By Ensign Hok
80927.1315
Concurrent with The Gift
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80927.1315
Concurrent with The Gift
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Hok had his work cut out for him. Though he confidently told Commander Salvek it would be no problem exposing the Galadorians and their asteroid, he wasn't sure exactly how to do it.
The Federation negotiating team could just walk away, and that probably was the best way to pressure the Galadorians to reduce their asking price, but as a Ferengi, that would feel empty. It had been over five years since he had been in his true element, and Hok didn't know when he'd get his next opportunity. He had to win this session like a Ferengi.
After listening to the discussions for about twenty minutes, Hok had had enough. He slammed his palm onto the table.
The delegates on both sides stopped suddenly and stared at Hok. With a toothy smile, he stood.
"We're leaving now," said Hok. "The Federation isn't happy with what's happening here. Let's go, Mr. Green."
Hok began walking out of the room. Playing along, Green and the rest of his team followed.
"Wait! Where are you going?" said Tenex, the Galadorian team leader. "We were making progress."
Hok and the others kept walking.
"Ensign Hok. Wait!" said Tenex, his voice showing desperation, though he tried very hard to hide it.
Hok stopped, while the rest of the Federation team left the room. Standing in the doorway, he turned to face Tenex.
"I know what you've been doing here, Mr. Tenex. I know there isn't nearly as much dilithium in the asteroid as you claim. Obviously, I can't prove it... yet, but I 'know'."
Hok held up his hand as Tenex began to deny the allegation.
"Please don't, Mr. Tenex. I'm a Ferengi. You're not going to pull something like this on me." He paused to let this sink in. "So here's the deal. The Federation is willing to pay a fair price for what dilithium there is in the asteroid. If you don't reveal that amount, and stop whatever it is you're doing that's making it appear there's more, I'll talk to all of my contacts and spread the word all over the quadrant, that you're a bunch of cheats. No one will do business with you anymore.
Perhaps some of your past customers will wonder if they've been cheated in the past. I'm thinking some people you don't want to be mad at you, will be."
Hok smiled inwardly.
"The Federation is willing to give you a break, if you come clean. You have two minutes."
-=30 minutes later=-
"I still don't know how you did it, Mr. Hok," said Green, "but if you want to resign your commission, you've got a spot on my team."
While Hok piloted the shuttle back to the Sera, he seriously considered Green's offer. It would be good to be doing negotiations again. However, the negotiating would be for someone else's gain, and not for his. Oddly, there was more opportunity for profit, if he stayed with the Sera.
"Thank you, Mr. Green," said Hok. "I'll think about it and let you know."
Ensign Hok
Conn Officer
USS Serendipity NCC-2012
Conn Officer
USS Serendipity NCC-2012