Rules of Acquisition

Posted on Fri 14th May, 2021 @ 9:30pm by Captain Torrog & Sipov Boros

1,069 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Waging Peace
Location: Deck 650, Hangman's Noose
Timeline: MD 1, 1854

Previously, in Captains Perogative ...

"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?"

And now, the answer to that important question ....

"If it's not illegal, I'm happy to listen further. If it were, I'd have to ask where it was illegal and how long we'd be there, to an extent. One thing I've learned is that everything has a price. What cargo are you needing run and who has an issue with it? And after all is said and done, what's my cut?" Sipov wasn't really in a position to deny a job at the moment considering the last of his available money was going to pay for this meal before he reported in later tonight for his first mining job.

Torrog took a drink and looked down at his hands, twirling the glass on the table. "Well, there's illegal and then there's ... illegal," he said, and then looked at the Vulcan. "It's illegal in the Federation, but we'd have a quick drop off at a distributor after picking up the load where it isn't illegal. It doesn't involve species trafficking, so put that right out of your head."

The Ferengi contemplated how much latinum he could let loose. He didn't want to let any go, but his ship simply wasn't big enough for the entire contracted delivery. The other captain's ship would be needed for about 30% of the cargo. Could he get by with offering him 20% of the deal? After a moment's reflection, he remembered Rule 109 - Dignity and an empty sack is worth the sack. Right now, he had nothing in the sack. Without this man's ship, he'd still have nothing. Better not to cut too many corners.

"Thirty percent of the cargo won't fit in my hold. If you carry it for me, I'll give you thirty percent of the deal. For a ten-day trip, I'm being paid 50 bars of GPL. That's five million credits. 30% of that would go to you." And 70% of it would be mine! Torrog thought, but he didn't point that out. Let the man do his own math.

Giving a nod, Sipov leaned back for a moment and took stock of what he'd just been told, as well as the situation. This Ferengi, whom he'd never met, let alone understood how he'd found him, came to him now to ask him to partake in this transport. That meant either previous folks he'd turned to for help said no, or there weren't any others available. A stranger would typically be someone's last choice in something like this, so while the amount of money would typically be enough to cause most folks to jump up and accept the offer right way, Sipov didn't move.

"I'll tell you what, I'll do the move for 40% considering what I'm risking and you keep me in mind in the future. The more you continue to do business with me, the more return of that 10% over time you'll get back. If it makes you feel any better consider those 5 bars an investment in your future." It would give him the chance to pay off his ship faster and parlay future opportunities to make even more latinum, presuming he had the right crew for the job. Otherwise it was going to be a slow process with the holograms and himself running the ship alone.

Torrog scowled. He didn't like having a counter offer. Maybe he shouldn't have been so generous and honest about his first offer. He was sure there was a Rule of Acquisition that covered that, but he couldn't remember it. Well, he'd make his own. Those who didn't learn the rules suffered the consequences. After a moment, he said, "I don't t know that I'll be doing more business here. I don't like this starbase or many of the people on it. I'll split the difference with you. 35% for your share." He wanted to get this job, but he wasn't that desperate. Yet.

Part of Sipov wanted to push further but there was something to be said for discretion. Considering he'd never worked with a Ferengi he didn't quite know what he might be in for, so he decided to err on the side of caution. "Done, 35%. This cargo, are we running it through Federation space at all or are we staying outside? Just so I have an idea and can make plans to avoid any patrols." He'd be talking to Candice about getting any modifications done on the ship to either mask it's signature or make it look like something else at a distance.

"Not much. I want to avoid confrontation, as well as losing my cargo. However, we do have to shave a corner off the Federation to avoid an extra ten days, which would require late delivery, and a penalty on our fees," Torrog confessed. "I will have the the route mapped and all the travel details for you when you return ... which is when exactly?"

"At most...about a week. If you send everything over to my ship, my business partner can at least get ready for us to leave as soon as I am back. We won't be paying any late fees, so don't worry about that. Between your planned routes and any other little tricks we can do to modify our ships, ... we'll be just fine. I've dealt with much worse than Federation trade patrols." Sipov was quite experienced in hiding from the Breen, who were ruthless in their enforcement.

"Let's drink to seal the deal, then," Torrog said, signaling the waitress. "I had a feeling when I heard about you that we'd be able to make this happen." The Ferengi had decided to ignore one of the most important Rules of Acquisition. 99. Trust is the biggest liability of all. He hoped he'd have no cause to regret it, but he thought the Vulcan was going to work out fine.

 

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