S1 - Mission 6 - Debt Collection

[Thomas Jett]

[Brig]

Tom lay in his bed.  He looked at his hand as he observed a little blue ball.  It was meant to be a stress reliever, but Jett used to ball to bounce at the floor.

*bounce* *bounce*

He heard the noise of the ball bouncing in his gray cell.  It was monotone simple and had no life in there.  His bed was simple and he has nothing to do.  For the last seven days he was stuck in the brig.  All he had was a little blue ball.

"Shut up, in there will ya!" the guard yelled at Jett

Jett looked at the guard and touched his face.  He has not shaved for the last seven days and could feel the bear forming in his face.

After the short interrupted he grabbed the ball in his hand.  He stood up and tried to walk as he grabbed some exercise.

"Hey,  what happened to my crap?"  Jett asked

The guard rolled his eyes and answer "It was impounded under Starfleet regulations...your "first officer took your ship, so pretty much your crap is under storage"

"Great that's awesome"  Jett smiled sarcastically

As he tried to kill time he asked the guard "Are there any rumors?  Y'know I really need to know what I am missing out there for this to be a punishment"  Jett said

He wanted to say I'm glad, I'm not stuck with all those A-holes

He waited for a second and the guard answer "Yeah...there is a rumor that some Ferengi think they own the station...don't know much of the details, but y'know people are talking"

"Y'know what I would give for a unicorn that poops gold press latinum"  Jett answered sarcastically to the rumors.  He wondered if money would let him be free.

[Michael J. Tritter]

[Main Promenade]

Tritter had quietly been enjoying time with Ryan when a Security Ensign approached him, although he is no longer their direct department head, they still relied on him for leadership as that role was open. She addressed him with the following, "Sir, my apologies for interrupting you, but theres an urgent situation that requires your attention" He sighed a bit, whispering a "Sorry honey" into Ryan's ear, he than unwrapped his right arm from around him and turned to face the young Ensign, he replied with, "Do not apologize, if duty calls, one must answer, what is the situation?" Ryan simply nodded to Mike and proceeded to make his way out of the area to go pick up the kids, so much for family time.

Tritter knew Ryan was unhappy, but he will deal with that later. She would than state the following, "Sir, the Ferengi are trying to take over the Station, they say we owe them it from a treaty or some such" Tritter chuckled quietly "Acknowledged, they won't take this base on my watch, as my family lives here too. Round up one hundred other Security Officers and have them on standby, each needs a phaser pistol, rifle and body armor" He had an over whelming show of force in mind, and he knew the nature of Ferengis, they had no balls and were cowards.

She than nodded and replied with, "Aye sir, we will be ready in an hour." Tritter grinned slightly to her, "Good, now where is this going down Ensign?" She than replied with, "The docking ring, sir" Tritter nodded slightly, "Thank you Ensign" She than added the following, "I hope he is not mad at me, sir", she looked genuinely concerned. Tritter looked at her curiously, he would reply with "Who would be mad at you?" She sighed slightly and answered with, "Your better half sir, he looked pretty disappointed" He looked at her with a reassuring gaze, he replied with, "No worries Ensign, duty takes up a lot of ones family time, and it can be hard" She nodded slightly in agreement with him, "Yes, it has taken a toll on my spouse as well" He answered her with, "It is life and we learn to adapt. Please go round up the others, be ready in an hour" She replied with "Aye sir" and made her exit.

Tritter made his way back to his office, he grabbed his trusty phaser rifle, slinging it across his back, he already had his phaser pistol in a drop holster on his right thigh. Once done, he would make his way over to the docking ring, he would than approach Captain Stafford, once he had picked him out from the crowd, he would than state, "Sir, reporting as ordered" He shifted his gaze over to the Ferengis, studying them closely. He carried himself in a way that was devoid of weakness and only showed strength and confidence, such was also in his voice.

