Chapter 8
Kirk made his way back to the table just as Deanna had risen and pushed her chair in, preparing to go as Beverly had requested. Turning to the captain, she hastily said, "Well it's getting late, and I have some files to go over. Goodnight captain, Beverly." She turned to Crusher, nodded and then made her way out, her eyes smoldering with frustration.
"Are you okay, doctor?" Jim asked, noticing that her face was masked with annoyance. He brushed a lock of her hair away while looking down into her eyes.
"I don't want this to end." Beverly whispered, her hand moved to rest on Kirk's arm.
He stared down at her, "I know."
The hour was late, Kirk and Beverly found themselves desperately trying to avoid the inevitable, but finally it came.
"Well doctor is there someplace on your Enterprise I can get some sleep?"
The doctor fidgeted and with a most discomforting expression, hesitated on the words, "Captain's quarters are. . . "
"Are not mine." Kirk finished.
She was thankful he didn't want to go to Jean-Luc's quarters. It just wouldn't be right. Beverly breathed a sigh of relief and continued with a much more relaxed response, "Our guest quarters are very comfortable."
"That will be fine," Kirk responded, standing and pulling out the chair for Beverly.
They walked slowly through the now almost empty corridor and boarded the turbolift to deck five. On their way to the suite, both remained silent each wondering about the future.
When they reached a set of highly polished black and chrome doors, once again both adults felt uncomfortable. Kirk clasped and unclasped his hands in front of him in an uncharacteristically nervous habit. "Would you like to spend a little more time talking?" Kirk asked standing close to Beverly.
She wanted nothing better than to spend the night with Kirk, but Deanna's words still echoed in her ears. "No, I think it would be best if I leave."
"Well then at least show me around." Kirk cajoled. "I, umm, might not be able to find the shower," he smiled mischievously.
"Mmm," she answered acquiescing and entering the room.
The room indeed was very comfortable and decorated in a soothing combination of blues and greens. The lighting was subdued and the entire ambiance was tranquil. There were all kinds of subtle touches that helped create a calming feeling to the room.
Directly across the entranceway, was a deeply cushioned divan. Above the seating arrangement was recessed pot lighting, giving the area a sort of closed in, protective feeling. But the most spectacular feature was the window expanse backing this entire area. The coldness of space accentuated even more, the warmth of the room. Far to the left there was an entrance to what Kirk imagined was the sleeping area. The room in which they were standing was large and it occurred to the captain that there had indeed been many, many changes in the Enterprise.
On numerous occasions in his career, especially lately when he traveled on behalf of Starfleet, sleeping quarters lacked this air of quiet serenity and formality.
He felt quite at ease here on this ship, in this room and with this woman. This had been a most extraordinary day. In the late morning he had met Spock at Starfleet headquarters for lunch. Later on he had addressed the graduating class. He was sitting in the lounge when Picard had walked in. This morning it had been 2292 and here he was, once again on the Enterprise albeit the Enterprise 'E' and the year was 2371. It was seventy-nine years later and it all seemed like a dream, an impossible, crazy dream.
He slowly turned a complete circle. "Beverly, this is beautiful!" He regarded her tenderly and walked slowly until he was standing so close, he inhaled the heady fragrance of her perfume.
She looked deep into his hazel eyes, knowing instinctively what was about to happen. Just before his lips touched hers, she thought once more about the advice, Deanna had given her. His lips drove the last vestiges of Deanna from her mind. They were warm and he held her face cupped in his hands.
Looking down at this woman, he thought aloud, "I know it's crazy, but I can't help it." With one hand he again brushed a lock of her soft auburn hair from her face. Lowering his mouth he kissed her earlobe and moved his lips lower meeting hers.
Beverly was caught in a torrent of emotion, her needs firing her instincts and she moved her arms to encircle his neck and turned her face to nestle beneath his chin. "I agree captain."
They moved to the bed and with his strong sure touch Jim gently held her close. Once more he kissed her, as their hearts touched. The tips of his fingers found the pulse in her neck and his touch moved slowly lower.
He whispered, "Are you sure you want this Beverly?"
One word escaped her lips, "Yes."
