Field Note #017 — Stationary Organisms (Trees)
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Dispatched from the wilderness. Classification: Calming.
Field Note #017 — Subject: Stationary Organisms (Trees)
Location: Undisclosed forest. Elevation: Variable.
Observation period: Approximately 80,000 years. Ongoing.
This is a long-term study.
The organisms in question are tall. Some are very tall. They have a central vertical structure from which smaller horizontal structures extend outward. At the ends of these structures: small flat or needle-shaped appendages. The appendages are green. In some seasons they change color and fall off. In others they do not. We have noted both varieties.
The organisms do not move. This is their most significant characteristic and the primary subject of this report.
We have been watching them for approximately 80,000 years. In that time, they have not moved. Individual organisms have grown. Some have fallen. New ones have emerged from the ground nearby. But the movement, if it can be called that, is imperceptible on any timescale relevant to our observation schedule.
We find this calming.
Much of what we observe on this planet is in constant motion. The humans especially. They are always going somewhere. They have devices that tell them where to go and they go there and then they look at the devices again. It is a lot.
The trees do not do this. The trees are simply there. They have been there. They will continue to be there. They do not appear to need anything from us.
We appreciate that.
One human we observed stopped walking on a trail, placed one hand on a large tree, and stood there for approximately two minutes without speaking or looking at a device. Then they continued walking.
We understood this completely.
Assessment: Trees are good. Recommend continued observation. No intervention required or desired.
— Pinebeam Field Notes, Vol. 1
Classification: Open. File status: Ongoing. Indefinitely.