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

[Main Promenade]

Tritter had quietly been enjoying time with Ryan when a Security Ensign approached him, although he is no longer their direct department head, they still relied on him for leadership as that role was open. She addressed him with the following, "Sir, my apologies for interrupting you, but theres an urgent situation that requires your attention" He sighed a bit, whispering a "Sorry honey" into Ryan's ear, he than unwrapped his right arm from around him and turned to face the young Ensign, he replied with, "Do not apologize, if duty calls, one must answer, what is the situation?" Ryan simply nodded to Mike and proceeded to make his way out of the area to go pick up the kids, so much for family time.

Tritter knew Ryan was unhappy, but he will deal with that later. She would than state the following, "Sir, the Ferengi are trying to take over the Station, they say we owe them it from a treaty or some such" Tritter chuckled quietly "Acknowledged, they won't take this base on my watch, as my family lives here too. Round up one hundred other Security Officers and have them on standby, each needs a phaser pistol, rifle and body armor" He had an over whelming show of force in mind, and he knew the nature of Ferengis, they had no balls and were cowards.

She than nodded and replied with, "Aye sir, we will be ready in an hour." Tritter grinned slightly to her, "Good, now where is this going down Ensign?" She than replied with, "The docking ring, sir" Tritter nodded slightly, "Thank you Ensign" She than added the following, "I hope he is not mad at me, sir", she looked genuinely concerned. Tritter looked at her curiously, he would reply with "Who would be mad at you?" She sighed slightly and answered with, "Your better half sir, he looked pretty disappointed" He looked at her with a reassuring gaze, he replied with, "No worries Ensign, duty takes up a lot of ones family time, and it can be hard" She nodded slightly in agreement with him, "Yes, it has taken a toll on my spouse as well" He answered her with, "It is life and we learn to adapt. Please go round up the others, be ready in an hour" She replied with "Aye sir" and made her exit.

Tritter made his way back to his office, he grabbed his trusty phaser rifle, slinging it across his back, he already had his phaser pistol in a drop holster on his right thigh. Once done, he would make his way over to the docking ring, he would than approach Captain Stafford, once he had picked him out from the crowd, he would than state, "Sir, reporting as ordered" He shifted his gaze over to the Ferengis, studying them closely. He carried himself in a way that was devoid of weakness and only showed strength and confidence, such was also in his voice.

[Docking Ring]

Stafford would have ordinarily been amused that his new executive officer had somehow sniffed out trouble and appeared. But Tritter was armed for bear. It didn't bode well with him.

"At ease, Commander." He said. "The last thing we need is the tension here cranking up another few notches. The Ferengi have arrived and claim to own the Starbase Columbus. I'm about to meet with their leader and work this out. I want you to ensure that things don't come to a head. Get Krisotffer in security to keep the Promenade calm, that's where the majority of the Ferengi are heading."

[Hust Kinun]

[JAG Offices]

Rumor mill, it appeared, had been working overtime. The news of Ferengi on the station was strange enough, but making claims to own the station or whatever was quite another thing. It was interesting enough to draw out Hust from his little cave in the bowels of the station. So much for a smooth and simple time. He gathered all he could from the tellarite male who had brought the information. Tellarites... what a disagreeable species.

Hust gathered that the Ferengi were sent on behalf of the Nagus, and were citing some treaty... That fell within a reasonable degree of his job. According to the Tellarite, the treaty in question was that of  Cavembus, stardate 47254. Unfortunately, this wonderful job of telephone had left that information hopelessly scrambled. This would be a job to go and find someone who knew more. Maybe a Ferengi, if he had to. Though how species with telepathic abilities were able to stand Ferengi men was a matter for some debate...

Hust got up, and downloaded relevant information on the current Ferengi political climate and some miscellaneous treaties and laws to his PADD, scrolling through as he exited the room, moving up to the main Promenade. There he began wandering around, looking lost and following the voices in his head as to where to go next. Nobody looked like they knew what was going on, at least not yet. He kept an eye out for people, as he read. Maybe eye wasn't the right word, more like "Mind" out for people he knew, or those who knew what they were doing.

