4
The following days I was ordered to transport rocks, covered with mud. My hands were dark blue of the stuff. My clothes, if you could call it clothes were mucky. My ego still flaming high. The rocks were heavy, no doubt about that, but what was annoying me was that the 'guards' were intensely content whacking my back with a whip, only when they deemed necessary, when I was slacking. Needless to say they thought that quite often.
"Move Vulcan."
I considered that a compliment. Usually they referred to me as the bastard woman. Technically I was.I glanced sideward to the others, who were doing very much the same. Three times a day a small cub of water, fortunately we were desert dwellers. Our bodies conserved water. Food was a mere piece of bread. And a old one at that.
In the nights I was busy with tampering with the lock. I found a piece of thin wire that I could maneuver as a key. At the twentieth day it gave way. I worked the full day and waited till dusk. We were locked to the pole again and left alone, except from the usual guards. Hmm, interesting. There were no gates, no fence. No one escaped here huh? That would change quite quick.
I snuck around three men who I came to know well, they would be released in five months so they declined eloping with me. They knew that, for me, that was not an option. I bid them good by, thanked them, and snuck behind one of the smaller houses.
A building made of clay, guess who made that, and rocks. Inside a small lamp burned. I glanced around and decided a path to elope. The woods began at one hundred feet, so a sprint would be necessary. Very well. Better be killed in an attempt to escape then work myself to death. The primal instinct of trying to escape. Always a fascinating ordeal.
Covered by the cloud of darkness I shifted to the spot where the sprint was the most shortest. Again I glanced around, right, left.save.up to the security lights.timed.and sprinted off.
I reached the woods quick enough, no one discovered my action, the two men would hide the shackles as long as they could. Pretending to rest. They were good people.
- - -
In the morning I glanced around. The trees were high and very wide. I climbed in one to orientate myself. Catching some small animals and eating them. I lost weight, no big deal. I survived more. The clothes were torn at places. I had to find new ones. These were unbecoming anyway, draft from beneath and stuff. And when I knew where Spock would be, he would be in a galaxy of trouble.
I jumped out and descended the last bit of the tree. Very impressive vegetation.mist covered the soil, actually quite pleasing to the eye. most likely they discovered my disappearance, so time would be of the essence. After drinking some water I ran in the opposite direction of when I came. The sun was, back then, on my back, so now I had to run against it. Pausing after an hour each time I tried to steady my heart. I looked like a Terran folklore banshee.my hair uncombed and my ego now pretty much shattered. Including my trust in my mentor.if he desired to reunite these barbarians to Vulcan I would joint the VIM. Short for Vulcan Isolationist Movement. Feh, that would teach him.
My feet did not hurt much, the soil was soggy and the callosity on my feet was increasing. Also on my hands by the way. Small bugs annoyed me as I swatted them away. It did not matter on what planet you were residing, insects, mainly stinging ones, would accompany you. Humming a tune I knew I ran on. Still no guards to be seen. Amusing. They were seeking around the compound, fortunately my sense of direction brought me to a small village. Hiding in a ditch I observed the inhabitants. Someone was hanging the laundry to dry. Perfect.
After she left I crawled over and snatched a robe away. Taking a sprint I managed to reach a small lake. I dove inside and cleaned myself up. After so many days without one this felt divine. Leaving my skin to dry I pulled the robe on. A bit too small but it would do. I strolled on through the village. No one cared to speak to me, or wondered who I was. I let my hair dry in the sun as I saw a lady busy with heavy bags. I decided to aid her. I walked towards her. She was a slim elderly women, her hair gray and her skin wrinkled.
"Can I aid you madam?" She glanced up and measured me up. "If you would, stranger.my age is beginning to take it's toll." I nodded as I picked the bags up. She motioned me to the main street. She was leading and I followed suit. After fifteen minutes we arrived to her little house. I put the bags on the table where she picked the groceries out.
"In reward, may I offer you a meal?" I nodded polite, I, indeed was hungry. "What is your name child." "Saavik ma'am, but I would prefer you did not speak it to other people." She nodded wise.
"You are in trouble my dear?" I nodded. "Indeed I am, I traveled for a long time now, and I have pursuers. I have time for a meal but then I have to be on my way." The old lady silenced.
