No sooner had Woof said the words when quick as a flash he bent down and produced the aforementioned Mek'leth and was waving the weapon in front of the stall-keeper's face. Woof announced to him " I'm something of an expert and it can be deadly and inflict a terrible wound. Now, a price for that large idol you're unwilling to sell. I think 5 bars of gold-pressed latinum should cover it don't you think?"
All the stall-holder could do was nod his head and gratefully accept the gold bars. Replacing the weapon back in his boot, where he had kept it hidden, Woof took possession of his new purchase. As the two men walked away, Woof remarked to Ecurb "I'd say that was a good business transaction, wouldn't you?"
Ecurb smiled and replied, " Inside every species, there's a Ferengi trying to get out." The two men looked at each other and burst into laughter.
Their merriment was interrupted by a female voice behind them, "Really! Woof, I'm surprised at you, and you a married man as well." Woof spun round to see the smiling faces of two old comrades. The voice belonged to Metaxa, a Vulcan, and a former captain of the USS Avenger. Standing beside her was her husband, Duxeal, a Cardassian, himself a former captain of the Avenger.
"Metaxa! Duxeal!" Woof began, "What are you doing here?"
" The same as you Captain Woof, sorry I mean Admiral Woof. Congratulations on your promotion" replied Metaxa.
"Thank you Metaxa" said Woof, "and what do you mean you're surprised at me?" he continued
" Don't you know that idol that you have in your arms is a Horgon. To carry one means you are looking for a love partner." Metaxa informed her former shipmate.
"I..I..I" stuttered Woof, embarrassed by the situation, "I was carrying it for Ecurb, honest"
"Of course you were." mused Metaxa, raising an eyebrow.