S1 - Mission 6 - Debt Collection

[T'Prina]

"Ahh lieutenant, it's a pleasure to meet you." Zuriel said as he finished up his replicator requests for the department, and looked over the shuttle readiness reports from flight control; form the looks of it they seemed to be getting along fine, but the odd number of Ferengi delegation requests did catch his eye, in any case he knew Luke would be able to handle it. Putting the padd down on his desk he turned his attention back to the science officer. " I know we have not met but I am taking of flight control ops for the station, and by request implementing the CIC program at a station level, since we don't get to many escort out here; and that is why I've called don you, if you would follow me.

Zuriel left his office and walked in the CIC command center proper, making his way to the war room table the politely asked an officer to relinquish it. Zuriel type away on the control pad of the table until the holographic versions of the three classes of drones appeared in front of them. "Standard CIC drones, problem is they simply were not made to protect something as big as a station, I need to help me upgrade the power systems and also the subspace link. To achieve a strong defense net we will need many more drones, numbers I can manage but my issue is with the increased population of drones they are having issues talking to each other; too many commands and inquiries coming in at the same time, its overloading their navigation processors among other things, I need you to sort out the issues, the system has to be able to control at least 40,000 drones." Zuriel said turning to the officer, "What do you think? Help me out here and you will have no reason to deal with you remedial duties, but I want you to keep up with me the entire time, no back door projects. Are we
clear?"

[CIC Office]

The Vulcan raised her eyebrows. Apparently word traveled fast on the Starbase. Loose lips or however the human phrase went.

"I assure you, Commander, you need not be concerned. I had completed the task set to me by Captain Stafford prior to your summons. I currently have no other standing obligations."

As she focused more on the problem of the drones, the severe rigid set to her shoulders relaxed. She clasped her hands behind her back, thoughtfully.

"I may have a workable solution to your drone dilemma. They are not, for lack of a better word, smart enough and are unable to be upgraded without a serious overhaul to their operating systems. It would be unwise to leave such a gaping hole in the defense of the Starbase."

T'Prina's eyes glinted as she came to her proposed solution. Truth told, she had been looking for an excuse to dabble with this new technology, and this provided an excellent opportunity.

"I am not certain if you are aware, but there is currently a prototype AI that has been in development. It is a learning adaptive program, but it could be configured to organize and monitor the drone data and movement. This AI can integrate into the drones' existing system and effectively act as their 'brain,' being moderately sentient and capable of somewhat advanced decision making." She placed her hands on the table and leaned in slightly.

"We have been granted an early version of this program, called ANALYN. The drones would provide an invaluable testing opportunity which could help in further advances. I must be honest, I believe such work would be fascinating." She then pulled back, stiff and proper once more. It was a concern that she let a little too much emotion drift close to the surface. It was a regrettable habit, this curiosity of hers.

Just then, 3 odd figures burst through the office door. Two large, slightly bored Klingons and a flushed out of breath Ferengi. The sweaty, toadlike man stepped forward and puffed his chest out importantly. With his unfortunate features and garish clothing, he looked like a treefrog about to croak.

"The Vulcan fe-male will come with me!"

T'Prina crossed her arms in front of her, incredulously. "No, the Vulcan female will not. What sort of nonsense is this? "

"The fe-male property has no rights to argue. Compliance will be enforced, with minimal damage to the product." The last bit was aimed at the Klingons who stood there, flexing and shifting their assorted weapons. Unarmed, she could maybe take one Klingon, but the Ferengi looked like a biter. Given their deplorable state of dental hygiene, she had no desire to find out how toxic that would be. With an inaudible sigh, she turned to Commander Soraka.

"If I could be excused for a moment, sir. I will inquire to what this is about." She gestured to the Ferengi with an irritated hand wave. "I will return presently to discuss my proposal." With that she turned to follow the Ferengi and his guards from the office.

[Marco Benitez]

Tritter shifted his gaze to focus on the Crewman who had greeted him, he was impressed with how they addressed him, at least the Security folks who had the proper amount of discipline. He than nodded to the man and replied with "Thank you Crewman, carry on, Captain Stafford should be here shortly. The main thing we need to do is keep the order here." He noticed additional security forces arrive, he seemed happy that others had came to back them up and keep the order in the area. He refocused once again the Crewman and said, "Just keep an eye on things until the Captain arrives", his tone was mellow and relaxed as he addressed the other man.

