by E. S. "Jake" Jacobs

"Riker to Picard." The sudden words of the Enterprise’s Executive Officer broke the silence in the Captain’s quarters.

Captain Picard, comfortably settled in his favorite chair, looked up absently from his book, an annotated edition of Shakespeare’s comedies.

"Picard here."

"Captain, we’ve run across something that I believe you’ll want to investigate."

Picard sighed, his interest torn between the entanglements of Kate and Petruchio and his curiosity at Riker’s interruption. He carefully marked his place and put the worn leather book beside his still-steaming cup of Earl Grey.

"I’m on my way, Number One. Picard out."

#

Tugging down the front of his jacket, Picard strode quickly onto the Bridge. Lieutenant Worf nodded a greeting from his station at the Tactical console, but looked decidedly perturbed at this interruption.

As the Captain approached, Riker broke off his conversation with Data and waved a hand in the android’s direction.

"What have we got, Mr. Data?" Picard inquired, taking his seat in the command chair.

Data turned briskly from the Ops console to address the Captain. "Sir, we are receiving faint readings that indicate a Starfleet ship on the other side of the Ngame Nebula, some 15 million kilometers from our present position."

"A Starfleet vessel? Here?" queried Picard. "I’m not aware of another ship assigned to this sector."

"Nor I, sir," Data replied. "But the readings indicate a Starfleet cruiser, albeit odd in many regards."

Picard looked puzzled. "How so?"

"Scans clearly show emissions from a magnetic containment field typical of Federation warp drives. But the emission bands seem unusually weak and characteristic of a primitive design."

"Can we get anything on-screen?" Picard asked.

"I’ve tried sir. But the close proximity of the nebula creates too much distortion at this distance. The signals appear to be coming from within a type G3 planetary system." Data cocked his head to one side. "We can be there in a matter of minutes, sir."

"Make it so, Commander Data."

#

The electric blue cloud of dust and gases of the Ngame Nebula pinwheeled off the Enterprise’s starboard bow as the ship dropped from warp.

"Captain," Data said. "There are five planets in this system, two of which are class M. The unknown starship is in orbit around the largest of the M-class."

"On-screen," commanded Picard. As the view materialized on the forward screen, he rose slightly from his chair. "What the devil…" he gasped.

A distinct impossibility orbited the large, red-hued planet centered in the screen. A Federation starship no doubt, but small and ungainly in appearance. Instead of a familiar flattened saucer, a large round globe protruded forward from a barrel-like secondary hull that sported two slender nacelles.

"That’s a Daedalus-class starship!" exclaimed Riker, walking to the side of the command con.

"So it would appear, Number One," Picard said as he rose and moved to stand behind Data. "The last active one must have been mothballed over 200 years ago."

"’Mothballed’ sir?" Data said. "I fail to see what connection napthalene has with a discontinued class of starships."

Picard smiled as he gazed curiously at the viewscreen. "Mothballed is an old Earth term for decommissioning."

"Ah," replied Data, mentally filing the new datum away.

"The last one was decommissioned in 2196, to be exact, sir," Data added.

"If I recall correctly, there were three Daedalus-class ships listed as missing in action. This could be one of them," offered Riker.

"Is it a derelict?" Picard asked, carefully studying the ancient ship as they slowly approached it on impulse power.

"Far from it, Captain," growled Lieutenant Worf. "They are raising their shields."

"Red Alert!" Riker shouted. Immediately klaxons sounded throughout the Enterprise.

"Raise the shields," ordered Picard. "Mr. Data, anything on the scans?"

"Their shields have been modified from the original settings, causing some distortion," Data replied. "But I can detect at least twenty-two lifeforms—six concentrated in the command module area, and the rest dispersed about the ship."

Counselor Deanna Troi entered the Bridge at that moment, casting a curious glance at Picard.

"Picking up something, Deanna?" he asked.

