LtCmdr Jovenan – So this is what it’s like to “buy” and “own” something, huh? It’s okay, I guess.
Jovenan
((Tacky Tarog’s Toys Trinkets and Tames, Sacred Marketplace, Ferenginar))
Commander Munro had already stepped aside to reconsider buying the expensive suits, but Jovenan was still hoping to acquire the Mugato onesies for the Babies Richards. She’d take the price into account before making the decision, of course, but she didn’t exactly know how she was supposed to evaluate the product. The suits had been two bars each, which sounded like a lot considering the entire value of their stipend, although she didn’t know if the work and materials put into making them really was that much. And these onesies? The salesman appeared excited of her being interested in them.
Ferengi Salesman: Excellent choice! They are very high quality, all your business partners will be jealous of how cute and well-dressed your offspring will be! We could say… a bar of gold pressed latinum for both.
Jovenan turned to Commander Munro. The XO had instructed Jovenan to haggle in an earlier discussion, but she didn’t know if that was appropriate or expected in this situation. Besides, she didn’t know how low she’d dare to set her offer. She didn’t want to anger or insult the salesman. Commander Munro shrugged at first, but then she nodded. Jovenan took it as an approval for negotiations.
Jovenan: How about, um, two strips each?
Munro: I think that's a :: cautious :: fair price?
Commander Munro seemed to stand even taller. Was that also a tactic in the negotiations? Maybe they’d intimidate their target by appearing larger? That’s what the Mugato would do. Even if she straightened her posture more, Jovenan was barely taller than the salesman, so she didn’t know if that worked at all. His lip twitched at the offer, but his smile persisted, no matter how uncanny.
Ferengi Salesman: Very good offer, ma’am, I can see that you are an experienced negotiator! However, I can’t come that low. You have to understand, the Mugato fur merchants control the markets and are very persistent on using their unethical products. It is very expensive to acquire faux furs of this quality behind their backs. Surely you would want to support such an ethical product in that competition!
Once again, Jovenan glanced at the Commander for support. Surely she wanted to support people who opposed Mugato poachers, right? Was such an element a factor of price? She supposed it was fair and turned quickly back to him.
Jovenan: Three strips each?
Ferengi Salesman: And the employees! Employment is very expensive right now. If the profits stay the same, what will happen to our dental plans?
Jovenan: Four strips each.
The salesman took Jovenan’s hand and shook it.
Ferengi Salesman: Deal! Now, anything else for the two of you? We have a great selection of all kinds of toys, trinkets, games and more, and for such good negotiators, I can offer a generous personal discount of 5 percent for the rest of your stay!
She made it! Jovenan had just made the first proper purchase in her life and was now the proud owner of two baby onesies resembling Mugatos. Or, once she paid, she supposed, since the fulfilment of the transaction was a requirement for the passing of the ownership… or something similar she remembered reading from the Ferengi law books. While finishing the payment order, she turned to Munro.
Jovenan: Should we get something for Suzie? And… ::looks around:: Well. Do you think we can find something for our other friends here, or if we should try somewhere else?
Munro: That means I have to work out 5 percent less and adjust slips and bars, and for taxes… :: smiles politely :: I think we'll circle back.
Oh wow. The Commander was taking shopping far more seriously than she was. Although Jovenan had expected to make calculations and deliberate decisions, she had ended up going by what she had felt like when the negotiations were ongoing. Meanwhile, the Commander’s entire process was backed by data and careful consideration. That what it was to be a leader, huh?
Ferengi Salesman: You won't find better quality goods than here! Not in all of Ferenginar!
Munro: I understand that but we should really get our gifts wrapped…
Oh right, the gifts were expected to be wrapped. Jovenan wasn’t sure how that worked, but the salesman had already adopted his best service smile.
Ferengi Salesman: I can wrap these for you :: beat :: There’s a fee for this :: points to sign :: 1 slip of latinum.
Munro: Of course.
Jovenan: We’ll manage that on our own, thank you.
The salesman took their word for it and stopped offering them any further services. Once he was gone, Munro turned to Jovenan.
Munro: To think on Earth in the 20th century this was an everyday experience. I don't know about you but I feel like finding one of those cosy market venues that sell mulled wine from the advertisements. You fancy it?
Jovenan shrugged at the first thought. The past humans had created such complicated social constructs around competition and individual indulgence that the concept of money was sure to be prominent in their communities, even if it had ended up causing such widespread damage. But it was not her culture, so she didn’t know if it was her place to criticise it. The Edo didn’t use money, at least not since the Chaotic Times when they still had had crimes and wars – the historical records from that era were suppressed or lost, so she didn’t know if they had ever had money. Maybe yes, given the similarities to the human history. As for the drinks, her answer was far less complicated.
Jovenan: I’d love that! Let’s go before he gets back and finds something else to sell us.
Munro: Response
They left the store and returned to the Sacred Marketplace. The single salesman had been replaced by several flashing lights, loud sounds and bright billboards advising them to buy something from the variety of products or services. As they walked around searching for the cosy venues, Jovenan spoke to Munro so that she had something to focus on and avoid being overwhelmed by the myriad of advertisements.
Jovenan: If you want to, you could use some of my money to buy the gifts. I haven’t used any of my stipend before this, and I won’t be needing any of it after I’ll get the presents for my boyfriend and maybe the Captain, I think. So you don’t need to keep up with your calculations…
Munro: Response
Finding the stand that sold the types of drinks they were looking for, the two officers joined the queue.
Jovenan: You mentioned knowing something about baby clothes. Is it okay to ask if that from personal experience or through osmosis?
Munro: Response
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Lieutenant Commander Jovenan
Chief Science Officer
USS Artemis-A
E239911J11