Recruiting

Posted on Thu 7th Mar, 2013 @ 4:38pm by Captain Eee-eee-rie--eeee-eek Nightingale D.Sc & William Lev

1,247 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: http://sb109.sim-station.net/index.php/sim/missions/id/3
Location: Promenade
Timeline: Current, 1020

There was no time like the present. That's what Jade's adoptive grandmother from Earth said, anyway. Now that she had the Colonel's go ahead, it was time to round up some support on the Promenade, to find some shop owners who were interested in helping develop Tivoli Gardens. Jade wasn't happy with the idea of committees because, in her experience, committees were the long way to do anything. In this instance, though, it was a necessary evil. The scope of the project was so large, it needed the input of those who would use it, or those she hoped would use it and feel they were a part of its building and growth.

For today, it would be enough to talk to two of the shop owners on her list. She'd chosen about a dozen she thought were representative of a variety of races, and had at least a hope of working together with others. First stop, William Lev's The Perfect Fit.

"Fight nice," she murmured, remembering a professor saying that to a group of her classmates who were arguing.

Serena looked up from the books she was balancing. "Did you say something?"

Jade shook her head. "Just remembering why I hate being in charge of things."

Serena laughed. "Go get 'em, Warrior Lantz!"

The owner of Orchids and Jazz grimaced, "I hope it doesn't come to that," she said, heading out the door.

"No, no, no." Came the recognizably high-pitched English of the Velurian, who was mid-way through scolding the crew of private employees cleaning up the absolute mess that was The Perfect Fit. "I told you, the shelves must all be perfectly straight. That is NOT perfectly Straight."

"It is, too, madam." One of the men said. "It's perfectly straight. On the ground."

By the time Jade actually could see the crew, there was a deep amount of midnight blue in Nightingale's face, and a man in a nice suit was clearly debating whether or not to intervene.

"Gentlemen, I'm paying you by the job, not by the hour." The crisp British accented man noted. "If you do not do precisely as the lady instructs, you will not be paid a single credit. Your bonuses for this job are not going to be paid if you continue such vulgar, and juvenile behavior."

He eyed the Velurian. "I also cannot guarantee you will continue breathing for very long, and it would be most unfortunate to have to bail my fiancee out of jail within 24 hours of popping the question."

"You know what, gramps, you want it done so perfectly, YOU do it." The cheeky laborer exclaimed, and just walked off the site. The other two employees, empowered by this, followed suit.

Because of employing many servers and musicians, the owner of Orchids & Jazz had a list of people on whom she could draw for all kinds of projects. Hearing about the garden project, she'd already had a number of inquiries from people who either wanted to earn extra credits, or were interested in interacting with other species.

"Have I come at a bad time?" asked Jade. She tapped something into her PADD and looked at the results. "Maybe I can help. Will two female Vulcans be acceptable?"

The two women she was suggesting to Lev were students from Vulcana Regar University and were studying the interactions of those who live in a limited environment. They would jump at the chance to work in this shop with the owner's fiance.

"No, you've come at a perfect time." The Velurian said, with a nod. "If you know anyone who can help us get this place back in one piece, that'd be wonderful."

"Or at least, have the pieces back where they should be. The previous owner of this place didn't seem to care in the slightest, when the Starbase fell into disarray." Lev said.

"Mmmmm," Jade said noncommittally. "I understand everyone except a minimal Federation Civilian Defense Authority left in a hurry originally, and I don't think they had a lot of shopping in the decade they were in charge." She glanced around the shop, which looked quite attractive to her, but she supposed she would be as picky about Orchids & Jazz. In fact, she'd been told by her employees numerous times that she was quite picky.

"Two Vulcan students will be here shortly. Work them as you need them, and they'll be happy to charge only the answers to a few questions," Lantz said. "I actually came here on another matter today, though. I suppose you've heard about the Tivoli Gardens project?"

Lev shrugged. "Not heard a word. Just got here yesterday."

"Well, I do know about it, and you will know about it by tomorrow morning, this time, and you will be helping us with it." Nightingale said, eyeing Lev mischievously.

"Is that right?" Lev asked. "Well, I don't suppose arguing with you is a wise idea, so apparently I've heard about the Tivoli Gardens project. Shall we continue on with this conversation now?"

Jade smiled and mentally shook her head at the two in front of her. "The Captain has been graciously supportive of the plan so far, and I see that she's encouraging you to be involved, too. Today, all I'm looking for is a commitment to be on the planning committee." She looked at Nightingale and then back at the store's owner. Apparently, there was a relationship there. The Vulcans would find this an interesting place to help out.

"The Captain has been most gracious with very creative ideas, and scientific help, as well. I'm hoping to have several of the Promenade shop owners help us plan things that will be most appealing to the station's inhabitants. We want to be sure there's something for everyone to enjoy." She looked at William Lev for a few seconds. "May I count on you to come to the planning meetings?"

"I can do better than that, madame. While I may be a Doctor, first, and a business owner second, I'll have you know I'm a grade a Bureaucrat behind this nice suit." Lev said, nodding. "I'll have the paperwork sorted by the night after tomorrow. I understand that this is never a pleasant thing."

"Don't forget your ability to order people around." Nightingale said, with a chuckle.

"Alas, my dear, I'm fairly certain we have better individuals suited than I." Lev said, with a nod.

"A hand with the forms and minutiae is always welcome,"Jade smiled. "I still need your presence at meetings, however. In fact," she paused to think. "Yes, I think you'd make the perfect person to keep track of the meetings, take notes of everyone's ideas and contributions, so that they can be considered and either implemented or discarded in a smaller decision-making group. Of course, you'd be part of that group also, if you're willing.

"Think about it. You don't have to let me know right now," she said, glad that one promenade owner had agreed to join the planning committee. "I have several people I want to see today, but I'm looking forward to working with you." Jade held out her hand to the owner of Perfect Fit.

"Well, I'll think about-" Lev started.

There was a minor sound, followed by a murmured "Ouch."

"On second thought, Ms. Lantz, please, count me in." Lev called after her.

 

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