All We Have To Offer

Posted on Tue Jun 23rd, 2020 @ 4:39am by Lieutenant Commander Mindo & Lieutenant John Sandoval & Ensign Emmanuelle Larose
Edited on on Fri Jul 10th, 2020 @ 5:27pm

Mission: Death in Paradise
Location: Arcade
Timeline: A couple of hours after "Drinks and Consequences", before "Surprises" and "An Elder's Counsel"

ON

John Sandoval has just finished giving Terrekal, the visiting Fesarian beverage distributor, a tour of the Pandora, or its noncritical systems at least. He had given similar tours on his last assignment, but never the Pandora. Indeed, this was the first time he'd visited a number of these locations. He relied heavily on Emmanuelle's directions, as she'd apparently given this exact tour before. They visited the recreation deck and its eateries, gym facilities, and shops; the holodecks; stellar cartography; a few science labs; and a crew lounge. The tour skipped the bridge, engineering, and other sensitive areas. If Terrekal wanted to see the engine room, the chief engineer would bring him there himself.

Terrekal has seemed sincerely interested and asked pertinent questions throughout. John did his best to answer them, as well as he could, occasionally asking people working in the rooms for added input. John was glad his first ship tour was with someone who was engaged.

As they promised Mindo, the final stop was the holodeck where Mindo’s arcade was set up. John hadn’t been here yet, either, and Emmanuelle only visited once with her friends. Neither were particularly familiar with its layout or amenities. He was impressed with it. The lights and sounds. The number of games. Apparently a bar and eating area on the second floor. Looked fun!

"So I don't know much about this place," John said, "except that it's meant to replicate similar entertainment centres on Earth. Games of different sorts, including some that give out tickets or tokens that can be redeemed for prizes. I think. I don't see a prize booth so I'm not sure. I also don't know if it's meant to replicate any one specific building or if it's an amalgamation. Hopefully Mr. Mindo can tell us more. What do you think?"

As they sat in the arcades upper deck enjoying drinks, Terrekal was very interested in the sights and sounds to be seen. These "games" were not entirely foreign to him, though the familiar ones had strange names like "Air Hockey" or "Skee-Ball."

"This place is very... elaborate," said Terrekal. "There are some activities here that are similar to some I've seen on Fesaria. We do have some kinds of game rooms and establishments on Fesaria, but the games can be very different. Most people seek recreation in the holodecks. Games like these are often meant for children."

"These games are usually meant for children as well," John said. "We do have some kids on board. But adults often find them fun, too. Especially if we played the games as children. Sometimes we're nostalgic for the things we enjoyed in our youth. There are a few holodeck programs I loved as a child, which I still find immensely entertaining. A fantasy story called The Lord of the Rings, and a time travel adventure by the name of Chrono Trigger. The sense of adventure these games or holoprograms bring are fun at any age." John looked around again. "Did you see any you wanted to try?"

"There was a title that caught my eye downstairs. I think it was called, 'Dig Doog,'" said Terrekal. "I notice you have several crates where us tiny people can stand. Very efficient. But tell me more about your literature. What is 'Chrono Trigger?' Does it have something to do with time-traveling bounty hunters? That would be my first guess, based on the title."

"Close," answered John with a smile. "It's about a group of heroes who travel through time to prevent the end of the world. And I think you're referring to 'Dig Dug.' I'm unfamiliar with that one myself. Something about digging underground, I think."

"I see," Terrekal replied.

"You mentioned literature," John said. "Earth is a very diverse place, and so many types of literature evolved. There's a theory that all of our stories can be broken down into just a few basic plots, like rebirth, rags-to-riches, or overcoming the monster. I barely have time to read fiction anymore, or enjoy fictional holo-novels. Most of what I read is about Soldiers. Warriors. Anyone who took up weapons to defend their way of life, from about the start of the 20th century to the end of the 23rd. Usually from an Earth perspective."

Terrekal nodded. "On Fesaria we have little interest in war or military. Our defense technology is very advanced, and we are blessed to be in a location unimportant to other races strategically. Wars have not waged on Fesaria for thousands of years. The idea is not foreign to us, however. Being one of the oldest species in the known universe, we've made contact with plenty other war-like races and like you and I are doing now, we've traded cultural goods to all interested. But because we are so far away from what is now called the 'Alpha' Quadrant, we've had very little contact with the likes of the Terrans, Klingons, or Romulans. Being a trader myself, I've come into contact with several members of the Federation, but I've never met a Terran before."

“And aside from Mindo, I’ve never met a Fesarian before!” John replied. “A day of firsts for us both.” He raised his glass to Terrekal before taking a sip. “Your world sounds wonderful. I wish we would all resolve our problems with words and cultural exchange. I study war because I appreciate my people’s history, and I’m a diplomat because I want to prevent conflict and end suffering. If the Federation didn’t have war, I wouldn’t need this.” He lifted his cane, which had been leaning against the table where they sat.

"I was wondering about that," said Terrekal, eyeing the cane. "Why do you need it? I mean, what happened?"

