The Merced was at the Latinum Casino and Resort waiting to meet its owner, Damon Rike.

The crew had been given permission to enjoy some shore leave outside, the 3 of them.

Marcus, Kerry, and Jonas waited quietly in a very well decorated and appointed conference room. They waited, drinking bottle water from the Merced’s replicators to avoid owing the casino by accident.

Soon Rike walked in with two other Ferengi the Damon was dripping in jewelry and fine clothes. He sat as the other two went back to guard the door.

“My good friend Captain Grumby, what brings you to my humble Casino?” Rike smiled

Grumby said, “We are looking for information about the Vaadwaur and whether they hold Federation hostages.”

Rike’s smile faded. “Nasty folk, the Vaadwaur they hardly ever spend actual latinum.” He regarded Grumby “How are you planning to pay for this information?”

Grumby nodded. “I noted your casino was low on medical supplies, and I can spare some.”

Rike growled, “Hardly enough for risking our necks if the Vaadwaur find out we gave you information.” Rike stared directly at the doctor. “I would take your supplies and your Doctors to help in questioning a prisoner we hold. They robbed my casino. I want to know who they paid off or how they got past security.”

Marcus stuttered, removing the contacts he was wearing. “How did you know?”

Rike chuckled, “Contacts fool the eyes, not the several dozen bioscanners I have hidden in the casinos. My understanding is that your kind does not read minds without either orders or permission.”

Grumby interjected, saying, “So, you want me to order my Doctor to help you with an interrogation of someone who tried to rob your casino and the medical supplies to boot?” Grumby chuckled, “You can do better; cover my crew while they are here.”

Rike growled but said, “100 each.”

Grumby said, “300, you won’t find another telepath within 50 light years.”

Rike growled louder, “200 each, and that’s my final offer.”

Grumby looked at Marcus. “What do you think, Doctor?”

Marcus felt a bit like a side of beef being auctioned but looked to Grumby “200, to the crew, 300 for the Commander,Captain, and me.” He reached out his hand towards Rike to shake hands.

Rike grumbled but took Marcus’s hand then transcribed the exact deal to a PADD. Rike shoved it towards them “Sign.” He said

Grumby, Trace, and Anvers signed then Rike did to handing the PADD to one of the guards “See this is done.” The guard nodded and walked off “Come along Doctor.” Rike said.

Marcus nodded to the Captain and Commander and followed Rike and his Guard to the bright.

LATINUM CASINO BRIG-

Marcus followed the two Ferengi to the brig and was surprised as he saw the huge cells. Each equipped with amenities you wouldn’t usually see in a brig. Nice beds, furniture, and even an actual sealed bathroom space were in each cell.

Rike saw Marcus’s face and smiled “It’s a luxury resort, I wanted it throughout even here.”

They made their way to the third cell a Bajoran paced the cell. When she saw Marcus she lit up “You are here to rescue me!? Thank the prophets!”

Marcus shook his head “I have been asked to interrogate you find out who helped you with the robbery.”

The woman blanched “They have whipped me and threatened me. What do you think you can do?”

“I can read your mind and find the answers if it’s needed.” Marcus said he could sense her anger and fear.

“They will kill me!” The woman said

Rike shook his head “You got nothing in the attempt you tell me, I will let you go with Marcus here.”

The woman regarded Marcus for a moment and sighed “Fine, my name is Vera, after the war I joined a team that included three Cardassians. My job was to distract the Damon. While they took the latinum shipment.”

Marcus said “She tells the truth.”

Rike snarled a bit “How do I find them and my Latinum?”

Vera shrugged “I actually don’t know. The Cardassian leader Chil had three routes planned. One to a station just inside Cardassian Space, one to a neutral zone planet call Fios, and one to a small Cardassian fleet that patrols the borders. I am sure he had other plans should someone get caught.”

Anvers looked to Rike “Truth mostly, she thinks they will chose the fleet since they have backup in case you pursue them. Should she talk.”

Rike nodded “Release her to the Merced, I will not seek anything further from her. Though I wouldn’t trust her.”

Marcus bowed to Rike “Thank you Damon.”

Rike lead Marcus up back to the main casino before handing him a PADD “You will find the information we have on the Vaadwaur on that PADD. They came a month ago for supplies. Three warships, and 2 transports. The scanners told us that there were about 100 on each transport all Federation races. Outside of what would be equal to a Vaadwaur crew. ”

Marcus thanked Rike again and Rike waved dismissively. “A deal is a deal. I am one Ferengi who knows the value of fair deals.”

Marcus nodded and headed back to join the rest.