Ratings: MC
“I assure you, sir. The pants are to the exact specifications that you gave me.” Garak was using his most polite, and most insincere customer pleasing smile.
“They are not. I couldn’t fit into these if my life depended on it.” The Bajoran was irascible.
Garak looked the man up and down slowly. He rather agreed with the portly Bajoran. It was clear that he’d been given improper measurements.
“If sir would allow me, I can measure you myself and make the proper adjustments to the garment.” Garak didn’t think that the ploy would work.
It was clear that the man wasn’t interested in the clothing at all. He was here to torment the Cardassian tailor. Garak wondered if it was really worth opening the shop some days, like this one.
“I’m not interested in having this garment altered. It should have been right the first time. It’s clear to me that you are an incapable tailor. It’s a wonder anyone patron’s your shop. I want my money back.” He threw the garment on the ground.
“Sir, my contract clearly states that any special orders are nonrefundable.” Garak sighed as he picked up the garment.
“It’s clear that you did shoddy work, and I expect to be repaid in full. It’s not my fault you can’t follow simple instructions.” The man made an attempt to physically intimidate Garak.
“I followed your instructions to the letter, sir.” Garak took a deep calming breath. “Now, I’m willing to take your measurements myself, and alter the garment accordingly. At no cost to you, might I add.”
“That is not acceptable. I want my money back. If you don’t give me a refund now I’ll lodge a formal complaint with the station security and see you in front of the magistrate.” The man smiled maliciously.
The Bajoran clearly thought that he had Garak pinned. Was surprised by Garak’s continued smile and lightness. Garak knew better.
“Feel free, sir.” He started to usher the baffled man out of his shop. “The security office is right over there.”
The man actually headed off in the direction of Odo’s office. Garak smiled genuinely as he locked up the shop and turned on the closed sign; he’d spend the rest of the day working in his back room, away from customers. Too bad the Bajoran didn’t know Odo’s reputation better.
He’d get no-where with the claim. Odo didn’t care that Garak was Cardassian; he cared about order and the rule of law. And, to top it all off, the idiot had left the very expensive garment with Garak. He’d be able to re-sale the unclaimed item and triple his profit.
Garak moved towards the back of his shop in a suddenly much better mood. There was a lovely garment that he’d just finished designing. He could start making the outfit and have it hanging on a mannequin in the shop window by this evening. It would look quite lovely there. -------------------------------------------------------------------
General comments and constructive criticism welcome. Feel free to comment.
I acknowledge that Elim Garak, Julian Bashir, Cardassia, etc. are the property of either Paramount or CBS, not entirely sure which due to the changes in 2006. The story is however mine, and done solely for entertainment purposes.
COMING SOON:
Disappointment
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