She closed her eyes momentarily then shook her head. "I can feel them there, but that is all."

"Strange. Hail them Mr. Worf. Let’s get to the bottom of this."

"Yes, sir." Worf turned and keyed-in the standard hailing codes. "They are not responding, Sir," he said after a few seconds.

"Try again, Mr. Worf," Picard said. A moment later, Worf looked at the forward screen.

"There is a transmission coming in now, sir," he said, and entered the acceptance code.

The image on the screen resolved into an antique version of a Federation command bridge. Picard recalled the old Daedalus-class ship mothballed at the Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards on Mars that he had toured so many years ago—dark and claustrophobic, just as this one appeared. The command con chair, turned away from the screen, quickly rotated to reveal a somewhat nervous Ferengi.

What in space is a Ferengi doing onboard an old Federation starship? Picard wondered.

Aloud, he said, "This is Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the U.S.S. Enterprise. May I ask how you have come to possess a Federation starship?"

"Uh… this is, uh DaiMon Yorg, of the Ferengi ship Vindicator," the Ferengi said slowly. He glanced to his right, out of the screen’s view, then looked back, hesitantly.

"Uh, this ship was claimed under the Ferengi Salvage Code over twenty Earth years ago." He paused and looked off-screen again. "It is no longer Federation property." He bowed his head timidly – very un-Ferengi-like, Picard thought. The DaiMon then smiled widely, his sharp and jagged teeth belying any friendliness.

Riker leaned forward and whispered in Picard’s ear. "’The bigger the smile, the sharper the knife’ – 49^th Rule of Acquisition."

"Indeed," Picard responded. Turning back to the screen he spoke to the Ferengi DaiMon again.

"DaiMon Yorg. The Federation is unaware of your possession of that ship." Data looked up from his console and nodded confirmation. Picard continued. "Would you please relate how you came to salvage it?"

The smile died slowly on the Ferengi’s face. He glanced once again to his right. "Uh … we found it abandoned in an unexplored system near Theta Cygni. There were no humans on board and life support systems had been shut down. It was our right to claim it." He answered, nodding his head repeatedly. He tugged at his coat, which was small and ill-fitting. He then nervously fingered a white stone that was set in the wide band of gold metal at his neck.

Data interrupted in a hushed voice. "Captain, I have penetrated their shield’s distortions and scanned the vessel completely. All federation data have been replaced by Ferengi systems. Our instruments detect deterioration in the warp core containment unit. It is dangerous for them to attempt to use the drive in its present condition."

The Captain pursed his lips together thoughtfully. "DaiMon Yorg," he said, "Our routine scans have detected some irregularities in your warp drive unit. It could prove dangerous for you and your crew to attempt to utilize it until it is repaired."

This information obviously panicked the Ferengi. He looked to his right and left and then back to the screen. "We are… uh, aware of the problem and will take the necessary precautions," he replied.

Picard flashed a sincere-looking smile. "We are prepared to assist you in your repairs if you desire," he offered.

The Ferengi shook his head from side to side. "We… we can make our own repairs and do not wish to trouble you. You can continue your journey."

Picard shook his head. "It’s really no trouble at all. We will be in this system for a while conducting tests. Please contact us if you change your mind."

"We appreciate your offer of assistance, but we do not require it. DaiMon Yorg out." The screen returned to the view of the Vindicator in orbit.

Picard looked around the Bridge, then stood. "Let’s have a conference, shall we?"

#

Gathered about the Command conference table, the Enterprise’s officers chatted quietly. Picard entered and seated himself at one end, resting his elbows on the polished surface.

Data spoke first. "I am curious, Captain. You told the Ferengi that we would be conducting tests in this system. I am unaware of any scheduled testing…"

Picard raised one hand and smiled. "You are correct, Mr. Data. It was merely a ruse to give us some time to study this situation. Something unusual is going on here and I want to get to the bottom of it before we continue on our planned trip to Evadne IV."