[Michael J. Tritter]

[Docking Ring]

Stafford would have ordinarily been amused that his new executive officer had somehow sniffed out trouble and appeared. But Tritter was armed for bear. It didn't bode well with him.

"At ease, Commander." He said. "The last thing we need is the tension here cranking up another few notches. The Ferengi have arrived and claim to own the Starbase Columbus. I'm about to meet with their leader and work this out. I want you to ensure that things don't come to a head. Get Krisotffer in security to keep the Promenade calm, that's where the majority of the Ferengi are heading."

[Docking Ring]

Tritter found it odd that the Captain was mad at him, he knew the basics of why they were irritated but anything past a surface level understanding of their irritation was not there. He did not get it, he was baffled as to why the Captain wants to coddle the big ear weirdos. His expressions nor body language gave off any hints about how he felt.

He than replied with a simple "Aye Sir' He turned on a heel and made his exit, he would than tap his comm badge and state, "Lieutenant Commander Tritter to Cadet Kristoffer, meet me at main security please" He would than proceed to make his way to main security. He wanted to get the group together than take over the Promenade.

[T'Prina]

[Main Science Lab]

The Vulcan put the last graduated cylinder into storage. She was finally done. She made a notation into her PADD suggesting a through cleansing and sterilization of the lab be done weekly. The current standard of biweekly cleanings was far too lax. Not everyone was as meticulous as she when clearing their stations. She made another note to suggest reviewing protocol with the ensigns and junior civilian scientists who also used the labs. Her comm badge activated with a chirp.

"Commander Soreka to Lieutenant T'Prina please make you way to my office, deck 38 Control Information Center, I require your expertise on a project."=/\=

"I will be there presently, Commander."=/\=

T'Prina quirked an eyebrow. It wasn't everyday her presence was requested by the CIC. She was curious as to what exact expertise was needed, but she would not find out if she stood around in the lab.

[Science Lab -> CIC Office]

She briskly made her way across the station. As she did, she curiously noted an abnormal amount of Ferengi visitors. Perhaps they were holding a convention of some sort. As long as they stayed out of trouble, and her work station, they were of no concern to her. T'Prina strode into the CIC Office and came to a halt, not far from Commander Soraka.

"Lt. T'Prina, here as requested sir. Might I inquire as to what is needed from me?" She wasn't one to mince words, yet she tended to be coldly polite to superior officers. Perhaps it was due to her Vulcan heritage, or maybe it was unaddressed nerves. However, she blandly awaited the commander's response.

[Vem, son of Motag]

[Docking Ring]

Vem just kept beaming and kept silent, looking from the sub-Nagus to Luke and back as they talked like this was some kind of nasty debate. If he'd had popcorn he'd have eaten it. He watched him talk to Michael and the new Orion woman and just kind of soaked it all in.

"Life's a blessin', isn't it Á¢â,¬ËœApin?" He asked brightly once he had a chance to interject, "While unfortunate- we're definitely blessed ta' live in interesting times."

"Wadda' you going to have me do?" He asked helpfully, ready to play whatever part he could in the affair. In truth- he just wanted to be involved. He wasn't even sure if he COULD help but he'd be a cold corpse before he didn't try.

"I've heard that on Mendalor IV 'day settle contract disputes by standing on one leg and yelling at each oddr' until one falls down. The one who falls is obviously not as filled with convictions an' the one who still stands mus' therefore be right." He added helpfully, "But I'm not entirely convinced that we could invoke Mendalorite law in this circumstance..."

[Malcolm Adeyemi]

[Docking Ring]

Stafford blinked rapidly several times at Vem's response. When he had sorted out the words in his head, translated it from Vem to...something that made sense the captain nodded. He was usually a big smiler, but right now it felt like the bulkheads were closing in on him.

