Observation Lounge

“Daimon Klunt is one of the most successful businessmen in the Ferengi Alliance,” said Iziraa.  “His portfolio is diverse, but his primary source of income is a series of casinos along the Federation border, with the Lappa moon being the largest.”

“SFI knows Klunt is involved in black market activity in Federation space, but there’s never been enough evidence to arrest him.”

“Politically, Klunt has friends and connections throughout all levels of government.  He’s basically untouchable.”

“Klunt served in the military and he still has possession of his flagship, the Jrayton.  It’s completely gold-plated and on display as a symbol of his success.  He’s the envy of every Ferengi.”

“Mm, yes,” said Hok, admiration in his voice.  Everyone looked at him.  “Sorry.”

Iziraa continued.  “He has wealth, power, influence, prestige, and the only thing I can think of that he might want, is to become Grand Nagus.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant,” said Kirby.

“His business.  That’s what he wants.”

It was Science Officer Haia Ohtani.  She usually didn’t say much at briefings, so it was a bit of a surprise to hear her blurt out something.

“Haia?” said Kirby.

“Klunt wants to keep his business ventures in Federation space.  If the Dominion gains a greater foothold, he could lose significant parts of it.  Perhaps we could convince him that giving us the Breen ship deployments…”

“Selling,” said Hok.

“Selling us the deployments,” said Ohtani, “is in his self-interest.”

The room fell silent as everyone looked at the captain.

“Until a better idea comes along, that’s the angle I’ll go with,” said Kirby.  Before saying anything else, a call came from the bridge.

“Captain, Daimon Klunt is hailing us.”

“I’m on my way.  Hok, you stay here.”

Bridge

“Captain Kirby, I’ve confirmed through my network that what you said about the Dominion is true.  I must say, it wasn’t easy, as your government has done an admirable job of containing it.”

“Then we have a common purpose here,” said Kirby.

“And that is?”

“It’s bad for us both if the Dominion expands,” said Kirby.

“Maybe for you, Captain, but a wise man can hear profit in the wind.  I’ll be fine,” said Klunt.

It was difficult for Kirby to hide his frustration.  “I don’t care how or why you have the deployment charts, but it’s important for us to have them.  Surely there’s something we can offer you.”

“Nothing comes to mind,” said Klunt.  He scratched his nose.  “I just wanted to let you know what I learned about the Dominion.  I’ve got to go, so if you change your mind about letting your crew have some shore leave, we have a three-day special coming up.”  He chuckled and closed the channel.

For the next thirty seconds, the only sound was Hok coming out of the observation lounge.

“I’m losing badly, aren’t I, Mister Hok?” said Kirby.

“Losing?  Sir, Klunt is kicking your…”

“Hok!” shouted Iziraa.

“No, he’s right.  I’m out of my element,” said Kirby.  “We need another plan.  Someone please think of something.”

Ready Room

The door chime rang.

“Come,” said Kirby.

Chief Engineer Saunders stepped inside, a PADD in hand.

“What’s up, Nick?”

“Sir, we all felt bad about what happed.  Knowing how important this is, Haia, Iziraa, Hok, and I started doing extensive research into past Starfleet missions and log entries.  The hope was we’d find a similar situation, along with a solution.”

“You found something?”  The hope in Kirby’s voice was obvious.

Saunders set the PADD on the desk.  “Maybe not a solution, but the first step.  It’s from stardate 4041.2, the Enterprise under Captain James Kirk.”

Kirby tilted his head to one side before picking up the PADD and reading it.  “How long until you can have this ready?”

“Haia is in engineering now helping with the scans, calculations, and adjustments.  We should be ready in a few hours.”

“We’ll need to get word to Allen and Weaver.”  Kirby finally got some good news.  “All right, Nick.  Keep me updated.”

“Yes, sir.”  He nodded and left the room.

Kirby got up and stood before the window, gazing at the Lappa moon below, wondering how Roger and Lori were doing.  The Dominion.  The Jem’Hadar..  The Breen.  It was amazing how quickly the tide of life could turn.