Lt JG Imril - Back On Topic
Chris Taylor
(( Auditorium - Operations Center, Deck 5, USS Artemis-A ))
Ollie’s launching of the chalk surprised Imril to the extent that they kept quiet for the next several moments. Making instead of comments a weak show of removing their padd from their jacket to place on the table before them, in an effort to reacquire the image of a studious pupil.
Bergmen: So, there are ten basics you should know when visiting Ferenginar. ::points to slide:: Be prepared for constant rain and humidity. Pack waterproof clothing and shoes to stay comfortable. (beat) Ferengi culture values profit above all. Understanding their customs and practices can help you navigate interactions successfully. (beat) Bargaining is not just accepted; it's expected! Always negotiate prices in markets and shops for the best deals. (beat) The local currency is the Ferengi D'Ar. It's essential to familiarize yourself with the exchange rate to avoid any confusion when making purchases. ::turns to audience:: Questions so far?
Tho'Bi: ::holding the object up:: What is this?
Cole: I believe it’s a piece of chalk, for writing on black boards.
Tho'Bi: Thank you. ::looks down at object:: Chalk.
Natasha smiled and gave Tho’Bi a polite nod.
Bergmen: Ok, remember these questions, they will be answered after the remaining five advisory notes on this slide. ::pause and look at the slide:: While public transport is available, consider hiring a local guide to help you navigate the city more efficiently, especially if you're unfamiliar with the area. (beat) Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations, especially those related to business practices and trade. (beat) Building connections can significantly enhance your experience. Attend local events or gatherings to meet Ferengi entrepreneurs and merchants. (beat) Don’t miss the capital city, known for its striking architecture and vibrant markets. Make a list of must-see places to make the most of your visit. (beat) And importantly, last point: while Ferenginar is relatively safe, keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
Bergmen turned his attention back to the crowd and smiled.
Bergmen: And this summarizes the mandatory lesson, and we can come back to your questions or comments for discussion if you still have any.
Tho'Bi: ::raising his hand:: Do you want your chalk back? :: holds up chalk::
Cole: Are there places you would recommend to someone visiting Ferenginar for the first time?
Imril: Again, food crawl! What better place to experience the positive aspects of market-based competition than restaurants? Each establishment striving to outdo the last in terms of providing unique culinary adventures?
Imril was by no means a ‘foodie’ -- leave gourmand snobbery to the Khlowakans -- but they were looking forward to hearing a waiter describe and enliven the Ferengenar ecosystem through curated meal descriptions.
Bergman/Jaran: Response
Tho'Bi: I keep my D'Ar in my top pocket ::taps chest:: Ferengi can't reach.
Natasha let out a laugh, but stifled it quickly.
Imril: I think I’ll stick to Latinum, myself. I already had all of my budgeted credits converted into it. Be sure to have some half-slips handy for the admission boxes by the doors. Doors to places that aren’t selling something, that is.
Bergman: response
Tho'Bi: There is a holosuite that models the USS Enterprise NCC-1701 REFIT right down to the wiring. It's really good noodles. …I've been three times.
Cole: That sounds like a fun attraction.
Jaran: What can you tell me about Ferengi religion? Is it accurate to say that commerce is their religion? Is it structured? I have so many questions! ::laughs::
Imril: I remember one of the Dabo girls on DS9 telling me about the Great Material Continuum. Interstellar supply and demand envisioned as an endless spiritual river that one navigates through their lifetime. She didn’t describe it as ‘structured’ so much as a personal journey with individual turns and pitfalls. Winds of opportunity, shoals of bankruptcy, the Grand Nagus up ahead of the others charting the way into unknown reaches of prosperity.
It was poetic, in a way.
Getting thrown off the Tower Of Commerce for rowing against the Continuum, not so much.
Bergman/Tho'Bi: Response
Jaran: That's, of course, valid. But it really does seem genuine to me. Does it not to you?
Cole: I’m curious how their culture has been adapting since the Ferengi Feminist Revolution, I know some societies struggled for decades if not longer after similar movements.
And some still were in the middle of such struggles. The Boraxians being the latest example.
Imril: The travel guide I read said to expect to see some Ferengi women going about their day in the nude, still. Especially in urban centers out of the rain. It was rather unclear if that was due to personal choice or family expectation, though.
Bergman/Tho'Bi/Jaran/Cole: Response
Imril: Also, the occasional nude man.
That counted as progress towards gender equality, too, but probably not in a form many outside observers had been expecting.
Bergman/Tho'Bi/Jaran/Cole: Response
Tags/TBC
(OOC: The note on post-Feminist-Revolution female nudity is based on background art in the Lower Decks episode “Parth Ferengi's Heart Place”)
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Lieutenant JG Imril
Engineering Officer
USS Artemis-A
A240110I12