The Problem You'll Solve
Posted on Sun 2nd May, 2021 @ 8:50am by Chief Petty Officer Larry Kersenboom (Ret.)
593 words; about a 3 minute read
Mission:
Business Not At All As Usual
Location: Durant Repair Services
Timeline: MD-10, 0800
"You are seriously going out of business? Just like that?" Larry Kersenboom exclaimed to Corin Durant, who owned the repair shop located near his quarters. "Well, frizzlesnort! I was hoping to see if you guys needed any part-time help. I used to be a Chief Petty Officer in Starfleet, and I know how to fix any number of things."
What is a frizzlesnort? Corin Durant--or Damion Ildaran--wondered as he cleared out the unsold merchandise from inside a display case and packed it into a crate for recycling. The universal translator wasn't translating the word.
"I'm afraid so, Mr. Kersenboom. I got a really good offer of a business deal back on Earth, and it's near my parents, who are ailing, so I'm heading back there. Ordinarily, I might've been willing to talk to you about taking over this business, but I've got to leave too quickly. I don't want to be tied up with business sale stuff right now; I want to get home as quickly as possible. If you're interested in the space, though, and would like to set up your own business here, I could put in a good word for you with the Chamber of Commerce."
Larry shook his head. "No, thank you. I've gotten too used to being retired and having time to watch videos and read. Part-time work is all I want to do. Running a business is a full-time job."
"That is is," Corin agreed. "You might have a look at Thurmond Technical Repairs in the Promenade. I can recommend their work. They fixed a garden irrigation system I have, and it irrigates beautifully now."
"They're in the Promenade?" Larry said, raising his eyebrows. "Fancy. Why didn't you fix it yourself?"
"I wanted to see what quality of work they did. Yeah, they are fancy, with fancy prices, too, but they have a lot of staff and might have part-time spots available. Couldn't hurt to ask," Corin said. "Another possibility is Brown Sector, if occupation is what you're more interested in, rather than a big paycheck."
"What's Brown Sector?" Larry asked. "I've never heard of it."
"It's about four decks, down around deck 2245. The upper two decks are Brown Sector proper, and the lower two are called the Zodiac, after a casino that was built down there ages ago. It's pretty seedy now. The residents are mainly people who came here as refugees. They wound up staying when Starfleet gave control of this base to civilian authorities during the Dominion War. The civilian folks stopped looking for permanent homes for them, and a whole generation grew up to look on this base as their home. Now they don't want to leave. Problem is, most of them are poor. Never thought I'd see that in the Federation, but there it is. They could use any help you might be willing to give."
"Hm. Normally, I'm not a charity sort of guy," Larry admitted, "but I am looking more for something to do than for pay, and I wouldn't mind doing the odd bit of free repair work for someone who needs it. I'll take a look down there. Thanks."
"You could do worse," Corin said. "Go to their community center and talk to Renato or Kya. They'll be able to tell you who needs what. Look around. Sell the problem you'll solve."
"I'll do that," Larry said. "Well, good luck with your new business, Mr. Durant, and thanks for the tip."
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