Bunnicorn’s Foot, Daimon Klunt’s Office

Roger and Lori sat quietly, waiting for Daimon Klunt to finish reading something from his computer.  Roger studied the man, though there wasn’t really anything he could discern yet.  Eyeballing the room, he couldn’t see any cameras or other devices, but it was certain they were being recorded.

Klunt was about middle-aged for a Ferengi, with the typical features of his people, though his ears were slightly bigger, and he appeared to be a bit overweight.  He was wearing a garment of fine material, and had a ring on his left hand with an unnecessarily large diamond setting.  Roger personally knew only one other Ferengi and Klunt didn’t appear to be anyone special.  He knew not to underestimate him.

Klunt switched off his computer and leaned back in his chair.  “I’m sure you know this already, but I’m Daimon Klunt.  What do you think of my casino?  Are you enjoying yourselves?”

Roger wanted to answer, but Kavi Rozen was in charge.

“Let’s get to the point, Daimon.  Why did you have us brought here?” said Lori.

Klunt chuckled.  “All right.  To the point.  I make it my business to know when… special people come to my moon, especially when they arrive in fine ships.  The Tigress Paw is registered to Kavi Rozen; I’m sure there are some nuances there I haven’t realized yet.  To learn who you are, it took time, spending more latinum than I care to admit, and calling in several favors in the Federation.”

“And who am I?” said Lori.

“This is the dance we’re doing?” said Klunt.  “Fine.  You were the number three in the Red Heaven syndicate, but after numbers one and two met with unfortunate circumstances, you took over.  After some turmoil, in-fighting, and eliminating those that opposed you, things are up and running again.”

Roger was impressed that Klunt was so resourceful, though to be fair, Starfleet Intelligence wanted him to learn all this.  He also began to wonder what dark things Lori had to witness or even do, in her first UC assignment.

“I know who you are, what you are, and what you do,” said Klunt.  “I just don’t know yet why you’re here.”

“Yes, we’re enjoying ourselves, thanks for asking, but my main reason for being here was to meet you,” said Lori.

“Oh?”

Roger got the feeling Klunt wasn’t easily surprised, but he seemed to be now.

“Because of the changes in my organization, local authorities have been poking their noses where they don’t belong,” said Lori.  “Bribes and threats go only so far, so I need a secure place to stash some of my resources.”

“I see,” said Klunt with a thoughtful expression.  “It’s fortunate you got into a fight with a drunk patron.  That piqued my curiosity into wanting to meet you.”

Lori smirked.  “That wasn’t fortunate.  It was planned.”

Klunt’s eyes widened and he laughed.

Roger was taken aback, as Lori hadn’t told him the fight was a set up.  It took all his effort to act as though he knew.

“Well played, Ms. Rozen.”

Lori nodded.

“Since we’re being direct, why should I care to help you and why would you trust me?” said Klunt.

“You’re going to help me because I pique your curiosity.  As far as trust, if you betray me, I’ll have you killed.”

The room fell into a heavy silence.  It was like they were about to be smothered in a blanket.

“No one talks to me like that, Ms. Rozen, but yes, you do intrigue me.  You’re in the lion’s den, but I suppose a tigress doesn’t fear a lion.”

Roger was concerned, as Lori was walking a fine line, but once again, what had she done last time?

Klunt was about to say something, but the door buzzed and clicked open.  The Ferengi from security stepped inside.

“I told you I wasn’t to be disturbed!”  Klunt was clearly angry.

“I’m sorry, Daimon, but I have important news.”

“Then tell me and get out.”

The newcomer looked at Roger and Lori.

“I’m waiting,” said Klunt, still irritated.

“A Starfleet ship arrived.  The Eagle.  It’s in orbit now and the captain, Matt Kirby, is asking to speak with you.”

Roger gave Lori a sidelong glance, but her posture showed she didn’t care.  She was damn good at this.

“All right.  Get out.”  Klunt waited until it was just the three of them again.  “As you can see, I have other demands on my time.  I’ll think about your proposal.  You know the way out.”

“Of course, Daimon,” said Lori.

Back outside the office, Roger studied Lori.  “We need to talk.”  He was not happy about being left in the dark.