((Slivin, Bridge))

After the comm channel with Irrawaddy closed, the bridge sat silent for a few moments.

Mereg and Bamet were both present, as was Plej and the MAA bu’ Krek. Plej, saved Bamet the discomfort of asking the question that was on everyone’s mind.

“So you have decided on your seniority staff I assume, my Captain?”

“I have. Lt. Mereg!”

“HoD?” Mereg snapped to attention.

“You are now la Mereg, first officer of this vessel, and chief tactical officer. Well done, you have proven yourself to be a credit to your House.”

“Cha’vey HoD” Mereg said showing no signs of emotion, as if he was responding to an order to vent some space junk. He had served the House of Ja’targ for nearly a decade loyally and honourably. It would be a diservice to him and their House is Kerak hadn’t appointed him as the XO. The Captain would gladly deal with any fallout from his niece or his sister.

“Lt. Bamet!”

“Sir!” His niece replied.

“You are now Sogh la Bamet, and second officer of this vessel. Your first mission is to report aboard the Starfleet vessel and be our eyes and ears during their meeting with the Formicans. You will also be the Chief Navigator. Congratulations.” Kerak had conducted these conversations without turning to face either of his officers who both manned the stations directly behind him.

“Cha’vey HoD” Bamet replied nervously, but quickly. She was hoping for the XO job herself, yes, but she was not so prideful to fail to recognize that Mereg was far more experienced than her. The promotion to Lt. Commander likely also helped soften the blow.

“Plej, inform Ensign Vord in the engine room that he had been promoted to Sogh, and named 3rd officer when you are making your rounds if your will.”

“Yes Captain….congratulations to both of you, sir, and ma’am.” Plej nodded in approval towards both of them before departing.

((Blythe Bridge, Orbiting Derganix))

The Blythe had pulled into orbit a few thousand kilometres away from the other Ferengi space station in the system. This one was very different from the large repurposed D’Kora class vessel that served as their station orbiting Formica. This one had a central spire section with room for maybe 7 or 8 decks, and 3 small docking ports that protruded from its waist. It appeared to be kitbashed and shoddily at that. It was utilitarian, and had basic deflectors and 2 light disruptor cannons for defense. From what they could tell it was a simple trading outpost similar to any number of other Ferengi outposts that could be found back in the Alpha quadrant.

The Ferengi had sent a set of coordinates for the Blythes away team to beam down to. They had also sent them a 4 page long list of diplomatic protocols under the header “Dergan Trading Cooperative” which had a curious sub header beneath it, in smaller, less ornate writing that read ‘On behalf of the United Dergan States, a duly authorized and contracted protectorate of the Consortium of Ferengi Traditionalists’.

It was concerning to both Tyler and Aruin for multiple reasons. Even acknowledging the communique could be seen as a recognition of a sort of the relationship and status quo between the Ferengi and the Dergans. Aruin warned against giving any sign that they approve of the situation at all. After a quick meeting in the ready room, where they reviewed the extortionate and rigid protocols, Tyler had decided on a course of action.

“Commander Ingram, send a message directly to the Dergan government and confirm that the coordinates we received are where they would like for us to beam down. Do not acknowledge receipt of the message from the Ferengi at all.” he said as he returned to the bridge.

“Aye aye sir.” His tactical officer replied with a smile.

After a few minutes the Dergans replied and said that the coordinates were correct.

“Very well then. Commander Mee IH, uh, you have the bridge. Commander Ingram have a security detail meet us in transporter room 2. Commander Aruin, you’re, uh, with me.”

“Sure you’re dress whites still fit sir?” the diplomat quietly asked the Captain as they entered the turbolift.

“We’re about to find out. Deck 2, my quarters.” Tyler said and the turbolift began its journey.