LtCmdr Jovenan – Newbie’s first purchase
Jovenan
((Brew Continuum, Deck 3, USS Artemis))
The idea of Christmas had initially been just odd and even off-putting they way the Ferengi businesses marketed it, but throughout the conversation with Commander Munro, Jovenan had gained insight into it and refined her opinion. Buying and giving presents was actually something that she was becoming excited about. After all, she remembered how happy she had been every time Vitor had brought her something, so it wouldn’t be that much of a stretch to say that other people would feel the same if she surprised them with something. She didn’t even need to mind her lack of knowledge in Ferengi customs or the complexities of commercial exchange, or even her deep-rooted aversiveness, as Commander Munro had proposed to going shopping together.
Jovenan: How about right now? I don’t have anything scheduled for the rest of the day, so I could go right away. If that suits you, of course.
Munro: You read my mind, Jovenan. Does it have a beam down location on the advertisment?
Happy that the Commander agreed to come, Jovenan placed the PADD to the centre of the table where both of them could read it. She scrolled down the several mass messages she had been receiving during the days in orbit. The messages identified several manufacturers and retailers, but it was difficult to find a single location for them to roam while looking for the presents. Perhaps the adverts wished to create the perception that their stores were worth visiting on their own, instead of just as a stop before exploring their neighbouring competitors. Commander Munro opened one of the messages.
Munro: ‘The Sacred Marketplace; Ferenginar’s largest and most prestigious shopping district. Home to all your consumer needs.’ This sounds like the place and it's right next to the Tower of Commerce. How about it?
Jovenan nodded.
Jovenan: Sounds like the best option we’ve got. ::takes PADD, stands up:: We should go get our latinum and start heading out, then.
((Short time later))
((Sacred Marketplace, Ferenginar))
The first thing Jovenan heard after her ears materialised and the hum of the transporter faded was the heavy raindrops hitting something. She looked up to the transparent ceiling of the otherwise exposed outdoors transporter platform, seeing the layer of water make curious shapes as it constantly poured down and was renewed by the falling drops. In the air, she sensed the typical smells of a post-industrial city, but also the distinct odours of a swamp – sniff – no, make that a brackish mire, maybe a bog. It wasn’t important, though, as Commander Munro next to her was ready to get moving.
Munro: :: points ahead :: A sign. Looks like the Marketplace is across this bridge.
Jovenan: ::nods:: Let’s go.
They barely made it out of the transporter area when they were already approached by a local. Jovenan gave them a smile as a greeting, but the smile turned straight and her eyebrows rose as she realised that they weren’t coming to welcome the two Starfleet officers to their city and instead offering them umbrellas for a price.
Ferengi Vendor: There's a Glebbening forecasted later today, ladies! You don't want to get caught out in that… the Rain Defense 3.0 is the perfect companion. Not only does it protect you from the Glebbening, it will carry your shopping!
Ah, the Glebbening! It brought back her memories from the University library when she couldn’t keep concentrating on her Hydrology I coursebook. Looking up overspecific terms from different cultures had helped her memorise them, although the course itself had ended up not going well for her. On the other hand, she also remembered that Glebbening didn’t come with snow, which was unfortunate considering how many advertisements had featured it.
Regardless of whether Glebbening was actually likely during this time of the year, the vendor continued to demonstrate the carrying capacity of their umbrella drone. The drone made a good effort, but as Jovenan moved her head tracking the machine, it lost altitude until it vanished behind the edge of the walkway. Jovenan kept staring at hovered off the solid ground for a few more seconds before turning to the vendor.
Ferengi Vendor: It can fish for you as well!
Munro: No thanks!
Instead of the elaborate drone, Commander Munro purchased them more traditional umbrellas. They continued to cross the walkway over the waters below from the Embassy Row – Jovenan noticed the large Federation emblem in the building near where they arrived from, keeping it in mind in case they got in trouble – and to the core of the compound. In the middle, the famed Tower of Commerce shadowed all other buildings, while the FCA’s building loomed to their left.
Dropping a sliver of latinum to a toll booth, they headed towards the brightly lit Sacred Marketplace. The myriad of flashing lights and loud voices encouraging them to whichever store were near to overwhelm Jovenan at first. Once she got used to it, she scanned the area with her eyes, spotting all sorts of curious details.
Munro: Response
Jovenan: How about that place? It looks like a toystore, we could buy something for Ms Richards’ children. ::pause, slightly embarrassed:: Also, I have no idea how buying anything here works, and it looks the least intimidating for the first try.
Munro: Response
They approached the store, and an employee came to greet them. His striped outfit with alternating pink and white was the most curious example of Ferengi fashion Jovenan had ever seen. In comparison, the Ferengi she had ever seen had a style that favoured much more muted colours.
Toystore salesman: ::over-energetic:: Welcome to Tacky Tarog’s Toys Trinkets and Tames, tacky stand for wacky and tames for toys and games! Anything fun and eccentric for you, your child or your pet!
Jovenan: Hello, uh, do you have anything for newborn babies?
Toystore salesman: Aww, congratulations! Here at Tarog’s we support all profitable social movements! Do you take baby boys’ or baby girls’ toys!?
Munro: Response
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Lieutenant Commander Jovenan
Chief Science Officer
USS Artemis-A
E239911J11