Admirals Log Stardate 48739.29

The USS Oberon has been dispatched to Chiron Station. This time instead of picking up crew and supplies they will be picking up their Romulan observer. Starfleet Intelligence has been surprisingly confident about allowing a Romulan operative onboard an active Starfleet vessel but the operation has the support across all branches of Starfleet. Let's just hope that what they find is worth the risk and can prove useful in understanding the Abaddon.

---

The USS Oberon glides into dock at Chiron Station. Whereas before the station was rather quiet and sparsely populated in the six months since their last visit the station is a flurry of activity like a bee's hive that has been kicked. Several large sections of the station are undergoing massive overhauls as the Federation is preparing to make Chiron into a both a staging port as well as potentially a military fortress to stand against new threats. Crates of supplies line the hallways and there is a constant stream of people going back and forth.

It takes longer than expected to reach the lounge where a Ferengi trader is trying to open up trade negotations with a Romulan officer sitting at a table. A discrete distance away are a pair of Starfleet security keeping a close eye on both the Romulan and the Ferengi.

Actually captaining a starship was, at the same time, everything he'd ever wanted, and not at all like he'd thought it would be. There was a heady exhilaration knowing that everything, no matter how small, or inconsequential, was to be ultimately laid at his feet. And it was impossible to be prepared enough. To know enough. To BE enough. And so he had to trust those around him to get things done without him. And to think of the things he couldn't.

Even something as routine as flying to a supply base took everything he had. He wasn't sure how he was going to handle the rest.

"Stay alert," he'd told his staff before disembarking, "We're not in the Federation any more. Any one you meet could be working for someone. Question everyone's motives. Be careful."

Upon seeing the Romulan officer, he checked their face against his datapad.

OOC: What do I know about the Romulan officer? Do I have a name? A picture? Any other sort of ID?

In hindsight it was kind of suspicious how none of their documentation had actually mentioned anything about who the Romulan observer would be. Every report had listed it as "To Be Disclosed" and on further inquiry it seemed that the Romulans were unwilling to say. A name had finally been disclosed when the a Romulan ship had dropped her off at Chiron station and by the Starfleet Intelligence had pulled her information Garrity and the others were already walking to meet her.

Upon seeing her in person quite a few pieces of the puzzle clicked into place. She was the Centurion in charge of the mission to Signi VIII. The same Centurion that had both ambushed them in an attempt to seize the alien ruins as well as the one that called in reinforcements that both chased the Abaddon dreadnaught off as well as rescuing the crippled Belfast.

It seemed far too unlikely to be a coincidence that the one Romulan in the sector that had interacted with the one Starfleet crew that had survived the Abaddon incursion were placed on the same ship together.

“Aye sir,” Ylis replied to John.

Setting eyes on their romulan observer, the andorian wasn't sure whether to laugh or reach for her phaser. Since the other options weren't very diplomatic, she settled on an angry little smirk. As evenly as she could manage, she inquired, "Cmdr. Petroka was it? I sincerely hope that there weren't any nasty after effects from that stun blast on Signi VIII.”
This message was last edited by the player at 02:28, Thu 26 Sept 2019.

"Greetings would be socially appropriate" T'Saen suggests to her crewmates.

Barring any objections, the flight officer approaches the Romulans, "Cmdr. Petroka," T'Saen nods in greeting, "it is pleasing to see you again.  It seems we will explore the space beyond the Hellsmouth together.  May I ask if this assignment was your choice or are you simply following the directions of your superiors?"

