by Ensign Hok
80921.1200
Several Hours After Welcome Home
80921.1200
Several Hours After Welcome Home
Hok was a very happy man.
After the conspiracy against him on Ferenginar that had cost him his business license, and led to the wild decision to join Starfleet, Hok had effectively been de-lobed. Now, more years later than he cared to remember, he was again doing what he was born to do.
The Sera had transported a team of diplomats from the Federation, to negotiate with the Galadorians, for dilithium mining rights on an asteroid. When the Federation negotiating team had learned there was a Ferengi on board the Sera, they had practically fallen all over themselves to have him assigned to the team. Now, sitting across from the Galadorians, Hok was feeling like a Ferengi again.
When the team first entered the room, Hok saw the Galadorians turn pale at seeing him. Studying their reactions and body language, and covertly hearing them whispering amongst themselves, Hok knew he would win the day. It was only a matter of getting it done.
"Shall we begin the negotiations?" said Frederick Green, the Hewmon in charge of the Federation team.
The Galadorians made their opening demands, and Hok almost burst out laughing. He managed to contain himself, and silently observed as the haggling went back and forth. After an hour had passed, and the two sides still hadn't come to an agreement, it was decided that a break should be taken.
"So, Mr. Hok, what do you think?" said Green.
"Amateurs," said Hok.
"Excuse me?" said Green, clearly insulted. "I'll have you know, I'm one of the foremost negotiators in this sector. In fact, my team is responsible for the peace treaty on Jalnar IV."
"Anyone can negotiate a peace treaty," said Hok dismissively. "To come out ahead in negotiations, when your rival is trying to cheat you, is a work of art."
"Well, obviously the Galadorians are trying to cheat us," said Green. "The sensor scans showed us something wasn't right. The problem is proving it."
"Oh, there's dilithium in the asteroid. There just isn't very much," said Hok.
"Now how do you know that?" said Green. He was clearly skeptical.
"Rule of Acquisition 82: The flimsier the product, the higher the price."
"I see," said Green.
The expression on Green's face indicated that he didn't see at all.
"So, what do we do now?"
"You go back in there and negotiate a deal that's worth the amount of dilithium that's there," said Hok matter-of-factly.
"I keep telling you, Mr. Hok. How are we supposed to know that amount?"
"Like I said. Amateurs," said Hok.
Green was about to throw his arms into the air in frustration.
"You're missing one of the biggest bargaining tools you have," said Hok.
"What's that?" said Green.
"You can always walk away."
"Mr. Hok, there's only two conditions under which I can leave these negotiations. I either strike a deal, or we prove the Galadorians are trying to pull something on us."
"If you leave, who will the Galadorians sell the mining rights to?" said Hok. "Why did they approach the Federation and not the Cardassians, or the Klingons, or the Romulans? Why the Federation?"
Green shrugged.
"Rule of Acquisition 192: Never cheat a Klingon... unless you're sure you can get away with it. If the Galadorians would cheat any of those others, they'd hunt them down and kill them slowly and painfully. The Federation are a bunch of good guys that want to forgive everyone. The Galadorians would get a slap on the wrist."
"So, I can use that to bring down the price!" said Green. "Mr. Hok, I knew bringing you along would make a difference."
By this time, the break had ended and both teams returned to the negotiating table. Following Green, Hok shook his head. "Amateurs," he said under his breath.
Ensign Hok
Flight Controller
USS Serendipity NCC-2012
NRPG: Fabulous work, Mr. Hok. ~ZL
Flight Controller
USS Serendipity NCC-2012
NRPG: Fabulous work, Mr. Hok. ~ZL