After a small ride on public transport to Dicarious, one of the five moons of this dreadful planet, Asani found himself in front of one of the many “watering holes”. This one was a favorite because they served “real” Romulan Ale and not the “synthesized crap”. As he entered the establishment, he found that the gambling scene was in full effect tonight. A huge race was happening on the main planet, and it felt as if everyone was out to make a few extra credits. Growing up on Earth where money was no longer used, Asani had never seen gambling until he traveled the Universe on a Federation ship and found many cultures had their fanatics. Living in this star system, he had learned that betting on the races was a fast way to make some extra money which is why he had become an expert. With Starfleet “not paying his bills” he had to make his own way. Living on Earth was no longer an option for now.
He found a slender Romulan woman at their usual table wearing a tight leather suit with high knee boots with spikes on the toes. “Her weapon of choice” for the scum that won’t take “NO” for an answer. She had allowed her brilliant brown hair to grow out. It was now waist length and effectively added to the beauty that she so easily resonated. When she saw him approach, her green lips gave a stunning grin. That smile has paid her well.
“I see you followed my orders and wore the tight uniform,” she said as she looked him up and down, stopping twice to look at his backside. “I do not know why Starfleet let you go,” she continued with her grin, “Many worlds would join the Federation just to admire your assets.”
“How are you Jajot?” asked Asani as he took a seat across the table. “In good spirits I see.”
She took a small sip of her drink and then looked at her filled glass. “I do not know how this place has the real stuff. It is illegal everywhere. They must have high friends.”
“You say the same thing every time we come here,” said Asani as he admired her blue eyes. Romulans with blue eyes were almost unheard of. She found that they were a sign of good luck.
“It just surprises me that a solar system as dreadful as this place gets the good stuff,” she commented as she took another sip. “The only time I come here is to meet you. I guess that makes you my diamond in the rough.” She gave him a long wink followed by another stunning grin.
“Any help to get out of here is much appreciated,” Asani responded while looking around at the chaotic scene. One race had just finished and many in the establishment were not very happy. “I am nearly done with my ship and then I can get off this rock.”
“Such a sad story of how you got stuck here,” she said with her frown which was as stunning as her smile. “Makes me hate the Federation even more.”
“Yes,” Asani replied with that angry look whenever the Federation was mentioned. “They called it mercy and a way to hide me with all their secrets. With all the enemies I have made, I don’t know who to trust.”
“You can always trust me,” Jajot said as she leaned forward. Her scent was intoxicating. “Any enemy to the Federation is always a friend of mine.”
“I am an enemy to some in the Federation, but there are a few I still call friends.”
“Oh, I have many friends in the Federation but not for the same reason you call them friends,” she responded in that tone which made Asani know exactly what she meant. “It is a gift I have.” Her face turned serious. “Speaking of the Federation, an Admiral ship was spotted in this quadrant and guess where their transporter signature was found?” Asani was not shocked that she had found out about their visit. “Care to enlighten me on why they spoke to you? An EX-Starfleet officer.”
Asani smiled knowing that her Romulan contacts were wanting answers and would pay well for those answers. He would give her half the truth, knowing how this game was played. “They wanted my expertise on the Xiezios.” Jajot’s face showed shock knowing about their attacks. “They are worried about their next move and since I am one of the few that has lived on their home world, they were hoping I could give them the help they needed.”
“The Xiezios are not to be trusted,” said Jajot. “Anytime there are Romulan ships flying close to their space, our leaders double the protection. They have lost dozens of ships.” Her smile returned. “The help you gave them. Will it get you off their naughty list?”
“That is yet to be seen,” replied Asani. “If my expertise helps, then I might be welcomed back in some manner. Nothing compared to what I was.”
“You will have to tell me the whole story on why they threw you out in the first place,” she said while giving that look, she has used many times when she wants something. “I know you have not told me everything.”
“If I told you all my secrets, then you would not like me as much.”
“Nothing can stop me from loving you, Asani,” she responded but he could sense her uncertainty. “Well,” she continued as she took another sip. “Let us get down to business.” She removed a small device from in between two objects that made him look away. She then set it on the table and slid it his way. “That chip will give you the details and contact information for what you are looking for.”
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“And what am I looking for?” he asked as he picked up the chip.
“The last piece you need to get your starship to fly,” she answered with a wink and a grin. “A fully functional BIOS Warp Core adaptor from a Dreadnought class Federation battle cruiser.”
“That is impossible,” said Asani with a look of obvious doubt on his face. “That state of the art, highly classified. There is no way anybody could smuggle that out of Starfleet warehouses.”