Data nodded in understanding.

Picard glanced at the faces around the table. "Your thoughts?"

Troi began. "Even though I cannot sense the thoughts of Ferengis, I can sense something else. For lack of a better description, it’s like static or interference – causing resistance to my attempts." She looked intently at Picard. "However, DaiMon Yorg’s behavior seemed quite unusual to me. He is too nervous. Hiding something from us, is my guess."

"I agree with Deanna," Riker said. "Ferengis are always aggressive and hostile—not meek like this. Things don’t add up."

"Commander Data," Picard spoke to the android. "Have new scans shown anything else of interest?"

"While the Ferengi Yorg stated that they knew of the drive problem, I do not believe that to be true," he answered. "There are no indications of repairs being made prior to your conversation with him. But now there is much activity in their engineering section and the warp drive is off-line."

Worf spoke up, his voice harsh and full of suspicion. "These Ferengis are up to something. I conducted a routine scan of the planets in this system. There is evidence of a mining operation on the surface of the planet. I also located a large concentration of latinum during a deep scan of their surface base."

"Ah, that must explain their nervousness when we arrived," said Picard. "They’re afraid we might be interested in their latinum."

Geordi La Forge looked troubled. "This problem with their warp core is serious and I’m not sure how familiar this group of Ferengi are with Federation drives. My readings show that their ship is pretty cobbled together. It’s a strange mixture of Ferengi and Federation technology." He paused to study the faces around him. "If they don’t perform the needed repairs correctly it could cause a core breach."

"I concur," Riker commented. "I suggest we conduct our ‘tests’ in a safer location – perhaps at the next planet further out?"

"Agreed," Picard stated. "In the meantime, let’s keep a surreptitious eye on them and see what unfolds. Dismissed."

#

The Ferengi hailed them some twelve hours later. Picard, seated in the Command con reviewing scheduling rotations, lowered his padd. "Screen on," he ordered.

DaiMon Yorg smiled hesitantly then spoke. "We have reconsidered your offer of assistance. If possible, my Chief Engineer requests a conversation with yours. In what currency would you like to be repaid for this assistance?"

"No payment necessary," Picard responded. "Consider it an act of goodwill on our part. We’ll rendezvous with your ship and beam him aboard."

Yorg shook his head and raised his hands. "No, no, that won’t be necessary. We just wish to speak with him…"

"Nonsense. It’s no problem at all for him to visit you, Picard said. "We’ll be there in a few minutes. Picard out."

As the screen blanked, the Captain smiled conspiratorially at Riker.

#

The Vindicator appeared unchanged from their previous meeting as the Enterprise approached.

"Mr. Data, please hail the Ferengis and tell them our away team is ready to beam aboard."

DaiMon Yorg immediately appeared on–screen. "There is no need for an entire team," he sputtered. "Your Chief Engineer will be adequate. I am sure."

"DaiMon, our sensors show serious problems with your warp drive. It’s my opinion that you need the expertise of several of our staff to resolve them." Picard smiled warmly. "We have taken the liberty of entering the coordinates of your engineering section. May we have permission to beam aboard?"

Yorg glanced to his right and then spoke again. "Uh, yes, yes. You have my permission."

As the screen went blank, Picard turned to Riker, standing by his side. "Take Mr. Worf and Mr. La Forge. Keep your eyes open and note anything out of the ordinary."

Riker smiled brightly and strode to the turbo elevator. Mr. Worf fell in at his side.

#

Riker surveyed the engineering section of the Vindicator closely—a fairly large room, dimly lit, with the warp drive containment unit occupying space in the middle of the chamber. It looked exactly as it should based upon the old schematics stored in the Enterprise’s computer.

DaiMon Yorg awaited them, with two other Ferengi at his side. They looked grim and intense. Riker noticed no other Ferengi about.