"Nice of you to help, chaplain. These Ferengi seem to get on wtih you." He told the Klingon. "I want you to be my eyes and ears on the ground. Spend some time with them, show them around the station. If they do anything untoward let Commander Tritter or I know."

Stafford usually referred to his closest officers by their first names, but he had noticed during the Killer Cove affair that Tritter hated it. And so he curbed his usual fraternizing instincts.

"Make no mistakes, anyone," The captain said, holding up a hand. "I may be meeting with Drega and offering his men a bite to eat and a spin on the dabo wheel, but I would offer that anyway. We are in control of this station, not the Ferengi. But they require a certain finesse to deal with. We'll get out of this. You all have your orders. Dismissed."

[Vem, son of Motag]

[Docking Ring]

When the Captain had finished Vem gave him a knowing wink and a human "OK" symbol by putting thumb and pointer finger together.

"Will do." He said cheerily and walked off with a knowing smile on his face. The Captain had just told him to smooze with the Sub-Nagus' men and he knew EXACTLY what that means.

Finding the gaggle of Ferengi would not be hard to do- they kind of made a scene. So, he swung by his quarters for a few supplies, and then made his presence known.

"Ello' 'dare chaps." He said good naturedly to the few Ferengi from the delegation he was able to locate.

"I know you've traveled far and long. Might I interest you in some 'dis radder' expensive Risan Long-leaf. After all- yer' goin' to be my new bosses soon nuff'." He asked, a bit of embellishment in his gestures as he extended what was most assuredly four, hand-rolled, psychotropic, cigarettes (for entirely medical purposes...) made out of the bark of a palm tree on Risa to the Ferengi diplomats.

He knew it would come off as forced but he also knew that they were used to people making forced gestures of appeasement to them- they were Ferengi and offering someone of a higher status a gift was par for the course. It was a customary bribe. What they didn't know was that Risan long-leave could knock a Gorn on his butt for a week while making him experience eternity. Vem had been saving them for the Risan Ritual of the Sun but that was 3 months hence and he could secure more before then. This was for the good of the Federation.

[Daniel Howell]

[Docking Ring]

Stafford's eyes could be warm and friendly, but right now they were positively aggressive. The greedy little trolls were disrespecting one of his officers to his face. His mouth opened to spit out an angry reprimand.

But then he saw Naira. She was standing expressionless and strong, not reacting. She wasn't going to give them the satisfaction. The Orion woman was showing a lot more stoicism and maturity than he was about to.

"Sub-nagus, you are invited to my office. Your retinue is not." When they all raised their voices in protest his own boomed out over them. "You fine gentlemen are more than welcome to avail yourselves of the hospitality of the Columbus. As our business has not been concluded I expect you all to respect our rules and regulations."

Drega narrowed his avaricious little eyes.

"Of course, captain. Our takeover of this trading facility will be quicker and smoother than a baby's lobes."

"I'm sure," Stafford said, unsmiling. He waved over an ensign. "See the sub-nagus to my office and that some appropriate refreshments are laid out. Thank you."

Drega quickly departed, his men going in a different direction. Stafford spied Howell and beckoned the other officer.

"Lieutenant Naira, Dan. The Ferengi are here and they claim they now own the Columbus. It's not happening on my watch. Naira, I need you on our unfortunate task of those bodies still. If you like, you and I or you and our new counselor can talk about how those little men just treated you." Stafford was in his element, in command, his voice hard and firm. "Dan, notify all department heads and Tritter of this development. I want everyone on alert. The Ferengi are not taking over our base, not while I'm in command."

Docking Ring
Dan watched as the Ferrengi departed and walked over as the Captain beckoned him. He listened carefully as the Captain gave the orders. He acknowledged, nodding his head replying "Aye Captain" and with that he left for exit, looking at the officer who accompanied him as they both left. A few moments they had arrived back in engineering. He said to the officer "Nessik, get back to engineering, secure the warp core and lock out the terminals, authorised access codes only and ensure every hatchway, jeffeories tube and access port is sealed with a level 5 forcefield. Access only to engineers and security teams, medical only if necessary." Aye Commander and with that he started making preparations by unlocking the hidden lockers with phaser riffles and issuing them, even engineers had to be prepared.