“I never said it was brand new,” she responded while she finished her drink. “It is actually not too difficult to steal one off a ship when it is docked at a space station seeking repairs.” She gave a light laugh and showed that incredible smile once again. “You make the repairs, trick the computer into throwing an error code on the diagnostics. The ship needs a new adaptor. You send the invoice; a new part arrives with a brand-new part number. The part is installed, and a message is sent back to Starfleet where the part numbers match. But no one cares about the old one. It is supposed to be disassembled anyway. Instead, we sell it to the highest payer. But for you Asani, half price, plus any information on what the Federation is planning to do with Xiezios.” She then stood up from the table and walked over by him and leaned down so their faces were inches apart. “As anyone told you what beautiful eyes you have?”
Asani gave his small smile. “You do. Every time we meet.”
Her lips pressed hard against his as she gave him a long kiss. She slowly moved back, and her lips showed her wonderful trait. “Always a pleasure, Asani,” she whispered. She then walked towards the exit with many onlookers watching her every movement.
Asani looked at the chip as if it was the key to unlock himself from this planet that was his prison. This adaptor would almost certainly work after a few of his own modifications. But he still needed the funds and even at half price, it would not be cheap.
After betting on a few of the races and winning a few extra credits, Asani took public transport back to the main planet. As he entered his abode, the two holograms were on him once again with more questions.
“How did it go? Did she kiss you like last time?” asked Harry.
“Was she wearing the same outfit? Did she mention us?” questioned Thomas.
A simple raise of the hand and his look made them stop. He walked past them not saying a word and went to the communications console. He entered the chip into a slot on the console and data began to process. Soon a Ferengi male appeared on the monitor.
“State your business and contact,” he said while giving the look that all Ferengis did when doing business. Profit was everything.
“I was told to contact you by Jajot,” answer Asani. Harry and Thomas began to look over his shoulder. This was the first Ferengi they had seen.
“So, you are the famous Asani,” he replied with his hideous Ferengi smile. Tooth decay showing on his front razor-sharp teeth. “She must really like you to give you such a great bargain.”
Asani knew from experience that a great bargain to a Ferengi was not the same for him. “How much for the Warp Core adaptor?” Harry and Thomas’ faces were now in full view of the Ferengi.
“I hope the two behind you are friends,” said the Ferengi as Asani quickly turned around. “If they were trying to spy on your conversation, they are horrible at their job.”
Asani gave them both his death stare which made them retreat quickly. “Sorry, two nosy holograms that are sometimes not worth the trouble.”
“I have a few hologram models that will not give you any trouble. Perfect for your operation and only- “
“I am only interested in the Warp Core adaptor,” said Asani cutting off his sales pitch.
“Like I said, best bargain you will ever get. A mere thirty-five thousand credits and she is yours. Best deal you will ever make.”
It would take Asani a whole year to earn that much from working in his shop, selling parts, and doing other favors on this planet. Oddly, it was less than what he thought it would be. With a large sigh and at the shock of his two nosy holograms, Asani said, “Deal. When can I get it here?”
“I will put it on the next transport. It will be there in two days your time,” answered the Ferengi with a large smile knowing that he will earn a big commission on this sale. Stolen Federation parts were his biggest asset. “But first, when do I get the funds?”
“You will have it by tomorrow my time.” Asani arched his head knowing what he would need to do to get the funds.
“Well, since you are a friend of Jajot, I will trust you and get this part on its way,” responded the teeth grinning salesman. “But if I do not have my funds by tomorrow,” the Ferengi’s look showed he was serious, “we have other ways of getting our money.”
“You will have it,” responded Asani with a touch of anger. He was trying not to let this Ferengi get the best of him. “Here are my coordinates. Nice doing business with you.”
“Pleasure is all mine, Asani.” His large teeth grin showed again. His look showed uncertainty, but he knew this was Jajot’s deal. He did not want to make her mad.
Asani pushed a button on the console and the monitor went blank. Before Harry and Thomas could start asking questions, Asani lifted his stern finger. They both began to fidget but they remained quiet. Asani slowly walked to his Captain chair and sat. His head arched, deep in thought. “Am I really going to do this? How has it come to this?”
A few minutes later, Asani pushed a button on his Captain chair that opened the outgoing comms to his ship. A few more buttons and a voice was heard. “Admiral Richards.”
“I’ll do it,” said Asani in an almost whisper.
“Wonderful, Asani! You are doing a great service.”
“There is a price.”
“Name it.”
“One-hundred thousand credits,” replied Asani shocked at what he was asking.
“Done.”
Asani swore in his mind. “I should have asked for more.”