Diplomatic Situation Room

Marco was not used to looking up at many people, but the XO was definitely taller than his own 6'2" frame.  Not that he was in any way intimidated, after all, Marco had worked with the former Security Chief before.  He nodded at the other man's orders, his face showing no expression as he verbally responded, "Aye, sir."

Suddenly, from the corner of his eye, the tall security crewman caught the blur of one of the Ferengi as the alien quickly made his way towards Tritter.  Marco's reactions took over before his brain had a chance to process whether the move was threatening or not.  His large hand hit the advancing Ferengi on the chest and brought the little man down hard enough to force all the air out of the creature's lungs.  Another quick reflex had Marco's hand on his phaser as he straightened and looked around for other threats.

As the Ferengi  gasped for breath, his fellow Ferengi went through different reactions.  Most were startled and seemed to jump back away from the crewman and the sprawled Ferengi, but the reaction faded quickly into anger.  "Listen here, HU-man!"  The bravest of the group waved a finger at Marco but made no attempt to confront the dark haired man.   Marco glared at the man, his dark eyes narrowing as his hand rested firmly on the phaser.   So, instead, the alien turned to Tritter, "You're obviously in charge here...are you going to let your people TREAT us this way???  We have a right!  A RIGHT to be here!  Let me just tell you a thing or two...."

The Ferengi on the floor managed to catch his breath and he squealed in protest, "I only wanted to talk to the commander!...This man attacked me!!"  He scowled at Marco who let out a low growl which quickly shut the Ferengi down.

Marco sighed  as he let the anger and adrenaline drain from him in the mental exercises that Zex had taught him.   He then turned to Tritter and calmly explained, "I'm sorry, sir, he advanced too quickly and with no warning...my reflexes may have been too quick for the Ferengi."  That was as close to an apology the Ferengi would get and Marco did not even offer to help the alien up.  He would if he was ordered to, but at the moment the creature was fine on the floor.

Crewman Benitez then turned to the gathering Ferengi and addressed them in a loud voice, "You heard the Commander!"  Marco opened his arms to herd the Ferengi back, "The captain should be here soon,  so please, calmly wait..."  A small glimmer of a smile flickered in his dark eyes, even if none of it showed on his face, "...please don't force me to restrain you..."  His vision shifted down to the Ferengi who, for some reason, had not gotten up from his prone position, then back to the rest of them, "...again."

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

"Oh, and Captain?" he said, turning back just before the door. "This might be a good time to mention, I have four Ferengi forcibly confined to an undisclosed area of the station under heavy guard." he said, a broad grin on his face now. "I figured that if the Ferengi were attacking, they might try and spring the Brig. The mid 100's levels should be safe enough for now. Charges range from Public Intoxication to disorderly conduct." he said, before departing quickly, lest the Captain was annoyed.

[Promenade]

Stafford blinked, so surprised that he didn't even have time to formulate a sharply worded reprimand before Kinun stalked off. The captain resolved to let it slide. If anyone could trump up some charges that would stick it was the amoral JAG officer. I have enough problems as it is.

With the Ferengi and their cohorts cleared out the Promenade was much more quiet. Stafford saw that most of the civilians had quite astutely not hung around the premises. His cane clicked on the deck, echoing throughout the empty area.

[Diplomatic Situation Room]

The scene was a bit chaotic, to say the least. Security had done a good job of keeping them there and quiet...if a pack of Ferengi could ever be quiet, wrongfully imprisoned or not.

The volume of noise quadrupled when he stepped foot into the room. Pleas, threats, whining, all of it swelled with the appearance of the man in charge. The captain was a bit mollified: if they were begging him to be released they at least knew he was still in command, not their sub-Nagus.

Without a word, Stafford raised his cane high above his head and sent in crashing down onto the enormous table that dominated the room. Wood met wood with an explodingly loud ear splitting CRACK!

Silence finally reigned.

"Gentlemen, I regret that my people have treated you so unfairly," Stafford said. He had a husky voice and an old fashioned earth accent, one another human might call 'country' or 'rural', but just sounded alien to the assembled Ferengi. "Your arrests were inadvertent, and I do apologize."

A few satisfied murmurs were heard.

"However," Stafford went on. "In line with the Rules of Acquisition, I am not giving up an advantage. I am sure you can all appreciate that. I believe that's rule number...six. Anyway, you will all remain here and under guard. Either by force or by negotiation, this Station is staying in Federation hands."