* * * *
Several hours later, Beverly woke to find Jim lying on his side, watching her.
"Jim, why are you staring at me. Is something wrong?"
"Wrong? No nothing's wrong. No! That's a lie. Yes something is wrong. I don't want to leave all this. I know this isn't the way things should be. I'm not supposed to be here. Your captain is God knows where, and I've just made love to the most wonderful woman I've ever met. And once again either sooner or later, it will all be over."
Kirk moved to the side of the bed and sat on its edge.
Beverly moved closer and ran her soft fingers over the taut muscles in his back. "I don't know what to say Jim. You're so different, then any other man. I feel so safe with you."
Without turning to her he responded, "Picard asked me if I ever regretted not marrying or having a family. I couldn't answer him. I didn't know what to say."
He leaned over and kissed her, touching her body once more making her skin burn where his fingers touched. Smiling, he slipped in once more beside her and gathered her in his arms. As his hands moved over her body she gasped and closed her eyes. He bent his lips to her ear and as his hot breath sent shivers up her back she heard him say, "Now here I am with you, and I don't want it to end."
* * * *
When the signal came, Jim awoke finding himself entwined with the woman he was falling in love with.
"Data to Captain Kirk."
"Kirk here," he answered sleepily.
"Captain we have located the Ferengi pirates."
"On my way, Commander," he answered, the sleep gone from his voice.
"Sorry sweetheart," he whispered giving Beverly a goodbye kiss as he rose to dress.
Within five minutes, Kirk showered and dressed in the Starfleet uniform Beverly had ordered from the clothing replicator. Leaving his quarters he turned and looked back at her. "I don't want this to end," he said. His voice was deep and personal.
"Neither do I," came the answer as the doors parted for him.
As Kirk rode the turbolift he smoothed out the tunic of his Starfleet uniform, and fingered the Captain's pips.
"Well, they're not as comfortable as they used to be," he mused. "Actually nothing is like it used to be." he reasoned.
Entering the bridge, he looked around and felt a sudden rush of deja'vu. This place felt like he really belonged here.
Kirk walked to the command chair as Data was leaving. "Data what is our situation?"
"We are currently orbiting the Federation research outpost of La Haelis. Ship's sensors have located a Ferengi ship trying to remain unnoticed on the lee of the planet's moon."
"Mr. Worf," Kirk turned to the Klingon. Seeing him standing there still gave Kirk an uncomfortable feeling. So much had changed, but would he be able to handle the changes? That was going to be the hardest thing, he decided. "What is their weaponry?"
"Their weapon complement is similar to that of ours, sir." The reply was immediate.
Kirk looked at Data, "Commander what is the condition of the outpost?"
"They were hit by the Ferengi pirates within the last 1.2 hours. They have sustained heavy damage to their reactor core and environmental controls. Life support is minimal. There are several dead and many wounded. Our sensors have been able to detect the transport of much of the Federation equipment to the Ferengi ship."
Kirk decided the first thing that would be needed, would be medical attention. He tapped his communicator, "Kirk to Dr. Crusher."
"Yes Jim," she quickly answered.
"Prepare to receive dead and injured from the outpost La Haelis."
"On my way, Captain." Her voice suddenly took on a serious, professional tone. Jim knew her mind had now turned to her duties. He was secretly thankful for something to take his mind off holodecks and things like that.
"Captain, the Ferengis are continuing to transport and are preparing to engage thrusters."
Elation spread though his body, his nerves tensing ready for action. "Kirk to engineering."
"La Forge here Captain."
"You are to transport to the surface and repair the damages sustained on the outpost."
"Yes sir, on my way to transporter room one." The young Engineering Chief reminded Kirk of another engineer close to his heart. He had often called Scotty a 'miracle worker'. He idly wondered if Scotty would have been able to work one of his miracles now.
"Geordi, keep me apprised. Coordinate transport of the injured with Dr. Crusher. Out."
Deanna rose from her seat and faced Kirk. "Shall I help with the injured, Captain?"
Kirk thought for a moment, "No Counselor, I think I might need you here."
Deanna sat back down, a little upset. She had figured that Beverly might need an extra hand, but come to think of it, there were probably enough personnel in sickbay without her. He was right. This would most likely be the spot where she would be needed.