"Alright people, I want orders 3200-3300 in first, those are the ones we have to actually be careful about loading procedures on, the rest of the shipment should be good to go as is.  Ensign Lakes, I'm assigning you to review the inventory once we have everything onboard.  Not to be  racist but I don't trust Ferengi merchants and I want to be double sure that everything is of federation quality before we depart.  Ensigns Yun and Carol, you two are going to be in charge of storing everything we bring onboard once Lakes finishes with her inventory." Sarah said as she walked among the personnel she was responsible for ensuring everyone under her command were aware of their orders.  She knew what the files said should be in the reports, but she'd heard far to many horror stories of cargo brought in on Ferengi ships being mislabeled or even fraudulent to let things go on trust.  The last thing she wanted was to check on their replacement warp coil parts and find that they were in fact shuttle hull plating.  She stopped in front of a pair of security ensigns and gave them a pleasant smile. "Gentlemen, I trust you'll make sure no nonsense happens?" she asked knowing that they really were there as backup encase their Romulan 'Allies' caused trouble on the loading decks.

Commander Petroka cocked an eyebrow at Ylis' comment but she took the comment in stride.

"Lieutenant Ylis, I see the Belfast isn't going to be taking us out into the Nebula. It's a shame given the effort necessary to save it from certain destruction."

She turned and nodded to T'Saen.

"Lieutenant T'Saen, it is good to see you as well under more auspicious circumstances. My duty is to that of the Empire and they have decided I am the best liaison for the Federation in crossing Romulan Territory.

Speaking of which shall we be departing soon?"

Lt. Greene had her hands full keeping the Oberon ship-shape. It was a brand new ship and as such came with brand new quirks and design flaws and personality that would take awhile to either straighten out or grow accustomed to. Say what you would about the aging <i>Miranda<i>-class ships but any engineer worth their salt could keep it running in their sleep.

Not to mention that the chaos and confusion around Chiron station meant that she already had to fight off two different engineering teams that were trying to claim her supplies for their  own projects.

Just when she thought things couldn't get any more hectic she heard a nasally voice uncomfortably close to her said.

"Ahhh, Starfleet Engineer about to go out to the great beyond! It would be a shame to go out unprepared!"

Turning Lt. Greene saw a Ferengi practically salivating as he was peeking at some of the cargo being loaded. Seeing that he had her attention, even if just momentarily, the Ferengi launched into his pitch.

"DaiMon Dozig, finest trader in all of the Beta Quadrant. You'll not find a more complete selection of supplies. Are you sure you're fully stocked on everything? Ionized Phase Emitters? Residual Particle Filters? Perhaps you'd like to stock up on some extra photon torpedoes that...<ahem>...fell off the cargo pallet, so to speak."

The Ferengi leaned in closer and flashed a small datacube at the lieutenant in one small hand.

"Or perhaps a map of the space beyond the nebula? There is a lot of dangerous phenomenon out there and it would be a shame to stumble into it unaware just because Starfleet was too cheap to pay for quality intelligence."
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:17, Sun 29 Sept 2019.

"Yes," T'Saen nods before glancing back towards her fellow Starfleet officers, "I have not heard the exact departure date but I believe we may be cleared to launch within the next 48 hours.  If no one has identified your stateroom yet I can certainly inquire."

"We each have our duty to our respective governments," she adds, "and a certain level of...caution...is understandable.  But I hope the cooperation both sides displayed at the engagement of Signi VIII will carry forward into our new endeavor.  Please let me know if I can be of any assistance and welcome to the crew of the USS Oberon."

Garrity's face tightened slightly at T'Saen's over-familiar (and a little confrontational) greeting to Ptroka. They had history, sure, but she was now a formal and official adjunct to the crew. That meant certain niceties were to be observed.

But then Vulcans were never the best at courtesy for its own sake.

"Regardless of where the orders originated, Commander, we welcome you to the Oberron. I hope that we all can manage to make the best out of what is sure to be a.... complicated situation. Do you have all you need to proceed?"

He tapped the communicator. "Lt.Greene? How are we doing down there? Is Oberron ready to fly?"

