Not For Sale
Posted on 11 Feb 2024 @ 8:12am by Brek - Timeless Treasures Art Gallery
Mission:
M4 - Falling Out
Location: O.C - Ara and Kreca’s Quarters
Timeline: MD 4 - Day 8
1417 words - 2.8 OF Standard Post Measure
Brek could have presented himself with a gift. Drawing material, for instance, would have been perfect and thoughtful. It was in his nature to act that way. It wasn’t the Ferengi way, though, and when dealing with Ferengi, it was always better to behave like a native. This is why, after pressing the chime multiple time, giving the impression something dramatic had happened, he barged into the quarters, and made his demand:
“Where is this so-called fabulous map that Ara saw this morning? Tell me how much latinum you want for it and we can complete this little transaction in no time. In fact, it will be the quickest time in your life that you make so much latinum so fast.”
She looked at him, nonplussed, giving the impression that there was no map. He had fallen for a silly trick like a complete newbie. Ara’s only intention had been to push him towards the artist. Why was it always so easy to fool him? Did anyone have an answer to that?
“It is not for sale,” Kreca said, after a moment that would have allowed her to think several negative things about him and his lack of manners. “I already said so to Ara. I know how things work. We are all supposed to stop at nothing to make plenty of latinum. But sometimes, even among our species, what we want the most has nothing to do with material wealth.”
He stared at her with round eyes of course, for it is never wise to speak against the accumulation of wealth. He then noted that she was dressed in rich brown and yellow travel clothes. The sort of garments Ferengi wear when they don’t want to draw attention to themselves. One might even call those colours emblematic to Ferenginar. She was also holding a large cup of coffee in her hand, from which, every now and again, she took a sip. It made her look resolute. No way then, that he would conclude his business here in just five minutes.
“Can I, at least, see this map?” He insisted. “The way Ara described it, it’s the most fabulous thing our ancestors ever created. And it’s an enriching experience just to look at it. Whether it actually leads to real treasures or not is beyond the point. It’s part of our ancient culture. As such, it should be preserved with great care.”
She took a sip of coffee and never replied. Obviously it meant niet. But in business, if you can’t transform a negative into a positive, you are truly not worth much at all.
“Whether you intended it or not, my grandmother saw it.” He continued. “So why can’t I have a look at it?”
“My bags are all packed now. That’s why. I’m leaving tonight..” She looked at him, rather intently. “Aren’t you going to say goodbye and good riddance?”
“I have already said what I wanted to say. Apparently you have, in your possession, a detailed map dating from the time of Razal’s Lost Fleet. If it’s genuine, it’s a fabulous artefact. There isn’t one Ferengi who wouldn’t want to set their eyes on such a treasure. But of course, this map of yours, it could be a fake or a poor copy. In which case I can understand why you don’t want me to see it. Anyone would be ashamed to show such a shoddy artefact. Unless of course, it doesn’t even exist.”
“Nice try, Brek.”
She was smiling, and for no reason that he could fathom, he felt a bit uneasy. It didn’t last long though. He needed a new angle, and clever as he was, he found one in less than twenty seconds : “Right. So latinum doesn’t speak to you. What are you after, then?”
“I’ll put it plainly: I don’t see you having anything that I want.”
That hurt a little, but he shrugged it off. “I have contacts. Gazillions of them. Those could be helpful, since you’ve decided to travel. With those friends of mine, you would never have to worry about accommodation or supplies. There would always be someone at hand to help you out.”
She didn’t even consider his offer, as splendid as it was. “I’m not after any advantage Brek. I want to discover the Alpha Quadrant by myself. To do so, I have to be on my own. Meet new people and solve whatever problems arise by myself. That’s the plan.”
“This is worse than a cruddy plan, this is no plan at all.” Brek added, baffled. “You, a Ferengi woman, would be all by yourself, without the slightest protection.” He almost added: ‘Are you out of your mind?’ “Anything could happen to you. That’s... that’s pure lunacy.”
“Don’t pretend you care.”
“Of course I do. Have you forgotten that we are tied by a contract? I’m your art agent. My role is to represent, promote and sell your work. If something bad happens to you and you can’t paint, how am I going to get my commissions?”
“You don’t understand, do you? I need to travel, in order to be inspired.” She put her cup, now empty, on a shelf, and she proceeded to move her bags closer to the door. “If I stay here, or on Ferenginar, I’ll only repeat myself. My art will be worthless and your commissions will be so small you’ll be spending your days blaming me for your lack of profit.”
“Come on, I’m not that bad. I represent several artists, and I don’t receive many complaints from them. We are able to work well together.”
“You are not that good either, Brek.” She sighed and made a pause, holding two large carpet bags. “Have you thought about how things have been for me on this station? Of course not. You left me alone with your grandmother and her nasty opinions about everything and everyone. The only moment of peace I’ve had was when I talked to Cmdr Rubens, a few days ago.” The bags went to the floor and she fetched a large portfolio. “Our discussion was an eye opener. Now I want to see Cardassia, Betazed, Deneva, Bolarus, Trill, and Benzar too! And you won’t be able to stop me.”
“You have fine ears, Kreca,” but you don’t listen. “Did I suggest you shouldn’t travel? You can even go to the delta quadrant, for all I care. What I said was: do not travel alone.” He took his PaDD and consulted it. “I’ll lend you Glutik. He isn’t really useful on this station, and he is not a bad chap.”
“He is a Tellarite.”
“So what?”
“He has the manners of a beast, and he also has a serious B.O. problem, in case you haven’t noticed.”
“Those are insignificant details. What matters most is that he will be able to protect you. He also has fine artistic tastes, so he’ll be a great travelling companion.”
“That’s not what I want!”
“But that’s what you’ll get. Unless... unless you allow me to see Razal’s map, so that I can take a picture of it.”
Kreca sighed again. “By all that shines... You never let go, do you?” She picked up her portfolio and opened it. There, right in the middle, was the map, splendid, mesmerising, just as Ara had described. The islands with tall mountains, and, in the sea, six locations marked with ancient Ferengi symbols. The legendary treasures. Now that he had seen it, he understood better the effect it had on Ara. If he wasn’t careful, he would spend hours daydreaming about those would-be treasures.
“It is a beautiful item,” Brek admitted, as he took a snapshot of it. “You are lucky to have it.”
“Yeah, such luck I have. Glutik stays here, right?”
“Absolutely. You are not done with me, though. Tell me all that you know about this map. How did your father buy it, where and for how much?”
“I don’t have time for that, Brek. I have plans!”
But Brek went to the replicator to get himself a glass of opaque black rum. When you are about to listen to a good yarn, you need to make yourself comfortable...