"The penalty colony?" I reluctantly nodded, if my instincts were correct, she was to be trusted. "I see, my husband died there twenty years ago, ruthless place, some escape, some do not. Most die, sit down child." I complied. During the preparation of the meal she told me about her mate, his 'felony' and the consequences. On my turn I told mine, decided not to inform her of my commander status in the federation. I mentioned the Romulan army instead.
Without a word she grabbed clothes as she offered me to take a shower. After the shower she had prepared quite some things, including a pair of scissors. Interesting, she motioned me to sit.
After 3 hours we said our goodbyes and as a last gift she offered me some bread, and a robe that fitted, added with a shawl and slippers. Eagerly I accepted. Slowly I began to understand what Spock tried to do. But I was far from forgiving him. She would return the robe to the owner.
I strolled past a security team, Ah? Looking for me huh, pity, she cut of my long hair to my shoulder blades and I had a permanent wave. Added with some make-up and tadaaa.Saavik changed appearance. They glanced briefly and dismissed me to walk on, I did.
Laughing inside I walked over bridges, mountain ridges and fields. Ignored by people walking by, hitching some carts, and doing small errands for food or a sleeping place. All in all it took me five weeks and three days to complete the journey back to the capital. On a mountain ridge I glanced at the huge city. The main building being the residence of the emperor. To catch my breath I meditated and placed my feet over the other, resting my head on my knee. That was one hike.the journey in the hover car only lasted a day.shish.Before me I saw the sun set, lighting the city up in a reddish glow. Pretty. This would be my last night under the stars, and nicking a ship would be a piece of cake. Did it before.
- - -
Like I had said, so I had done, entering the city was easy. Finding a ship, too, flying it out of the atmosphere proved a challenge. now I had crossed the neutral zone and plotted a course to DS9 as many fondly called the Bajoran Station. Drawback there, my ship was damaged by incoming hits of people who were not happy about my leaving.
It moaned in protest as I skillfully maneuvered it to the base, it was not a big one, but it sufficed.
-Identify yourself before docking please.- A female voice came crackled out of my speakers.
"Commander Saavik, Starfleet member." -Starfleet number for voice identification and ID please.- I stated it.
-You have permission to dock, your ship is in quite some damage commander, do you need aid in repairing?- "No, this ship is beyond repairing, I shall leave it in your hands..miss.?" -Neris, Kira Neris. Very well.- Skillfully I docked it, powered it down and walked out. A Klingon greeted me.
"Commander, My name is Worf. Follow me." And a very nice day to you as well.I did. I winched as someone accidentally touched my back.ouch..my back was still healing.
I was led to a elevator and we went to their bridge. Once there I was lead to a set of stairs and a door went open. Worf left. Nice. I looked inside and glanced at a dark skinned bald man. Wearing a Starfleet uniform with captain stripes. Oh dear.
"Commander Saavik, come in." He stood up as I stepped in. The doors closed on their own.
"Thank you, and you are?" He smiled calm as he played with a baseball. "Sisko.Benjamin Sisko.Please.." He motioned to a seat. "Something to drink?" I nodded as I sat down.
"Tea?" I shrugged. "No matter what beverage." I mused as I tried to sit as comfortable as possible. Never knew my back was hurting me so much. He offered me a cub of tea. I took the offered cub and warmed myself. That felt nice.I was so cold.
"You were gone for quite some time." He sat down again as he measured me up. My now really tattered clothes hung around me as I glanced straight at him.
"Nice someone noticed, usually I am quite easily found." He smiled. "Sarcasm on a Vulcan?" I shook my head.
"No, dark humor.and cynicism, I am quite familiar with it." He chuckled, then turned serious. "You have been on Romulus right?" I nodded as I zipped the tea.
"Yes, and?" "That was not condoned by HQ."
"So? I often enough made it clear that my wish to find my daughter went before my loyalty for Starfleet. They decided not to aid me, I resigned, and did it myself." He nodded.
"On a daily basis you have filed a request.all denied. Never an explanation." I nodded. "Precisely. So I did it myself."
"You had help though." Again I nodded. "Yes, I shall not reveal whom though. One with great influence, rest assured." I moved uncomfortable. He noticed.
"Something wrong?" I shook my head. "Nothing that cannot be attended to later. Was that all?" He shook his head.
"Where have you been commander Saavik." "Truth be said, I was imprisoned. I found my daughter quite fast. Together with the one aiding me they left. I was caught, convicted and send to a working camp. Escaped and it took me five weeks, few days to reach the capital. Then burrowed a ship, was attacked, survived and shook 'em off. Then came here." He nodded. "I desire to see a doctor." He looked a bit alarmed.