[Thomas Jett]

[Brig]

Hours later Tom remained lying in his bed.  Bored to death wondering what was happening at the station.  There was a rumor that Ferengi were taking over the Station, due to a contract dispute.  Knowing Captain Stafford and the crew they were trying to come with a solution to the problem.  Jett figured that this was not his problem.

Without a moments noticed he heard two individuals coming into the brig.  Jett reacted by getting up and sitting on the bed.  He looked across the transparent force field where he noticed two Ferengi's coming in.   The first one came in and drew  energy whip.

The guard, who was sitting casually barely had time to react and stand up.  Before he could drew his phaser in defense the energy whip made contact with the officer.  Jett could hear a small scream "Arrg..." before he was silenced.

As Jett noticed their entrance he could not help but to stand up and give a unenthusiastic sarcastic claps.  *CLAP* *CLAP* *CLAP*.

The Ferengi reacted by looking at him.  Jett said "Good Job, y'know if you kill him you cut your profit margins down"

The First Ferengi looked at him and said "This Station belongs to us!! HUUU-MAN, you are stealing what's rightfully ours"

Jett remained seated and said "So what?  The only thing that matters is profit...keep him alive he is worth more alive than dead...besides do you know why I am here?"

The second Ferengi looked at the console and said "Something about....secrets..."

Jett then looked at them and said "Yeah...I have secrets in this station...but you're probably not important enough to know"

The First Ferengi looked at Jett and responded "Of course we are !  Who do you think you are dealing with?"

Jett learned forward looked interested "Maybe...you heard about the secret of....."  All of the sudden he lay down and said "Nahh, the Nagus would not tell you something THAT important...the Nagus won't tell you why this station is important"

The First Ferengi then said "Of Course We did!  We just can't talk about it!"

Jett stood up and said "So...you're the people that I need to give the information about...what make Starfleet Rich in this area"  He looked across the forefield.

Jett looked at said "You can keep me looked up here...I won't tell you about it unless you double what I asked"

The Ferengi said "NO!!! Get out of this cell right now...a deal is a deal"

With that Ferengi rendered down the force field.   Jett shook his head and walked through.  "As I told your Nagus...and the reason why I was incarcerated before your arrival...the true value of the Station is not the Station...but the Unicorn"  Jett said

He looked both of them and said "You know about the Unicorn right?"

The First Ferengi said "Of Course we do!"

"Alright...if I were you I would not tell them about it yet.  I would send their Tritter and Hust  to look for the Unicorn deck by deck before you continue negotiations...they tend to hide them in the biological waste recycle system "

As he began walking away there was a devious smile.  He could just imagine

[Hust Kinun]

[Docking Ring]

When the Captain had finished Vem gave him a knowing wink and a human "OK" symbol by putting thumb and pointer finger together.

"Will do." He said cheerily and walked off with a knowing smile on his face. The Captain had just told him to smooze with the Sub-Nagus' men and he knew EXACTLY what that means.

Finding the gaggle of Ferengi would not be hard to do- they kind of made a scene. So, he swung by his quarters for a few supplies, and then made his presence known.

"Ello' 'dare chaps." He said good naturedly to the few Ferengi from the delegation he was able to locate.

"I know you've traveled far and long. Might I interest you in some 'dis radder' expensive Risan Long-leaf. After all- yer' goin' to be my new bosses soon nuff'." He asked, a bit of embellishment in his gestures as he extended what was most assuredly four, hand-rolled, psychotropic, cigarettes (for entirely medical purposes...) made out of the bark of a palm tree on Risa to the Ferengi diplomats.

