Ensign Jaran Jira - Another Warning

[Jira Jaran]

(( Auditorium - Operations Center, Deck 5, USS Artemis-A ))

Jira walked briskly into the auditorium, PADD in hand for taking notes. They were excited to engage in the xenology lecture for a culture that was quickly becoming one of their favourites. From what they'd observed, the Ferengi were a deeply spiritual culture; it was just reflected in a vastly different way from the Federation ethos. Jira hoped they were right and not just being starry-eyed.

Apparently they were the first to arrive, apart from the young Lieutenant (JG) oO Bergmen, I think? Oo who was leading the event. They took a seat near the front and waiting for the rest of the class to arrive.

Once the room was relatively full, Bergman looked at the assembled officers and began to speak.

Bergmen: Hello, and welcome everybody! I’m Lieutenant Junior Grade Ollie Bergmen, Operations, for those who don’t know me, and I’ll be your lecturer today for our seminar on Ferenginar. This session should inform you about and help you learn the specifics of the Ferengi culture, their customs, and what to expect—or avoid—during your visit to Ferenginar on this shore leave.

Ah yes. The warning. Jira had gotten a couple of these at the Academy, and they always thought they were a bit needlessly... prejudiced. But they continued their attentiveness.

Imril/Cole/Tho’Bi/Any: Response

Bergman gave a genuine-looking smile at the class and grabbed a portable control.

Bergmen: I know some of you have a lot of work you need to attend, and some of you already can't wait to see the planet, so I won't drag it out too much today. This will be a little free to inform you based on your questions, yet we still need to point out some things within the mandatory topics, so let’s start with a little video…

With a gesture, he began the pre-recorded travel brochure.

It really was a slick production. The Ferengi knew advertising like no one else in the universe. But Jira couldn't help but view it through the eyes of a theologian. Was advertising like prayer to them? Appealing to the Gods of Commerce or whatever they called their deity for a generous harvest this season? They needed to ask about this.

The exact words of the advertisement were already forgotten by the time it was over. Urgings on where to spend their precious little latinum. It was going to be a dear trip if they set foot on that planet. But it would probably be good for them.

Bergmen: Exciting, right? Ferenginar has so much to offer! So, get a little temperature in this wonderful audience —please, raise your hands if you've already met some Ferengi or visited Ferenginar. What can you tell me about your experience?

Jaran: I've met a couple Ferengi. We would occasionally make trips to Deep Space 9 when I was a child, and I continued that tradition into adulthood. There were always Ferengi there, especially around Quark's. Even as a kid, they were always trying to sell me something.

Bergmen/Imril/Cole/Tho’Bi/Any: Response

Jira nodded along. Seemed like everyone had a take, and they were all coming from a different angle. But wow, people did not like Ferengi...

Jaran: Are we being a little harsh here, perhaps?

Bergmen/Imril/Cole/Tho’Bi/Any: Response

TAG/TBC

~~~

Ensign Jaran Jira

Medical Officer

USS Artemis-A

A240209JJ4