"Something IS up." he pressed a button. "Doctor Bashir, report to my ready room." I sighed.
"It will be fine captain, it's my back.that is all." He looked determent. "Better make sure." I shrugged. A few minutes later a young man came in carrying a bag with medical equipment.
"Yes captain." Sisko pointed at me. "Check her out, her back." The doctor put the briefcase down and grabbed a medical scanner.
The doctor nodded as he read the readings. "Malnutrition, underweight and back injury. Have you been hit there Miss?" "Ma'am.yes. A whip to be precise.it's infected." He nodded.
"Obvious Ma'am.captain.can I treat her in sickbay? She needs quite some help." "Sure, dismissed. I'll contact HQ. Get well first." I nodded. Kind man.I knew others.
And in sickbay I enjoyed the first quiet, painless calm night in weeks. Only a small light above me as I slept like a newborn.
After spending three days there, I was released. I bought some Vulcan clothes and some other things. Thank the gods for my credit account. I also knew Spock's divided account and the family account. Credits enough. Easily accessed. Contacted Vulcan to inform T'Pring and Soryana and prepared my voyage home.
Entering my quarters I heard the computer state that I had two messages. I activated the screen and glanced at a meeting between Sisko and me. The second was for Soryana who told me she would be waiting when I returned. T'Pring finished by stating she was well and doing fine with teaching the way of logic. School went well too. I knew she would take of my prized position.The doorbell chimed, I de-activated the com and stated 'come'.
In the doorway stood a Ferengi. Fascinating species. Never encountered one eye to eye.
"Ma'am.welcome to DS9, my name is Quark." I nodded and glanced at a serving plate with some wine.
"How can I help you." Ferengi equals business equals Clan business equals I had someone who wanted to do business with the head of the clan of Sarek.hmm.
"Well.this is on the house, Vulcan ale.heard you had a rough time on Romulus.cruel place." I nodded as stoic as I could. Wish he would leave.I took the ale and drank it.
"Noted Mr. Quark. Excuse me, I am quite occupied at the moment." I turned around and glanced at a pad with.clan figures. "Em, I wondered if I could speak about a deal.business wise." I sighed inwardly. Told you.
"And what would that be Mr. Quark." "You have grains that interest a client of mine.I am his mediator." I sat down behind the desk glancing at the tiny man. Meanwhile zipping the ale.
"What can you offer." Ecstatic the tiny man sat down and presented me a pad. I took it and read the offer. "Is this a Terran joke.the crop has never been so well in 30 years. Tell your client that we decline his offer." I returned it and proceeded where I left off. 30 credits for a bag of flower.
"Okay.40..final offer." "No."
"50." "Perhaps." I glanced at him.
"70, no possibility of going lower." "70!!!! Absurd.."
"Take it or leave it.we have 2000 sacks. 1000 pure seed, 1000 flower." "Hmm." He thought about it. Meanwhile zipping his own wine."
"Hard bargainer huh." I nodded. "I am responsible for 20.345 people of the clan Surak. I am oversight of a big family. Being ruthless is necessary, as being a pain for buyers as you, who try to get a worthy crop for the lowest price. Then you will sell it for 100 credits a sack, and, after selling that, receive a percentage of the profit. Correct?" He smiled sheepish.
"Yes, well.we live for profit." "Try to contain your eagerness for profit for your establishment. More profitable. Dealing with Vulcans is an art, not a skill."
Taken aback from that statement he left. Bewildered actually. Well.50 was a good price.but then he would not bite so fast. Perhaps 60 a bag.would make allot of profit there.
Ten minutes later he came back informing me that 63 was his buyers final bid. I accepted. Inwardly I smiled in glee.
"Computer, a link to Vulcan, Farm 2318, location sell-buy." The computer buzzed and a male showed himself.
"Ah, Milady Saavik.how may I aid you." I greeted him the proper way. "We have a buyer for the harvest, when will it be ready for shipment." He raised a eyebrow.
"Good news, for a good price I presume?" I nodded. "63 a sack."
"Very good indeed. It shall be ready at the end of the week." "Good, I shall send you the buyers specifications and address. Make sure he pays before shipping. We have a Ferengi intermediate." He nodded and we signed off.