"Commander Data," Kirk said turning to the android sitting on his right, "Do we know for certain, that this group of Ferengis are indeed the infamous pirates?"
"Yes sir. We have compared engine emissions and have found an exact duplication between ion traces found at each of the outposts and this ship."
Then it was certain. Now it was time for Kirk to step into action. "Mr. Worf," Kirk announced getting up from the command chair. "Open hailing frequencies."
"Frequency opened," Worf announced.
"This is Captain James T. Kirk, of the Federation Starship Enterprise. Identify yourselves." His voice dripped of authority and command.
The forward screen blinked and the image of a Ferengi appeared. The initial sight caught Kirk just slightly off guard. He had a black ragged patch over his left eye and a long jagged scar that crossed his right cheek, with smaller scars near his chin. His cranial protrusions were marked and blemished and seemed to have sustained damage from what Kirk postulated were many battles.
With his good eye, he squinted and looked long and hard at Kirk before he spoke. His voice came over the speaker raspy and harsh sounding, "I am known as Kan'da, Dai Mon of the Ferengi vessel 'Daagh'. You are interfering with our mission. Move aside Federation puppets!"
Kirk realized this Ferengi was different than the last one he had talked to. Gone were the patronizing, scheming traits, seemingly replaced by raw anger and hatred.
"Your mission! What exactly is your mission Kan'da?"
"We offer our assistance due to the unfortunate accident that seems to have occurred on the outpost." Kan'da smiled exposing a mouthful of crooked, spiked, discolored teeth, and added. "Move aside now!"
Kirk placed his hands on his hips and stood, legs slightly apart and answered, "I don't think I can do that today, Kan'da." He paused and took a couple of steps closer to the forward screen. Clasping his hands behind him, he presented a more looming sight. Before he continued, he took a deep breath. "As a matter of fact I believe it is you who caused this devastation and I plan to halt your little trek of terror."
Seconds ticked by as Kirk waited for Kan'da's reply. The Ferengi continued to stare at his counterpart and smile until he finally retorted, "And how do you propose to accomplish that, human?" The Ferengi asked, allowing a sneer to contort his features.
Kirk took his eyes off the Ferengi and turned to Worf, "Are they still transporting equipment?"
"Yes sir."
Kirk made the movement of his hand across his neck.
"Frequencies closed."
"Mr. Worf, configure a series of photon torpedoes to detonate just close enough to their ship's hull to raise their blood pressure. Assuming of course they have a blood pressure."
Kirk looked over at Troi hoping for an affirmative sign. Instead, the Betazoid shrugged her shoulders unknowingly.
"Counselor, what do you sense from this delightful young man?"
"Sorry Captain, but Ferengis are one of the few races our empathic abilities are lost on."
Kirk looked at her, defeat crossing his face, "Oh great!"
The Klingon announced within a few seconds, "Firing sequence locked in captain."
"The next time they begin to transport, fire lieutenant."
The crew watched the forward screen and the brilliant flashes that lit up the darkness.
"Hail the Ferengi ship, Mr. Worf." Kirk ordered, still standing his ground.
Once more the image of Kan'da appeared on the screen, and Worf announced they were tied in, Kirk laid out his terms.
"We are very serious, Kan'da. You will not have the opportunity to ravage this or any other outpost again. We will enforce this order in anyway we have to."
"Let us not dicker anymore, Federation puppets, you will pay!" The Ferengi looked to his right and gave a slight nod.
Worf alerted Kirk. "The Ferengis are powering up their phaser banks! Shields being lowered! They're firing!"
Jim whirled around and took the command seat while screaming out the orders, "Red alert! Aim for their belly! Fire phasers!"
Worf tapped the fire command pads and the Enterprise began its barrage. The Ferengi pirates retaliated.
"Captain," Data began, "We are losing shield integrity. Down to 62 per cent. Rerouting bilateral energy to the forward shields."
"Once more Worf." Kirk's orders shot out. "Alternate photon bursts. Keep them guessing. Make them wonder what we'll hit next."
