Lt Alex Storm - Anything ... Almost Anything Once

[Karen Morris]

((Sacred Marketplace, Ferenginar))

Storm:  Thank you.  Maybe, I’ll call the stuffed animal Ten Slips.  

Betazoids can’t read Ferengi, but this one required no mental gymnastics to know what he was thinking.  He hunched over as he scuttled to the area where additional stock was kept and jumped back as his assistant emerged.  The second Ferengi was of a burlier sort.  Whispered words and jabs in Alex’s direction fomented in the corner.  The large head swiveled toward the two ‘Fleeters’ as they disappeared from view.  Alex nodded to the walkway between the booths.  Her feet carried her several booths down before slipping into one and glancing back to see if the enforcer was following them.

Jaran: Ok, what's the deal with the... animal?

When no lumbering silhouette emerged, she glanced sidelong at Jaran.  oO Keep it casual. Oo

Storm: It’s … a Koala

Jira looked at the... koala? They seemed to recall reading about people hallucinating the animal in a few medical journals, now that they were reminded of the word. It didn't look so terrifying.

Jaran: Well, I'm glad you found something you liked, if nothing else. The Ferengi certainly had everything! I saw a couple Bajoran animals I'd never seen anywhere else.

A shiver traced up Alex’s spine.  Her chin flicked over her shoulder one more time.

Storm: If you’re interested in still getting something, maybe come back tomorrow … in disguise.

Jaran: I could use a drink. Do you think the snail juice is good to anyone but a Ferengi? I'm game if you are.

Storm: I’ll try anything oO but the echo of ‘fresh, fried toad toes’ lurched in her head Oo well, almost anything once.

As they reached the end of the aisle of booths, Alex looked around for other signage.  

Jaran: Response

Storm:  Over there.

Her finger pointed at a sign that said, “Food and Beverage.”  She steered the two of them in that direction.

Jaran: Response

Storm:  I’m fairly new aboard the Artemis, but I think you’re newer. 

Alex cast her eyes sideways at them as the two walked under the “Food and Beverage” sign.  The humidity seemed to crawl over their skin and up their nostrils.  But it wasn’t just the moisture, it was every scent imaginable carried along with tangible liquid in the air.  

Jaran: Response

Alex’s steps faltered and her face wrinkled up as they passed the booth.  “Slugs, Snails, and Puppy dog’s Tails.  Underneath it in small print, the words, “No dogs were harmed in order-filling of this establishment.”  

Storm:  Oh!  Over there.

She gestured to the sign that said, “Ferengi Brew and Goo.”  Alex angled herself in that direction.

Storm:  So, tell me, Doctor.  Why does a former Bajoran Cleric turn to Starfleet?  

Jaran:  Response

~*~

Tags / TBC!

~*~

Lt Alex Storm

Tactical Officer

USS Artemis

O240103SK2