The following days I was ordered to transport rocks, covered with mud. My hands were dark blue of the stuff. My clothes, if you could call it clothes were mucky. My ego still flaming high. The rocks were heavy, no doubt about that, but what was annoying me was that the 'guards' were intensely content whacking my back with a whip, only when they deemed necessary, when I was slacking. Needless to say they thought that quite often.
"Move Vulcan."
I considered that a compliment. Usually they referred to me as the bastard woman. Technically I was.I glanced sideward to the others, who were doing very much the same. Three times a day a small cub of water, fortunately we were desert dwellers. Our bodies conserved water. Food was a mere piece of bread. And a old one at that.
In the nights I was busy with tampering with the lock. I found a piece of thin wire that I could maneuver as a key. At the twentieth day it gave way. I worked the full day and waited till dusk. We were locked to the pole again and left alone, except from the usual guards. Hmm, interesting. There were no gates, no fence. No one escaped here huh? That would change quite quick.
I snuck around three men who I came to know well, they would be released in five months so they declined eloping with me. They knew that, for me, that was not an option. I bid them good by, thanked them, and snuck behind one of the smaller houses.
A building made of clay, guess who made that, and rocks. Inside a small lamp burned. I glanced around and decided a path to elope. The woods began at one hundred feet, so a sprint would be necessary. Very well. Better be killed in an attempt to escape then work myself to death. The primal instinct of trying to escape. Always a fascinating ordeal.
Covered by the cloud of darkness I shifted to the spot where the sprint was the most shortest. Again I glanced around, right, left.save.up to the security lights.timed.and sprinted off.
I reached the woods quick enough, no one discovered my action, the two men would hide the shackles as long as they could. Pretending to rest. They were good people.
- - -
In the morning I glanced around. The trees were high and very wide. I climbed in one to orientate myself. Catching some small animals and eating them. I lost weight, no big deal. I survived more. The clothes were torn at places. I had to find new ones. These were unbecoming anyway, draft from beneath and stuff. And when I knew where Spock would be, he would be in a galaxy of trouble.
I jumped out and descended the last bit of the tree. Very impressive vegetation.mist covered the soil, actually quite pleasing to the eye. most likely they discovered my disappearance, so time would be of the essence. After drinking some water I ran in the opposite direction of when I came. The sun was, back then, on my back, so now I had to run against it. Pausing after an hour each time I tried to steady my heart. I looked like a Terran folklore banshee.my hair uncombed and my ego now pretty much shattered. Including my trust in my mentor.if he desired to reunite these barbarians to Vulcan I would joint the VIM. Short for Vulcan Isolationist Movement. Feh, that would teach him.
My feet did not hurt much, the soil was soggy and the callosity on my feet was increasing. Also on my hands by the way. Small bugs annoyed me as I swatted them away. It did not matter on what planet you were residing, insects, mainly stinging ones, would accompany you. Humming a tune I knew I ran on. Still no guards to be seen. Amusing. They were seeking around the compound, fortunately my sense of direction brought me to a small village. Hiding in a ditch I observed the inhabitants. Someone was hanging the laundry to dry. Perfect.
After she left I crawled over and snatched a robe away. Taking a sprint I managed to reach a small lake. I dove inside and cleaned myself up. After so many days without one this felt divine. Leaving my skin to dry I pulled the robe on. A bit too small but it would do. I strolled on through the village. No one cared to speak to me, or wondered who I was. I let my hair dry in the sun as I saw a lady busy with heavy bags. I decided to aid her. I walked towards her. She was a slim elderly women, her hair gray and her skin wrinkled.
"Can I aid you madam?" She glanced up and measured me up. "If you would, stranger.my age is beginning to take it's toll." I nodded as I picked the bags up. She motioned me to the main street. She was leading and I followed suit. After fifteen minutes we arrived to her little house. I put the bags on the table where she picked the groceries out.
"In reward, may I offer you a meal?" I nodded polite, I, indeed was hungry. "What is your name child." "Saavik ma'am, but I would prefer you did not speak it to other people." She nodded wise.
"You are in trouble my dear?" I nodded. "Indeed I am, I traveled for a long time now, and I have pursuers. I have time for a meal but then I have to be on my way." The old lady silenced.