"Greetings, DaiMon," Riker said, bowing slightly. "I am Commander Riker and this is Mr. Worf, and Mr. La Forge, our Chief Engineer."

Yorg returned the bow and introduced his two fellow Ferengi as Wott and Gann. They nodded their heads, but said nothing. The DaiMon seems even more nervous and edgy in person, Riker thought. "May we?" asked Riker as he gestured toward the warp drive unit.

Yorg nodded vigorously. La Forge began an immediate scan of the room. Worf moved to the engineering console and began to study the controls. Riker attempted to engage the Ferengis in conversation.

"DaiMon Yorg," Riker said. "What business is it that brings you to this system?"

Yorg looked quickly at his two companions. They glared ferociously back at him and the older of the two nodded, as if giving the DaiMon permission to speak. Riker thought their behavior odd, even for Ferengi.

"Prospecting – nothing more," he explained. "Uh, just following up on reports of ore fields on the planet below."

"Oh, yes. I believe we detected gold and latinum concentrated in several areas," Riker stated.

"You have?" queried Yorg, obvious greed washing across his face. Wott and Gann perked-up at the mention of latinum.

"Yes. You haven’t located any?" Riker asked.

Yorg hesitated, but with another nod from Gann, he answered. "Yes. We found a few areas of latinum, but no large concentrations, yet. Our instrumentation may not be as sensitive as yours."

Riker glanced around the old chamber. "I am sure you are correct; this ship is quite ancient compared to our modern vessels. By the way, Captain Picard would like a formal report on your acquisition of this starship. It’s merely a formality for Starfleet; there is no disputation of your salvage rights at this time."

"Of course, of course," Yorg replied absently.

Geordi approached and spoke to Riker.

"We’ve located the problem, sir. It’s a deformation in the magnetic seals – most likely due to their age and condition." He turned to Yorg. "With your permission, we’ll begin repairs – but I need to fabricate replacement parts on the Enterprise." He looked at Riker. "It might take several hours."

Again, Yorg turned to consult with his companions. Gann leaned toward Yorg’s ear, raised a hand and whispered behind it.

"Certainly. We appreciate your help." Yorg eventually answered.

Riker nodded and then, rubbing his hands together, said, "I have an idea. Why don’t you and your officers join us on the Enterprise for dinner? We’ll entertain you while the repairs are being made."

Yorg’s eyes lit-up at the idea. "I… I don’t think I can leave my ship at this time…" he began. Wott and Gann shook their heads in unison.

"Please DaiMon. It would be an honor for us."

Yorg strained to get the words out. "Well, Commander Riker, since you insist…"

Riker tapped his communicator. "Riker to Enterprise."

"Go ahead, Number One," Picard responded.

"Captain, we must return to the Enterprise for some parts fabrication. I have taken the liberty to invite the DaiMon and his staff to join us for a meal on board. With your permission, we are ready to be transported."

"A splendid idea, Mr. Riker. We’ll lock onto your group now."

Yorg smiled a wide Ferengi smile, while his officers continued to protest. "Proceed," he said. His companion’s angry glares faded into golden iridescence as the transporter engaged.

#

"Welcome to the Enterprise," Captain Picard said, as Commander Riker and Lt. Worf escorted the Ferengi party into the Captain’s Dining Room. DaiMon Yorg and his companions nodded in greeting.

A variety of dishes, palatable to both humans and Ferengis, covered the elliptical table centered in the room. Picard waved his hand at the meal.

"Please be seated," he requested. "I believe you will find the Kohlanese stew especially good."

Yorg stared at the table as if famished. Wott and Gann merely glanced at it, keeping most of their attention focused on the DaiMon.

Picard pulled his chair out and sat down. The Ferengis did likewise. Yorg appeared uncomfortable seated between his two comrades.

"Some of my other officers will join us shortly." He paused and nodded to Worf, who still stood by the door. The Klingon reluctantly seated himself at the opposite end of the table. Riker sat across from the Ferengis.