Deanna abruptly looked towards Kirk sensing for the first time just what kind of man Kirk was. His determination and love for what he was doing was intense. She had the impression of being caught in an extremely powerful vortex of emotion. Around her the tension was almost overwhelming and ordinarily she would have to put a series of mind blocks around her senses. For the time being though, Deanna decided she wanted to learn about this man as much as possible. There was still a chance he could be an alien, cleverly posing as Kirk. By keeping her senses alert, she would be able to detect the smallest thought of malevolence. When Kirk turned to her though and they locked glances, she felt she knew this man as well as she had come to know Jean-Luc. She was touched by his love for this life. It was as if she were looking at Kirk with a new level of understanding.
"Captain, decks eight though fourteen, are reporting damages, but no serious injuries." Taking a breath the Klingon added, "A second Ferengi ship is approaching at high warp."
It seemed that Kan'da was informed about the approaching vessel at the same moment.
Worf hastily announced, "The 'Daagh' is hailing us sir." With every muscle in his body tight and his thoughts clear and sharp, Kirk ordered, "On screen."
Dai Mon Kan'da appeared and turned his attention once again to Kirk.
"Now human, look at what you have done." He held up a short knurled finger and pointed at the screen. "I promise you Kirk, this does not end here. You and I will meet again, and at that time I will allow you to personally experience the skills of Ferengi torture!"
Kan'da turned to one of his officers off screen and screamed an order while pounding on his armrest. Swinging around to face the Captain he sneered and made a slight bowing motion. At the last second before the transmission ceased, he raised his head and his anger and rancor reached across the soundlessness of space and he bellowed his hatred of Kirk.
Data turned slightly towards Kirk from his seat at ops, "The 'Daagh' is moving away, and readying to engage warp engines. Shall I plot a course to follow?"
"Hold your position, Mr. Data. Keep cool."
At this comment, Data cocked his head, "Sir, my internal temperature sensors keep my body a steady thirty-seven degrees Celsius."
Kirk merely glanced over at the android and seemed to suddenly find something on the floor very interesting. After several seconds, the captain regained his composure.
"Open hailing frequencies to the new ship. Company's coming, everybody put on a smile." Kirk muttered through clenched teeth.
Kirk discerned movement beside him. He turned his head to see Beverly taking her place beside Troi. He looked at her questioningly.
"Captain," she whispered, "all casualties are aboard and doing well."
Worf looked up surprised as he announced to Kirk in his deep resonating voice, "Captain, they are hailing us."
Kirk took one last look at Beverly before taking a deep breath, "On screen Mr. Worf." Immediately the screen was filled by the image of another Ferengi. "Oh my God! Not another one," Kirk murmured.
Before Kirk could address the Ferengi, the alien began, "I am Zurach. Aid to Grand Nagus Zek, aboard the vessel 'A'rone claxx'."
Kirk stared at the image and mused aloud. "Jeez they all look the same."
The bridge crew grinned at his remark as he addressed the stranger with impatience descending into his voice . "And I am Captain Kirk of the Starship Enterprise. We are in pursuit of a band of Ferengi pirates."
Zurach seemed to pull himself up a little higher and putting on a wide smile, which in turn narrowed his beady little eyes even more. "These pirates you talk about captain, how do you know they are Ferengi?" His voice wasn't as coarse as Kan'da's. Instead it was whining with an air of patronizing tenacity.
In an instant Kirk was able to discern that this Ferengi didn't possess the anger or the hatred that embodied Kan'da. This alone told Kirk that dealing with Zurach was going to be a lot easier. "Because I was in the middle of talking to them when you arrived on the scene and they took off."
"Captain, I hope you don't think that the activities of a renegade band of thieves would be sanctioned by the Ferengi High Council. It would certainly grieve us to no end if you considered all Ferengis are to be measured by the actions of one or even a few. We like to maintain close ties with the Federation. It would not be advantageous for the Ferengi and the Federation to be at odds.
We have spent much time and effort in maintaining relations between the two. In order that we might clear up any misunderstood issues, might I suggest that we grant you an audience with the Grand Nagus."
Kirk grinned, "You're going to grant US an audience?"
"Yes, specifically in order to help you any way we can," whined Zurach.
