Meeting the PMA

Posted on Sat Sep 19, 2020 @ 2:02am by Civilian Livia Sagan & Civilian Eris Tah

922 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Et In Arcadia Ego
Location: PMA Association office, Promenade
Timeline: MD06, 0900

Having concluded her business for the time being with Geral Lasuma, Livia decided that it would be rude and poor business if she did not check in with the local PMA. After all, if she was going to do business here, she was going to have to discover the local rules, fees, and regulations so she could optimize her wares and products to get the greatest profit.

Confidently, she strutted across the promenade. She was certain that she was getting looked at; however, that's what her dress was meant for. It had a neckline that drooped down low enough to show the top of her breasts, hinting at what treasures lay lower. The dress also had a long slit up the left side of her leg, so that her long legs could be seen when she desired to make an extra impression. She had matching high heels that raised her height two inches from her tiny 5'2" in height.

Once she located the office of the PMA, she slipped inside and waited to be directed.

At the front desk was a mousy looking human female was typing at a terminal, a worried expression permanently etched into her brow. She looked up as Livia entered. "Can I help you?"

Things often what they did not appear to be. A mousy looking human would not be able to normally handle the demands of the PMA. Either that or this was a relatively tame station. Somehow, Livia doubted that. She put on her best charming smile and said, "Maybe. I am new here. I am a travelling merchant with wares to sell. I was considering renting some small space and learning the rules of this particular station. Could you give me that information or introduce me to the person that could?" she asked the receptionist politely.

The woman swivelled on her chair and grabbed a padd from the shelf behind her desk. "These are the current tenants, as well as vacant properties, footfall data, rental costs and terms." She held it out to Livia. Also PMA membership terms, fees and benefits, officers and the last annual and quarterly reports. List of members. And then applications forms for membership, and to rent. Latter requires filing copies with us, and we send copies to station command, civilian affairs etc etc."

"Is PMA membership required on this station or could I simply rent space without membership? What benefits do I get from PMA membership?"

"Preferential treatment in negotiations with command," the human woman repeated from rote, "Discounts on services with other members, expedited customs and excise, and access to various SMEs, like lawyers versed in Starfleet law and international and diplomatic agreements."

"Tell me about the discounts and expedited services. Also, tell me about the legal access," Livia replied like a snake who had just found a mouse to toy with before eating.

"It's all on the padd." The woman said meekly, "five percent off retail on all goods and services as minimum, but different owners do different things beyond that. Legal access is to both civilian solicitors and starfleet JAG officers so we get full coverage on all sides of the law. Details are on the padd."

Five percent was hardly a discount but Livia was certain that she could negotiate something more. Legal access, though, was valuable. One never knew when one would need some sort of assistance. Call it insurance, especially if something were wrongfully confiscated and left her without resources. She looked at the details on the PADD while asking, "And the cost for the membership?"

"Page twenty five."

"One hundred twenty five bars a year, eh?" Livia asked. That was a lot of profit to make up, but the frontier had a lot of profit. "Alright. I can do that. What else should I know? Perhaps your name?"

"Eris is the Secretary. I'm just her assistant." The woman didn't make eye contact.

Was this woman scared? Shy? She was very straightforward and did not seem to want to engage. Why? "Eris what is the Secretary's name?" Livia asked curiously. "And," she told the assistant in a sweet and encouraging voice, "I did not ask for Eris' name first. I asked for yours."

She looked embarrassed, and surprised to be asked. "Jane. Smyth. With a Y."

"Well, Jane Smyth, with a 'y,' my name is Livia Sagan. I'm new here but I bet that I would have some lovely clothes that would look stunning on you. Perhaps after you're done with work, you could come by my ship to see?"

"I'm not much of a clothes horse." Jane glanced towards the door to the inner office. "Maybe another time?"

Livia caught the meaning. Something inside of there, likely Eris, had her concerned. "Maybe another time," Livia agreed. She quickly opened a program and left her dock number information on the screen, hoping that Jane would be smart enough to erase it once she read it. "Well, I think that I have the information that I need right now. You have been most helpful, Miss Smyth. A credit to the PMA."

If there was any pleasure in the compliment, Jayne Smyth didn't show it. "Drop those back anytime, I'll take care of them." she nodded. But her shoulder relaxed a bit. She looked a little less hunched.

"Thank you, Miss Smyth." Livia gave Jayne a warm, understanding smile. I'll be seeing her soon. Good. This is working out well.


Livia Sagan
Independent Merchant
DS5

Jane Smyth
Assistant to the PMA Secretary
DS5

 

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