"Now what would you care to drink?" Picard asked.

At that moment, the entry door slid open. Data and Troi walked in. Immediately, Deanna appeared disoriented. She stopped and grabbed the back of Worf’s chair for support, shaking her head as if to clear it.

"Deanna? Are you all right?" asked Riker as he rose to help her. She shook her head again and tried to speak. All she managed was to point a shaky finger at DaiMon Yorg. Riker grabbed her gently by the shoulders and helped her toward the door.

"He… he’s doing something to my thoughts," she managed to mutter, eyes never leaving the Ferengi DaiMon. Picard stood.

"What do you mean?" He turned to the Ferengis. "What are you doing to my Counselor?" he demanded.

Yorg seemed to lose control. He moved his head back and forth and attempted to remove the wide gold necklace from his throat. The other two Ferengi tried to restrain him. Worf stood suddenly, knocking over his chair and drawing his phaser. Picard’s voice thundered across the room.

"What is happening here?" He demanded. "DaiMon, if you are using some device against my officers… "

"It’s a Thought Maker," Deanna gasped from the open doorway. "A Ferengi Thought Maker. He… no, no they are controlling him!" She pointed to Wott and Gann as they struggled with Yorg.

"Release him!" Picard ordered, "Or I’ll order Mr. Worf to open fire."

Suddenly, Gann slipped an arm around Yorg’s neck. A knife from the table setting flashed in Gann’s other hand, the blade rested against the DaiMon’s throat.

"Gann," Picard spoke, his voice crisp and controlled. "Just what do you think you are doing?"

"I’m doing what I should have done when we first encountered you," Gann responded, voice high-pitched and anxious. "I’m taking charge of this situation!"

Picard raised his hands. "Let’s approach this rationally, shall we? Everyone, stand-down. Mr. Worf, lower your weapon." With a grimace of reluctance the Klingon did so. Riker continued to support Deanna as she leaned against him, disoriented. Data stood silent and motionless, observing the situation.

"If you are using a Thought Maker, desist!" Picard ordered. "A member of my crew is endangered. We mean you no harm. What is it that you want from us?"

"To be left alone," Gann replied, then nodded to Wott, who adjusted a belt-mounted control device. Deanna immediately stood straighter, then nodded to Picard that she was all right.

Gann continued. "We did not ask you here and want no interference from the Federation."

Picard studied Gann’s words carefully. Something unusual in the voice, the pitch and timbre did not seem right.

"We meant no interference, and offered only assistance," Picard replied. "Who are you and why are you using an outlawed device against your own DaiMon?"

Yorg spoke then, contempt evident in his words. "I am no DaiMon! They only have me play the role. I am their slave! Can you not see?" Gann tightened the grip around Yorg’s neck, strangling any further words.

"See what?" asked Riker.

Picard looked intently at Wott and Gann, at last discerning subtle differences in them from Yorg – a slighter build, less harsh features. "Ah, of course. I see it now." Picard said. He looked at Riker.

"These are Ferengi females, Number One."

"Is this true?" asked Worf, incredulously.

"Yes. It is true," spat Gann in reply, tightening her arm around Yorg’s neck, pressing the knife harder against his skin. "But he is not a slave. If he freely helped our cause, he would be treated as an equal." She shook her head and looked at Yorg with scorn. "But he refuses – so we must do what is necessary to fulfill our needs."

"And force and mind-control are necessary?" queried Picard. "What is this cause you speak of?"

"It is not your concern," muttered Gann.

"Yes it is—now that you have violated the sanctity of my ship."

"It would not be violated if you had left us alone," Gann retorted. Defiantly, Gann looked at each of them as she spoke.

"Your Federation always meddles where you are not wanted," she spat. "Why couldn’t you just go on your way?"

"Perhaps if you were more truthful and acted less suspiciously we would," Picard replied. "Now what can we do to resolve this situation?"