Sarah tapped her comm badge and replied to John. "We're still loading the supplies, however, I also have to keep an eye on our containers now, considering a ... concerned citizen is offering me proton torpedoes that as he said, fell off the pallet...I suspect its a scam but he's also trying to sell me a supposed map of beyond the nebula, if that interests you Sir.  Between that and a few other vessels that have apparently been given incorrect loading bay instructions?  My progress is slower then I'd hoped." Sarah says a hint of annoyance in her voice as she tries to put on a pleasant face for Mr. Dozig, despite her suspicions and distrust of Ferengi in general, but especially this one. "Assuming I have no more interruptions we should be ready within the hour sir."

"Thank you, Lieutenant," Garrity replied crisply into the communicator, "Within the hour will be entirely satisfactory."

He tapped the comm-badge to close the channel. Paused a moment. Tapped it again.

"And Miss Greene? If you like, send that... concerned citizen my way. If you're saying what I think you are, then your assessment as to their validity is probably correct. But, no stone unturned and all that."

He closed the channel and turned to the Romulan and smiled. "Commander? Would you care to sit in on a little negotiation with Lt. T'Saen and I? I'd like to leverage your people's reputation for  intelligence gathering, if I could."

If there was even a possibility that such a map existed, it was worth a great deal of effort and expense to obtain. But Garrity knew that, whatever the Federation's strengths, scaring people with their superior talents for skulduggery was not among them.

And a voluntary alliance against a common obstacle was one of the most powerful ways to break down barriers and engender trust. So no matter how the negotiation went, Garrity hoped some good might come of it.

"Mr. Dozig, the commanding officer of our vessel Lt Commander John Garrity, would like to meet you if you have the time and discuss the matter personally." She said politely as she directs him toward John's location. Hoping with all her heart that this will reduce the risk of him 'checking' their cargo any further.  She didn't want to consider herself racist but she definitely had had enough run-ins with the Ferengi to know that sometimes, their methods were less than legal.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:04, Mon 30 Sept 2019.

Petroka had been enjoying the relative quiet of the lounge before being rudely interrupted by the Ferengi who thought that she somehow represented the entire Star Empire and was trying to negotiate as such. She was preparing to say something that would likely burn his ears off, no mean feat, when the Federation contingent arrived.

"Excuse me," she told the Ferengi in as polite a tone as she could muster as the Federation officers walked over and made their respective greetings. She even managed not to pull out her blade and cut the smug look off the Andorian's face, opting instead to ignore it in favour of courtesy since she would be amongst these people for some time.

"Thank you, Lt. T'Saen, Lt. Garrity - I believe I have all I need and will be quite ready to depart. I look forward to working together in the spirit of cooperation."

She smiled when Garrity asked her to join the negotiation as she knew exactly what he meant by intelligence gathering. It might not have sounded like it but it was all but tacit approval to scare the Elements right out of the Ferengi. "It would be my pleasure to join you," she said as she stood.

Ylis had paused to speak with a couple of security and tactical crewmen who were transferring to the ship from the station, much like they had not so long ago. If it bothered her that she was pretty much the same age as most of these young, green crewmen, and perhaps a good deal younger than the petty officers, she managed not to show it. “...Okay, find your berths and get your ruck stowed as soon as you can, we're going to have a meeting shortly after we cast off.”

Returning back to the gathering of officers, she did her best to avoid thinking about whether or not any of those crewmen were one of their undercover babysitters. She could try to suss that out later if she really wanted to, but for now, it looked remarkably like others were about to take a walk with their new Romulan 'friend'.

As first officer, Sebastian had stayed on board the Oberon to oversee the final diagnostic checks and ensure all of the systems were operating optimally prior to their excursion into the unknown. It definitely wasn't as glamorous as joining the rest of the senior crew on the station, but somebody had to maintain command of the ship while the captain was away, and honestly he was just ready get underway.

The Ferengi merchant grins as he sees the Starfleet officers.

"Going on a little expedition I heard? Off to explore uncharted stars I hear? Well for a bit of latinum perhaps what lies beyond isn't nearly as uncharted as you would think?"

