FAIR TRADE
Episode 55
Part A

 

Aboard USS Voyager, Neelix catches Tuvok up in a corridor. Neelix: "Mr Tuvok, Mr Tuvok! I was supposed to accompany you on security rounds this morning. Did you forget?" Tuvok: "I was not aware that we had a definite appointment." Neelix: "I'm sure it was definite. Well, maybe not completely definite. That is, I'd," clutching his hands together earnestly around the PADD he is carrying, "I'd expressed my desire to learn the ropes as it were, and I have completed my study of Starfleet protocols."

Neelix: "I think you'll find that I'm fully qualified to serve in the capacity of a Starfleet security officer, junior grade of course." As he talks, Ensign Brooks passes by in the background. Tuvok: "If you recall, Mr Neelix, I did not guarantee you a position." He moves ahead to the turbolift door and summons the turbolift.

Neelix talks after him, then follows him: "But Captain Janeway's always saying that Voyager's a ship of opportunity." Tuvok, turning to him as he catches him up at the turbolift: "That is true. But opportunities for promotion on a starship must be earned."

Neelix: "I've been working hard at this. I really do feel I have a great deal to contribute to Voyager beyond my current role." Tuvok: "Your dedication is duly noted, Mr Neelix."

He enters the turbolift. "Now if you will excuse me, I'm due on the Bridge." Neelix calls after him as the doors close: "I'll see you first thing tomorrow morning for security rounds!"

Left alone, Neelix wonders what else he can do towards his goal of expanding his role on Voyager.

Engineering. Torres comes round the warp core and calls: "Ensign Vorik!" This is to the Vulcan engineer on her staff. "Get me a duotronic probe. I'm having problems regulating the plasma flow."

Vorik: "May I suggest a gravitic caliper instead. You might find it a more precise instrument." Torres: "Good idea, so bring me both." Vorik leaves on his errand.

As he does so, Neelix enters. Neelix greets Torres. "Good morning, B'Elanna! You missed my special Klingon breakfast this morning!"

Torres, continuing to work as she talks: "I'm sorry, Neelix, but a bowl of cold gagh is not my idea of how to start a morning." Neelix: "Well, you're not alone. None of the crew seemed especially enthusiastic about it."

Neelix: "Er, what's the problem with-" he checks a console display "-the plasma injector? I've been getting myself up to speed on the Federation warp propulsion." Torres: "The plasma flow and the manifold seems to be constricted."

Neelix: "Oh, er, have you thought of phase locking them to the dilithium matrix?" Torres: "It was the first thing I did."

Neelix: "Oh. I really am interested in learning about engineering systems, maybe even volunteering for a few duty shifts. In fact I have a couple of questions about the impulse response filters."

Torres stands up, and still continues to input data into her large PADD: "You know, Neelix, this really isn't a good time." Neelix: "I understand, Lieutenant. Sorry. I'll just er, watch for a while if you don't mind."

Vorik returns with the tools. "The tools, sir." As Torres takes the tool, sets it and starts using it, Neelix continues: "I also have a question about the transporter buffers."

He is interrupted by a comms. call. comms. signal

Janeway tells him, via comms: "Mr Neelix, please report to the Bridge." Feeling important, Neelix presses his combadge. combadge He replies: "On my way, Captain."

He leaves Vorik and Torres to their work on the warp core.

Bridge. Janeway and Chakotay are in the captain's chair and first officer's chair respectively.

Neelix enters the Bridge. As he enters, Janeway gets up from the captain's chair and moves to the front centre of the command centre, where he joins her.

Janeway: "Neelix, we seem to be approaching some kind of interstellar dust clouds." The main viewscreen shows the 'dust clouds'. "Can you tell us anything about them? They look rather ominous to me."

Neelix: "I believe this is a region of space known as the Nekrit Expanse."

Voyager starts to enter the Nekrit Expanse.

Janeway: "What can you tell us about this Expanse, Mr Neelix?" Neelix: "It's a vast territory. No one knows much about it." Janeway: "Those plasma storms might be a danger for navigation. Full sensor scan, Mr Tuvok." Tuvok: "Aye, Captain." Chakotay: "Can we plot a course around it?"

Neelix: "That might be advisable."

Tuvok: "I don't believe so. It's thousands of light-years wide."

Janeway: "Then we'll have to go through it. Looks like we'll be counting on your knowledge of the Delta Quadrant even more than usual, Mr Neelix." Neelix is rather apprehensive at this, but he answers: "Yes, ma'am. I'm at your command, as always." Janeway: "Will there be any planets where we can take on supplies?" Neelix: "There is a station near the border, a kind of supply depot for mining and trading ships. I suggest we stop there for provisions before we go into the Nekrit Expanse."

Janeway: "What are the co-ordinates?" Neelix hesitates: "Er, let's see, it's actually been a while-"

Chakotay, looking at the monitor he shares with the Captain: "I have the station on sensors, Captain. 3.4 light-years away, heading 071 mark 17."

Janeway: "You heard him, Tom."

Paris, entering the new course: "On our way."

Janeway: "On screen." The image of an alien appears on the screen. He is busy working and does not look at her as she says: "I'm Captain Kathryn Janeway of the Federation starship Voyager." Alien: "Bahrat, manager of this station." As Bahrat talks he keeps working at his consoles, looking at one to his right then his left, too busy to give Voyager his full attention. "What can I do for you?" Janeway: "Your station is a trading outpost, isn't it? I'd like permission to come aboard to negotiate for supplies." Bahrat, eventually looking up at her: "Granted, but understand that any transaction you negotiate on this station is subject to my approval." Sternly: "I receive a 20% commission on all trade. Your whereabouts will be closely monitored. Communications with your ship may also be monitored at my discretion. Do you agree to these conditions?" Janeway, lightly: "Evidently I have no choice." Bahrat: "Excellent. Meet me in my office in one hour and we'll discuss your needs." viewscreen off

Contact ends. The main viewscreen shows that Voyager is close by the Nekrit Supply Depot.

Paris remarks sarcastically: "Pleasant fellow."

Janeway: "Neelix, Chakotay, Tom, you're with me." The four of them leave the Bridge.

The Nekrit Supply Depot.

Bahrat, at work in his office.

Bahrat looks at a monitor which shows the comings and goings on the trading concourse.

Janeway enters Bahrat's office. He takes no notice and continues checking his monitors.

Janeway speaks to attract his attention. "Mr Bahrat." Bahrat: "What is it?" Janeway: "I'm Kathryn Janeway. I've brought a list of the supplies we'll need." Bahrat: "Forgive me, but it's demanding work watching over this station. We get all kinds of troublemakers here." Janeway: "I understand." Bahrat: "Alright, let's see it." She hands him a PADD which he operates and reads. Bahrat: "Hmm. Pergium." Janeway: "To regenerate the filters on our environmental control system." Bahrat: "That might be a little difficult. It's a rare commodity. Give me a few moments and I'll put together a list of potential suppliers, but I'll warn you they won't strike easy bargains." Janeway: "I'm prepared to deal fairly."