Dergan Space Launch Centre

Barka, in his role as Deputy Launch Director, was the de facto 2nd most senior person in the Dergan Space Launch Department. In keeping with the Dergan society precepts of not ever telling anyone what to do, there was no ‘Head’ of a Dergan Space program as that would imply authority and telling someone what to do. All Dergan government departments were objective and task oriented in nature.

The Dergan space launch systems included 10 cyclotronic Electro-Magnetic slingshot launchers. 6 equatorial launchers that launched smaller probes and manned spheres that were 8 metres in diameter. They were the first launchers made by the Dergans and were used for basic probe and scout ship launches.

The other 4 were placed at the north and south polar regions, all located at about 15 degrees latitude, and strategically placed for planetary defense. They launched the larger 13 metre wide spheres, and could be configured for manned launches or used as mass drivers. In the latter configuration, the safeties were disabled and they launched spheres that had quick igniting thermitic explosives laden in the exterior of their hulls, and high- explosive incendiaries imbedded in the interior of the the spheres. It was these larger launchers and their explosive projectiles that acted like massive armour piercing SABOT rounds that had been able to achieve enough success to force the ceasefire with the Formicans almost a half century ago. Rigging the larger spheres like that had been Barka’s own idea back when he was just a senior pilot in the fledgling space exploration program.

Near the end of Barka’s nephew’s first day on the job, Barka let the kid go early since he could tell that the young man was starting to suffer from some of the more obviously debilitating of the Cabbage withdrawal effects. A few moments after letting the kid go, he got a call from the Capital complex, requesting an immediate meeting with him. It wasn’t unheard of for this to happen but it was rare to be called in on such short notice. It must have been important.

Government Complex

The meeting with the leaders was wild to say the least. He was informed of diplomatic representatives from something called the ‘Federation’ who were on their way, the rationing of the output of Cabbage in all the replicators on the planet, and the massive amounts of debt that the Ferengi were claiming that they were owed.

Barka was also told the reason the Launch Director had not been in the office that day. The Director had apparently fallen off the edge of an overpass and broken his neck early that morning and was currently in a medically induced coma at one of the local hospitals.

“Was he uh…I mean was the…” Barka sputtered, not quite finding the right words.

“Yes. As kids these days would say ‘he was getting his munch on’. As of right now, you’re the new Launch Director. These representatives from the Federation will arrive in a few hours, I’d like you there with me to meet them. The information they sent to us about themselves indicates they might be able to help us with some of our…issues.” The President said as he tossed a stacked of papers with the printout of the communique infront of Barka.

“How so?” Barka asked.

It was at that moment that the Defense Secretary and the President laid out there plan to save their people from societal collapse due to the effects of the Cabbage epidemic, and from utter slavery at the hands of the Big Ears. In their view Barka might be just the Dergan who could help make sure the plan succeeded.

A few hours later, the Grand Pasteur

It was the finest lawn on all of Derganix. Square in shape, a mile on each side, gently slopping away from the large marble steps that led up to the Government Complex. The 3 Daimons who oversaw the Ferengi operations on and around Derganix, the DefSec, President and Barka all awaited the newcomers at the base of the steps. The area had been ‘cleared’ and not another soul was anywhere nearby as far as the Ferengi had been told. The president though, had ensured that several reporters and journalists from each of the most prominent netvision news outlets were recording the event from concealed locations. The news of newcomers would be known to all Dergans before the day was over, regardless of what the Ferengi wanted.

Captain Tyler, Commander Aruin, and 2 security officers, all in dress whites rematerialized about 40 feet away on the grass.

“Welcome to Derganix. I am Daimon Rosko, of the Dergan Trading Corporation. It is a pleasure to meet you.” One of the Ferengi said as the group of Starfleet officers walked over to them.

“Greetings, I am Captain Fred Tyler of Starship Blythe, uh this Commander Aruin of the Starfleet Diplomatic Corps. Thank you for granting us this audience.” He said directly to the 3 Dergans, completely ignoring the Ferengi.

“It is we who have granted you this audience Captain. As a protectorate of ours the…”

Tyler interrupted the Ferengi as he stepped in between the Dergans and Captain Tyler.

“We do not recognize or condone any treaty, deal or contract that you have made with the Dergan people Daimon. If you have an issue with that, have your Over-Daimon… uh, Pogg is it? Yes, have him take it up with me personally. We look forward to opening up diplomatic relations with you and your people.” again Tyler went back to addressing the three four and a half foot tall Dergans.

The President knew in that moment that if they played their cards right, they’d have a chance to rid themselves of the Big Eared tyrants.

“I am the President of Derganix. Welcome.” he stepped forward and Captain Tyler politely sidestepped around the Ferengi and extended his hand towards the President. Wearily the President extended his thumbed hoof which Tyler grabbed and gently shook.

“We would like to learn more about you and your Federation Captain.”

“And we would enjoy learning more about you and your people as well.” Tyler replied.

“We have a conference hall with refreshments prepared inside.”

“Excellent, lead the way.”

“What!? Are you trying to tell him what to do!? How dare you speak to our President in such a way!” The Defense Secretary burst forward and got right in between the President and the Captain as Rosko backed away. He got face to chest with Tyler with his 3 inch long tusks that protruded upward from his lower jaw(female Dergans had tusks that protruded downward from their upper jaws) dripping with spittle. It almost seemed like the DefSec was about to gore Tyler in the torso with his tusks. It was all performative though, and planned in advance to keep the Ferengi in the dark as to their true intentions.

Both of the Blythe’s security officers made moves to intervene but Tyler warned them off with a wave of a hand. The 3 Ferengi snickered among themselves, taking the bait. The President reached out and grabbed his friend by the shoulder.

“Calm yourself. They, like our Ferengi friends, do not know our ways. I am certain the Captain meant no offense and was only implying that we should lead the way as we know the location of the Conference Chamber and they do not.” After the Defense Secretary backed up a half step the President patted him on the shoulder a few times.

“I sincerely apologize for any offense I have caused.” Tyler said, trying to hide his shock and fear.

“No apologies are necessary. I will ‘lead the way’ as you say. Come.” the President said.

After the usual formalities were over in the meeting hall, Barka offered Commander Aruin a brief tour of their Government Complex while the DefSec and President were occupied with Captain Tyler and the Ferengi. They slipped out one of the side doors after Aruin had winked at one of the Starfleet Security officers who had glanced over at them.

“We need your help.” Barka said after that had walked down the corridor  and rounded the first corner.

‘Oh shit, here it comes.’ Aruin thought to herself.