An Idea Explained

Posted on Fri 27th May, 2022 @ 3:23pm by Qaraq & Criswell Sandbags & Commander Paul Graves PsyD

1,147 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: The Hunted
Location: Qaraq's Casino
Timeline: MD-1, 1340 hours

===Previously, on Starbase 109===

Qaraq demands a meeting with Commander Graves in the holosuite of Qaraq's Brown sector casino. After a frosty introduction, the conversation warms up when Qaraq asks Graves for advice. Graves suggested the holosuite be used for the school in Brown sector.

"That's a great idea!" Criswell exclaimed from behind them. The two men turned. "Er, sorry. I didn't mean to overhear."

Qaraq grinned. "That's what I'm paying you for," he said. He stroked the horns on his chin again. "Hmm... you may be right, Criswell. At the very least, it's an interesting idea. Tell me more, Mr. Graves. What is the need for a school in a casino?"

===And now the continuation===

ON

Qaraq and Criswell eagerly awaited further explanation from Commander Graves' suggestion for using the holosuite for school purposes.

Paul took a moment to choose his words. "What you see around you here in Brown Sector is a community that is evolving," he said at last. "Its original purpose was to provide temporary housing for refugees from natural disasters and wars. The Federation relinquished control of the station for a time to civilian authorities who didn't maintain the resettlement effort, so an entire generation of people was born here and now regard 109 as their home. Starfleet has resumed running the base, but it still sees these decks as temporary. So the educational facilities are makeshift and temporary, as well. The teachers Brown Sector has are mostly volunteers, except for the few who are accredited teachers. Some of the teachers cannot get accreditation because of criminal records or other issues.

"Space elsewhere on this station is too expensive for them to rent, and a stigma has developed over time that might prejudice people elsewhere on the station from renting to them. They would rather not take charity from Starfleet--sponsorship and advice on incorporating as a municipality, yes, but not outright charity. What you have here is the largest amount of available space I've seen in Brown Sector, aside from the Community Center. Frankly, I'm astounded that any of the space was devoted to housing a casino instead of, well, housing."

Criswell interjected, "A lot of the housing is very small, and in most cases there are more than one person living there. I have three Tellarite roommates who make me sleep on the floor. Almost all of my pay goes toward the rent. With my job as a busboy I get to eat for free, but only the food that's being thrown out at the end of the day. I've wanted to move, but any other place is too expensive for me to afford. And there are many more in situations like mine in Brown Sector."

"And yet they need a casino," Qaraq said with unmistakable irony in his voice. He stood deep in thought for a moment, hand on his horned chin. After a few seconds, he straightened and turned to Graves. "You may have your classroom," he thundered with authority. "And any supplies that are needed will come from me, free of charge. Criswell," he added, turning to his assistant. "I want you to oversee the process. Give them whatever they need; desks, PADDs, anything."

Paul blinked. "That is extremely generous of you, Mr. Qaraq, and you have my deepest thanks. Are you acquainted with Kya Adtanis of the Community Center? She was discussing the need with two of the current teachers a few days ago, which is how I learned of it."

"I know who she is," Criswell said.

Qaraq nodded. "Perhaps I should have a meeting with her."

"I'll demand one right away!" Criswell said with excitement.

"Asking would go over much better," Paul said hastily.

Criswell's eyes widened. "Yes, of course! I will ask," he said. Qaraq gave Criswell a nod of approval.

"You should ask to meet with three other women, too--named Tessa, Ojja, and Lifiaden. They will be very interested in talking with you," Paul added.

Qaraq pointed to the PADD Criswell had in his hand. "You may want to put this information on your PADD."

Criswell nodded. "Oh, yes." He began writing the notes in the PADD.

Qaraq turned to Graves. "Why would these three women wish to talk to me?"

"Tessa and Ojja are teachers, and Lifiaden Zaldek is a parent who wants to improve education for Brown Sector children," Paul explained. "Along with Kya and Renato, they will be your core motivated people."

"Do you think they will approve of the classroom's location?" Qaraq asked. "As you've reminded me a few times now, things on a starbase are different than my usual environment. My children grew up learning to tend bar and no one batted an eye. But here..."

"There might be, at first. As I told you, it's a bizarre idea. But I also think they're desperate. Their children are falling behind because they don't have access to the advanced instruction that even young children have elsewhere on this station. The only way these people will be able to improve the conditions in Brown Sector and to incorporate as a permanent community here is for their children to get an education comparable to everyone else's on 109."

"Then I am glad to provide them with a classroom," Qaraq boomed. "Mr. Graves, if you have any further ideas, I would like to hear them, no matter how bizarre they may be."

"Ah, be careful what you ask for, Mr. Qaraq," Paul said with a mischievous look. "Shall I ask them to drop by and see you, or would you prefer they make an appointment with Mr. Sandbags?"

Criswell spoke up again. "I can invite them! They probably don't know me, but the more connections I can make, the better."

"If you mention school space to them, I suspect they will be eager to meet," Paul agreed.

Criswell nodded with excitement.

Qaraq was rubbing his chin again. "I still think a theater would be a good idea," he mused. "Perhaps I should save that idea for later."

"Why not do both?" Paul asked. "A school during the day and a theater at night. It's a holosuite; it can be anything you want."

"Nevertheless," Qaraq boomed, "I think I will tackle one thing at a time. In case you didn't notice downstairs, my gambling floor needs a giant overhaul. The last proprietor of this place did not take much pride in its appearance. It also needs a new name."

"That's how the last owner had it?" Paul shook his head. "I thought you were simply in the middle of renovating. I'll look forward to seeing what it looks like when you have it remodeled."

"Tell me, Commander," said Qaraq, "what kinds of food do humans like? I'm hoping to improve our buffet as well."

Criswell lit up again. "Ooh! I really like French fries!"

OFF

 

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