[E-KRM] LtCmdr Tristam Core, "Rip-off."

[Deliera Jay]

((Kreswick River Market))

::He was glad they didn't stick around in the city. As much as he liked serving aboard starships, shopping in the open air had a certain quality that the city simply couldn't provide him right now. Even the mild shock of the stall attendants at his entirely black eyes didn't put him off.::

Core: You know, I'm not very picky, but, ::he held up a metallic silver jumpsuit.:: I don't think anyone would go as Mr. Roboto.

::The woman looked up from the clothes she'd been glancing through, giving him a sweet smile.::

Rahman: I don't know about that. You look good in shiny.

::Once again, he was subject to a subtle look - too subtle for he as a typical (exentric) Rodulan could understand as she looked over the suit more closely.::

Core: I'm just teasing.

::He put the suit down and stretched his arms high above his head.::

Core: Artist, it feels like I have room to move.

Rahman: It is nice, isn't it? It's almost as if you have a wonderful partner who wants to make sure you get some actual fresh air now and then after being stuck on a small, dilapidated outpost for months.

Core: Yes yes, take your victory. ::He laughed, re-doing the button on the cuff of his long sleeve.:: Are Mei'konda and Delano supplying dress requirements? Is that a thing in . . . Vulcan Caitain bondings?

Rahman: I actually haven't been to such a bonding -- nor know the details really. I mean, I've been to a Vulcan wedding, so if it's anything like that... but I don't know how traditional Commander Delano -- or Mei'konda for that matter -- is. They *did* say it was going to be "casual" for dress and outdoors.

::She looked back up at him.::

Rahman: That said, I *am* the captain, which means no matter what, I still need to look somewhat presentable.

::She raised her eyebrow, the Rodulan fiddling with his second sleeve having just rolled them both up.::

Rahman: And since you are the captain's escort, it means you need to look absolutely presentable.

::She gave a suspicious smirk, to which he frowned a little (a lot).

Rahman: What do you think of this?

::He blinked, bottom lip sucked between his teeth as he examined the colour of the garment she held over herself. He chose his next words incredibly carefully.::

Core: I think you're a beauty in nothing and everything, ervami.

::She rolled her eyes.::

Rahman: Believe it or not, it's okay to have an opinion.

::It was. But part of him felt it was safer to keep those opinions perhaps a bit quieter than his other ones.::

Rahman: And if I don't like it, I'll just send you back to that outpost.

Core: I distinctly recall stating that it'd be a waste of a torpedo.

Rahman: Oh, I'd charter a shuttle for you. I am not without mercy.

::With narrowed eyes, he smiled, leaning across a stack of clothes to press a kiss against her cheek.::

Core: I've never wanted mercy.

::She chuckled as she put down the dress back on the stack of other dresses before a merchant came running up.::

Merchant: Yes, you need help?

::Roshanara looked back at the Rodulan, whom was busy trying to figure out the strange accent through the translator. He'd heard something similar to it while on Earth (or maybe it was the same - he wasn't an linguistics expert), but had never really set foot on a colony world to tell if it was common around here.::

Rahman: Did we?

Core: . . . uh, no. I don't believe so.

::The human imitated Tristam's earlier stretching.::

Merchant: I see he raise his arms up high, like floundering child, so I come here to help.

::Roshanara snorted.::

Core: Well- I- It's- ::He groaned, finally muttering.:: *You* remain in captivity for a year and avoid stretching.

::The woman gave him a quizzicle look, before directing her gaze back to the off-duty captain.::

Rahman: Yes, that happens occasionally.

::And unfortunately, the lady had caught sight of what Tristam had been looking at earlier.::

Merchant: Oh, you like the suit? Brand new from Bynaus. Make you look sharp.

::She smiled with a wide, friendly grin, and Tristam shook his head wildly.::

Core: Well, actually, I'm not a huge fan of *grey*. See, I'm a purple and maroon kind of person with more than one piece - slacks, button up shirt, vest - you know, typical Rodulan fashion and- you're not listening are you.

Merchant: He is cute. Like cat. I see why you like him.

::She'd directed this at Roshanara, the two women exchanging nods to Tristam's detriment.::

Rahman: Yes, quite. But you know what they say about feeding strays...

Core: *Stray*!?

Merchant: I sell to you half-price. Won't find a better deal along the river, trust me. Madame Kasha looking out for you.

::Forget Madame Kasha's half-price deal - *he just got called a *stray**!::

Merchant:::She turned back to Roshanara.:: And you, too. ::She gestured to the sapphire dress lying on top of the other garments.:: You like?

Rahman: Oh, I was just checking out the color.

Merchant: Yes, good colour. Made on Donova IV - good quality, long-lasting. Easy to wash.

Rahman: Response?

Merchant: Three hundred Federation credits - equivalent latinum. No currency discrimination here!

::Tristam rose an eyebrow. In his opinion, Madame Kasha might not have discrimination of foreign currency, but she did have the most ridiculous rip-offs on the market. Starfleet was pay-free - and as a Rodulan, Tristam had enough to scrape by when faced with Ferengi selling tactics, but certainly not enough for a 300 credit garment.

::The only Starfleet officer he knew to have surprisingly deep pockets was a Brekkian hybrid who didn't *want* to access her bank accounts. Something to do with her dad's involvement in felicium development therefore it being classified as "drug money" (in significantly more words - honestly, every conversation with the real Blake was a speech in the making). It seemed awfully self-righteous, considering she apparently could fund the partially-united Brekkian government for five years and still enough left over for a nice little retirement with her kids on Ferenginar. Mind you, that may have been her boasting.::

::Brekkians are a strange people.::

Core: Surely there could be a little more lee-way?

Rahman: Response?

Merchant: This is the cheapest you buy here!

::That explained why her stall was empty, save for the two Starfleet officers and it's owner.::

Rahman: Response?

Core: Well, at the risk of death by merciful shuttle ride, I've always said that red is your colour.

Rahman: Response?


Tbc . . .

LtCmdr Tristam Core
Components specialist
USS Veritas

C238803SB0