Something beautiful. (Part 1)
Deliera Jay
((Kreswick River Market, Esperance))
Two months later, Kreswick was considerably smaller than many of its cityscape counterparts. It was a tourist town based over a river and home to one of the largest markets on Esperance. The market expanded out past Kreswick itself, thriving with stalls offering everything from organic foods to threads and materials for purchase. The only vehicles in the area are ones used to transport the goods out of Kreswick, and the train back to the base of Esperance Star Station.
Keyri Largew picked through seedlings presented by a row of stalls, Blake walking in tow. Today’s objective involved securing appropriate plantations for Bupirninyirring. Largew’s settlement was slowly growing--and with growth came a need to secure its self-sustainment. Unfortunately, Bupirninyirring’s landscape wasn’t quite up to scratch in that area.
Largew’s akubra shielded her eyes from Esperance’s sun. She listened, seemingly absent-mindedly to Blake’s news. Largew had to brush wisps of her hair out of her eyes as she looked through the details of a wheat crop.
Largew: Not to brush over your own personal stake in all this, but what does this mean for my Kidman?
Blake: Nothing changes, from what I understand. Rairen Caide will take over my workload.
Largew: I’ve met him, right? Tall, dark and spotty, right?
Blake: Something like that. If you’re open to working with him, I believe Kidman’s deal with Starfleet would continue unhindered.
Bupirninyirring served as a primary location for a communications tower vital to Tristam Core’s 3G network. In return, Kidman settlers had access to resources such as a land rover, Starfleet equipment that currently powers the settlement’s water reclamators. They also had first priority among the other settlements in the area for financial aid--which is part of the reason Blake was with Largew today. She still had access to the Starfleet Ranger credit card.
Given the deal was beneficial for both parties, Blake couldn’t determine a reason Starfleet would renege on it. Caide certainly seemed enthusiastic about Kidman’s continued development, despite his injury the last time he was there.
Largew: I’ll ask MacNamara, but I don’t see that being a problem.
Blake: I’m glad to hear it.
Largew: What’s next for you, then?
The Brekkazoid huffs, handing Largew another datapad.
Blake: I’m already heading up CCMS. I’m just waiting on retirement documentation from Starfleet.
Largew: Congratulations. Where are you based?
Blake: Antor.
Largew: Ah. I suppose that means we won’t get to see you, then?
Blake: You’re not getting rid of me that easy. I’ll still be checking in when I can.
The human nods, dipping her hat.
Largew: I’m glad to hear it. ::handing the seller the datapad:: I think these will be suitable.
Kasha: *Mah-verlous!* You know, Tellarian wheat can be very fickle… extremely sensitive to humidity changes. Lucky for you, I can offer a comprehensive harvest protection plan. Only 400 credits for the first year!
The friendly merchant known as Madame Kasha smiled as she nodded.
Largew:::slowly, as though tasting the words:: ...harvest protection plan?
Kasha: Yes, complete protection against unforeseen circumstances! Drought, crop disease, fire, flood, weather control system failure… life can be very messy out there.
Largew: I’m gathering “act of God” isn’t on the list, either?
Blake raised an eyebrow.
Kasha: The plan covers non-corporeal lifeform related damages up to 200,000 credits! Trust me, you don’t want to pass this up.
The akubra dipped again as Largew sucked in a sharp breath. She uttered with a warning tone...
Largew: Blake…
Blake:::to Kasha:: I don’t think we’ll need the harvest protection plan.
Madame Kasha nodded slowly, still smiling, but then she leaned in, almost whispering now.
Kasha: Yes, yes, that’s what they all said before… and then…
The merchant suddenly jerked back with bulging eyes as she made a big, dramatic fireball gesture with her hands, shocking the two women.
Kasha: BOOM! Nausicaan pirate attack! Entire farm is burning! Children screaming! Total chaos!
Kasha’s eyes were still wide open as she took a deep breath, staring blankly as if she were still in shock thinking of the devastation.
Kasha: ...four hundred now is nothing compared to 400,000 later.
Largew: Lady, if a Nausicaan pirate gang burns down our crop field, you’re the last person I’d call.
Blake::gently:: Largew…
Largew: Will you ring me up or not?
Madame Kasha shook her head after Largew’s words snapped her attention from the poor orphans back to the two customers.
Kasha: Okay, okay… ::As she punched in Largew’s order, she turned to Blake.:: Harvest protection plan also makes the perfect gift for stubborn friends.
Blake:::with a tight smile:: No thank you.
As Kasha turned away, Blake addressed Largew once more.
Blake: This will be the last time I see you for a little while.
Largew: Hm. Not sure how I feel about that.
Blake: To be honest, neither do I. But I believe it’s a… step in the right direction.
Largew: I understand.
The human offered a hand out to Blake. The Brekkian Betazoid hybrid took it, the two shaking hands.
Largew: Thank you for you service to us. And in general, I suppose.
Blake: Well, I’ve only been responsible for bringing down Brekkian drug cartels in the Shoals and repelling Tholian incursions…
Largew: Yes yes, you’re very important. I look forward to seeing you again in the future.
Blake:::with a smile:: You too, Keyri.
Keyri Largew walked away, having successfully procured the last of Kidman I’s goods.