"The DS9 Odometer"
Quark set up his bar on DS9 for another day… adding a few new drinks to the already lengthy menu. He smiled to himself, knowing that his newest Dabo-Girl would bring in new customers… and keep other regulars stopping by, to 'try their luck' once more… Even Rom was helping bring in a few 'newbies', with something called 'Star-Book ' – using the vast, interstellar communication space-net. Yes, the Latinum was rolling in more and more, lately… And, that was the best music ever – to Quark's sensitive Ferengi ears!
Making his regular rounds was Odo, who had his eye on one of the most recent visitors to the station. Being located close to a clockwork wormhole, 'One never knows what the great cat of space will drag in, or throw one's way…' Odo quietly thought to himself, soon enjoying a complimentary cup of Quark's best Klingon coffee, with certain rare & special spices added in, by request….
Suddenly, Odo noticed one of DS9's newest arrivals, sitting several tables away: a female Langorrian. She was of an alien species that Odo had only recently become aware of. She had given Quark 'the eye' – and a huge smile. Her exotic looks (bright hair, brighter red lips, and clothes barely concealing her ample triple-bosom) seemed to suggest to Odo that Quark had some new 'doings' scheduled in his set of Holo-Suites… So, Odo made a mental note to himself, to 'keep tabs' on this unusual, lovely lady….
Quark, always hyper-aware of even the slightest 'note of interest' in him, or the goings-on in his establishment, from Odo, clicked once again, on a hidden device, under and behind his regular spot at the main bar counter area. His secret 'Odo-meter', as he called it… For every time that Odo, in his job, did something to annoy or confound anything Quark had a deep interest in (in other words, something he planned, or soon might get into, that stood to bring a happy & healthy load of sweet-sweet Latinum his way)….
In a few minutes, after finishing his cup of coffee, Odo made another subtle, yet thorough, sweep of all persons in Quark's bar… and then got up and going, on his daily walk of all his regular 'beat'… of DS9.
Behind the bar, Quark clicked once more, on the only Odometer on the station… this time, because, as usually was his habit lately… Odo simply 'forgot' to leave any tips.
There is no snarling 'look' of disgust, as bad as a Ferengi that feels he's been cheated of even the smallest, paltry bit of income. So, for the fun it gave him, Quark clicked just once more on the device… and then smiled.
THE END