The 34th Rule by Quark

Author:Quark [Quark]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2010-08-07T14:12:58.622000+00:00

"Yes, I'm very happy about it," Shakaar said. "But this

one measure falls far short of solving all of Bajor's problems

with the Ferengi."

"That may be true," Sisko agreed, "but it certainly is a

significant step toward accommodation."

Accommodation. Shakaar wondered how often he had

heard that word in his life, wondered how often the Cardas-

sians had claimed to be seeking accommodation with the

people of Bajor, when all they had ever really done was rape

their world and crush their society. The terms offered by

invaders were always terms of surrender.

A susurrant sound awoke Shakaar from his thoughts. He

thought at first that it had been his own breathing that had

brought him back to the moment, but as he listened, he

realized that it had begun to rain outside. The first of the

gentle summer storms that would nurture the growing

season in this part of Bajor had arrived.

"Captain," Shakaar said, "the humanitarian aid is of

enormous importance, and we will welcome it, but Bajor

also requires military supportmsupport beyond the limited

defense that Deep Space Nine offers. We want to resume

importing more than just the necessities of food and

medicine, and also to renew the export of our own manufac-

tured goods. To do that, the Ferengi blockade must be

rendered ineffective; if they will not end it, then we must do

so ourselves."

"You know that Starfleet cannot provide such support,"

Sisko said. "To do so would be tantamount to promoting a

war effort. But if you and the nagus would agree to sit down

together and talk... perhaps I could function as a media-

tor between the two sidesre"

"There will be no talks," Shakaar insisted, "until the

Ninth Orb is on its way to Bajor." Thunder resounded in

the distance.

"I'm very sorry that you feel that way, Minister," Sisko

said. "But there is still time to talk; representatives of the

nagus have informed me that the final round of the auction

will not be held for at least another month." Shakaar erupted.

"Why should we negotiate for that which we have a right

to?" he yelled, bringing his fist down on the table. "And I'm

not just talking about the Orb, but about the right to control

our own solar system, and the right to travel freely through

open space."

"Minister--"

"Last time that Bajorans attempted to bargain for rights

we already possessed by virtue of our own freedom and

self-determination, an occupying army nearly destroyed

US."

"Minister, you know I sympathize with the long plight

the Cardassian Occupation brought to Bajor," Sisko said.

"But the Ferengi are not the Cardassians."

"Nor will we give them the opportunity to become

them."

"Very well," Sisko said, apparently perceiving Shakaar's

resolve. "But my offer to mediate still stands."

"If there's nothing further, Captain," Shakaar said, "I

have much to do." "No, that's all."

"Good day, then." Shakaar touched a corem-panel con-

trol and his link to DS9 was severed.

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