Ferenginar

Hok was staring at the clock on the wall. The white numbers were oddly-shaped, perhaps in some ultra-modern style, instead of the traditional manner in which Ferengi numbers were written. Many traditions had changed over the years, ever since the reformations that were started by Grand Nagus Zek, and continued by his successor, Grand Nagus Rom.

Hok was very young when Zek created the reforms that changed Ferengi society, reforms that were not well-received. He wasn’t sure what to make of them; his father had railed against them in public, but how could anything that would increase the profits made by Ferengi, all Ferengi, be a bad thing? The reforms would even give his moogie a chance to earn profit.

Moogie…

Hok sighed and looked at his moogie’s face. Her eyes were closed, and her color was almost white. It scared him to look at it, but he felt ashamed to look away. How could he not look at his wonderful moogie when she was in a coma, likely because of his father, his brother, and now him?

Hok gently ran his fingers across the back of one of her hands.

“I wanted to tell you, Moogie, that I’ll be leaving Ferenginar for a while, maybe for a long time,” said Hok. He felt guilty saying it, though he knew his business license being revoked was his father’s fault and not his.

“I’m going to try to get a fresh start so I can care for you better. Until then, Glosh will be looking after you. You remember Glosh, don’t you?”

Glosh had wanted to enter into a marriage contract with Hok’s mother, but Hok’s father made a better offer to his moogie’s father, so he was awarded the contract instead.

Hok grew silent, not knowing what else to say. Lovingly kissing his moogie’s hand, he patted it softly and got up. Looking at her face one last time, he left her room.

Earth

===Hok sat in the chair, rocking nervously. He stared at the light blue walls covered with citations and awards. He admired the achievements, but they intimidated him. Why would such a man approve a Ferengi that had his business license revoked?

Hok turned his attention back to the Starfleet Admissions Officer, Commander Lee Travis, as he finished reading Hok’s file. The man was a Hewmon, tall and well-built, with dark, curly hair that had tinges of gray on the sides. His brown eyes were serious and showed a confident and efficient man.

Turning off the computer console on his desk. He looked directly at Hok just by moving his eyes.

Hok swallowed.

“Well, Mr. Hok, your file isn’t something I normally see. Your background check took a long time. It seems some of your relatives were suspected of associating with… certain elements.’

Hok didn’t say anything. He didn’t know what to say. What could he say?

Travis studied Hok for a moment before continuing.

“Your test scores are high enough for you to be accepted.”

Hok felt hope inside, but he held his grim expression.

“But there are just some things in your background, that cause me to be concerned.”

Hok’s shoulders slumped.

Travis drummed his fingers on his desk. Leaning back in his chair, he crossed his arms over his chest.

“Are you willing to work hard and accept the ideals and beliefs of Starfleet and the United Federation of Planets?”

“Yes, sir. I am,” said Hok.

“Because your citizenship papers have arrived. You’ve been accepted as a citizen of the Federation.”

Hok began to feel hope.

“All right, Mr. Hok, you’re in. I’ve been authorized to offer you a position in the academy instead of an enlistment. It’s against my better judgment, but if you’re up to it, you’re in.”

Hok was stunned. This was better than he envisioned. An officer in Starfleet, one of the very, very few Ferengi to do that!

“Yes, sir! I’m up for it,” said Hok.

“Don’t make me look like a fool,” said Travis, his voice stern, eyes like phasers.

“I won’t, sir” said Hok. “Count on it.”