Emmanuelle the security officer was sitting nearby watching the situation, and she leaned in to hear the story. She read his file, but hadn’t heard him tell the story himself.

“When the war with the Dominion began, I enlisted in the Starfleet Marines,” John answered. “Figured it was important. The least I could do. Served for a little over a year on a dozen worlds. Helped evacuate civilians from Betazed. I remember this one kid, about 16 years old. Lost his parents, at least one of his siblings. Whole hometown burnt to the ground. I saw the look on his face. Poor kid was scarred for life. That sort of thing sticks with you, you know?”

Terrekal nodded, seeming to understand.

John continued. “My unit helped capture Chin’Toka. I was on a shuttle. We were redeploying to reinforce another site. We were shot down. They hadn’t cleared the anti-air emplacements well enough. My ship crashed hard, and I was impaled through the leg. Most of my comrades died. Two stayed with me until we were rescued though. One of the nicest things anyone ever did for me. Doctors gave me artificial muscle and bone, and we strengthened it over years of therapy. But most days I still need the cane to walk probably.” He leaned back and smiled. “So you can see why I feel strongly about preventing war.”

"And yet you are still a Starfleet officer," Terrekal observed.

“I think I can do the most good out here,” he said by way of answer.

"And what's your story?" Terrekal nodded to Emmanuelle.

“Mine, sir?” she said. “Not much to tell. Joined Starfleet when I was young, in the enlisted ranks. Superiors suggested I become an officer. This ship is my first posting, and I’ve been here about a year. Just the other day I was assigned to be security guard for Mr. Sandoval’s Diplomatic department.”

John smiled at Emmanuelle. “And she’s done very well so far.” He turned back to Terrekal. “We were talking about literature and stories before. What’s Fesarian literature like?”

"We love humor," said Terrekal. "Fesarian literature is often quite funny. Lots of people assume Fesarians are mostly into erotica, but this is not the case. Why fantasize about such things when good company is so easy to find? I've seen several examples of pornography from many different races and find it all to be hilarious! My favorite is an Earth holo in which you play a repairman sent to repair some college girl's food replicator. Often times the replicator isn't even broken! Why am I there in the first place?"

John grinned widely and laughed at the comment. “I never thought of it that way! Story-driven pornography is very strange, isn’t it? Humans do use the holodeck for that purpose sometimes. We’re much more liberated in our sexualities than we were even a couple of centuries ago, but it isn’t quite the Fesarian experience, if I take your meaning. I have a couple of programs, and while most don’t feature a plot, one does and you might find it hilarious. Something about being a shuttle pilot and the woman you're flying can’t pay her fare? Come to think of it, she probably could have beamed herself home.”

Emmanuelle couldn’t help but throw out “Not to mention the fact that most of the Federation doesn’t use currency!” She then clasped her hand over her mouth and began to blush. “Sorry, sir,” she quietly mumbled. John smiled at her and raised his glass to her.

"There are Ferengi programs that feature animals," said Terrekal. "But I've only heard of them. I can't say I've ever had any interest."

"I see we've gotten a little more familiar," Mindo said as he ascended the stairs, making eye contact with the bar, giving a nod that implied the holographic bartender knew what drink to make.

“Mindo!” John said, raising his drink to his friend. “I really like this place!”

Mindo sat down next to Terrekal and was handed a drink. "Forgive my delay, I was caught up in exploring the station's many sites to behold. They've got a full gymnasium with two pools! One of them is for kids, and it's great for treading water!"

Terrekal laughed. "They never think of Fesarians when they build these places."

"Have you been here long?" asked Mindo.

Terrekal gave a small shrug. "I trade in and out of this place. There are other stations from which to buy and sell. I usually stay here a couple weeks then move on. This is one of the busier stations in this quadrant."

“There are so many ships in orbit, trying to dock,” John noted. “Is it always this busy?”

"Yes, always," said Terrekal. "The variety of peoples is very vast, and this place is located in a very convenient spot for travelers and traders like myself. Not too far from civilization, but far enough to not attract attention. There are a lot of people who need things delivered or done 'discreetly,' if you catch my meaning."

"I think I do," said John. He had seen a lot of colourful characters around the station, and wouldn't be surprised if many were criminals. Maybe some were related to the Ravagers or otherwise connected with the Pact. Probably best not to push Terrekal on this, though. Not yet at least.

He pushed himself up from his seat. "If you gentlemen will excuse me, it's been a long day and I need to get back to my office and finish a report before I go off duty. Mindo, I love this place and I'll be coming back! Mr. Terrekal, it's been a pleasure spending the afternoon with you. I hope to see you again and continue our conversation."

"I'll be around!" said Terrekal. Making eye contact with Emmanuelle, he gave her a little wink.

"Come on, Ensign," John said to Emmanuelle. She also stood and smiled at the two Fesarians. The two officers left the arcade and made their way towards the Diplomatic Department.

When John and Emmanuelle had left, Terrekal turned to Mindo.

"So," said Terrekal, "what do we do now?"

Mindo looked around at the empty establishment. "Want to see my quarters?"

"I thought you'd never ask," replied Terrekal.

OFF