Flowers and Ferengi

Posted on Fri 24th Apr, 2026 @ 5:34am by Magnus Temple

2,606 words; about a 13 minute read

Mission: [MAIN] Learning to Fly
Location: Delavi
Timeline: Reconstruction Era

ON:

"It does."

"It doesn't."

"Does."

"Doesssss... Not."

"Gen?"

"Mag-nus."

"Genevieve Gillard."

"Magnus William Temple."

"Can both of you stop?!" Came a sudden, exasperated shout.

Magnus and Genevieve turned their attention away from antagonising each other and faced towards Ashra, who stood before the Chief Diplomat and the Legal Consul with arms firmly placed on her hips, and an usually firm scowl on her face. "You are both being ridiculous."

"Are not." Magnus immediately interjected without an ounce of regret. Okay, maybe a little regret when he caught the fire in Ashra's eyes, burning a hole into him.

"She's right." Gen sighed, rubbing her temples. "And we've been at this for an hour."

"Well, you wanted my input." Magnus shrugged sullenly, pulling himself up into the armchair defensively.

Ashra gave another loud, impatient groan. "It is bad enough that we are cramped up in these quarters without your - " She waggled an accusatory finger between the both of them, "Incessant need to both be right about the most ridiculous of things. All the time."

"It's not... " Gen was about to protest but she caught a side-eye from Ashra that could have given her whiplash. Gen held up her hands in surrender. "I just want to say that this is important to us."

"Clearly." Ashra huffed.

The trio were sitting in the cabin of the S.S. Versailles, a diplomatic shuttle they had basically been living out of for the past three months. Magnus had chosen to stay in Delavi, in order to cement his ties to the local regional partners and continue working towards advancing the Federation's position. He knew it would be a strong public relations move to stay close to SB109 during her reconstruction; to show that the Federation's commitment to Delavi wouldn't stop just because the Starbase was out of action. His role was more than the station, he often told people in his carefully crafted remarks, it was about the region. Magnus typically said this with a wide, trained smile as he shook the hands of whomever they were visiting that week.

That commitment, however, had also meant spending a lot of time onboard a shuttle that had been primarily designed for short transport, not as semi-permanent residency. They lived there now; it was their small home away from the station, which had already been their small home away from their actual planets. It seemed the further away from Earth they got, the smaller the accomodations became. Of course, the Versailles would occasionally dock with Starfleet vessels and friendly neighbours as much as they could. Magnus had wanted them to stay agile, essentially an on-going "Delavi Tour" as he called it - as if they were a rock band performing concerts. Docking meant they could stretch their legs and get some much-needed time away from each other.

Now, they had been on the shuttle for 10 days as they travelled from the Broot homeward back towards the USS Thunderchild for a much-needed rest break. With progress on the station's rebuild now well under-way, they had been given design plans for the new Federation Embassy that would open with the rebuilt station. They had been in-progress of redesigning 109's consulate when Magnus originally arrived but thanks to the explosion damages and changes to the station layout, they had been given the opportunity to expand from their original ideas and increase the footprint to a second level. The new Embassy was going to be something spectacular, worthy of the Federation's commitment to Delavi and a symbol of their confidence that the region would have a significant future.

It had to look the part. Now if only they could decide on a design scheme.

"I just think a hard, minimalist approach is going to turn people away." Magnus was saying. He and Gen had been scrolling through artistic impressions of the redesigned main public area for the Embassy, the so-called "Consul Hub". This would be essentially the face of the Embassy, everyone's first impression as they walked inside. "We are representing a plethora of planets and cultures, the space should reflect a sense of life and purpose."

The two designs at the centre of the debate had two entirely different aesthetics. Magnus' preferred design was an area touched with wood panels, bright native floral arrangements, with grounding, natural mineral tones and soft fabrics. Genevieve's design was more future-neutral, with clear glass, white panels and a focus less on decoration and more on pure, business-like functionality.

"It's a space for diplomatic bureaucracy, not a hotel." Genevieve was saying as she waved dismissively towards Magnus' very homely design.

"It's welcoming." Magnus sighed. "At least mine doesn't look like a defunct transport terminal."

"It's not."

"It is."

"It's - "

"NO!" Ashra huffed. "Not again. We are not descending into another childish back and forth."

"Well we need a design to send off to the construction team." Magnus sat back in his chair and shrugged. "Or we'll get nothing but a chair in an empty room." He raised his eyebrows to Genevieve, "Though you'd probably be okay with that."