[Michael J. Tritter]

Diplomatic Situation Room

Marco was not used to looking up at many people, but the XO was definitely taller than his own 6'2" frame.  Not that he was in any way intimidated, after all, Marco had worked with the former Security Chief before.  He nodded at the other man's orders, his face showing no expression as he verbally responded, "Aye, sir."

Suddenly, from the corner of his eye, the tall security crewman caught the blur of one of the Ferengi as the alien quickly made his way towards Tritter.  Marco's reactions took over before his brain had a chance to process whether the move was threatening or not.  His large hand hit the advancing Ferengi on the chest and brought the little man down hard enough to force all the air out of the creature's lungs.  Another quick reflex had Marco's hand on his phaser as he straightened and looked around for other threats.

As the Ferengi  gasped for breath, his fellow Ferengi went through different reactions.  Most were startled and seemed to jump back away from the crewman and the sprawled Ferengi, but the reaction faded quickly into anger.  "Listen here, HU-man!"  The bravest of the group waved a finger at Marco but made no attempt to confront the dark haired man.   Marco glared at the man, his dark eyes narrowing as his hand rested firmly on the phaser.   So, instead, the alien turned to Tritter, "You're obviously in charge here...are you going to let your people TREAT us this way???  We have a right!  A RIGHT to be here!  Let me just tell you a thing or two...."

The Ferengi on the floor managed to catch his breath and he squealed in protest, "I only wanted to talk to the commander!...This man attacked me!!"  He scowled at Marco who let out a low growl which quickly shut the Ferengi down.

Marco sighed  as he let the anger and adrenaline drain from him in the mental exercises that Zex had taught him.   He then turned to Tritter and calmly explained, "I'm sorry, sir, he advanced too quickly and with no warning...my reflexes may have been too quick for the Ferengi."  That was as close to an apology the Ferengi would get and Marco did not even offer to help the alien up.  He would if he was ordered to, but at the moment the creature was fine on the floor.

Crewman Benitez then turned to the gathering Ferengi and addressed them in a loud voice, "You heard the Commander!"  Marco opened his arms to herd the Ferengi back, "The captain should be here soon,  so please, calmly wait..."  A small glimmer of a smile flickered in his dark eyes, even if none of it showed on his face, "...please don't force me to restrain you..."  His vision shifted down to the Ferengi who, for some reason, had not gotten up from his prone position, then back to the rest of them, "...again."

Tritter felt something coming at him, he turned to face the assiliant, by the time he did that, the Security Officer had neutralized the threat, he was impressed with their quickness. He watched the Ferengi crumple onto the floor, gasping for air. He was oddly amused by it.

He than shifted to focus on the crewman and stated, "Thank you", as he was appreciative of it. He shifted to the loud mouthed Ferengi and stated, "You are lucky the worst you got wasn't being treated with kid gloves, do me a favor and keep your mouth shut", he was not in the mood for the Ferengi's crap in all honesty.

He pondered over the Crewman's apology for rough handling the Ferengi, he stated, "You did the right thing, Captain Stafford may not be happy about it, but I will handle that issue."

He than heard Captain Stafford enter the room, he advised the Ferengi to stay face down on the deck, they tried to protest but it fell on deaf ears. He just listened quietly to Captain Stafford.

[Non-Playing Character 2]

[NPC Post - Sub Nagus Drega]

[Ferengi Vessel]

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Drega had lied.

He wasn't investigating the unpleasantness on the Promenade or discovering the unlawful seizure of his men. He was on a wholly different and in his own mind a much more important mission.

The bridge was empty, with only a token of men on the entire ship at all. But Drega still activated the security and communication protocol.

"=Dampen. Authorization Drega.="

"=Dampened.="

"=Connect.=" The old Ferengi didn't intimate easily, but his voice was strained, almost a whisper.

A moment later an authoritative, unaccented and tenor pitched voice simply replied: "=Report.="

"=Commander, we have begun to infiltrate the station.=" the Ferengi said with groveling courtesy. "=But the hew-mons have given us some problems, they've--="

"=Humans and their problems do not concern me,=" the voice said threateningly. "=I want that chip. If you want your profits you will get it. Are we clear, sub-nagus?="

"=Yes...clear. Very.=" Drega said. "=We will deliver.="

[Zuriel Soreka]

[CIC Office]

The Vulcan raised her eyebrows. Apparently word traveled fast on the Starbase. Loose lips or however the human phrase went.

