Lt. Robin Hopper: Federation Economics 101
Robin Hopper
((OOC – Moving the scene ahead to a close since we're nearing the start of the next mission. There are some older tags for Bob that I’m moving on from, given the 48/72+ rule))
((Holosuite, Betazoid Bob's Used Yacht Emporium – Amity Outpost))
Robin stepped forward, passing the Betazoid merchant. The only way to keep all of Bob out of view was, ironically, to move closer to him and Olivia. She walked beyond Bob to the edge of the hot tub and sat along the edge, opposite the Orion woman with the winning smile, keeping her eyes locked on her for the time being, trying to avoid seeing anything she didn’t want to.
Hopper: I’m certainly sold on the notion that, were I to have a yacht, this very well might be the right one. And you’ve both been very generous and, uhhh, ::glancing at Bob inadvertently as he entered her peripheral vision:: very open with me…
The Orion's smile grew and Robin was happy to turn her attention back to her.
Olivia: Well, she's almost yours.
Bob: Response
Robin pretended to seriously ponder the decision before finally looking at Olivia with a nod of agreement.
Hopper: Alright then… Then how do we finalize the transference?
Olivia: Latinum.
Bob: Response
A faux scowl crossed Robin’s face, as she put on the air that she wasn’t at all familiar with such things.
Hopper: Hmm? Oh, I don’t really deal in that sort of capitalist thing. ::Chuckling:: I mean, isn’t that a little outdated? I wouldn’t even know where to begin.
Olivia: The magic of sale and trade is something to last throughout the centuries. Why should we stop now?
Bob: Response
She shrugged. In truth, though currency was hardly a day-to-day aspect of life for citizens of the Federation, growing up in the Beta Quadrant, so close to the borders of the Romulan and Klingon Empires, as well as the Rigel system, which housed the Orion homeworld, Robin understood at least the basics.
Money was more-or-less representational, rather than functional. Like an intermediary in a barter-based economy. It was a promise of value that could be exchanged for real goods or services… After all, what could a Starfleet Science Officer have to offer in exchange for a Yacht other than some sort of representative ‘fund’ which the merchant could then exchange for something they valued elsewhere?
That being said, she found the entire thing trivial and frivolous. Here they were, living on a Federation Outpost, where everyone’s needs were met… What else could they hope to do with their latinum?
So, she played the role of the dumb coddled Federation citizen, curious what exactly they would make of it.
Hopper: Really? ::Playing dumb:: I hadn’t realized. Oh, I feel so foolish. I’m not very familiar with mercantile transactions, I guess.
She batted her eyelashes.
Olivia: No worries sweetie, we can explain everything! Did you have any questions you would like us to answer?
Hopper: ::Scrunching up her lips, placing a finger on her cheek, looking at the ceiling:: I don’t even think I have any latinum… Where can I get some?
Bob/Olivia: Response
She nodded along with a blank expression.
Hopper: Okay… I see… So if I want to purchase this yacht, sounds like I’m going to need to do some homework. ::Rolling her eyes:: The things they just don’t teach you at the Academy these days… ::Faux pout:: I guess I’ll have to have a word with the Starfleet Attaché about all this – hopefully he can explain it to me.
Bob/Olivia: Response
Robin stood, putting her hands on her hips and looking around at the glamorous spa-like room they stood within.
Hopper: Well, rest assured, both of you, that as soon as I sort out my “finances” I will be back. ::Reaching out, running a hand along the wall:: I think I’ve already started to fall in love with this beautiful craft…
Bob/Olivia: Response
Hopper: You’ve both been ever so helpful. ::To Bob:: I hope you give this one – ::indicating Olivia:: – a sizable commission of all your sales here. ::To Olivia, expectantly:: Is that the right term? Commission?
Bob/Olivia: Response
She turned to leave, opening the holosuite’s ‘arch’. Before she stepped back out into the Merchant’s storefront (and escaped while she still could), she turned and offered one more parting word.
Hopper: ::Genuinely enjoying herself:: It was a real treat doing business with you both!
END Scene for Hopper
