“They have no idea how we got here, obviously.” Krey commented.

“That tracks. They seemed totally unaware of the existence of the shroud that affected this region of space before we arrived too.” Tyler offered.

“I can also say, from our expedition to a pair of nearby systems, that there are some valuable resource deposits in the sector,” K’lev chimed in.  “So Daimon Pogg wasn’t bluffing there.  We found some significant dilithium veins, as well as some duranium, a little natural deuterium in the form of ice bodies, the latinum, and other less-remarkable deposits – iron, granite, natural gases, so on and so forth.”

“So do we tell them about the conduit?” Priax asked.

“It’s in our interest to at this point. Especially if we’re going to offer them a few freighters. Get them working for and with us” Krey mused.

“Are you suggesting we let them use the conduit to ship their dilithium back to the Alpha Quadrant?” Tyler inquired.

“Why not, saves us the trouble, and we get an iso-ton of dilithium…maybe we let them renew the lease for the ships for a quarter iso-ton a year after the first 2 years.” Krey was spitballing ideas at this point.

“2 Type-R freighters could haul an iso-ton in about 2 trips if they were fully loaded, would take about 2 months all told. The Ferengi would have free use of the ships for the remaining 22 months…is that really wise? I mean, they are Ferengi after all.” Captain Priax leaned against a wall.

“Exactly, and the mandate for the mission here in the Shackleton Expanse is to explore and open up the region for interstellar trade isn’t it?” The wily Ambassador said. And he had a point too, the deal would cost the Federation nearly nothing, 2 freighters that would have otherwise rotted in a depot somewhere. The Ferengi, in return, would supply the Federation with a steady source of high grade dilithium, and otherwise be free to go about their business.

K’lev tapped his lips with one finger.  “One of the moons we found dilithium on, actually, could be very valuable to the Formicans, too.  According to one of Captain Tyler’s reports, they’re dealing with an overpopulation crisis, and this moon could be relatively easily terraformed to meet their needs as a new colony world.  The Dergans get their freedom, the Formicans get a new world to colonize, and the Ferengi get access to trade markets they didn’t have before.”

“Turning enemies into friends.” Tyler chuckled.

“The Federation, making frenemies since 2151.” Priax joked.

K’lev chuckled; even as he’d been settling properly into command, he still felt a little awkward around this many senior officers.  “Forgive what may be an obvious question, but while we’re helping people with things, might it be a good gesture to help the Dergans with their space program, if they’ll let us?  I don’t mean give them warp drive,” he held up his hands, hoping to politely forestall that avenue of concern, “but we could perhaps suggest some improvements in sublight engines, power systems, or sensors?”

“I think they’ll request to be given some time to sort themselves out, but still accepting our assistance in operating their new orbital station would leave the door open to cooperation and assistance in the future, but for now we should honor their wishes.” Tyler replied.

“Well, I think we can try to land these deals and push them across the finish line then. The Daimon seems willing enough play ball. Lets go see if the price is right for their dilithium.” Krey clapped his hands together and nodded to the assembled group.