"I assure you, Commander, you need not be concerned. I had completed the task set to me by Captain Stafford prior to your summons. I currently have no other standing obligations."

As she focused more on the problem of the drones, the severe rigid set to her shoulders relaxed. She clasped her hands behind her back, thoughtfully.

"I may have a workable solution to your drone dilemma. They are not, for lack of a better word, smart enough and are unable to be upgraded without a serious overhaul to their operating systems. It would be unwise to leave such a gaping hole in the defense of the Starbase."

T'Prina's eyes glinted as she came to her proposed solution. Truth told, she had been looking for an excuse to dabble with this new technology, and this provided an excellent opportunity.

"I am not certain if you are aware, but there is currently a prototype AI that has been in development. It is a learning adaptive program, but it could be configured to organize and monitor the drone data and movement. This AI can integrate into the drones' existing system and effectively act as their 'brain,' being moderately sentient and capable of somewhat advanced decision making." She placed her hands on the table and leaned in slightly.

"We have been granted an early version of this program, called ANALYN. The drones would provide an invaluable testing opportunity which could help in further advances. I must be honest, I believe such work would be fascinating." She then pulled back, stiff and proper once more. It was a concern that she let a little too much emotion drift close to the surface. It was a regrettable habit, this curiosity of hers.

Just then, 3 odd figures burst through the office door. Two large, slightly bored Klingons and a flushed out of breath Ferengi. The sweaty, toadlike man stepped forward and puffed his chest out importantly. With his unfortunate features and garish clothing, he looked like a treefrog about to croak.

"The Vulcan fe-male will come with me!"

T'Prina crossed her arms in front of her, incredulously. "No, the Vulcan female will not. What sort of nonsense is this? "

"The fe-male property has no rights to argue. Compliance will be enforced, with minimal damage to the product." The last bit was aimed at the Klingons who stood there, flexing and shifting their assorted weapons. Unarmed, she could maybe take one Klingon, but the Ferengi looked like a biter. Given their deplorable state of dental hygiene, she had no desire to find out how toxic that would be. With an inaudible sigh, she turned to Commander Soraka.

"If I could be excused for a moment, sir. I will inquire to what this is about." She gestured to the Ferengi with an irritated hand wave. "I will return presently to discuss my proposal." With that she turned to follow the Ferengi and his guards from the office.

Zuriel was honestly flabbergasted at what just happened, for one not just anyone could simply walk into the CIC, since it was a new venture for the federation access had been restricted, the thought of the paperwork alone to get even one person on this deck, and here a stinking ferengi simply walks on and makes demands, he could not just let that go without a fight. "Oh we are not done here ferengi, you're going to tell me what's going on, you don't walk onto my deck and just bark demands, and don't think your guards scare me either, ill beat each of your brain cavities in before they can say Q'pah!"

Zuriel walked forward and eyed on of the Klingons in the face, "Do something!" he said jumping at them. "You don't come to this deck and order my crew around, I have a lot of work to do, and would like nothing better than go through you to do it, "Computer lock Down CIC authorization Soreka Tango Echo nine four eight."

At this moment a Klingon took a slight step in Zuriel's direction, "Take one more step and I swear to the stars, I will kick you so hard you will see Kahless." Zuriel said point at the first person he had every intention in hitting.

[T'Prina]

Zuriel was honestly flabbergasted at what just happened, for one not just anyone could simply walk into the CIC, since it was a new venture for the federation access had been restricted, the thought of the paperwork alone to get even one person on this deck, and here a stinking ferengi simply walks on and makes demands, he could not just let that go without a fight. "Oh we are not done here ferengi, you're going to tell me what's going on, you don't walk onto my deck and just bark demands, and don't think your guards scare me either, ill beat each of your brain cavities in before they can say Q'pah!"

Zuriel walked forward and eyed on of the Klingons in the face, "Do something!" he said jumping at them. "You don't come to this deck and order my crew around, I have a lot of work to do, and would like nothing better than go through you to do it, "Computer lock Down CIC authorization Soreka Tango Echo nine four eight."