"The penalty colony?" I reluctantly nodded, if my instincts were correct, she was to be trusted. "I see, my husband died there twenty years ago, ruthless place, some escape, some do not. Most die, sit down child." I complied. During the preparation of the meal she told me about her mate, his 'felony' and the consequences. On my turn I told mine, decided not to inform her of my commander status in the federation. I mentioned the Romulan army instead.
Without a word she grabbed clothes as she offered me to take a shower. After the shower she had prepared quite some things, including a pair of scissors. Interesting, she motioned me to sit.
After 3 hours we said our goodbyes and as a last gift she offered me some bread, and a robe that fitted, added with a shawl and slippers. Eagerly I accepted. Slowly I began to understand what Spock tried to do. But I was far from forgiving him. She would return the robe to the owner.
I strolled past a security team, Ah? Looking for me huh, pity, she cut of my long hair to my shoulder blades and I had a permanent wave. Added with some make-up and tadaaa.Saavik changed appearance. They glanced briefly and dismissed me to walk on, I did.
Laughing inside I walked over bridges, mountain ridges and fields. Ignored by people walking by, hitching some carts, and doing small errands for food or a sleeping place. All in all it took me five weeks and three days to complete the journey back to the capital. On a mountain ridge I glanced at the huge city. The main building being the residence of the emperor. To catch my breath I meditated and placed my feet over the other, resting my head on my knee. That was one hike.the journey in the hover car only lasted a day.shish.Before me I saw the sun set, lighting the city up in a reddish glow. Pretty. This would be my last night under the stars, and nicking a ship would be a piece of cake. Did it before.
- - -
Like I had said, so I had done, entering the city was easy. Finding a ship, too, flying it out of the atmosphere proved a challenge. now I had crossed the neutral zone and plotted a course to DS9 as many fondly called the Bajoran Station. Drawback there, my ship was damaged by incoming hits of people who were not happy about my leaving.
It moaned in protest as I skillfully maneuvered it to the base, it was not a big one, but it sufficed.
-Identify yourself before docking please.- A female voice came crackled out of my speakers.
"Commander Saavik, Starfleet member." -Starfleet number for voice identification and ID please.- I stated it.
-You have permission to dock, your ship is in quite some damage commander, do you need aid in repairing?- "No, this ship is beyond repairing, I shall leave it in your hands..miss.?" -Neris, Kira Neris. Very well.- Skillfully I docked it, powered it down and walked out. A Klingon greeted me.
"Commander, My name is Worf. Follow me." And a very nice day to you as well.I did. I winched as someone accidentally touched my back.ouch..my back was still healing.
I was led to a elevator and we went to their bridge. Once there I was lead to a set of stairs and a door went open. Worf left. Nice. I looked inside and glanced at a dark skinned bald man. Wearing a Starfleet uniform with captain stripes. Oh dear.
"Commander Saavik, come in." He stood up as I stepped in. The doors closed on their own.
"Thank you, and you are?" He smiled calm as he played with a baseball. "Sisko.Benjamin Sisko.Please.." He motioned to a seat. "Something to drink?" I nodded as I sat down.
"Tea?" I shrugged. "No matter what beverage." I mused as I tried to sit as comfortable as possible. Never knew my back was hurting me so much. He offered me a cub of tea. I took the offered cub and warmed myself. That felt nice.I was so cold.
"You were gone for quite some time." He sat down again as he measured me up. My now really tattered clothes hung around me as I glanced straight at him.
"Nice someone noticed, usually I am quite easily found." He smiled. "Sarcasm on a Vulcan?" I shook my head.
"No, dark humor.and cynicism, I am quite familiar with it." He chuckled, then turned serious. "You have been on Romulus right?" I nodded as I zipped the tea.
"Yes, and?" "That was not condoned by HQ."
"So? I often enough made it clear that my wish to find my daughter went before my loyalty for Starfleet. They decided not to aid me, I resigned, and did it myself." He nodded.
"On a daily basis you have filed a request.all denied. Never an explanation." I nodded. "Precisely. So I did it myself."
"You had help though." Again I nodded. "Yes, I shall not reveal whom though. One with great influence, rest assured." I moved uncomfortable. He noticed.
"Something wrong?" I shook my head. "Nothing that cannot be attended to later. Was that all?" He shook his head.
"Where have you been commander Saavik." "Truth be said, I was imprisoned. I found my daughter quite fast. Together with the one aiding me they left. I was caught, convicted and send to a working camp. Escaped and it took me five weeks, few days to reach the capital. Then burrowed a ship, was attacked, survived and shook 'em off. Then came here." He nodded. "I desire to see a doctor." He looked a bit alarmed.
