Posted by Civilian Karina Enger (Director of Education) in Oed Zoo - Continued Discussions (Tag Hoka and Jodar)

Posted by Civilian Zerbo (Ferengi Representative) in Oed Zoo - Continued Discussions (Tag Hoka and Jodar)

Posted by Civilian Karina Enger (Director of Education) in Oed Zoo - Continued Discussions (Tag Hoka and Jodar)
Posted by… suppressed (5) by the Post Ghost! 👻

Now with a clearer idea of what parts of her ideal school system would look like, as far as budget and space and building, and SIZE, Karina returned to the Zoo to seek out DaiMon Hoka. Also she just really enjoyed the zoo. She promised to bring Rondara, but she wasn’t doing that without dragging Jodar along. He might be gruff and complain but Karina also knew he would never want to miss any experience with her. He’d been forced to miss far too much.

She made her way past the entrance, gift shops, and helpful tour guides and stopped to gaze out across a swampy marshland exhibit before making her way toward the administrative building. She entered and walked up to the harried looking secretary. “I do not have an appointment but I was wondering if DaiMon Hoka had any time available today that I could speak with him.”

Enger, ED

Karina was informed that unfortunately DaiMon Hoka was not available that day. Karina knew she really should have tried to schedule an appointment, but she’d had extra time today and had, on a whim, when she passed the entrance to the zoo, decided to see if he was available. She left her name and message asking him for an appointment whenever was convenient. Then Karina decided to take the extra time that she had that day and explore the zoo a little bit more. It really was impressive. Degrees in veterinary medicine, botany, biology, zoology, animal behavior, animal science, conservation science were all added to her on going list of offerings for the new school. She took note of different signs, displays, and ‘meet the zoologist’ areas that would be wonderful places to include in a field trip to the zoo for the children.

Enger, ED

Bump

Just then, Hoka came through the door. “Ah! Miss Enger! Just the person I needed to see! I got all the permits for the zoo and schools! Would you have time for a meeting?” He said as he went into his office expecting her to follow if she did have time.

Dai’Mon Hoka

Karina blinked. Permits for the schools? Oh boy…the right hand did not know what the left was doing. “Yes certainly.” Karina followed him into the office. “I have news as well. I spoke with the Governor yesterday evening along with Mr. Holloway from HHI. The Governor has his people seeking out locations for me. It is very wide open of course since terraforming will make any location I pick ideal, but it is nice to have options. But I come bea…bearing an offer.”

Enger, ED

“Oh?! Well no big deal. We can hold on to them or transfer them over to the new locations. It’s your school after all. So what is the offer?”

DaiMon Hoka

“The locations will very much depend on the educational level of the students. For example the early educational center or centers will be in easy to access areas. Those children are too young to travel alone so ease of access for parents is a must. The university will be huge so somewhere with lots of room and extra for growth. So there will be several locations. It’s reassuring to know the permits can be transferred.”

Enger took a seat, “But the offer. I have spent many days since we met in stalled conversations negotiating and convincing Governor Hyrushi. But I have managed to get him to agree. We want to bring it new teachers and staff, but to do that we must make the move to Oed V viable and desirable. Part of that means housing and moving expenses. If you would be willing to sponsor… anonymously… educators coming to take on a contract with us, I have convinced the governor to name the Economics and Business School of the new university after you. And we will put into the charter that there will always be a Ferrengi professor on staff at the department.”

Enger, ED

“Wow! Really?” He looked genuinely surprised and pleased. “I am very honored. I thought we did talk about me sponsoring the teachers and certain students before. And I agreed to it. But we can formally do it now if you would like?”

“That would be wonderful, DaiMon,” Karina said, pressing her wrists together, palms flexed outward and gave a little bow from her seat. “What we spoke of before I was actually referencing the apprenticeship program I’m hoping to make a major part of the new school.”

He went over to the refreshments tray and poured two cups of coffee and put it on a tray with milk, sugar and cookies and brought it over to her and sat it down on the table. He took a cup and then a sip before he sat down.

“So. I DaiMon Hoka will sponsor any and all personnel that you and you alone approve. You have my word. Now about having a Ferengi Economics professor teach....... well that one is hard to wrap my big mind around. Our ways of doing business is vastly different then the rest of the galaxy and maybe even the universe. Meaning the rest of the galaxy has been getting along with a standard economy platform. The Ferengi’s do make vast amounts of monetary sums but we do have plenty of poor and middle class citizens as well.” He scratched his head and looked away. “Well I guess we are not that different after all.” He looked back at her. “At least have the Ferengi there as an elective or an additional class. Is that OK?” He took another sip of coffee.

