Wardrobe Update

Posted on Mon Aug 18, 2025 @ 1:24am by Civilian Thavas Th'Omtala & Lieutenant Annora Tessaro

1,482 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Time After Time
Location: Sartorial Splendor
Timeline: Day 2

ON:

Annora decided to take the shop owner up on the offer, relayed by Thavas' assistant, to stop by. With so many shops lining the promenade, it was difficult for her to visit them all, but as security chief, she made a point of getting to know the more popular merchants. And when one extended an invitation, she did her best to honor it. As she walked down the corridor, Annora was encouraged by the number of people walking around. While the attack had understandably disrupted life, everyone seemed eager to get back to normal.

She paused just inside the shop's entrance, taking in the various fabrics on the shelves. She smiled at the Andorian tailor as he approached her.
"Afternoon sir. Quite the impressive inventory you have here."

"Ah, Lieutenant Tessaro," Thavas said. "A pleasure to officially welcome you to Sartorial Splendor. And thank you. My clan weaves everything we sell here, and my family most of that. I believe that everyone deserves a little luxury in their lives. So while my clientele includes the well to do and the famous, they are not my only customers. So don't be afraid to ask about anything you see, whether it's something on the racks or a fabric you'd love an item of clothing made from, or if you'd like help figuring out what might look nice on you. You may have noticed the unique properties of Omtalan cloth. It can take some practice choosing the best look for yourself. Where are my manners? May I offer you something? Tea? Coffee? Something stronger?"

That was all new information for her, although admittedly she hadn't looked into the store before this.
"I thank you for the information and warm welcome. Sorry I haven't made it down here before now. Always nice to see a successful family business. A green tea would be nice, thank you."

Annora took a closer look at various hues and designs of fabric around her.
"To be honest, I don't have a clear idea of what I want. We did just fend off some angry Cardassians, surely that's worth a wardrobe upgrade. Maybe a nice skirt, unless you have a different idea?"

Thavas summoned Viza and told her to begin preparing some real green tea for Tessaro, then turned back to the Lieutenant. "Come this way to the sitting room," he said. When they arrived, they sat. Viza was in the corner preparing tea. "So," Thavas went on. "What kind of skirt? Some thing short and flirty? Long and twirly? Perhaps even a dress? Perhaps what humans refer to as 'Empire Waist'? Omtalan cloth has a shimmering quality to it and appears to be a different color depending on how the light strikes it, from which direction, etc., as you can see from what Viza and I are wearing."

She followed Thavas to a sitting room off to the side of the shop. It was clear the Andorian ensured his clientele were well looked after. While she wasn't one that claimed to know the difference between real and replicated food, Annora understood the image that came with preparing fresh drinks.
"I think I'll stick with a skirt, it's more versatile that way. As for the length, I'd say at least knee length. I find it's a happy medium when it comes to the different options."

"An excellent choice, Lieutenant," Thavas replied. "Are there any particular colors that interest you? Remember, even if you technically choose one color, the effect of the garment interacting with the light will give you various shades of that color, again depending on the angle of the light and the position of the person or persons viewing it."

She remembered seeing hover-cars with shifting color schemes, Annora imagined the fabric was a similar idea.
"I'm familiar with the concept, although on vehicles more than clothing. Let's go with a rich purple color. I don't have much of that in my wardrobe, so if I'm going for an upgrade I don't want something I have 5 versions of in my closet."

"We have just the thing!" Thavas said. "Viza? You made that wonderful piece just the other day. Perhaps you might bring it for the Lieutenant to see?"

"Of course, Master," the apprentice said. She brought a tray with a small pot of tea and a cup, as well as the other odds and ends one might want with their tea. "Your tea, Lieutenant. I'll be right back with the skirt."

"Such service. Thank you." Annora added one cube of sugar to her tea as she talked. "Of course, I suppose that's one of the things that sets you apart. The personal touch your customers receive."

"That, and the quality of our products," Thavas said. "Speaking of quality of product, Lieutenant T'Lul visited us prior to the recent unpleasantness. I introduced her to two acquaintances of mine who shared some information with her that they hoped she might share with you. Can I safely assume you received the information?"

With all the chaos of the past few months, the security officer had to sift through the various crises to remember the specific one Thavas was referring to. She took a long sip of the tea.

"You're talking about the customs inspector turning a blind eye to the smuggling of Denobulan Pixie Dust for Boss Yxlyx." It was quite fascinating how the planet maintained the hierarchy of mob bosses but brought it into the 24th century. "That was quite useful information. Thank you. Mr Sirbu and his little cadre of dock workers were rounded up 2 weeks before the Cardassian attack. They've been handed off to Federation security."

"Many thanks," Thavas said. "Boss Kylyx will be very happy. He might even consider himself to owe both you and I a favor to be collected should we need one, or at least be amenable to granting a favor," Thavas chuckled. "Should it also prove to be of some advantage to him. Kyklyx 'Kicker' Kylyx is, afterall, a gangster. And not one to cross lightly. He earned the name 'Kicker' due to his penchant for kicking people, sometimes to death. In addition to the fine suits I've made him over the years, he wears dress boots with reinforced heels and toes for just that purpose."

Having a mob boss owe you a favor wasn't something Annora ever expected to happen in her career.
"I've heard some unusual nicknames during my time in uniform, but not 'Kicker' for literally kicking people. It wasn't my intention to do him a favor, just a happy side effect of clearing out some bad apples from the station. While I'm not sure how to take advantage of being in his good graces, it doesn't hurt to have something like that in your back pocket should the need arise."

"I find it's best to try to keep things in perspective in these matters," Thavas said. "Kicker tends to limit his gang's violence to places where violence is commonplace. He doesn't traffick in narcotics or people. He doesn't commit crimes, at least not serious crimes, within the bounds of Federation space. And he's been known to help out Starfleet Intelligence and occasionally, as you've just seen, Starfleet Security. He's a good resource, as long you remember who he is and what he does. Dealing with him should be considered carefully before it's done." At that moment, Viza entered with a few skirts for Annora to try on.

"Here you are, Lieutenant Tessaro," Viza said. "The fitting rooms are there. If you require any assistance. Please don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you both." Setting down her drink, Annora took the offered clothing items into the nearest fitting room. After trying each item on she returned to the main room, skirts draped over each arm. "They were all lovely. I'll just take the sage green and the purple skirts. Thank you."

"But of course," Thavas said. "Viza, please box up the Lieutenant's purchases and settle with her."

"Of course, Master," Viza said.

"And Lieutenant," Thavas said. "Should you ever have need of my other services and my network, please don't hesitate to ask. I believe you'll find I can be quite useful."

A clothing shop that doubled as the front for a civilian intelligence network. Was unexpected, but she wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth. Of course the whole thing seemed to operate in a gray area, which made her question the legality of it all. At present she was just acting on a tip, not explicitly hiring their services.
"That's a generous offer Mr Th'Omtala. I'll keep it in mind. Thank you again."

Paying Viza for the skirts, Annora tucked the package under her arm as she continued to walk the Promenade.

OFF

Lt Annora Tessaro
Chief Security Officer
DS5

Thavas Th'Omtala
Master Weaver and Tailor
Sartorial Splendor

Viza Zh'Omtala
Aprentice Weaver and Tailor
Sartorial Splendor

 

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