Taking Stock
Posted on Tue Aug 11th, 2026 @ 6:59am by Commander Ichiko Gail & Crewman Paul Randall
Mission:
Retrobandonment
Location: Hallway Seven
A somewhat troubling report had just landed in the hands of Ichiko, but it wasn't troubling to the point where she had to deal with it personally. More of a ..... it SHOULD be done, rather than a priority of sorts. Lingering cargo. Nothing illicit or troubling, just.... a presence.
That was when she saw a new face. She paused, and gave the crewman a once over, "Crewman. I have a task that requires attention." she offered, starting up gentle, "If you're not too busy, could I ask you to handle something? It's a bit menial so I apologize in advance."
Paul stopped and turned to the officer. He quickly recognised them as Commander Gail, the ship's Executive Officer. This would be their first meeting/interaction.
"Yes, Commander. I'd be happy to be of assistance." Paul responded.
"Some time ago, but not too long, the Astraea had the privilege of hosting the Kinertic Foundation to host an exhibition match against two teams in a heated rivalry. In the aftermath of that event, I'm afraid there's quite a supply of, what's the Terran term......" she made a play like she was trying to remember, but in truth, such a thing wasn't something she suffered.
".. Merch." she finally offered. "There's about seventeen crates of various apparel and collectibles in Cargo Bay three. I find the notion of just ... removing it... to be somewhat culturally insensitive. Could I ask you a bit of a task outside of the norm, and see if anyone currently on the Astraea would want a memento of the event before removal?" she inquired. Then paused, "I... have no memory of meeting you, I apologize."
"Commander Ichiko Gail." she introduced herself. "And you are?"
"I'd be happy to help, appropriately dispose of the merch. I'm Crewman Paul Randall, Yeoman to Captain Laurens. I enjoy tasks of all kinds. It keeps things fluid and interesting."
Crewman. Paul Randall. Yeoman. Enjoys tasks. Keeps things Interesting...
Ichiko gave a nod. "Interesting is the creed of the Astraea. Welcome aboard." she offered before handing the yeoman the manifest in question. "There's a selection of apparel, sized for Ts'usugi but most bipedal xenotypes share enough of a similar build that if someone wishes to keep one or so, they may. If there's interest, the items are to be given freely. I already have mine." she admitted, no shame. Go Flames!
"I hate to use the phrase 'feed them back to the replicator', but... if there's no interest or in the brevity of time, I'll leave their disposal to your discretion Yeoman. Just don't incinerate them." she warned, "It's bad luck, if you believe in such."
" I understand, I will see what I can do before resorting to appropriate disposal. I may have something myself, depending on the items and designs. " Paul added.
"Kinetic is the most popular sport among my people. There was a grand grudge match between two champion teams, the Nebulae and the Flames. They resolved their grudge match right here on the Astraea. It was a diplomatic powerhouse of a moment for the Federation and my people, to share in the love of the sport." she explained with a soft smile forming. "The merchandise is themed for the two teams. Blue and gold, and red and black."
"Both colour combinations sound good. I will see what I can do with the stock before resorting to other options. We do need the space in the cargo bay for more, um, appropriate items. "
She smirked, "Believe it or not, it was appropriate at the time. The Kinetic Foundation was banking on the event fostering a love of the sport in the Federation, causing an upsurge in revenue and following. Everything produced by the Kinetic Foundation is replicator limited, which prevents mass whole-scale fabrication outside of their facilities. Proprietary matter chains, a dangerous industry but, one that they pioneered." she shook her head, "Conversations for another day perhaps. There's footage of the event in perpetual archival if you're ever curious. But as for the matter at hand..." she gave the yeoman an glance, "I feel confident this task is in good hands."
" Absolutely. I will get on with it. Good to meet you Commander. Should you require further assistance, please let me know. " He nodded to Commander Gail. He lifted up his padd and began to organise a message to the crew regarding the merch that was still available, advising anything not taken would be reloaded into the replicator system as energy for other uses. He then headed on down the hallway.