DaiMon Hoka

Karina added sugar to the coffee and then picked it up and sipped at it. She didn’t understand the affinity most species had with coffee. It reminded her of medicine for Vira Spasio, but people seemed to like it, so she partook of the social convention. “I am sure that Ferenganar would not want their economic secrets given away, but an advanced class on galactic commerce or perhaps independent studies of the economic systems of specific species? It is not my area of expertise so it would be a project we would work very closely on to write the curriculum. But I think you are correct, DaiMon. We have more in common that we think, just some are better at it than others. But I trust your judgement here to know where best to place the instructor and what they could teach.” She sipped the coffee and took a bite of a cookie. “Now that you have agreed I have been asked to pass along the message for you to meet with Governor Hyrushi and the financial department to set up the funds for sponsership and the details of naming the Economics and Business School.”

Enger, ED

“Of course. I’ll set up the meeting right after we’re done. An advanced course would be great! Eventually any economic being would have to go up against a Ferengi eventually. That sounded better in my head and once said out loud, it sounds like my people are a menace. But you understand what I mean. I can have anything you like brought up if you don’t like anything on the tray? I only ask because you took a nibble out of the cookie. You’re a lady and I am guessing that is how you eat in company, but if you do not like it, I will get you what you want.”

Dai’Mon Hoka

“It sounded just fine. No need to apologize. The Ferengi should be proud of the economic prowess they have achieved, and it is true that if one wishes to do business in this quadrant then working with the Ferengi is going to happen at some point. It is a fact.” Karina took another bite of the cookie and after a sip of coffee she smiled. “It is actually quite good DaiMon. My people are completely telepathic, we are born without a…voice box. We have vocal enhancers implanted at a very young age so that we can verbally communicate. It is difficult to…” Karina paused trying to find the words to correctly describe the sensation. No one had ever asked and so she had never explained. “Bigger portions of food feel…heavier on the throat and can make it difficult to…to create the sounds for speech. I have found smaller bites more conductive to the flow of continued conversation. But they are quite good, and I am enjoying them very much.”

Enger, ED

“Ah. Good. Well I am glad that your species put in those vocal enhancers. Not being able to hear your voice would be a shame.” He took a sip of coffee very quickly because he felt he overstepped his bounds. Bringing the conversation back. “I am glad that you are enjoying the refreshments then. “

Years of training kept the polite smile and neutrality on Karina’s face. A Ferengi that was charming. That was a first for her. Polite, business savvy, hospitable, but charming? No that was a first. “They are very good, I think you for your hospitality.”

“You are most welcome my lady.”

“Then we will need to have a Ferengi that will be able to not only help teach, but teach the Ferengi way and to also teach how to spot a crooked deal and a crooked Ferengi as well. That would be beneficial.”

Dai’Mon Hoka

Karina nodded, “It would be, and it would be unique to the university and specifically the economics and business school here on OED. No one else, other than Ferenginar would have courses in Ferengi business practices. It will make the school highly sought after.” Karina sat back, uncrossed her ankles and recrossed them, having switched her feet around. She thought a moment. “We certainly don’t want someone else taking that prestige away from you, DaiMon. Perhaps a contract that indicates a number of years that the university on OED has the exclusive access to such instructors and curriculum? It would be a shame for someone else to hear of your position within the university system and try steal the spot light.” She sipped the coffee, “A thought to ponder.”

Hoka blinked his eyes a few times and looked to be in disbelief. He got out of his chair and walked over to her. He was sore slightly smaller then her even when she was sitting and looked her over as he walked around her.

“Forgive me. I was just making sure that you were not a Ferengi in disguise. With all of this going on”....as he waved his hands in the air.....” I completely forgot how my species and some Hew-Mons can be. Thank you for reminding me of that. We will need to be quick and have contracts made immediately. We both will talk with Ferengi to hire the best. I will set up appointments for video interviews very soon.”