He knew it would come off as forced but he also knew that they were used to people making forced gestures of appeasement to them- they were Ferengi and offering someone of a higher status a gift was par for the course. It was a customary bribe. What they didn't know was that Risan long-leave could knock a Gorn on his butt for a week while making him experience eternity. Vem had been saving them for the Risan Ritual of the Sun but that was 3 months hence and he could secure more before then. This was for the good of the Federation.

[Promenade]

Hust turned as a very overenthusiastic Klingon strode onto the deck and had his usual shift in the business in the shape of things. Most people who were visitors gave Vem a wide berth, considering all Klingons to be incredibly dangerous. And right they were. This klingon, however, wouldn't kill you with a Bat'leth, or a Dk'Tag, or any other bladed behemoth. No, this blue-shirted warrior of the Gods, or God, depending on your beliefs, could talk you into next week with a seemingly unending prattle of words.

However, Hust recognized one thing... different... about the Chaplain. This time, he was accompanied by four pig-faced Ferengi. At first, Hust couldn't see them but he immediately felt their piggish presence in his thoughts- it was almost enough to gag on. Very few Ferengi Hust could stand, and these he could tell were not going to make great pen pals. He decided to give the Chaplain a bit of a hand.

As he walked over, he listened, and recognized the Chaplain's ploy almost immediately. Hust would know too- he had reviewed the medical dispensation paperwork that had been submitted to Starfleet Command to have it on the station. He knew the potency and would enjoy watching these fireworks.  He walked up and nodded to the Chaplain, staying just on the outside of the group, seemingly not with them but also making it clear that he was there and keeping an eye on things.

[Michael J. Tritter]

[Location: Main Security]

Tritter had returned to a place that he felt comftorable and relaxed at. He made his way inside Main Security, not long after he entered Main Security, the new Chief of Security approached him. The man than looked at the Executive Officer and said, "Welcome Sir, how can I help you?" Tritter shifted a bit to face the man, he than stated "Follow me, I will bring you up to speed with the others, as I am sure you are wondering why I ordered a one hundred man contigent to form up" The Lieutenant replied with, "I am sir, but I also know that you always know whats going on, so I know you would not have requested it without there being a substantial reason for it" Chief nodded to the other man and proceeded to make his way to the main briefing room.

There was the contingent he requested sitting at tables, armed as requested as he entered. He made his way to the front of the room, in-front of a desk as he prepared to speak to the team. He took a moment before he stated "Thank you all for meeting me here and following the directions I provided. With that said, the following information stays within these four walls. The Ferengi are attempting to take over the Starbase, they believe they have purchased it under a treaty. We are going to show them that such is not the case and to keep the citizens of the Starbase safe, including my family and all of yours. These big eared cowards won't be getting this Starbase on our watch" He than took a look over the room, studying everyone and he than stated "Let's move out, follow me, double file to the Promenade, than spread out and secure the area"

Tritter rose to his feet and made his way out of the area, the team naturally formed up behind him, he lead them to the Promenade, as civilians and other Starfleet personnel parted ways to let them through. Once they arrived at the Promenade, he motioned them inside, as he made his way inside as well, they easily made their way throughout the Promenade, focusing on calming down civilians, as well as a few Starfleet types who felt un-easy. He also combed the area looking for big eared weirdos that needed to be reminded who is boss. He than noticed a Ferengi attempting to break their perimeter, he would proceed to take off after the Ferengi who had attempted to run from him.

What they forgot is that Tritter is quick and he has chased down many a dirt bag, he proceeded to subdue the man in a pretty rough fashion, as it was done to teach them a lesson, he proceeded to secure the man in hand cuffs, he than tapped his comm badge and said "Cadet Kristoffer, can you meet me on the Promenade?" He intended for the Cadet to take their captive back to Main Security with him, but they were going to do it in a way to get the rumor mill going and have it get back to the Leader of the big eared weirdos.