He grins and rubs the tips of his fingers together, the universal symbol for currency.

Petroka sat down next to the Ferengi and moved her seat uncomfortably close to him. She didn't look at him or say a word but she was there - a quiet, menacing presence that could not help but be noticed given how far into his personal space she was.

T'Saen raised a single eyebrow, frowning "The Hellsmouth has restricted access to the space beyond. To possess such a map seems...unlikely.  Without a reasonable explanation we cannot accept such claims as credible."

Garrity smiled, "And yet, did not the Vulcan philosopher T'Phan once write in an infinite universe, all that is not strictly forbidden, occurs?" A pause. He briefly touched T'Saen's shoulder in a calming gesture. "Don't worry, Lieutenant, I don't think the map is genuine. But I do think even the remote possibility is worth rattling his cage over."

He walked over to the table and sat down across from the Ferengi.

"Daimon Dozig, is it? I'm Lt. Commander John Garrity, Captain of Oberron. It's funny you should be here, Commander Petroka here was just telling about the downright draconian laws against trade fraud in the empire, and the deplorable conditions inside Romulan prisons. But never mind all that. You were about to tell me how I can be sure that the information you have here is genuine? Yes?"

The trick with Ferengi was to shake them up. Just a little. The only thing they loved more than profit was their own hides. Get them concerned about the one, and they could be distracted from the other.

The DaiMon puffed up his chest and sneered.

"How dare you insinuate that my goods are not genuine. Just because your inferior Starfleet technology couldn't navigate the Nebula doesn't mean that superior Ferengi ships couldn't. While I'll have you know the Grand Nagus has successfully negotiated several lucrative trade routes on the other side."

He holds up one clawed finger before anyone can interrupt.

"Ahp bah bah. No I will not say with whom or how much. If you want details on whats on the other side, it is gold-pressed latinum, or something of appropriate value."

OOC: FYI while Starfleet doesn't use currency the station would probably have a supply that could be recquisitioned. It would need a write up by Garrity and admiral approval but this close to Federation space approval would come very quickly.

Money isn't really a limiting factor, but Garrity (and crew) reputation is.

This message was last updated by the player at 04:54, Sat 05 Oct 2019.

Standing a bit behind the others, Ylis looked on with seeming disinterest. In fact, she was trying to take the ferengi traders measure, to see if she could get a bearing on whether or not he was being truthful.

22:30, Today: Ylis zh'Kerja rolled 38 using 2d20 with rolls of 20,18.  Insight 9 Security 4 – 13 Composure - Detect Lie! Woo, that was a bad roll.

Ylis not only thinks the Ferengi is telling the truth but that it would be ludicrous to pass up such an amazing opportunity.

Having been reminded of the fat, little ferengi all dressed in green who inexplicably gave her and and the other colonist kids presents one year, Ylis decided that the DaiMon seemed like the honest sort. “Seems like a pretty good deal to me, I mean, what's the worst that could happen?”
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 02:01, Mon 07 Oct 2019.

Petroka put a hand on the Ferengi's shoulder in what seemed to be a companionable gesture but she was applying some of her superior strength. "What could happen is we could find ourselves lost by following the Ferengi's map and were that to happen I would have no choice but to activate certain...contingency plans I have in place. Plans you would find...most unpleasant."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:17, Mon 07 Oct 2019.

Dozig continues to bristle at the implications made.

"How dare you insult me so. I stand behind every bit of my work. I don't have to stand here and take this. I'm sure there are plenty of other buyers interested in my map. In fact why are you letting this Romulan dissuade you. Most likely as soon as you walk away she'll come back with an offer herself!"

OOC: FYI bartering or intimidation or persuasion would all be Presence + Command (for persuasion) or Security (for Intimidation). I am always be open to creative applications of other skills like Reason or Science or whatnot as long as you can make a persuasive argument and post for it.