She was checking her notes and making more when she suddenly looked up. “It occurs to me, that we have missed a demographic when considering prospective teachers. There is a Star Fleet instillation here on Oed. Any officer posted here that has a child or children will send their children to the school. That means that Star Fleet will send teachers along. We don’t want them feeling different from the teachers recruited directly. Their housing and moving is taken care of by Star Fleet. So there must be some way to offer them benefits for working with us and putting full effort into their work.” She stared out the window thinking it over. “We should talk to the Lt Gov. He would know what could be offered and those officers accept without breaking Star Fleet’s rules.”

“That is a big demographic. I can see how they would feel like their getting shafted as Hew-Mons say.” He pondered a bit. “Well we can discuss this with the Lt. Governor but what about matching their retirement while they are here. Say we will match whatever they put in up to 10% for each pay day. That way they get a boon on their retirement.”

Karina nodded slightly as she thought. “Perhaps but Star Fleet doesn’t really deal in concrete forms of currency. Instead of a percentage a set amount might be more appropriate. We will have to examine how best to do that. Housing rules for officers stationed on colonies are a little different than on ships. On a ship you have no choice but to live on board. On colonies and outposts there are other options, so it is possible that sponsoring their living space may also be viable. Many considerations. We also do not want to make the pot so sweet that they leave Star Fleet prematurely. I, personally, do not want to draw Fleet’s attention by stealing their officers.”

“Very well. What about we build a housing district for the officers? Like the Earth forces did for their military in the 20th century. We can build a series of like houses to cut cost and yet build some bigger houses for the very high ranked ones. That way they will not have to worry about a place to stay. And of course we will fully furnish the place. “

Karina nodded, “This seems a good compromise, but I will leave that final decision to Cpt Jodar. Star Fleet has very specific rules about accepting compensation.” Though Karina was aware of them her previous work allowed her a lot more leeway than most typical Star Fleet officers.

“And no time like the present to get done. The sooner things are in place the sooner we move forward.” Karina picked up an old fashioned communicator and was quickly connected to the Lt Gov’s office. “I’m sorry the Cpt is currently with someone may I take a message?”

“Tell Cpt Jodar that Director Enger called and I require his presence and input at the Zoo administrator’s office. And it is not about his daughter.” Karina closed the comm and looked over at Hoka, “Being the educational director means I know all the colony’s children, and their parents. Connections in high places. Have you ever met a Zaldan, DaiMon?”

Enger, ED

“You are such an amazing lady! You really know how to make a Ferengi feel happy, impressed and intimated all at once. But to answer your wisdom, no. I have never met a Zaldan before. And before we continue, you can just call me Hoka. Dai’Mon is a rank and title just like yours Doctor. But I haven’t been calling you Doctor so it is only fair that you do not call me Dai’Mon.”

Dai’Mon Hoka

“You flatter me, but we are doing business, and it is always....pru…pr…the word escapes me…advisable to remember the skill and knowledge of the people you enter into business with. Finding support and funding for education makes one business aware if not an expert.” Karina nodded, “Ah then I should warn you, do not be overly courteous and polite. Blunt and direct is the way to go.” Though that may not save Hokka from Cpt Jodar and his Zaldan temperment.

Enger, ED

“I understand Doctor. But keep in mind I am a Ferengi. I am a master at changing my vocal and mental temperament to fit in any situation that arises. Er....save for our current conversation. I am being genuine in our talks.”

Dai’Mon Hoka

Karina’s communicator beeped and she smiled holding up an open palm. A polite gesture asking Hoka to excuse the interruption. =C=Director Enger, I’m afraid Cpt Jodar’s meeting will run late. He promises to meet with you when he is done, but this meeting must be concluded before anything else.=C= Karina thanked the woman and closed the com. “Well Hoka, it seems the Lt Gov. won’t be able to meet us. In the mean time perhaps you could show me some of the facilities you were considering for the apprenticeship program? Or I can return at a later time. I know you are very busy.”

Enger, ED

“Darn.” Hoka was wondering if this was a stall tactic either because he is a Ferengi or because of a certain Ferengi. “Zerbo” He muttered quietly. “None the less my dear. We will move forward.” Then he realized what he just said. “I mean. Yes Doctor. We will move forward. Surprisingly I do not have much on my plate today but we can stop anytime you wish and if you get hungry, we will order you some food and drink.”

OOC: I have NO CLUE about what facilities in supposed to be showing here. Sorry.

Dai’Mon Hoka