At this moment a Klingon took a slight step in Zuriel's direction, "Take one more step and I swear to the stars, I will kick you so hard you will see Kahless." Zuriel said point at the first person he had every intention in hitting.

[CIC Office]

The Ferengi became shrill in outrage, and as he believed his hired muscle still held the upper hand, turned his ire on Soreka. He waved a hand to hold off the Klingons for the moment. "This Starbase belongs to the Ferengi Commerce Authority now. Sub-Nagus Drega will hear of this insubordinate insult!" He puffed and strutted, like a barnyard rooster, a quivering indignation radiated from all 4'7" of him.

T'Prina perched on the corner of the table and watched the absurd scene unfold. Males, no matter the species, were a hot headed irrational bunch. Still she had no desire to be caught in the middle of what could escalate into a firefight. "Commander, I think it would be wise not to exacerbate the situation, until we have more understanding. Perhaps contacting Captain Stafford is in order?"

It was her hope that directing Soreka's attention to the practical would curb the air of violence he was projecting. Unfortunately, the Ferengi continued to talk.

"You are not entirely unattractive to look at even if you are clothed with tiny malformed ears. I can see why the hoo-man Captain Jett requested you as part of his fee. Of course, you would be much better looking on Ferenginar, silent and naked." He leered at her, disgusting smile filled with filed teeth. The Vulcan gripped the table edge, irritated but otherwise showing no visible signs.

"Then I thank my circumstances that I am not on Ferenginar." Her voice was placid and even. She would not escalate the situation. Particularly after admonishing a superior not to do so.

[Hust Kinun]

[Promenade]

Stafford blinked, so surprised that he didn't even have time to formulate a sharply worded reprimand before Kinun stalked off. The captain resolved to let it slide. If anyone could trump up some charges that would stick it was the amoral JAG officer. I have enough problems as it is.

With the Ferengi and their cohorts cleared out the Promenade was much more quiet. Stafford saw that most of the civilians had quite astutely not hung around the premises. His cane clicked on the deck, echoing throughout the empty area.

[Promenade -> Elsewhere]

Hust found his way down to somewhere secluded, and locked the door behind him. Here he spread out and began working on the treaty. He compared the Ferengi's... "notes" to Staffords and found a respect for the Captain for the level of completeness of his notes. He worked his way through the treaty, finding a few noteworthy paragraphs but nothing major yet.

The beep of scrolling PADDs mixed with the sighing of one Lawyer as he worked his way through. Thankfully nobody had come to bother him yet, but then again another set of eyes could be useful. He pulled up the original text of the treaty on a wall screen as he began scrolling, having three screens all displaying notable information. He began reading it line by line- it was slow but it got the task done.

Only problem, Ferengi were a piggish presence on the station, and had quite the annoying effect on the empath.

[Marco Benitez]

[Promenade]

Stafford blinked, so surprised that he didn't even have time to formulate a sharply worded reprimand before Kinun stalked off. The captain resolved to let it slide. If anyone could trump up some charges that would stick it was the amoral JAG officer. I have enough problems as it is.

With the Ferengi and their cohorts cleared out the Promenade was much more quiet. Stafford saw that most of the civilians had quite astutely not hung around the premises. His cane clicked on the deck, echoing throughout the empty area.

[Diplomatic Situation Room]

The scene was a bit chaotic, to say the least. Security had done a good job of keeping them there and quiet...if a pack of Ferengi could ever be quiet, wrongfully imprisoned or not.

The volume of noise quadrupled when he stepped foot into the room. Pleas, threats, whining, all of it swelled with the appearance of the man in charge. The captain was a bit mollified: if they were begging him to be released they at least knew he was still in command, not their sub-Nagus.

Without a word, Stafford raised his cane high above his head and sent in crashing down onto the enormous table that dominated the room. Wood met wood with an explodingly loud ear splitting CRACK!

Silence finally reigned.

"Gentlemen, I regret that my people have treated you so unfairly," Stafford said. He had a husky voice and an old fashioned earth accent, one another human might call 'country' or 'rural', but just sounded alien to the assembled Ferengi. "Your arrests were inadvertent, and I do apologize."

A few satisfied murmurs were heard.

"However," Stafford went on. "In line with the Rules of Acquisition, I am not giving up an advantage. I am sure you can all appreciate that. I believe that's rule number...six. Anyway, you will all remain here and under guard. Either by force or by negotiation, this Station is staying in Federation hands."