Garrity held up his hands in a pacifying gesture. "Hey, hey hey, listen, there's no reason for anyone to get testy here. I know you Ferengi keep great store by your reputation, but you know us Starfleet types, we like a little science in everything we do."

A pause. He looked sideways at Petroka.

"The Commander here was actually the second in command of a Romulan deep-space research team. She's been over past the nebula and has already mapped a little of the other side. So it's very simple. We choose a random spot that has already been mapped. We check your map, and we check the Commander's data. If they match, you have your sale. If they don't, you spend twenty years in a Romulan forced labour camp."

The corners of his mouth perked up in a smile.

"So that's what we call a slam-dunk for you, DaiMon, right? So long as the map is as accurate as you say?"

The DaiMon balked at Garrity's suggestion.

"Now hold on here. You want to put a Romulan in charge of determining if I'm telling the truth? Don't be ridiculous. My maps will be completely correct... at least as of the stardate they were taken...but this Romulan will say I'm lying no matter what. They aren't one to turn up free slave labor over such a trifling matter as the truth!

How about this, if you are not satisfied with my maps next time you pass through you can ask for a full refund. I won't even argue. I'll even throw in a 10% "friends and family" discount on the maps and the torpedoes."

He waggles his eyebrow ridges and grins his snaggle tooth grin.

"Ehhh? Whuddya say, Captain? Get a bit more bang for your buck with my torpedoes then the firecrackers Starfleet issues you no doubt."

Garrity pretty much had his answer now, but he couldn't resist one more jibe at the Ferengi's expense. He found their general obsession with profit to be strange, but not bad. But he detested liars.

"How about this? You lend me the map, and if it's accurate, next time I'm through this area I'll pay you double your asking price. You know Starfleet officers don't lie."

DaiMon sucks at his teeth as a mock worried look passes his face.

"Oh I would love to but that would be a violation of Rules of Acquisition #12: Always demand payment upfront. No latinum, no map. But because we're about to become such good friends and business partners I'll give you a freebie. Right on the other side of the nebula from here is a sector with a pair of M-Class planets. There is pre-warp civilizations on both. Just think about that, two different sentient species evolving in the same solar system. Doesn't that just get your scientific curiosity buzzing?"

"This Romulan wouldn't waste a spot in a slave labour camp on a Ferengi. What I will do is put you in an agony booth for the rest of your life if that map turns out to be false since I'll be traveling with these Starfleet officers so bad intel for them is bad intel for me and that will make me...displeased," Petroka said as she turned and leaned over the Ferengi.

"So it had better be accurate or I'll come looking for you."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:57, Wed 09 Oct 2019.

From her position a bit back from the others, Ylis looked pointedly at the DaiMon and rolled her eyes when Captain Garrity threatened to hand the Ferengi over to the Romulans. She shook her head almost imperceptibly, and mouthed 'They're bluffing,'... of course the Universal Translator wasn't much help with reading lips, but maybe Dozig had picked up a little of the Andorian tongue at some point. Who knew?
This message was last edited by the player at 03:14, Thu 10 Oct 2019.

Garrity waved his hand, "Sure, sure, buzz buzz buzz. But that's not what we're discussing. What we're talking is whether you, DaiMon Dozig, want to enter into a legal contract with me, John Garrity, stating that, if your map turns out to be accurate, I'll pay double your asking price and, if it's not accurate, I'll turn you over to the Romulans."

A pause.

"And if you don't like contracts, think of it as a wager. Double or nothing."

At the sound of "double payment" the Ferengi's tongue involuntarily flicked out to lick his lips.

"Ahh...double you say? Hmm... now you're talking a language I can understand. I will still need some form of payment, you know exploration is a dangerous business and it would be a shame if you were to go out and not return with the rest of my money so how about this, try to follow along... I'll sell you the map for 250 bars of latinum which you will then double to 500. I'll give you the map for 25% downpayment now and the rest of the 75% will be left out on loan subject to a reasonable 10% interest per month, compounded of course."


