Under New Management

Posted on Fri Apr 19th, 2013 @ 6:59am by Crumm Widdy

1,025 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Mission 82 - The Aggressor
Location: Starbase 400 - Skyline Lounge
Timeline: Concurrent with the Durga's Mission to Earth

Crumm Widdy was not a man known for taking unnecessary risks, so when he informed his family and friends that he had purchased the Skyline Lounge, they thought him mad. The various galactic economies were still in a state of recuperation following the events of the Borg Invasion, Dominion War and Typhon Pact formation. However, a new found sense of adventure had been quickly growing within Mr. Widdy and his Ferengi colleagues always felt he had the lobes for business. Starbase 400 was located in a dangerous, yet highly travelled, sector of space. It was a hive of activity and a central hub for commerce of all sorts. His 'lobes' had been tingling as it were and he knew this investment would not fail.

Crumm had arrived at Starbase 400 nearly two weeks earlier in order to oversee the final stages of the Skyline's renovations. His contract with Starfleet had been substantial and allowed him to absorb two adjacent shops in order to expand his enterprise. His contract required him to provide Starfleet personnel a monthly allotment of compensated food and drink, but also allowed him to keep 100% of his revenue stream from paying customers. He knew this sector of space could lead to a number of stressors not found aboard many starships or other bases, so he made it his mission to create a place of impeccable rest and relaxation.

He knew his reputation as a Bolian would precede him, hopefully making the Skyline Lounge synonymous with customer service and excellent accommodations. Crumm stood in the middle of the Skyline with his hostess, Sheela. She was a tall, slender, ageless beauty with charm and wit befitting an Orion animal woman. Her dark green hue perfectly offset Crumm's brilliant blue. A former dabo girl, she was no stranger to the entertainment industry. Crumm had purchased her contract from her Ferengi owner some years prior and freed Sheela. She has remained by his side ever since, a loyal and dedicated employee.

"How do you think we'll fare here, my dear?", Crumm's asked. He was fixated on Kaleb IV. In shone like a jewel in the blackness of space and nearly filled the panoramic view of his new establishment.

"You can't miss, Mr. Crumm." Her voice was sultry, her tone confident. "It may take some time, but I think this joint will be the hot spot of the sector."

Crumm smiled. Though it seemed to be his default expression, he was genuinely excited by what lay ahead and took pride in all he had accomplished. "Come Ms. Sheela. Let us have one last look around."

Crumm extended his arm and Sheela linked hers with his. Theirs was a purely platonic relationship, though those on the outside looking in might reach a different conclusion. First, they arrived at the newly installed preservation chamber. Here, Crumm was able to store fresh meats, cheeses, vegetables and other ingredients from his native Bolarus IX. He was proud to be serving freshly prepared Bolian cuisine at the Skyline Lounge. A brief inspection showed the latest shipment to have been delivered and properly secured.

Next, they came to the Lounge's replicator bank. Five replicators placed side by side would allow for maximum output and decrease the time between ordering and enjoying. Crumm had replaced the standard issue Starfleet replicators with a set designed by his co-husband. These replicators allowed for greater freedom to customize recipes as well as functions imbedded for increased flavor and presentation. Crumm recalled his personal database on one of the replicator consoles. He grinned with satisfaction when he saw there were nearly one million food and drink choices.

Finally, Crumm and Sheela looked over the final layout of the Skyline, which had been broken up into four sections. There was the main bar area which was comprised of a long strip of single seats placed in close proximity to Crumm's base of operations. Those looking for good conversation would be well served to take a seat near Crumm. The general dining area made up the majority of the Lounge. The seating arrangement was optimized for prime social engagement. The Officers area was segregated near the main view port. This section was designed to allow station business to discussed by the powers that be while still providing a relaxed environment. The last section filled an annexed shop space. It had been redesigned to function as a large conference center to be used to host a variety of special events.

All seemed to be in order. A last minute check for dust demonstrated it was time to proceed. "Well, Sheela, shall we begin?", he asked with arms wide open and grin firmly in place.

"Of course, Mr. Crumm. As ready as I'll ever be." She picked a piece of lint off of his overly ornate Bolian suit. Their respective blue and green skins seemed bioluminescent with excitement.

"Okay, first we must establish mood." He stood at attention as if addressing wait staff. "Computer, reduce ambient lighting by twenty percent." The Lounge dimmed, allowing for the glow of Kaleb IV to be accentuated. "Now, we have to let everyone know we are here and ready to serve. Computer, initiate advertisement protocols Crumm one through three." The Computer beeped in acknowledgement that a communique had been sent to all Starfleet personnel and civilians aboard Starbase 400, as well as a general notice to passing starships. "And last, but not least. Computer, unlock main entrance."

Crumm showed Sheela to her podium at the Skyline Lounge's main entrance. "Now, we wait." She offered a reassuring smile and patted her blue friend on the back. He took his station behind the bar, staring out the massive viewport at the occasional passing ship. He waited. And waited. And waited. His chronic smile began to wane at the thought of a failure in the making.

Just then, he heard the whoosh of the door. Sheela's soft and raspy voice filled the establishment like a chorus of cherubs. "Hello", she said, "welcome to the Skyline Lounge." And with that, Crumm perked up, adjusted his suit and refreshed his smile as he prepared to greet his first customer. The first of many.

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