"Transport us back to the Vindicator. Finish your repairs. We will pay you for them," she glared at Picard. "We want no goodwill from you, only assistance that we will gladly pay for – we are neither poor or helpless!"

"Very well," said Picard. "But I must know the basis for Yorg’s claim of slavery. As a Federation Officer and a human, I cannot condone enslavement of another sentient being."

Gann laughed. "We do not ask for your forbearance, Captain," she sneered. "What we do within our culture is no concern of yours. You have your Prime Directive to follow. Do so and leave us alone."

Yorg looked from Gann to Picard. "Captain Picard, please allow me to remain with you. I do not wish to return to the slavery of these females," he uttered the word as a curse. "As a Ferengi citizen, I demand asylum from you."

"He lies," said Gann. "He creates a slave of himself by refusing to cooperate." She turned to Picard. "If he stays with you, it will be an act of hostility against us."

"Who am I to believe?" Picard asked. "You have proven to us that you were manipulating Yorg’s thoughts – controlling him for your own ends. Yet you claim it is for some noble cause and that his treatment is of no consequence. Prove to me the worth in your actions!"

Gann looked thoughtfully at Wott. "Very well, Captain. But I would speak to you in private to explain our position and convince you of the truth."

"Convince him with a Thought Maker?" growled Worf. "How ignorant do you think we are?"

Gann shook her head, a look of despair in her eyes. "I swear this is no subterfuge. I’ll leave the device and Yorg in your charge."

The sadness and sincerity of her voice convinced Picard. "Very well," he said. "You have a bargain. But I warn you, any tricks and Commander Riker will do whatever it takes to resolve the situation." He turned to Will. "Keep an eye on Wott and Yorg while Gann and I retire to my ready room."

"Of course, sir," Riker replied.

#

Picard motioned for Gann to take a seat across from him at his desk.

"Now, explain your actions Gann. Why all this trickery with Yorg and the Thought Maker? Why did you not tell us who you were and what you were doing?"

"And risk exposure?" Gann answered. "Wouldn’t you be curious about a ship crewed by Ferengi females when it is a well-known fact that females aren’t allowed to do such things?"

"Well, possibly, but…"

"We could not risk it," Gann interrupted. "We had to try and fool you with the only male we had on board." She shook her head tiredly. "It is hopeless," she murmured.

Picard leaned forward earnestly. "Tell me truthfully what is going on here. I’m sure we can work out a solution."

"Very well. She paused as if trying to decide where to start.

"Some thirty years ago I was a young girl aboard a Ferengi cargo ship destined for one of the new settlements in the Regulus Arm. Not an ordinary freighter, but one that carried a very valuable cargo – two hundred female concubines for the males awaiting on a frontier planet." She looked away; coldness glittered in her eyes and iced her voice. "Females! Property! Naked and cold – treated more like animals than intelligent beings," she spat.

She noticed the question in Picard’s eyes. "Yes, I was one of them. Some seventeen summers old and promised to a male that I had never even met." She rose and started to pace about the room.

"Under way only a few days, our ship encountered an anomaly in warpspace. Two of the three males who crewed the ship died. The third survived long enough to get us to a habitable planet. Somehow we managed to survive and create a new society."

"Didn’t the Ferengi government come looking for their missing ship and concubines?"

"They did, and the ship that eventually found us reported that our freighter was destroyed and all aboard killed." She paused and smiled a Ferengi smile as ruthless as any Picard had ever seen.

"Ah," Picard murmured. "The Thought Maker. How did it come into your possession?"

"It was on board our original ship." She returned to her seat across the desk and gazed intently at Picard. "At that time it was used to keep the young females under control—the females who questioned who they were and why they were being treated as animals."

"Females such as yourself?"

"Yes." She looked away and then back. "Have you any idea how it feels to be lower class? Looked down upon by your own family?" Her voice grew tight and bitter. "My own brother refused to even acknowledge my presence because I am a female. We were not even allowed the dignity of wearing clothing!"