OOC: For context 250 bars of latinum would be roughly equivalent to something like $50,000-$60,000. Definitely expensive but not budget braking and only a slightly inflated price.

Petroka leaned back and took a sip of her drink. "200 bars." She fully expected the Ferengi to squeal and come back with something marginally lower but she didn't know if these Federation types knew how to truly handle business.

The Ferengi sucks at his lips a bit but then gives a nod.

"Oohhh, you're lucky I'm in a generous mood after all that disparaging remarks but 200 doubles to 400 bars which is still a fair price. 50 bars now and the remaining 350 bars once you've verified the address. Take your time, double check the accuracy. Triple check even! So long as I'm still collecting my interest take all the time you need."

He grinned and stuck out his hand to seal the deal.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:33, Wed 16 Oct 2019.

"No interest," Garrity said. He was no financial wizard, but even he knew better than that, "This isn't a loan, it's a down payment in good faith." And," he said, smiling, "If I can't verify the information to be correct, you get turned over to the Romulans."

A pause.

"Still a deal?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:36, Wed 16 Oct 2019.

The DaiMon throws his hands up in exasperation.

"First you want to deal then you don't want to. You humans are too crazy for your own good. Fine, against my better judgement I'll waive the interest for the first say...six months. That should give you plenty of time to go out, poke your nose into someone else's business for awhile and then come back and deliver the rest of my payment.

And we don't have to call it a loan. Such a dirty word. How about....late payment compounding fee?"

The exasperation quickly turns into a greedy smile as he rubs his hands together.

Garrity paused.

"And if we were to verify the accuracy right here? While you watched? And if it failed, the Commander here took you right into custody?"

OOC: Please let me know if you want wrap this up.

Dozig gave a shrug and wiggled his fingers again.

"No latinum, no map but if you want to verify it here that's fine by me. It will take some time to load the bars into my vessel, no? That's the time you'll have to verify it then."

Garrity nodded and held his hand out, "Fifty bars now. 350 when we get back, if, no when, it turns out to be accurate. And since you yourself said, 'next time we're back this way' we can't be late when we see you next. So no late payment fees of any kind. Good? Good. Let's see it then."

If it was accurate, even 400 bars was a bargain for that kind of information. And if it was fake (which, were he a betting man, would have been his choice), 50 bars was a fair enough price to take the chance.

The DaiMon cracks a giant smile and starts into the logistics of transferring latinum and the map with glee. It takes a little while for Garrity to get the authorization but ultimately clearing 50 bars immediately is doable and the remaining 350 can be prepared at Chiron station for when the DaiMon returns and Garrity has verified the data.

---

Some time later the bars are transferred and the map is loaded but the ship's computer chokes trying to integrate it into the existing data of the sector. it had displayed on the pad just fine but there was some sort of encryption key that was preventing it from being integrated into Federation technology.

A quick call to the DaiMon brought the grinning Ferengi's face on screen.

"Oh did I forget to mention the security key? Just a little measure in case someone tried to take it by force but as my very generous customer I'll send over the decryption key. It should only take your systems a few hours to parse and load it and if you have any problems you know where to find me!"

The DaiMon practically giggles with glee as he terminates the call. The comms officer reports that the Ferengi ship is transmitting over a decryption algorithm but the computer estimates that it could take half a day to handle the multiphasic encryption rotation and then load the data.

Garrity shook his head. He suspected something like this would happen. But, either way, 50 bars was a decent wager. And if the map would up useful, worth it. If not, well, then the Ferengi had some pocket change and a lifelong enemy.

He never could understand how a race so obsessed with asset acquisition couldn't understand that one's reputation was also an asset, but then, there were many things about them he didn't understand.

He went to the ship, and just made sure that, whatever this map was, it was sequestered from the rest of the ship's computer until it was all figured out.

50 bars was one thing, 50 bars of latinum AND a Ferengi computer virus?

Not so much.