"Something IS up." he pressed a button. "Doctor Bashir, report to my ready room." I sighed.
"It will be fine captain, it's my back.that is all." He looked determent. "Better make sure." I shrugged. A few minutes later a young man came in carrying a bag with medical equipment.
"Yes captain." Sisko pointed at me. "Check her out, her back." The doctor put the briefcase down and grabbed a medical scanner.
The doctor nodded as he read the readings. "Malnutrition, underweight and back injury. Have you been hit there Miss?" "Ma'am.yes. A whip to be precise.it's infected." He nodded.
"Obvious Ma'am.captain.can I treat her in sickbay? She needs quite some help." "Sure, dismissed. I'll contact HQ. Get well first." I nodded. Kind man.I knew others.
And in sickbay I enjoyed the first quiet, painless calm night in weeks. Only a small light above me as I slept like a newborn.
After spending three days there, I was released. I bought some Vulcan clothes and some other things. Thank the gods for my credit account. I also knew Spock's divided account and the family account. Credits enough. Easily accessed. Contacted Vulcan to inform T'Pring and Soryana and prepared my voyage home.
Entering my quarters I heard the computer state that I had two messages. I activated the screen and glanced at a meeting between Sisko and me. The second was for Soryana who told me she would be waiting when I returned. T'Pring finished by stating she was well and doing fine with teaching the way of logic. School went well too. I knew she would take of my prized position.The doorbell chimed, I de-activated the com and stated 'come'.
In the doorway stood a Ferengi. Fascinating species. Never encountered one eye to eye.
"Ma'am.welcome to DS9, my name is Quark." I nodded and glanced at a serving plate with some wine.
"How can I help you." Ferengi equals business equals Clan business equals I had someone who wanted to do business with the head of the clan of Sarek.hmm.
"Well.this is on the house, Vulcan ale.heard you had a rough time on Romulus.cruel place." I nodded as stoic as I could. Wish he would leave.I took the ale and drank it.
"Noted Mr. Quark. Excuse me, I am quite occupied at the moment." I turned around and glanced at a pad with.clan figures. "Em, I wondered if I could speak about a deal.business wise." I sighed inwardly. Told you.
"And what would that be Mr. Quark." "You have grains that interest a client of mine.I am his mediator." I sat down behind the desk glancing at the tiny man. Meanwhile zipping the ale.
"What can you offer." Ecstatic the tiny man sat down and presented me a pad. I took it and read the offer. "Is this a Terran joke.the crop has never been so well in 30 years. Tell your client that we decline his offer." I returned it and proceeded where I left off. 30 credits for a bag of flower.
"Okay.40..final offer." "No."
"50." "Perhaps." I glanced at him.
"70, no possibility of going lower." "70!!!! Absurd.."
"Take it or leave it.we have 2000 sacks. 1000 pure seed, 1000 flower." "Hmm." He thought about it. Meanwhile zipping his own wine."
"Hard bargainer huh." I nodded. "I am responsible for 20.345 people of the clan Surak. I am oversight of a big family. Being ruthless is necessary, as being a pain for buyers as you, who try to get a worthy crop for the lowest price. Then you will sell it for 100 credits a sack, and, after selling that, receive a percentage of the profit. Correct?" He smiled sheepish.
"Yes, well.we live for profit." "Try to contain your eagerness for profit for your establishment. More profitable. Dealing with Vulcans is an art, not a skill."
Taken aback from that statement he left. Bewildered actually. Well.50 was a good price.but then he would not bite so fast. Perhaps 60 a bag.would make allot of profit there.
Ten minutes later he came back informing me that 63 was his buyers final bid. I accepted. Inwardly I smiled in glee.
"Computer, a link to Vulcan, Farm 2318, location sell-buy." The computer buzzed and a male showed himself.
"Ah, Milady Saavik.how may I aid you." I greeted him the proper way. "We have a buyer for the harvest, when will it be ready for shipment." He raised a eyebrow.
"Good news, for a good price I presume?" I nodded. "63 a sack."
"Very good indeed. It shall be ready at the end of the week." "Good, I shall send you the buyers specifications and address. Make sure he pays before shipping. We have a Ferengi intermediate." He nodded and we signed off.
