroles, etc.

The apple is also dried, canned, made into jellies, juice, cider, and vinegar.

The Kaferians also make a variety of delicious brandies from the apples. The brandies outnumber the apples themselves in exports.


FIRST KNOWN TERRAN TO CULTIVATE KAFERIAN APPLES

There is not a tremendous amount known to Terrans about the Kaferian apple on Earth. The only person that had any extensive experience was Gary Mitchell, friend of James Kirk, who went through Starfleet Academy together.

During a mission to the edge of the galaxy, the Enterprise encountered an energy barrier. This energy barrier is said to be responsible for the destruction of several other starships, including those that originated outside of the galaxy. The radiation from the energy barrier mutated Gary Mitchell into, what was reported, a godlike being.

Because of this mutation, Kirk marooned Mitchell on Delta Vega, a distant class-M planet near the galaxy's edge in 2265. During this time, Mitchell cultivated Kaferian apple trees there, as they were a favorite fruit of his. It is reported that Mitchell "created" the Kaferian apple trees using his new powers.

Amongst rumor and legend, Gary Mitchell died on Delta Vega. Even the "official" reports of his demise are suspect. Some say that Kirk killed Mitchell because of the mutation from the energy barrier exposure (which drove Mitchell insane). Others say he died from other causes; from a local contaminant, to beasts on the planet, to suicide. In any case, Gary Mitchell loved Kaferian apples, which did not kill him. Decide for yourself.

(Information gathered and report submitted by Captain Melon)

You and others have been thoroughly educated in Kaferian apple history.

You are now required to accept a mission to Kaferia. Report to mission control at once: