Lieutenant JG Vesela Pace - New Foods, New Games
C Souers
(( Top Tower Casino & Resort, Adamas ))
Vesela was learning more about her two compatriots in the Casino, and enjoying every minute of it. Commander Tahna was right about community being incredibly important, and she was sure her grandmother would roll her eyes and say something along the lines of “I told you so…” if Vesela ever told her about her tendencies after the last mission.
Pace: Fascinating, it’s like a science of its own! And what about you Mr. Jakk? What do you do for work?
Jakk: Well, I am a consulting accountant! I review business' finances and try to figure out why they are not as profitable as they should be.
Crauw: That is good to know, so if I ever tire of the Gorkon and want to settle and have my own business, you’ll be the first person I’ll have to call. And lady Pace will be invited too to go over the menu so I don’t overdo it like here.
Vesela nodded. In theory she knew about economics and money of course, but she had little practical experience. Elaysia was one of the Federation worlds that had moved away from money before she was born.
Pace: Absolutely. I’m no chef, but I do love a good menu!
Jakk: I understand that a lot of Federation worlds operate outside of currency systems, but basically it involves a lot of math.
Crauw: I can imagine. Like lady Pace mentioned earlier. It is science, so you need to have the correct amount of ingredients before you can recreate the final product. It wouldn’t look good towards a customer if you suddenly have to announce them you can not give something that is on the menu because you’re out of ingredients.
Pace: And I know economics in theory, so I’m sure it’s almost entirely math!
Jakk: Sooo I live on the best planet for that sort of thing, Ferenginar! My husband, Vincent, is a doctor. He used to be Starfleet, like you. And then, um. ::He coughed, realizing this was heading in an uncomfortable direction,:: then he was not anymore. But that's okay! We live in the capital and he works at a clinic there.
There was definitely more to that story, but it wasn’t hers to know. Stories were of paramount importance on Elaysia, and with that came with the consent of the storyteller. Stories had their time, place, and orator. This simply wasn’t the moment, even if Vesela was incredibly curious.
Crauw: Ferenginar, you must been living the dream back there as an accountant. Have you ever been there, my lady Pace?
Pace: I haven’t! I’ve heard it’s quite rainy, but I don’t mind a bit of rain. I think it’s quite soothing.
Crauw: Me neither, we’ll have to put it on our bucket list to visit one day. Or maybe you can convince Admiral Reynolds to have shore leave there at a future time. With everything you guys went through these last weeks, maybe it is best we’re at a less lush and green environment to spend shore leave at.
Jakk: Alas, it is less lush and green than dark and damp and full of bugs! But it is certainly an interesting place to live.
Pace: Hey, without bugs, the ecosystem would be thrown into chaos! And I’ve heard they’re quite the delicacy on Ferenginar, so win-win!
The bartender nodded and grinned.
Crauw: So lady Pace, I think with an accountant and an expert in math in our midsts, we’ll have the advantage once we hit the casino later on.
There was a twinkle in his eye as he said that, and Vesela couldn’t help but grin as well.
Jakk: Perhaps tonight will be our lucky night!
Pace: ::She closed her eyes and wiggled her fingers as if trying to feel the weave of the universe in front of her.:: I think so! With an expert, a bartender, and a scientist, how can we lose?
Crauw: One can only try, my friend Jakk. Do you have a few tricks, a few pointers upon your sleeve for people like us to help us out? I’m sure Lady Pace wouldn’t mind doing a bit of shopping in the shopping district. Some extra winnings could help in that regard.
Vesela nodded. Since gambling was completely alien to her, she needed all the help she could get. She knew of some games of course, and had even watched a few played, but she was definitely a bit of an anxious Academy attendee. Getting in trouble was not her forte, unless it was in Engineering courses.
Jakk: Oh, certainly! It is all about knowing the skill to luck ratio. Devices like slots and dabo are purely chance, while games like poker and dom jot rely more heavily on your own actions.
Pace: Hmmm, I didn’t realize quite how many games there are. This may be a bit overwhelming at first…
Crauw: Response
Jakk: Have either of you gambled in any way? Maybe taken a bet with a friend or something like that?
Pace: Maybe a few times, but never for money. Just respect and maybe a sticker or two for our helmets…
Crauw: Response
A member of the staff arrived with their food, and Jakk immediately dug in. Vesela followed suit.
Jakk: This is delicious! Thank you for the suggestion, Ms. Pace! Or would you prefer Vesela?
Pace: Either works for me! Although, since we’ve shared food and are going to be gambling together, Vesela’ll do just fine if you prefer it!
Crauw / Jakk: Response
Vesela took a bite of her talata sandwich and tried to ascertain if it were replicated or not. It was quite good, so even if replicated she did not mind one bit.
Pace: And what do you think of your meal, Mr. Crauw? Did your adventurous taste net you a new favorite?
Crauw / Jakk: Response
Vesela laughed.
Pace: I suppose it is a day of new things seeing as we’ll be gambling shortly!
Crauw / Jakk: Response
———
Lieutenant JG Vesela Pace
Science Officer
USS Gorkon (NCC-82293)
G240106VP4