Kirk turned his head to glance at Deanna. Her only response was to lift her eyebrows and pull back the corner of her mouth. She spoke volumes with this grimace.
The Ferengi continued in his nasally voice. "We believe it would be in both our best interests to attempt to straighten this matter out. Believe me, this Ferengi acts only from his own selfishness."
Kirk hesitated answering Zurach. One part of his logic told him he should be in hot pursuit of Kan'da, while on the other hand, his Starfleet reasoning helped him to see the importance of continued good relations with the Ferengi.
Even though he had never before met a Ferengi and really could care less, this was now the twenty-fourth century and he knew he had to respect Starfleet regulations. The captain turned to Worf and again made the motion of drawing his hand across his throat.
"Frequency closed," the Klingon declared .
Kirk looked down at the pensive face of the Betazoid counselor. "Counselor, even though you can't sense anything from these Ferengis. What does your gut say?"
Deanna smiled. So this was how Kirk reacted when times got tough...through his gut. No one could dispute that in some cases, when your gut told you something was either right or wrong, chances were, the feeling was correct. Picard on the other hand, rarely reacted merely with a gut-level response . He mixed this type of feeling with good solid reasoning, and he was rarely wrong. But nonetheless, the person in command was Kirk and it was her job to counsel those who needed it. Right now Kirk needed her perceptions , and although she couldn't 'sense' anything from the Ferengi, she could do as he asked and rely on her gut feelings.
"It seems likely that he would be requesting a meeting only if it were to serve his own purposes. I believe his reasons to be purely selfish."
Kirk nodded in understanding but continued to try to press his point. "Do you perceive there is anything we could learn from this Grand Nagus?"
"Captain, I believe they think they can get some information from us."
Before Kirk could answer, Deanna rose and stood along side Kirk. "Captain Kirk, may I make a suggestion?"
Kirk looked at Deanna. His eyes took in her beauty and he briefly imagined holding her and burying his hands in her full dark curls. As soon as this thought crossed his mind, he realized that she would probably sense his feelings. He set his mind purposefully and drove the images away.
In the instant that all this happened, Deanna arched an eyebrow and cleared her throat. She was amused to notice a slight blush cross his features. It made this legendary super hero descend a couple of steps down the pedestal. Well at least in her mind, it did.
"I suggest that a meeting with the Grand Nagus might shed some light on this pirate. At the least we could learn something about his motives. I really feel we would have much more to gain than to lose by meeting with them."
Kirk thought briefly and he decided Deanna might just be right. "I have only one problem counselor. Just exactly what is a Grand Nagus?"
Deanna smiled, "Well I guess you might call him, 'the big cheese'."
Kirk nodded, "Sounds wonderful, I can't wait. Hopefully not more problem than it's worth. Mr. Worf, open hailing frequencies."
The Klingon complied with the captain's request. Kirk took a deep breath and put on his most diplomatic expression. "Zurach, aid to the Grand Nagus, we would be pleased to have you and your party join us for dinner. Say, in about two hours?"
Zurach's eyes fairly shone with delight. "Ah, aboard you ship, hmm,...on behalf of the Grand Nagus, we will be pleased to grant upon a representative of the United Federation of Planets, the distinction of dining with his eminence. You will of course make all the necessary preparations, and arrangements in order to comply with the Grand Nagus's wishes and his expectations."
Kirk glanced hastily at the counselor. "As a matter of fact I will personally see to it that Counselor Troi is put in charge of any special arrangements you might require."
He winked at Deanna and gave a slight shrug of his shoulders. She pursed her full lips and narrowed her eyes at him. And in that one expression she let Kirk know he was coming dangerously close to pushing his limit with her.
Zurach turned his attention to Deanna and moved closer to the screen to afford himself a better view of her. One hand came up and he absentmindedly stroked his outer earlobe. He ran his tongue over a row of misshapen discolored upper teeth and lips. "Of course, my dear you will serve the Grand Nagus his dinner without any of those horrid outer coverings you human females insist on wearing."
Although Deanna's face remained frozen in a smile, every officer on the bridge was aware of her hands clenching so tightly they could hear the cracking sounds her knuckles made as she answered under her breath, "When pigs fly!"
