Setting Up Shop

Posted on Mon Apr 29th, 2024 @ 10:19am by Callisi Veera

779 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: M2: Culture Shock
Location: Ledosian Station - Market Quarter
Timeline: The Not So Distant Future...

Another leg on another long distance haul. Transport grain to there, trade grain for spices, transport spices to there, trade spices for machine parts, transport machine parts to Ledos, and finally trade machine parts here for, well, anything. From here it would be the back legs of the trade circuit, figured out by a few industrious Sons of Ts'usu, and collaborated with the crew. Everyone works, everyone eats, everyone profits. That was the creed. The crew of eight consisted of herself, a Slate core-priest that blessed every crate of ore the trade cruiser ever took on, a Trilark in their encounter suit, a near-human, and the remainder of the crew were Ts'usugi. Callisi handled researching new legs for the trade circuit, which she enjoyed in her spare time. She also enjoyed her chats with Craglin, the Slate. Though they could take a while, it really helped her focus on patience. A conversation with a Slate could take HOURS. She had to admit, though, he had a wonderful voice. At least, she was PRETTY sure it was a he. It took five Slate to procreate, so she wasn't even sure it applied.

Still though, marvelous conversationalist.

The final leg on this circuit was here at Ledos. It ran afoul of Voyager last time they were through here, and while she herself didn't have any negative experiences with the distant Federation, she knew they'd be back. Either to make amends or to plant flags. Would the Three Dawn Accord need to be updated to include them? To exclude them?

"What.Ts.Usugi.Thinking?" came the rumble of Craglin's inquiry, translated into audio through a device it wore along its shoulder. Again, pretty sure that was a shoulder. Callisi offered her stony friend a soft smile. "Oh, I'm just wondering about this Federation that's been all over the chatter the last few terms. Are they friends? Conquerors? Warriors? Or are they like us? Just travelers and traders throughout the sector?"

Craglin thought for a moment, then simply gave a nod of most of its form, "Yes." was its response. "They.Here.Want.Planet.Care.For.Planet.Live.On.Planet." it explained. "Planet.Meant.For.Living." Craglin's people were very religious and protective of planets with warm, living cores. There was so much about the Slate that was unknown simply by virtue of not having the time to truly speak with them, about them. But how DO you talk to something that counts its lifespan in so many intervals of your own?

"Maybe you're right. Maybe they ARE just looking for a place to live. Know any good worlds that need a species on them?" she teased, and the stone creature rumbled in what she now knew was laughter. "I.Will.Find.Them.One." Craglin said, determined. Once the docking process had completed, it was her and Craglin that would be taking out the bulk of the trade material. Craglin handled the radioactive cases, while Callisi and another Son of Ts'usu handled the machine parts. Craglin has often commented on how the Radioactives didn't truly bother it, but if it felt a tingle it would be sure to let us know. The worst part was, it meant welt, but by the time it felt the tingle and then warned the crew, it'd be too late. Craglin meant well, though.

The docking was complete, and the rabbitish folk of the Ts'usugi got to work. Callisi and her shipmate Taisho started hauling the non-reactives to their stall, while Craglin handled the heavier lead-lined boxes. The Trilark, Splibloop, handled the docking and stall fee negotiations. They had a true talent for finances. Their near-human, Trilla, would held keep watch on the ship while the others of the merchant vessel Prosperity's Venture would handle the day to day. Trilla's people were nervous in wide open spaces, as she had grown up in caves on her home world. The tight spaces of the ship were very comfortable to her, and thus she'd protect this ship with her life. No one would intrude on their home.

Prosperity's Venture's captain was a Son of Ts'usu named Hideo, and he made sure everything was set up on time for the market trade hub to open. Everything was presented, labeled, warning signs were up, and the asking rate was displayed in at least four languages. They'd settle for 76, the universal currency, but with luck they'd get REAL money this time. It's not that they didn't APPRECIATE 76, it's that it was hardly a profit to accept it.

And Craglin ate it. Well not all of it, but a nibble into the profits here and there would be disastrous.

 

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