Chapter 252
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Yolanda and Billy went to Hell for their respective parents. They took along Yolanda's friend Courtney, AKA Stargirl, and Billy's sister Mary. This was also something of a recon mission, much of Billy and Mary's family were foster kids, they wanted to find out where their biological parents. If nothing else, this might provide some closure. They found a bar run by Quark, he specialized in information. They soon learned that Quark had an operative named Garek. Garek was a soldier and a spy during the cardasian occupation of Bejor, after the war he was one of many displaced persons struggling to survive aboard Deep Space Nine. He developed a reputation as a dishonest, if effective, operative. Despite certain past grievances, Quark and Garek now worked together efficiently.
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Quark: You want to find people, Garek here is my best man.
Courtney: Can he be trusted?
Quark: More or less. He's reliable in business.
Garek: Who do you want to find?
Courtney: Here's the list.
Garek: I don't know any of these people off the top of my head. I'll make inquiries. I'd appreciate it if you mention my cooperation to your leaders in Antarctica. One thing I learned after the war, best to keep my options open. I can't promise that your reunions will be happy ones.
Courtney: We understand, we just need some closure. Thank you.
Quark: While he does that, feel free to stay here, have a few drinks, maybe gamble a little.
Courtney: What are the prices of your drinks?
Quark: I'm sure we can come to an understanding. You are an attractive female after all.
Courtney: Not going to happen.
Quark: If you want to pay cash, our prices are reasonable. I want nothing more than peace, understanding, and a healthy profit margin. As far as Hell goes, this one isn't so bad.
Courtney: I guess that's true if all you care about is making a profit.
Quark: You're new to this kingdom. Do you see fences keeping "undesireables" from coming in? Do you see enslaved peoples collapsing on the street after a long grueling day in the war factory? Do you hear the cries of starving children? Because I don't. Don't get me wrong, I'd prefer owning my own moon with a nice beach house. I'm just saying, things could be a lot worse.