on mun's terrible decision-making skills

[cardasseam]

I'm quite flattered that you want to put me in one of Quark's little programs. Really, I am! But the quarters in your mind are a bit cramped; I really don't think you could squeeze me in.

Besides, what need does a sexual paradise have for a tailor? Lingerie is not one of my specialities.

Comments

[prettyimpulsive]

You used to manage my clothing boutique actually. We have much more than lingerie of course.

[cardasseam]

Really? I don't remember that at all. I suppose I wouldn't, though. How fares my erstwhile business?

[prettyimpulsive]

Memories are a tricky thing on the island. When I arrived—when I remember arriving that is—many people I'd never met knew me. I had been on the island for years already. It isn't so bad to be so welcomed to a new and surprising place. [A smile.]

It's been all right, but it could use an impeccable tailor with excellent business sense.

[cardasseam]

I've always said, a stranger is simply a friend you haven't met yet. Or an enemy.

Ah, but then what would become of my current establishment? It does not have a charming young lady to mind it in my absence.

[prettyimpulsive]

[An enemy... You haven't changed, Garak.]

It seems as though we're not missed in our own worlds. [Her least of all of course.] I think people must be replaced at the moment they left when they go again.

[cardasseam]

How terribly convenient. But how can you be sure?

[prettyimpulsive]

I can't. Not personally. I have never heard someone arrive and act surprised that a friend of theirs had been on the island missing all that time though. It's more likely they say they just saw them a moment ago even if that person has been on the island for months or years.

[cardasseam]

Very interesting indeed, and something I will keep in mind.

But enough about that! Tell me, how is our good friend Dr. Bashir? I just finished lunch with him, but if it's as you say, it may have been quite some time since he has seen me.

[earlgrey_hot]

Well, I think that depends on the clientele in said sexual paradise, Mr. Garak. From what I hear from Captain Sisko, you are a rather skilled tailor.

I'm sure you'll have no trouble fitting in.

[julian_bashir]

Even tailors need a vacation. Hello Garak.

[cardasseam]

I'm afraid you and I have different ideas about what constitutes a vacation, Doctor. For me, a vacation is a warm, sandy beach and nothing to do but read Shoggoth's enigma tales. Not sexual slavery.

[cardasseam]

Captain Picard, this is a pleasant surprise. I'm flattered that Captain Sisko has been speaking to you about me.

Oh, I'm sure I would be an accent piece, wherever I go. But I don't think that collar would go with the rest of my ensemble.

[julian_bashir]

Come on, Garak. Where's your sense of adventure?

[cardasseam]

Only you would consider sexual servitude an "adventure." Not everybody looks as charming in a collar as you do.

[julian_bashir]

[He chuckled at the compliment. Good ol' Garak.] You'd be surprised. I heard a rumor that you were there before.

[cardasseam]

You know, I have heard that very same rumor! We have an old saying on Cardassia -- don't believe everything you hear. This seems a little too much like one of the Obsidian Order's favorite tactics. They would abduct someone and convince them that they had lived an entire life in this place that they couldn't remember because they were a spy. It was a remarkably effective way to get people to talk.

Not that I would know, of course. I've only heard of such a thing. Perhaps I should take my own advice.

[julian_bashir]

[He looked a mixture of completely fascinated and horrified, as he often did when Garak described tactics of the Obsidian Order.] It astounds me the lengths your people will go to.

But the island isn't like that, you don't believe you've lived there your entire life. Or are you saying that I'll be stuck there for years and then wake up on the way back to my medical conference as if nothing had ever happened?

[cardasseam]

The Cardassians are a dedicated people.

What I'm saying, Doctor, is you should not trust everything you're told about a place. Especially by the people who run it.

But tell me about your life there! I assume you no longer have to wear that hideous Starfleet uniform.

[julian_bashir]

Of course, Garak.

I don't have to, but I do. At least so far. I haven't seen a reason to change out of it yet.

[cardasseam]

You're not on duty -- there's not even a Starfleet to represent. And you would look so much better in a nice suit. Much more suitable for attracting the ladies.

[julian_bashir]

Well, it's a bit more complex because I'm not entirely sure it isn't a hologram yet.

And believe me, Garak. The uniform only helps in attracting women.

[cardasseam]

I'm afraid I must disagree, Doctor. I believe you're underestimating the appeal of your eyes. They could distract one from many a fashion crime.

[ex_old_man857]

They will find a way...

[cardasseam]

To squeeze me in or make use of a tailor?

[ex_old_man857]

Likely one and then the other.