Captains Prerogative

Posted on Wed 12th May, 2021 @ 10:09pm by Captain Torrog & Sipov Boros

916 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Waging Peace
Location: Deck 650, The Hangman's Noose
Timeline: MD 1, 1828

Just as he had for most evenings, Sipov found himself back in his favorite tavern for dinner. He always ordered the same dark beer but tried a different dish every night, sometimes requesting items on the lunch menu. So far, however, the Shepherd's Pie was his favorite, and he did enjoy the quiet time in a booth to himself. It gave the man time to catch up on the day's events on the station, as well as any markets he'd looked at and considered investing in. His presence had become common enough, in fact, the hostess knew to automatically place him in a booth in one of the far corners which was always appreciated.

The Ferengi captain had never tried this particular watering hole. Hoomans have the most interesting phrases he thought, as he looked around for the pilot he'd been told to contact. After a moment, he saw someone in the back right corner who might be his man. He looked at his PADD, and determined that the man was, indeed, a match for the face he had been sent. Stopping by the bar first for a glass of synthohol, a Ferengi invention that kept a trader's head clear for acquisition, he headed for his target.

Scrolling through a number of items on his PADD Sipov's focus broke upon hearing a glass set on the table. He looked up and his eyes adjusted seeing a short man with big ears.

A bit surprised to see a Ferengi standing there, he considered shifting into a defensive posture. One could never be too careful with them, although the last Ferengi that threatened him he took care of quite easily, so unless the man had a disruptor, he'd likely be little match. Maybe the man had a business opportunity, for him although he wasn't sure how he'd come to know about him. Sipov, after all, was a nobody on this station. "Is there something I can do for you, Ferengi?"

The man sat down without an invitation and held his hand out across the table, as humans often did in business situations. "Name's Torrog, Captain Torrog of the Ferengi Trading Vessel Sovatax," he said. "Might have a little business proposition if you're interested."

Boros turned off the screen and placed the PADD back into his pocket before slowly sticking out his own hand to return the shake. "What business proposition could the Ferengi have for a man such as myself? Do you need some cargo run or someone transported? It could be a handful of days before I'm able to."

"I can wait," Torrog told him, nodding at the waiter. "Synth Ale," he ordered, "and whatever my friend would like."

"I'll take my usual, your darkest stout." Sipov had a tough time with the idea that a Ferengi would drink alcohol without the actual kick but didn't say anything about it.

As the waiter went off to get the drinks, the Ferengi captain looked over the Vulcan. "I heard you're a Vulcan but not like others. I heard you can get things done, and you even have a sense of humor. Is that true?"

Not having been in Federation space for too long, Sipov wondered how his name was already being mentioned, considering he hadn't really done anything. "I'm just like anyone else. I laugh, I get angry, although from what I have found, other Vulcans tend to suppress their emotions, and I fail to see why. I do have a sense of humor, to an extent. And I believe I'm resourceful, at least for the moment. But in what little I know of the Ferengi, you typically are a lot more cunning that I would be. Business investments, trades, exchanges. So why would you take the time to seek me out?"

Torrog smiled, his sharpened teeth gleaming white in the lights of the table. "Well you might ask. There are some things even a Ferengi can't do alone. I have a fine crew, but not ... hmm, how to put this? Not an equal businessman among them. It's possible you could be that equal ... if you're interested in more business. Opportunity plus instinct equals profit. Rule 9, if you aren't familiar with the Rules of Acquisition. The question is, do you have the instinct?"

The Rules of Acquisition weren't something that Sipov knew about, but he did understand business, and he never turned away an opportunity. "Instinct can be misinterpreted in many ways, but if you're asking if I'll listen to your proposal, then you have my attention. As long as it's worth my time, that is. And so far that drink I'll be getting shortly has bought you about eight minutes, minus the time you sat down." The smile was something that made him wary, as anyone proposing a fresh idea that you'd barely met almost never had the other's best interest in mind. The big ears and bald head also weren't the first thing that popped out in Sipov's mind as saying 'trust me'.

"Fair enough, and there's more where this came from," he indicated the drinks. I have an opportunity myself ... and not enough space to take full advantage of it. I thought with the addition of your ship, there's enough space, and both of us could profit. It involves a little sleight of hand," Torrog winked, "with the Federation, but there's no danger and really no reason the product is illegal ... except the Federation is a goody-goody. Are you interested in hearing more?"

 

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