[Zuriel Soreka]

[Main Science Lab]

The Vulcan put the last graduated cylinder into storage. She was finally done. She made a notation into her PADD suggesting a through cleansing and sterilization of the lab be done weekly. The current standard of biweekly cleanings was far too lax. Not everyone was as meticulous as she when clearing their stations. She made another note to suggest reviewing protocol with the ensigns and junior civilian scientists who also used the labs. Her comm badge activated with a chirp.

"I will be there presently, Commander."=/\=

T'Prina quirked an eyebrow. It wasn't everyday her presence was requested by the CIC. She was curious as to what exact expertise was needed, but she would not find out if she stood around in the lab.

[Science Lab -> CIC Office]

She briskly made her way across the station. As she did, she curiously noted an abnormal amount of Ferengi visitors. Perhaps they were holding a convention of some sort. As long as they stayed out of trouble, and her work station, they were of no concern to her. T'Prina strode into the CIC Office and came to a halt, not far from Commander Soraka.

"Lt. T'Prina, here as requested sir. Might I inquire as to what is needed from me?" She wasn't one to mince words, yet she tended to be coldly polite to superior officers. Perhaps it was due to her Vulcan heritage, or maybe it was unaddressed nerves. However, she blandly awaited the commander's response.

"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?"

[Vem, son of Motag]

[Promenade]

Hust turned as a very overenthusiastic Klingon strode onto the deck and had his usual shift in the business in the shape of things. Most people who were visitors gave Vem a wide berth, considering all Klingons to be incredibly dangerous. And right they were. This klingon, however, wouldn't kill you with a Bat'leth, or a Dk'Tag, or any other bladed behemoth. No, this blue-shirted warrior of the Gods, or God, depending on your beliefs, could talk you into next week with a seemingly unending prattle of words.

However, Hust recognized one thing... different... about the Chaplain. This time, he was accompanied by four pig-faced Ferengi. At first, Hust couldn't see them but he immediately felt their piggish presence in his thoughts- it was almost enough to gag on. Very few Ferengi Hust could stand, and these he could tell were not going to make great pen pals. He decided to give the Chaplain a bit of a hand.

As he walked over, he listened, and recognized the Chaplain's ploy almost immediately. Hust would know too- he had reviewed the medical dispensation paperwork that had been submitted to Starfleet Command to have it on the station. He knew the potency and would enjoy watching these fireworks.  He walked up and nodded to the Chaplain, staying just on the outside of the group, seemingly not with them but also making it clear that he was there and keeping an eye on things.

[Promenade- Fountain]

The Ferengi, who had been picking slips of latinum out of the fountain waters turned when Vem approached and listened defensively. They were a bit suspicious that the big Klingon was going to push them out of the way and collect all the slips for himself (afterall- who just leaves money in there?)

Once they thought they understood his game they began to snicker to each other,

"A worthy tribute to your new master Klingon!" One said, his voice daggers as they each accepted one of the cigarettes. They took them and began to light them with a lighter that Vem produced for them. The Klingon himself didn't partake, it would have been presumptuous for him to offer a gift of tribue then partake of something of equal value.

"Oh look Trig! It's the station's lawyer. Sorry pal, but you won't have a job here. Hu-mon law is so... uninteresting. What kind of legal system criminalizes bribes?! It's just insane!"

"I know Quizzit! How does ANYTHING get done if the rich can't take advantage of the poor?!" The second Ferengi, the one named Trig, replied as he inhaled deeply.

As he did so his eyes immediately dilated to tiny points and he just stopped moving.

"The Federation is so proud of it's moneyless society. How does that even wor- wow. My lobes..." Quizzit said but cut himself short after a deep inhalation.

Vem shot Hust a knowing look. The first Ferengi, Trig, had fallen over into the water and was picking himself up laughing. "It's all wet here!"

"How you doin' Hust?" He said coyly, "I was just offering tribute to our guests." He explained, offering him one of the two remaining cigarettes but mounting the word "Noooo" and shaking his head a little.