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[norefunds]

Who: OPEN
Where: Outside Quark's Bar
When: During the Terabel crisis
Warnings: Opportunism, lol?

If you're passing by Quark's bar today you might notice a small supplementary stall outside with a huge banner declaring in big red letters 'SAVE TERABEL'. In fact, that is primarily what's on all the merchandise being sold at said stall with slight variations on the theme. Drinking mugs sport the message with a pair of silhouetted wings, T-shirts have a big blazing sun with a cross-out symbol slapped over it, and there's even a box accepting 'Save Terabel Donations'.

Quark himself is behind the stall, looking appropriately somber and thanking everyone for their generous efforts.

Comments

[redcinemareel]

Grell walked by, seeing the sign for the bar and was reminded that Fionna was talking about this place. She could see that there was something going on, and with closer inspection, she found that it was some sort of donation booth. The items being offered looked pretty...well, cheap.

She walked over, picking up a mug and turning it over, highly scrutinizing it.

"So, anydonation will do?"

[norefunds]

Quark leaned forward with both elbows on the table, giving the red-head a smirk full of sharp little teeth.

"Every penny counts, so they say. In the donation box that is. The mugs are a set price," he replied, flipping one over to point at the sticker on the bottom.

[redcinemareel]

Grell turned over the mug and looked at the price, humming in scrutiny.

"And exactly how are we to know our charitable donations will actually reach those poor souls?" Because she'd only do so with a guarantee.

[norefunds]

"I swear, there's no trust in your fellow humanoids around here, is there?" Quark sighed, shaking his head. "Sadly, the situation is a little too dire to waste time filling out forms to obtain authentication. I wanted a relief effort in progress as soon as possible, so I'm afraid," he said with a shrug, "that you'll just have to trust me."

[redcinemareel]

"That's a lackluster reason to not do paperwork. You could have filled out the necessary papers, and still be able to assist in relief work."

She set the mug back down where she got it before crossing her arms. Charities were something that even she wouldn't take advantage of, and were a big thing during her time at Garden.

"For that, I'm not donating, until you display proof that you're legally recognized as a charity. I'll be making sure that others are aware of your...haste."

[constableodo]

[So Quark, being Quark, takes advantage of a tragedy to make money for himself. Nothing could be more expected from him.]

And I suppose the people in Terabel are going to take advantage of all this, right, Quark?

[norefunds]

"Didn't you read the sign? Of course they will. All donations go towards the relief fund I've set up," the ferengi replies, pointing a blue-nailed finger up at his banner.

[constableodo]

"And you're not going to keep any of it, I suppose?" Odo has no illusions: Quark always keeps the money.

Oh, and another thing... "And I suppose it's all in agreement with the authorities? Because I represent the authorities here, and I certainly never heard of it."

[norefunds]

"Only a small percentage to make up the wages I would have made working at the bar," Quark answers, waving a hand.

That other statement makes him sweat a little though. "I did check the business charter for this area. It clearly says charity organizations are allowed to set up on the promenade."

[constableodo]

"A small percentage? You mean, not much more than half?" Of course, Quark would keep some, well, all.

Oh, and that other thing, too. "They're allowed as long as they ask for an authorization. Which you didn't." As if. Ha.

[espio]

Espio was just passing (or rather, rushing) by when he notices the garish merchandising and draws to a halt, deciding he could spare the five minutes to imvestigate. He's always been supportive of charity efforts, even when he's been lacking in funds. It looks like pretty typical fundraising fare, nothing particularly exciting... still, this is the most completely broke Espio has been in a long time, so he figures financial contribution is out of the question.

It's only when he's about to move on when cynicism rears its head.

"Is this kind of merchandising really going to help anyone?"

It is, after all, a situation that required quick action and for funds to already be in place. He could understand wanting to raise funds and help out, but it was a bit silly to jump straight into it without really considering what the funds would even go towards.

[norefunds]

"You're the second person to ask that. No charities on your home planet? It's simple- the money goes to a relief fund. Which goes to...whatever needs relieving. Citizens, our brave soldiers, rebuilding opportunities. That kind of thing," Quark answers easily, jerking a thumb at the donation box.

[espio]

"Oh, we had charity all right," Espio said, not really having expected someone to answer him. That answer, besides, just made him frown. 'Whatever needs relieving' was exactly the kind of answer he wasn't looking for - it just added to the impression of fundraising for the sake of fundraising in the naive hope money would fix things. "But this is a fairly short-term incident that's about averting disaster, not recovering from it, right? So the funds would already need to be in place, and with this kind of approach it'd be forever before a substantial sum is raised."

His eyes scanned the display again, looking for some kind of identifying mark. "...what charity is this even representing?"

[norefunds]

"Personally, I'm of the belief that every penny counts. And you'd be surprised what people need even after the most short-term of disasters. I imagine property damage will still be extensive even if the crisis is averted. Not to mention the medical supplies required for treating the wounded," was the ferengi's reply.

"And this is all me currently. The funds will go to the most appropriate charity once there is time to fill out forms. The situation is a bit dire and I wanted to have a relief fund set up as soon as possible."

[espio]

"Okay..."

Espio frowned, then folded his arms. Yeah, no - forms are indeed a pain, but no idea what charity to even donate the funds to? What's up with that?

"I don't like to doubt people's good intentions and all, but it's pretty suspicious when someone starts selling junk outside a bar for 'charity' without any idea what charity they're raising funds for. I mean, sure, forms are a pain, but you obviously had the time to get this stuff made. And it can't be hard to find charity info on these things." He tapped the comm device on his wrist. "So you know what? I'm gonna go find an actual charity to help out."