A conversation with Sergei

[Seiben 0]

(OOC: Sources for macaw information, used in log is Here and Here)

As the alternate helm officer, replaces Seiben who's duty is off for the day, Seiben returns to his quarters. Upon Seiben's promotion to full Liutenant, Seiben was moved to a senior officers quarters a few decks up. Seiben had all his belongings and new improvements of the "Trading Spaces" assignment a few months ago beamed over to his new quarters. It looks the same, but there is more space. Much to Seiben's delight. Seiben, pours a bottle of vodka into his flask and takes a sip, alone. This is the part, that makes being a single Starfleet Officer difficult. Many of the Republic crew has family, friends or even pets to accompany them. Seiben sighs and takes a long gulp of the vodka as he sits back in his chair. In his childhood, on board the USS Albuquerque, the ship Seiben's parents served on for 14 years (and later comanded by Seiben's father, until it was decommissioned 3 months ago), Seiben was never really alone. He had many childhood friends that were also aboard the Oberth class starship, until at is, when Seiben was sent to live with his grandparents in Paris in the hopes of getting a better education. It worked -- but Seiben didn't really make too much friends there, so he was usually alone. Sitting alone in his quarters, Seiben reflects on the number of crew that actually have pets. Quite,surprsing really. Seiben thought as he looks over the console sipping his vodka. Seiben recalls that pets should be under 15lbs and not considered dangerous.. and preferrably non-feline. Which scratches the family cat, Mittens. Oh well, he thinks. The girls will take care of Mittens. But, still.. an animal to keep Seiben company on long, lonely trips such as this upcoming one would be great. Seiben pushes the flask aside and calls up his Russian Connection. "Da?" the voice says. "Hey, Sergei, it's me Hans" said Seiben. "Ahh, Comrade Hans! How are you today?" asks Sergei. "I"m fine, Sergei, you?" Sergei replies that he is fine as well, and asks how he can be of assiatance. "Have you run out of vodka, already?" asks Sergei. Seiben laughs. "No, my friend. I've got plenty." Sergei nods. "Then, what can I do for you, Hans?" Seiben shuffles in his seat,and asks Sergei if he can find him a pet. "A parrot." says Seiben. "A Scarlet Macaw. Preferably." Sergei raises his eyebrows. "Hmm.. yes. The scarlet macaw. Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, the scarlet macaw was an endagered species for over 500 years. The scarlet macaw population rebounded when hunting of all animals was deemed illegal by the Federation in 2171. They grow to be about 3 feet tall and weigh about 950-1150 grams. So, you're way under the weight limit there. The scarlet macaw has a wingspan of 44-47 inches and has a lifespan of 80 years in capivity. But, they are noisy birds, Hans, so I hope the walls on your Republic are sound-proof." Seiben laughs. "Indeed they are, Sergei. Heh, you gotta love these foam isolated tritanium walls." Seiben tested out the spund-proof walls last night when he and his friends played poker late into the night last night with blaring 20th century rock music in the background. "I know they're hard to get Sergei, but.. hey, that IS your specialty, isn't it, my friend?" Seiben adds. Segei chuckles. "Indeed they are, Comrade Hans. But, you've got the right man for the job. The Federation only allows 100 macaws to be sold as pets every year, in the efforts of further restoring the macaw population to it's former glory 600-700 years ago. Loss of habitat, caused by the expansion of urban development and capture as pets, is what made them an endangered species 400 years ago, in the first place. However, the macaw population is high enough now for pet sales. I just sold macaws to some of my other clients. But, of course, Comrade, it will not come cheap." Seiben shakes his head. Of course... Seiben thinks. Nothing Sergei sells is cheap. Sergei mainly sells rare items like macaws,direct from the Federation's animal breeding centre, vodka, and caviar to name a few. But, Seiben doesn't mind. Being the son of the 4th richest man in the Alpha Quadrant, does have it's advantages. Seiben taps on his console, which replies back witha shrill beep. "Alright, the deposit has been made, Sergei. I also require more caviar too. I've talked with my ship's security chief and he gave me the okay, so all's I gotta do, is register it." Sergei looks at his screen which confirmed the transfer of 10000 credits to Sergei's account. 2000 credits for the caviar and 10000 credits deposit for the parrot, once Seiben gets the approval from Cdr. Robinson, Seiben will pay Sergei the additional 7000 credits to pay for the parrot, (total price paid for parrot: 17000 credits) which will then be beamed to Seiben's quarters on the Republic. Seiben places the recently aquired caviar inside his mini-fridge. "Got it, Hans. Thank you." Sergei says. "Have you thought of a name for it?" Seiben thinks for awhile. "Yeah. Bella. Which is Italian for 'beautiful.' "

"A good name for the parrot. Okay Hans. I'm going to get to work on getting your macaw, call me once you get approval from Commander Robonson. The parrot should arrive to me in 2-4 days. Remember Hans: The Scarlet Macaw feeds on seeds, nuts and fruit. They also can fly in access of 56 km/h, or 35 mph. Since the macaws live with their parents until the age of 2, the parrot will probably be 3-4 years of age. " Seiben jots that all in a PADD. "I'll rmember that, Sergei. Thank you so much, Comrade." says Seiben. "Not a problem, Hans! Always a pleasure doing business with you. So until I get the parrot, Das vydania!" Sergei says. "Yes, Das vydania.. auf vetersin (goodbye). I'll see you then". Seiben closes the channel and goes to bed, happy that he'll have a little friend to keep him company, and to talk to as well.

Edited November 12, 2003 by Seiben