Kirk's head snapped to the side as he stared at the counselor, his mouth slightly askew and eyebrows arched in disbelief.
The Ferengis expression also froze, eyes narrowed as he asked, "What did you say, female?"
"Oh I'm sure the Grand Nagus will be very pleased Zurach," she said, fairly spitting each word out.
Zurach allowed his tongue to make another pass over his teeth and lips and as he looked up at Kirk, he abruptly ended the transmission.
Deanna turned her attention to Kirk. Before she could say anything, Kirk jumped in, "Counselor Troi, I appreciate your expertise in these diplomatic times. I know that this evening will be quite enjoyable."
"Don't push it Captain!" and with that Deanna turned and strode purposefully up the ramp to the turbolift. Her stride causing her raven curls to bounce in a rhythmic beat that fairly shouted with indignation.
She turned after entering the lift and Kirk imagined he could actually feel the daggers shot from her eyes.
Kirk looked sheepishly at Data. "Commander maybe you could, umm, let Counselor Troi know how much I appreciate her help."
At this point, Beverly rose from her seat, "Captain, maybe I could go and see if Deanna needs any help."
Kirk breathed a sigh of relief, "Yes, yes of course Dr. Crusher. I would appreciate that."
Beverly moved to the turbolift without another word. As she entered, she turned and gave Jim a little lopsided grin.
After Beverly was gone, Kirk sat down with a thud. He put his hand on his forehead, closed his eyes and shook his head, amazed that after eighty years he still couldn't understand women.
"She will be fine captain," Data offered, "Ferengis are not Counselor Troi's favorite dinner guests."
"I don't think they are going to be mine either," Kirk muttered.
* * * *
Kirk was trying to adjust his formal tunic as he entered the transporter room. The rest of the senior bridge crew were there, similarly attired. He figured this was Deanna's way of getting even. She had insisted on dress uniforms in respect to the Grand Nagus.
As he passed Data to take his place at the head of the receiving line, he muttered. "One hundred years and they still can't make these damn uniforms anymore comfortable then they were in my day."
He took a sidelong glance at the rest of the officers and it occurred to him that Counselor Troi seemed to have a very defiant set to her chin. She turned and gave him a peculiar smile. He nodded to her and sent a message, telepathically, "Sorry. I give up. I apologize." He noticed her odd smile gave way to one of impishness.
Kirk shook his head slowly, wondering why he had ever agreed to this dinner. He hoped that whatever they learned would be worth being not only uncomfortably dressed, but also reaping the effects of a female's wrath.
"You may transport the Ferengi party, chief. Hope the good towels are out, company's coming."
Five forms materialized and Kirk had to concentrate in order to prevent himself from laughing at their appearance. He had met a lot of alien lifeforms in his day, but these little guys were something else.
The central figure was, as assumed The Grand Nagus. He was a stooped little man with wizened, hairy features. His earlobes were flattened and hanging limply like wind flaps. Deeply recessed into the lined and sagging face were two tiny, black ,beady eyes.
The four other Ferengis were obviously much younger. Each one's head and earlobes were slightly different.
As the party of five stepped down from the transporter platform, Kirk noticed the cane the elder Ferengi carried. Its highly polished wooden surface was almost as bent and knurled as its owner.
"Grand Nagus, so good to finally meet you," Kirk began. "Allow me to introduce you to my staff." As Kirk escorted the flamboyant little man, he introduced each officer.
"This is Lieutenant Worf, Chief of Tactical and Security." The Grand Nagus was as tall as Worf's chest and as the Ferengi tilted his head upward to meet the Klingon's icy stare, Worf muttered, "Nice head."
Kirk stroked his face in an effort to physically hold back his grin.
Moving to the right, "This is Commander Data." Before Kirk could go on, the Ferengi chortled, "How much would you sell this one for?"
Kirk's composure was surely being stretched to the limit. "Sorry, he's not for sale."
"No?" replied the Ferengi screwing up his face and inspecting the android up and down, "Well if you change your mind, look me up." The Ferengis tone was snivelling and each time he spoke, Kirk had the mental picture of someone scraping their fingernails across an old-fashioned black board.
Data's reaction to this exchange was only a raised eyebrow.
