20.1.98

Episode 7A

Star Trek: Phoenix-X
"Deal"

(On the Phoenix-X. Transporter Room 2)
Gewdeque: Ready, BOB?
BOB: Yes.
 
(He beams over to the U.S.S. Dropzone)
Samya: Welcome aboard the Dropzone. I'm Captain Samya.
BOB: Thank you. I wasn't expecting you to—
Samya: I know. Come this way, please.
 
(In the hallway)
BOB: Can you tell me why I'm here?
(No response)
BOB: Can you hint why I'm here?
 
(The two enter a small, Conference room)
BOB: Oh, I get it. You want some private time with the old Ferengi—
(He then notices a lean, grey-haired Admiral sitting at the table)
Samya: BOB, this is Admiral Theseus.
BOB: What's going on?
Theseus: Have a seat, BOB.
(He sits in a chair)
BOB: What do you want?
Theseus: You've been to the Dominion, is that correct?
BOB: Yeah.
Theseus: And you've been to Cardassia.
BOB: Yeah...
Theseus: What happened at the Dominion?
BOB: Well, I got lost and my ship was badly damaged by an asteroid belt. And when my sensors picked up the nearest planet I went there—
(Samya holds a phaser to BOB's head)
BOB: I— I— I— I was trading a small source of Ketracel white to a lost colony. Don't shoot, please!!
Theseus: Point made. You have a lot of experience with the Dominion and the Cardassians.
BOB: Hey, I know what you want. You want me to be your spy. You want me to give secrets I know about the Dominion to you. I know these people. I know when they're lying, bluffing, and their next move.
Theseus: Precisely.
BOB: But, I've already served as that and my agreement with you guys is over. I'm a free Ferengi.
Theseus: Well, we're asking you for a new agreement.
BOB: What do I get outta this? You can't force me to do anything!
Theseus: Two bricks of gold-pressed latinum, every month.
BOB: Two bricks of gold-pressed latinum...
Theseus: We'll be in constant watch of you. If your work was good that month, we'll give you the full amount. But, if sloppy, then we take off as much as desired.
BOB: Fine. Give me the contract. I've got your fingerprint, right here.
Theseus: There is no reason for you to pursue Starfleet membership. You are now part of Captain Samya and myself.
BOB: But what about Captain Daniel and the crew? They're gonna wanna know why I'm there?
Theseus: They all know why you're there. BOB, the people of the Phoenix-X are all chosen, specifically. Everyone on the ship has sworn to secrecy to the ship's functions. You have to take that oath.
BOB: Okay.
Theseus: But your reports go to me. Understood?
BOB: Yeah. So I'm still on the Phoenix-X, eh?
Theseus: Yes, Captain Samya will take you to the next room. There you will be filled in, given the oath, the contract and everything. Then you'll be returned to your ship.
(BOB and Samya begin to exit)
Theseus: Oh, and BOB?
BOB: Yeah?
Theseus: Welcome to your new life.

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