"Better than to be overwhelmed with the Chelsea Royal Flower show!" Genevieve shot back, pointing to a wall of native flowers that Magnus had suggested for the entry-way.

"How about," Ashra sighed, "You two put on your big adult Diplomat pants and actually compromise."

"It's like designing a house with a Vulcan." Magnus complained, "Where's the heart, where's the emotion?"

Gen gave a deep eye-roll. "Okay, fine. We can use the wood panelling - but restrictively so. I don't want to work in a replica of a Scandinavian cottage."

Magnus began tapping at the PADD, removing some of the excess wood from the design. "And I do like the faux-concrete for the walls, maybe with a hint of sand or copper, for colouring?"

"I can see that." Gen nodded, "But I still think a round reception desk in the centre will help navigate the room."

"Agreed." Magnus quietly murmured, as he tapped away.

"Finally." Ashra muttered in relief as she walked across the cabin to the replicator.

No sooner had she approached when the main viewscreen unexpectedly lit up with a notification for an incoming subspace transmission.

"Oh." She remarked, looking over to the others. "We didn't have any calls on the schedule for now." She said as she checked the itinerary for the trip, confirming what she already knew. "This is unscheduled."

Magnus placed his PADD down, carefully away from Genevieve's deleting fingers, as he too stood and approached the viewer. "Well, let's see who it is."

After accepting the call, there before them was a Ferengi DaiMon. He was advanced in age, probably well-over 100, given the amount of aged folds around his ears and face. His expression was painfully scowled, as if this conversation was a great inconvenience for him. Magnus put on a smile as a name came to his lips.

"DaiMon Kroll." Magnus greeted the Ferengi. "It is our pleasure to receive your call."

"Pleasure?" Kroll spat. "A charming Federation sentiment I do not wish to waste breath on. I do not have the time."

"Of course, DaiMon." Magnus tried not to appear deterred by his demeanour, he expected very little else. "Feel free to get to the point."

"I will." Kroll stated, "You are aware that I have been robbed of my property. A fe-male servant with a debt to me that would make a Grand Nagus weep. She fled my ship without payment, a blatant violation of the 16th Rule of Acquisition. A deal is a deal. I provided her with food, comfort, and the very air she breathed on my ship. I am owed."

Magnus was aware of the case. He had been contacted by the servant, a Boslic woman, before the starbase went kaboom. They had been trying to track her down with no luck. He had checked the transport ship's manifests, as scrambled as they were, and believed she had escaped, but he hadn't been able to make contact as yet to formalise their assistance. He had been hoping they would come across her during their tour, but that had not yet come to be.

"I believe you mean Rule 27." Magnus replied carefully. His hunger for an argument had been spurred by Genevieve's design choices, now he was picking a fight with a Ferengi over technicalities. "A contract is a contract - but only between Ferengi. You had no contract with the servant, you won her during a game with another DaiMon, correct?"

Kroll licked his jagged teeth, a searing smile on his lips. "So you do not feign ignorance, Diplomat? You are aware of the loss I have suffered. The reparations that I am owed?"

"I don't wish to waste your time by denying anything, DaiMon." Magnus pressed on with his own, polite smile, "Unfortunately, your deal was with the other Ferengi DaiMon, not with the Federation. A deal which was deemed unenforceable by the person - I mean, property - vacating your possession. The DaiMon will claim it was your responsibility to secure the property, therefore he is not liable for your losses. Furthermore, it would take considerable resources to recapture this property, correct? More than the initial cost of the acquisition, which is a violation of rule number three."

Now sitting off to the side on the bench chair, Ashra and Genevieve shared a "Yes!" nod between them.

"Perhaps." Kroll seethed. "Unless the Boslic is able to repay her debts. I would even be so kind as to offer a finder's fee if you were to assist me. After all, I do not believe the Federation are inclined to deny my right to my property. If you were to be hiding her, however, well I will have to file formal protest and demand that you cover all of her debts."

"You can see my ship, DaiMon," Magnus turned to show the small cabin behind them. "I am not hiding anyone. And there's been so much transport traffic throughout this region, I don't believe we would be able to pin-point a single individual amongst all the ships coming and going through the sector. You would have to pay a substantial amount of people to gain that information."