Diplomatic Situation Room

Marco nodded once at the Commander's compliment but didn't allow it to go to his head.  Things rarely went to his head, his temper, however, was an entirely different beast.  He watched without expression on his face, even when the Captain slammed his cane on the desk.  Marco would have made a Vulcan proud of the little emotion that his features produced.  His eyes quickly scanned the Ferengi as they jumped at the sound, being startled by it as probably most were.

An idea surfaced as the Ferengi began to mob the captain with questions, complaints and plain annoyances.  The Crewman made his way to the captain and spoke in a tone for his ears only.  He was aware of the Ferengi's large eared ability to hear beyond human capability so he kept his voice as quiet as he could.  "Sir, I threw away an information gathering device from the Ferengi I detained.  He thought it fell and was destroyed, but I only tossed it one floor down.  I was planning on retrieving it and inspecting it...I am positive that the information in that devise will be quite useful.  Shall I bring it to you?"   Marco straightened from his leaned position and waited for his Captain's orders.

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

[Diplomatic Situation Room]

Stafford cast a shrewd look at the security enlisted man. He hadn't paid much attention to the tall, stern faced Marco Benitez much before. The captain knew that Benitez had been at the station longer than him and that he had just come off of some family bereavement leave. But with the way he was back in the swing of things he was either a very emotionless man or good at masking what sadness he did feel.

"Could be useful. Make it so, petty officer," The captain told him. There was no such thing as wasted information.

[Marco Benitez]

[Diplomatic Situation Room]

Stafford cast a shrewd look at the security enlisted man. He hadn't paid much attention to the tall, stern faced Marco Benitez much before. The captain knew that Benitez had been at the station longer than him and that he had just come off of some family bereavement leave. But with the way he was back in the swing of things he was either a very emotionless man or good at masking what sadness he did feel.

"Could be useful. Make it so, petty officer," The captain told him. There was no such thing as wasted information.

Diplomatic Situation Room

With the captain's orders, Marco had a good excuse to leave the aggravating situation.  That wasn't his true intent, however, but he was glad that he no longer had to suffer all of the Ferengi whining.  They were pushing ahead of each other in a desperate and rude attempt to catch the Captain's attention.

Terrible luck...

He made his way to the doorway only to push a small Ferengi out of his way when the alien didn't move fast enough.  The tiny man squealed as Marco did that, but made no further complaints.  Marco briefly wondered if the creature was used to being pushed around.  The thought, fortunately, evaporated as he made his way back to the metal stairwells.

Columbus stairwells..somewhere close to Engineering

The stairwells were in place in case something ever happened to turbolifts.  It was one of Marco's duties, as a security crewman,  to make sure they were clear and most importantly that no funny business was going on.  On a base as large as the Columbus there were many places where people could conduct business unnoticed but Marco had a nose for detecting such activities.  It was one of his greatest pleasures to accost and apprehend devious people on his base.

The tall human male made his way back to the spot where he had thrown the Ferengi machine and hoped that no one had found it.  Marco had memorized all the corridors, having been stationed at the Columbus since it was being constructed.  He had never felt at home anywhere like he felt on the Columbus and he doubted he'd move anytime soon.  A small wave of regret and sadness hit him as he remembered preparing his father's funeral.  The man had died alone and if it weren't for the station's computer monitors, it would have been days since he would have been discovered.  A brief picture of his own future popped into his head and for the first time Marco became fearful of dying alone.  He pushed it out of his mind, however, as he found the right stairwell floor.

He was in luck.  As Marco rounded the stairwell with the clang, clang of his boots on the metal grids, he spotted exactly what he was looking for.  He quickly picked it up and inspected it for damage.  The device was clearly of Ferengi design and was made for fingers much smaller than his own thick digits.  It seemed to be undamaged as he twirled it around with his large hands.  Finally satisfied that it was fine, he made his way back to the Captain.  He only hoped that there was something on the device that would help them get rid of so many damn Ferengi.

[Daniel Howell]

[NPC Post - General]

[Promenade]

"Hey!" A security officer said, whirling around to meet the new group of arrivals.

In response, the scarred Klingon shoved the Starfleet woman one-handedly over a table, causing drinks to spill and food to fly. A few other Klingons guffawed.

"The Ferengi Commerce Authority is releasing all wrongfully imprisoned and lifting this lock down of yours," A small round tick of a Ferengi said loud enough for the entire Promenade to hear. "Starfleet has no authority here!"

