The captain and XO had beamed back to the Eagle, taking Gus Simmons into custody. Nick and Izi were given time to remain on Delvis to say good-bye. Nick chuckled as he watched Izi with her Andorian friends. Tork was the first to see Nick.

“It was nice having you here, Nick, though I knew there was something different about you. I never figured you for Starfleet, though.”

“I’m a man of mysteries.”

“If you’re ever here again, you know where to find my store. Good customers are as rare as latinum. Treasure them.”

“Oh, I don’t think you’ll be seeing me again any time soon, or ever,” said Nick. “And speaking of your store, in my cabin are the leftovers I bought that I didn’t use. You can have them.”

“Really?” said Tork.

“They’re all yours.”

Tork raced off, saying something about getting to the items first before the Delvis scavengers did.

Chuckling as the Ferengi hurried away, Nick’s stomach started to flutter when he saw Mara.

“You look dashing in your uniform.”

Nick felt his cheeks getting warm. “I hope you understand why Izi and I kept that secret.”

“I do,” said Mara. “People would have thought you were sent here to spy on us to make sure we were following Federation laws. You weren’t really spies, were you?”

“No.  We had an interesting series of missions and Izi needed to get away for some shore leave. I’m the one that suggested coming here for the tournament.” Nick looked around. “Never again.” He sighed.

“Well I’m glad you did,” said Mara. “Even if it was only a few days.”

There was an awkward moment of silence.

“Are you going to be all right?” said Nick.

“Yes. Kurtox hasn’t stopped apologizing for thinking I killed Trevor, at least as much as a Klingon can apologize.” Mara chuckled. “I’m still trying to process why Gus did what he did. I mean, he and Trevor were friends, but looking back at it now, I can see why he felt like he was treated so badly, always being the butt of jokes and insults. I guess he just had enough.”

“I’m still unclear on why he framed you,” said Nick.

“Doctor Hinton told me it was another way to hurt Trevor.” Mara shrugged. “It’s over now. I’m just glad Lieutenant Iziraa found the skin tissue and a witness.”

“Um, that’s not what happened,” said Nick.

“What do you mean?” Mara’s eyes squinted in confusion.

“There was no skin residue or a witness. We made up the whole thing to draw out the killer.”

Mara stared in disbelief. “You mean to tell me, my life was hanging in the balance based on an elaborate trick?”

“I’m sorry, but there wasn’t anything else we could have done,” said Nick. “Evidence pointed to you, but there was enough doubt that we couldn’t risk ruining your life.”

“What would have happened if Gus didn’t fall for it?”

“He did, so let’s not think about that,” said Nick.

“It’s a good thing you’re dashing.”

Nick was about to say something, but his comm badge chirped.

“Eagle to Saunders. We’re ready to bring you home.”

“Acknowledged.” Nick looked at Mara. “I’ve got to…” His last words were interrupted by a long and passionate kiss.

“Be safe out there, Lieutenant Nick Saunders.”

As the transporter beam took him, Nick watched as Mara waved good-bye. It turned out there was something about Delvis IV he would always treasure.