Kroll shook his head at the thought of paying anyone for anything, it burned his very soul. He spat as he replied, "Never! But you are speaking my language, Hu-Man. You are not quoting your precious Federation laws, but you are quoting a price for your assistance. I like thisss." He sucked the air through his teeth hungrily, "Every man has his price. What is on your ledger, Diplomat?"

"I cannot assist you in re-capturing an enslaved person, DaiMon." Magnus dutifully replied, "It does go against my laws and my beliefs. I have no price that would allow me to hand her over to you, even if I knew where she was."

"Beliefs!" Kroll scoffed, "You Federation types wrap yourselves in your 'ethics' like a warm, free cloak, because you're too afraid to look at the cold reality. Property and wealth is what drives all of us. It is how we do business, especially in this region. You cannot place friendship above business."

"And I cannot put a price on a person's freedom." Magnus replied firmly, choosing to ignore the first part of his argument. The Federation has always found a way to work with traders and economically-based races before without compromising on their beliefs; Delavi would be no different. He was not about to give the Boslic up just because it was the Ferengi's normal way of life.

"You talk about enslavement, but it was an investment." Kroll merely stated, "I clothed, fed, and secured her. She is strong and healthy because of me! What will happen to her now, out here on her own? Where will your ethics be when the pirates or the Ravagers find her first?"

Magnus stiffened at the thought. The DaiMon had a point - they had no way of knowing where all the evacuating ships had ended up. They had secured the Starfleet and Federation personnel but there were thousands of undocumented civilians once onboard Starbase 109 that had scattered amongst the planets and systems around them. It had been weeks since they had heard from some of them; they could be anywhere. At least, he considered, she had definitely not been recaptured by the Ferengi, or else Kroll would not be here chasing her still.

"I can see the gears turning behind your tiny ears." Kroll continued, seeing the consternation on Magnus' face. "You worry for her, don't you?" It was not meant to be soothing or comforting, it was a warning in his tone. "As do I."

Magnus steeled himself against his worries, as a thought blossomed in his mind. Something that hadn't occurred to him until just now, but perhaps should have sooner. Why would a Ferengi potentially lose profit or incur further costs just to recapture this one slave? What would drive him to make such a sacrifice financially when it goes against so many of his species' sacred commandments.

Magnus raised his eyebrows and he questioned, "Why is that DaiMon? What does this Boslic slave know about you that you are so concerned about seeing her recaptured?"

The DaiMon stirred, flustering and spitting as he rebuked the response. "WHAT?... How. Dare. You!... I Do Not... YOU DARE?!"

Magnus managed a small smile, "Perhaps I will help you find your property after all, DaiMon. Perhaps when I do, I will have a little talk to her first? I wonder what she will say?"

Kroll shook his head, "I deny your questions!"

"Sometimes the only thing more dangerous than a question, is the answer." Magnus shrugged, still using those Rules to his favour. "Know when to cut your losses, DaiMon. That's more of a human saying, really, but I think it applies here."

"I will find the Boslic and ensure her silence." Kroll growled, an embarrassed ferocity growing in his tone.

"If you want to keep your standing in this region, you'll do no such thing." Magnus retorted, "Your access to our Starbase, our transport routes, our trade partners, all depends on your cooperation with the Federation. You'd hate to be in a situation where there are so many restrictions, and sanctions, and tariffs on your ship that you'll never make a profit again in this region. Wouldn't you?"

"Is that a threat, Hu-Man?" Kroll sneered.

"I'm getting to the point, DaiMon." Magnus replied calmly. "Cut your losses, let the Boslic go."

"For now." Kroll merely replied as the screen went blank.

The room was silent for a moment, the tension filling the small space of the shuttle's cabin as Magnus let out a long breath. Ashra and Genevieve stood again and Gen placed a supportive hand on his shoulder. Magnus turned and gave a small smile.

"So I think for the floral arrangements, we don't need to have an entire wall of flowers." Magnus merely stated, with a casual coolness. "Maybe just a select few representing some Federation planets, and maybe a seasonal display?"

Gen opened her mouth then paused, frowning, "Real plants poses a hypo-allergenic risk to visitors. You'd have to get them cleared through Operations, and ensure that they have a public tolerance. This adds a completely unnecessary level of complication just for a touch of prettiness that we don't need."

"Does not."

"Does so."

"Does not."

Ashra threw up her hands in frustration and made her way towards the flight deck for some peace and quiet instead.

OFF

 

RSS Feed

Comments (1)