"This is Dr. Beverly Crusher, ships medical chief."
The Grand Nagus looked the doctor up and down several times and smiled, exposing a mouth only half filled with discolored tooth stumps, and announced, "I think I'm just about due for a checkup."
Beverly smirked and bent down in order to bring her face close to and on the same level as the Ferengis. "Oh good. I've got some new proctology equipment, I've just been dying to try out!"
As the rest of the welcoming line erupted into a chorus of coughs and wheezes, the Grand Nagus physically jumped back, surprise etched in every line and wrinkle on his face. "Too bad doctor, but I have my own personal physician." he retorted, pretentiously.
Moving to the end of the line, Kirk introduced Troi. "And this is Deanna Troi, ships' counselor. The Ferengi gave her a wide smile exposing more tooth stumps. "Mmm, yes, I heard about you Counselor. I see you have covered yourself in defiance to my aide's instructions."
Deanna refrained from making a response, instead offering the Grand Nagus, the coldest expression she could muster. The Ferengi turned towards the door and muttered, "No matter my dear, later then." Deanna responded in a similarly hushed response, "Not in your lifetime."
Holodeck C had been programmed to serve as an elegant dining area, and as the entourage made their way, Kirk had the opportunity to chat with the Grand Nagus. It was hard to make small talk with someone who looked like a little old elf.
"So is this your first visit aboard a Federation starship, Grand Nagus?"
"Actually it is," the Ferengi answered in his irritating voice, "although many Ferengis have had the pleasure before I."
Kirk had to hold himself back from laughing. The aged sovereign gasped repeatedly in wonderment at the technologically advanced interior of the Enterprise as they moved through it. Kirk likened it to a couple of country bumpkins who venture out into the big city. He remembered how astonished he was with the wonderment of this new ship when he first arrived. He could only imagine what the old Ferengi must be experiencing .
When the holodeck doors opened, the Grand Nagus beheld the sight before him in reverent silence. Deanna had truly outdone herself. She had fashioned the chamber into a grand dining facility straight out of the history books.
Heavy crystal chandeliers hung from an ornately embossed ceiling. Thick red carpeting was so plush their feet seemed to sink into the surface. Velvet draperies resplendent with embroidered designs covered the walls. The dining table itself was sumptuously covered in pale damask set with elaborate dishes with an edged gilt design delicately fashioned into tiny leaves. The glassware adorning each place setting was delicate crystal. There were water goblets, wine glasses and even tiny liquor cups, each held aloft on diminutive golden cherub pedestals.
It occurred to Kirk that it was going to be tricky for his guests to deftly handle such delicate table service with their fat, knurly fingers.
Waiters and waitresses stood along side the lengthy table. Each waiter wore a tuxedo style uniform with long tails and crisply starched shirts. Their collars stood high and rigid. Draped over gloved hands were white serving towels. The female waiting staff wore long crimson velvet dresses with tightly cinched waists, and very low décolleté lace bodices. They stood poised to serve the meal.
Kirk stood at the entrance to the chamber and took the time to take in all the sumptuous details. Almost speechless, he coughed and whispered, "Nice job Counselor."
As Kirk was passing Data through the doors, he leaned towards the android and whispered, "Maybe we should count the silverware before they leave."
Data looked puzzled and he decided he could not quite understand the Captain's last order. So, just after everyone was formally seated Data began, "one, two, three, four, five, six..."
Each person at the table stopped talking one by one, with the Grand Nagus being the last. They all turned to stare at the android. Deanna looked quizzically at him and asked, "Excuse me Data, what are you doing?"
In louder than necessary tones, Data announced, "Captain Kirk has instructed me to count the silverware before our guests leave. I have decided that in order to get an accurate count it would be important to know how many pieces we have to start with, so before we engage in conversation it might be a good time to start counting so that..."
"Data, Data. I'm sure that will not be necessary." Troi jumped in, giving each guest a wide warm smile but secretly enjoying the embarrassment she knew Kirk would be suffering at this moment.
The entire party turned towards the very red, very flustered captain. Kirk just sat there, eyes closed, astonished that even after eighty years, his manners were still not Emily Post.