[Sickbay]

A trio of rough looking ruffians, all humans, accompanied a Ferengi with a PADD into the primary sickbay. The Ferengi was rattling off figures to himself.

"Space is approximately the same as a standard cargo hold," He was saying, lobes twitching with greed. "We can make this into yet another place for goods to sell and turn something else into sickbay. The solarium, perhaps, we don't need sunlight or gardens anymore."

"Yes sir," A human thug said.

"You, there!" The Ferengi jabbed a finger at Lieutenant Naira. "Is there a male here we can talk to? You're all being reassigned."

[Engineering]

"Ah, the nerve center, the heart of the operation!" Yet another Ferengi said to his gargantuan Nausicaan bodyguard. "We'll get started right away."

"Engineering department, to orders!" shouted the Nausicaan.

"Nice touch," The Ferengi admitted, before raising his voice. "Here's what we're going to be doing. Start stripping everything of value that is not needed for station operation and make me an inventory. I need to know how much of everything we have and how much latinum I can expect. Who's the ranking officer here?!"

Chief Engineers Office
Dan was in his office when all of a sudden he heard shouting and officers starting to run around. An ensign came in and said Sir, we are being infiltrated by Ferrengi! "Like hell are we." and walked out to stand his ground.

Main Engineering
He had heard the last bit, orders being given to the Nausicaan, stripping the area and asking who the ranking office is, and in a raised voice said back firstly to the Nausicaan "Belay that order." and then turned to the Ferrengi replying "The ranking officer would be me, Lieutenant Commander Daniel Howell, Chief Engineer. You touch anything in this room and I promise you there will be hell to pay, especially the essential parts that work this base. These officers report to me and until I receive orders otherwise, that's how it stays. Now you will be leaving or I will be calling security."

[Zuriel Soreka]

[CIC Office]

The Ferengi became shrill in outrage, and as he believed his hired muscle still held the upper hand, turned his ire on Soreka. He waved a hand to hold off the Klingons for the moment. "This Starbase belongs to the Ferengi Commerce Authority now. Sub-Nagus Drega will hear of this insubordinate insult!" He puffed and strutted, like a barnyard rooster, a quivering indignation radiated from all 4'7" of him.

T'Prina perched on the corner of the table and watched the absurd scene unfold. Males, no matter the species, were a hot headed irrational bunch. Still she had no desire to be caught in the middle of what could escalate into a firefight. "Commander, I think it would be wise not to exacerbate the situation, until we have more understanding. Perhaps contacting Captain Stafford is in order?"

It was her hope that directing Soreka's attention to the practical would curb the air of violence he was projecting. Unfortunately, the Ferengi continued to talk.

"You are not entirely unattractive to look at even if you are clothed with tiny malformed ears. I can see why the hoo-man Captain Jett requested you as part of his fee. Of course, you would be much better looking on Ferenginar, silent and naked." He leered at her, disgusting smile filled with filed teeth. The Vulcan gripped the table edge, irritated but otherwise showing no visible signs.

"Then I thank my circumstances that I am not on Ferenginar." Her voice was placid and even. She would not escalate the situation. Particularly after admonishing a superior not to do so.

[CIC Office]

Zuriel almost laughed in the face of the ugly ferengi, it was clear the little Cretan did not think this through. Even if the starbase had been taken over by the Klingon Empire itself, it meant nothing when help could not arrive for the ferengi in time to keep his nose from being broken. "I honestly don't care which big kid on the playground your following around is, this deck belongs to the people of the federation, the same people that currently outnumber you ten to one, and we currently have a lot of work to do, so please just leave before I have to hurt anyone else." There was a moment of silence as the three intruders thought about his words, for them something didn't add up. "Oh I'm sorry that last part was premature."

As Zuriel stopped speaking one of the Klingon guards stepped forward, Zuriel was motionless rooted like a tree until the Klingon was close enough. In a blur of movement Zuriel pulled the Klingon's head into his knee, he then kicked the male in his face snapping his head back until he went limp on the bulkhead behind him. Zuriel used this time to help the man to the ground, "I know you were just doing your job, but you are stealing my home and it pisses me off."

"Can we please not do this today, I promised my wife I would stay out of trouble." Zuriel said picking himself off and dusting his uniform.