Re: Destination: Invermory and Beyond
=============== DAY TWO ===============
===== SHARIK AND INDY (AND FRIENDS) AT KAARSTEN'S DISTRICT (Upscale Shopping) =====
Sharik always took shopping seriously. When done right, it required extensive knowledge... supply chains, alternatives and comparisons, function (and multi-function) as well as price. Though price was less of an object for the moment, her reputation was not for sale. The auburn-haired socialite-cum-corporate secretary took her job seriously. Shar knew that Walter was a better businessman, but she wasn't a bad organizer. And she could be extremely detail-oriented when needed; one didn't remain active in any corporate operations division with being so.
And then there were the aesthetics. When price was less of an object, then the real melding of function and form came to the fore. Her overall body of knowledge meant that Sharik knew what she liked and why. She could be a high-maintenance customer, more than willing to call out any salesperson trying to snowball her or pull the wool over her eyes. Apparently, all of that knowledge rattling around in her head wasn't saved just for Trivial Pursuit™: Pax Imperium Tertius Edition.
All of this, needless to say, made Sharik's shopping escapades a bit time-consuming. However, that didn't mean they were dull; somehow, the cosmopolitan socialite made the dizzying circuit of stores an adventure - a multi-day adventure, in this case. The afternoon before karaoke, Sharik made sure that all of the requirements from Walter - be they personal items or shipboard were ordered and tracked. Since all of the staterooms were getting upgrades, any electronics suites and their installation appointments were booked. Of course, that meant demonstrations of much of display and sound equipment for the various theater venues. Naturally, her own dataglove had plenty test materials; her video and audio archives were extensive. So, between working with suppliers of caviar and champagne (with sampling of wares) as well as various electronics and clothing outfits, it was an active afternoon. And somehow, all of selections for tailored crew uniforms and video saloons were extremely upscale with impeccable personnel and selections. Sharik's virtual agent as well as her personal directory of addresses and recommendations was getting a workout, it seeemed.
Even more interesting, though perhaps not as surprising given her access to personnel files, as central admin for both the Longshot and Longshot Enterprises, Shar knew all of the required measurements for each of the new crew to ensure proper tailoring of their dress and work uniforms. While any purveyor of bespoke materials always preferred in-person fittings, sometimes that was not possible. She never smirked or batted an eye when ensuring that flourescent green was the required brightness.
In the middle of the afternoon, she texted Reese to see if any additional medical supplies were required - though as she recalled he'd restocked recently (that is, two weeks ago when they'd first been to Invermory). Still, it never hurt to ask, since time had passed and at least one cryoberth patient had been dealt with in that time.
With all of the various and sundry item delieverables and deliveries scheduled, she was satisfied with the first day's work.
Karaoke was a welcome break. Though she supposedly had no formal training, her singing was decent; it was obvious that Sharik had had some vocal training, which she claimed was part of her deportment and etiquette classes when younger. Something about a three-day course on how to win friends and influence people when she was first investigating a corporate Ponzi scheme more than a decade ago.
===== SHARIK AND INDY (AND FRIENDS) AT HARMONIOUS WAIL (Karaoke Bar) =====
Sharik drank socially along side Indy, her own preferred libation seems to be Sylean brandy. Shar made sure that everyone that joined them was enjoying themselves and took on a sort of de-facto hostess role having suggested the place - though not originally the idea for the evening. Unsurprisingly, she knew much of the staff of the establishment by name (even those servers that haven't brought them anything), having vetted the venue beforehand. Though she left with Indy around eleven, a corporate tab was left open (and monitored by her) for the others to partake on (well, up to a point - there would be no multi-million credit bottles of wine ordered) for any additional food and wine until close.
=============== (And into DAY THREE) ===============
===== SHARIK AND INDY AT BARSTOW'S ALLEY (More Upscale Shopping) =====
The next day of shopping was likely more luxurious in pace and a touch more personal. There was still business to take care of - more electronics and software to order, as well as plenty more foodstuffs to partake of. And more clothes and accessories. But also, more personal perusal was involved. Though she already had a number of analog chronometers of antique vintage in her possession, Shar had seen a few models of digital chronometers in one of the local outfits that had caught her eye. Also, Sharik had some interesting fashion boutiques in mind and wanted to get a gift (or two or three) for Inderpal - with Ms. Kumar's blessing, of course.
And after seeing Val and Sly at karaoke the previous evening. Sharik suspected that a gift for the two of them was in order as well.