The parties were well into their meal when the elderly Ferengi looked across at Kirk. "Captain, I have quite a penchant for Romulan ale. By any chance, might you have a bottle stashed away for a moment like this?"
Kirk smiled and shook his head, "Sorry your eminence. Romulan ale once got me into a lot of trouble. Now it's strictly synthahol, although even without the ale, I seem to be doing a good job on my very own." He caught the eye of Deanna, and she merely smiled at his remark, letting him silently know, she agreed with his statement.
"Tell me Nagus," Kirk went on, "this pirate of yours..."
"Mine? He's not mine. I don't even know what you are talking about."
The captain leaned back in his chair. "You don't know who or you don't know how he is getting away with what he is doing. Which is it your excellence?"
The sagging skin of the aged Ferengi jiggled with emotion. "Just what are you implying, Kirk?"
"What I am saying is that maybe, just maybe this rogue is running around and he's out of your control."
The Ferengi drew himself up, tossed his chin and replied, "I do not know what you are talking about."
At this point Kirk leaned forward his chin resting in his left upturned palm. "Do you mean this pirate has been traipsing all over the quadrant, pillaging from the Federation, selling equipment to the Romulans and whoever else, at huge profits and they haven't cut the big cheese in for a percentage? My, my!"
The Grand Nagus abruptly stood up and drove his hand in a thunderous clap on the table, rattling the crystal and upending the tiny carafe of red wine at his place setting. "What are you Federation puppets insinuating? I can't control my people?"
Kirk stood and pronounced. "That's exactly what I am saying." He added a lopsided grin which affirmed how absurd he found these aliens.
"I don't have to stay here and be insulted." The Ferengi waved to his party. "Grand Nagus Zek of the proud Ferengi people refuses to take this kind of insult for some half-crazed renegade. He's after the Federation on his own steam. He blames them for the death of his parents and out to revenge them. He is not sharing any of his profits with me. He works totally on his own. At least until we get hold of him that is. We have never been so insulted in all our lives. Consider this dinner FINISHED! Please escort us back to the transporter room so we can leave this run down derelict and return to our own ship."
At that point Deanna pushed her chair back and stood up. "Captain I would be delighted to show our guests the way."
Within minutes of the departure of the Ferengis, the entire crew was back on the bridge. "Mr. Data, have you tracked the 'Daagh'?"
"Yes captain, we are able to follow the ion trail. The heading will take her to the outpost at Naylest 19. Course plotted and laid in."
"Engage," Kirk commanded as he settled back in the captain's chair.
Before Kirk's orders were carried out, Worf announced, "Captain, we are receiving an urgent message from Commander Riker."
Kirk looked over at Data questioningly.
"Commander Riker, the first officer is presently on the research station at T'ebroc, to coordinate repairs."
"On screen, Mr. Worf." Kirk requested. He sat back in the command chair mentally preparing himself for what he expected might be a problem.
Worf allowed a low growl to escape his lips. "We have only audio, Captain."
"Well then open channels Lieutenant, and Data, maybe you should take this call." Data hesitated for only a second and then, "Commander, this is Data."
"Where's the captain, Data, I believe we have just about finished all that we can here."
Data began, "Captain Picard is currently unable to respond sir. He is apparently missing."
A startled Riker asked, "What the hell is going on there, Data?"
Kirk leaned over and whispered to the android, "Maybe we better go back and pick him up Data. We can explain it all then."
Data nodded in agreement and then, "Commander, we are returning to T'ebroc. We will arrive in two hours, twenty-four minutes at warp five."
"I'll be waiting Data. Riker out."
Kirk turned to the ensign at ops, "You heard the man, let's go."
* * * *
As the exchange between Riker and Data ended, two human forms materialized outside the bridge.
"Oh good. Do you have any idea what's going to happen now that the bearded wonder is going to return, my little lovely?"
A frown crossed the female's face. Her forehead creased in deep thought. "Don't get excited. Don't worry. I've got things under control. I can handle this."
The male turned, crouched down so that their faces were level. "What, me worry? That's a human emotion." He snapped his fingers and disappeared leaving only the gentle tinkling of his fading laughter. In seconds his female companion followed suit.
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