Picard shook his head. "I empathize with you because humanity and most species recognize the value and equality of the females of their race. But the Ferengi evolved their own social system and mores."

"An unjust system," Gann cried.

"That may be so, but I have no right to meddle with, or pass judgement on, Ferengi laws and customs."

"Then what gives you that right to interfere with us now?" Gann exclaimed.

Picard sighed and sat back. "Tell me of Yorg’s claim of slavery."

"We saved his life – rescued him from his crippled mining ship. And he repays us with insolence and disruption. If he would only cooperate and see the error in his thinking, see how males are contributing members of our new society…"

"How is it you perpetuate your social group?" Picard interrupted, trying to temper the fervor he saw growing in her. "Isn’t that rather difficult without males?"

"We have males. Quite a few of us had male children with us, infants mostly. They grew up in a society where males and females are equal. We force no social or sexual inequities."

"And how is your experiment, if I may call it that, doing?" Picard asked.

Gann smiled at that, a genuine and warm smile, evidence of her pride in their accomplishments. "There are over a thousand of us now. We obtained a couple of starships. We prospect for valuable minerals and attempt to establish a strong base for future commerce." She leaned forward intently.

"We have a real chance to make a difference—to show the males of Ferenginar the importance of females; that we can survive without their oversight and enslavement. In another five or ten years we will reveal ourselves as equal citizens of the galaxy."

"Yet you enslave a male much as you and your sisters were enslaved. Is this your form of justice—to turn the tables when it profits you?"

She started to reply, then paused. "But if he could understand the good it does for him to cooperate and accept the way things are here."

Picard stood and paced back and forth within the narrow room. "Don’t you see that you spout the same senseless rhetoric the Ferengi males mouth when females object to their treatment?" He stopped and leaned over the desk, eye to eye with Gann.

"If slavery is wrong on Ferenginar, then it is wrong here too."

Gann nodded her head reluctantly. "Then how do we resolve our current dilemma? I cannot allow Yorg to return to Ferengi space with knowledge of our existence. We would be in chains within a week and all our hard work reduced to nothing." She stared intently at Picard. "I cannot let that happen."

"And I cannot knowingly return a being to a life of slavery," Picard replied, then smiled slightly. "But I do have an idea that might profit us both."

#

"Enter," Picard said, as the door to his quarters announced a visitor. Commander Riker strode in; a half-smile framed by his dark beard. Picard looked up from the volume of Shakespeare and motioned for Riker to take a chair.

"Yorg is safely on his way," Riker said. "How fortunate that a Ferengi trade ship arrived at Evadne IV before we left."

"Indeed, Number One." Picard leaned back in his chair and grinned. "I received a reply from Starfleet regarding my report on our encounter with Gann and her people."

"And?" Riker raised an eyebrow.

"And they agreed with my actions. After all, what choice did we have? I couldn’t knowingly return Yorg to a life of certain slavery or imprisonment. And I couldn’t ignore the Prime Directive and possibly contaminate a fledgling society."

"Do you really think he can keep his word?" Riker asked.

"Oh yes, Number One." Picard said, with a slight smile. "Did you not see the look in his eyes when Gann showed him their stockpile of latinum? He’ll keep his secret. With an exclusive contract to act as their agent and diplomat his greed overcomes any scruples he may have about females and their place in Ferengi society."

"And your recommendation concerning Gann and her people?" Riker asked.

"They are Starfleet’s little secret as well," Picard replied. "Those Ferengi females have accomplished quite a lot in just thirty years. I can’t wait to see what they will be up to in another thirty!"

"Yes, I have a feeling that the Ferengis had better heed well the 31^st Rule of Acquisition." Riker offered.

"And what is that, Number One?"

"Never make fun of a Ferengi’s mother," he chuckled.

-- The End --