“There’s someone here to see you.”

“Who is it?”

“He didn’t say his name, but he claims to be an old friend.”

“Did he mention what he wanted?”

“No.”

“Did he bribe you to ask me if I’ll see him?”

“He did.”

“All right.  Send him in.

===

Hok was pacing nervously in the reception area,  He had come to see Glosh, the man that cared for his mother after she lapsed into a coma.  Hok had to bribe the secretary to ask if Glosh would see him, and based on the last time they met, it was possible he wouldn’t.

“Glosh will see you now.”

Hok nodded and muttered a quick thanks.  Stepping into the business office, he waited to see what reaction he would get.

“I never thought I’d see you again,” said Glosh.

“I need your help.”

“I see.”  Glosh looked at a box on the corner of his desk.

Sighing, Hok grabbed a latinum coin from his pocket and dropped it into the slot on top of the box.  It made a clink as it joined the other coins already there.

“I never get tired of that sound.”  Glosh smiled.  “Sit.”

When Hok was seated, he got right to why he was there.  “I need information.”

“What kind of information and why come to me?”

“I need to know who was behind the incident in Glun’s bar a few nights ago.”  Hok studied Glosh’s reaction.

Glosh winced, but quickly recovered.  “Why do you think I would be able to do that?”

“You’re a successful Ferengi with connections.”

“Why is it so important that you know?’

Hok hesitated.  Glosh cared about Hok’s mother and he did help when Hok couldn’t, but there was still some concern on how much Hok could truly trust him.

“If I’m opening myself to crossing people that should be left alone, I need to know why,” said Glosh.

Hok sighed.  “I was there.”

Glosh reacted with surprise.

“I was the only one that made it out alive.”  Hok thought about being before the Blessed Exchequer, wondering if it really happened or if it was an unconscious dream.  “Lorx was my client.  I was supposed to keep him safe.”

“Then you should count yourself lucky,” said Glosh.  “Revenge isn’t worth it.”

“It’s not about revenge,” said Hok.  “I need to know who betrayed us and if I’m in any danger.”

Glosh leaned back in his chair.  “I’ll give you some advice and not even charge you for it.  Leave it alone.  It’s likely no one knows you were there and it’s more likely they don’t care.  Go back to your business and stop worrying.”

“I’ll pay you.”

Glosh laughed.  “Of course you’ll pay me.  Hok, even though you and your Andorian girlfriend brought the Orion Syndicate to my home, I still like you.  I think you’re making more of this than there is.”

Hok got a PADD from his shirt pocket, tapped in some data, and placed it on the desk.

Glosh leaned over the PADD and looked at the screen, his eyes widening.  “Well, if it means that much to you, who am I to turn down an old friend.  I’ll do what I can.”

“Thank you.”  Hok got up to leave.

“Wait.  I’m really curious about something,” said Glosh.

“What’s that?” said Hok.

“What’s oo-mox with an Andorian like?  Did you make her antennae vibrate?’

Hok scowled, sighed, and walked out, Glosh laughing heartily behind him.