FAIR TRADE
Episode 55
Part D

 

USS Voyager, near the Nekrit Supply Depot.

Worried, Neelix slowly approaches Tuvok's office, hesitates at the entrance, then presses the door signal. door signal

The entrance doors open and he enters to find Tuvok mostly with his back to him, working at a PADD. Neelix: "You wanted to see me, Mr Tuvok."

Tuvok turns. "Please, sit down." Neelix does so. "I examined the scene of the shooting and confirmed the Federation weapon signature, a Type 2 phaser blast. Fourteen Voyager crewmembers were off the ship at the time of the incident."

Neelix, examining the PADD Tuvok has handed him: "I see." Tuvok: "Several traders from the station were aboard Voyager on the day of the incident. We can't rule out the possibility that one of them managed to steal a phaser." Neelix: "I suppose not."

Tuvok: "What can you tell me about your friend Wixiban?" Neelix: "Wix?" Tuvok: "Mr Chakotay reported that he was aboard Voyager."

Neelix: "Ah yes, he delivered some magnetic bearings. We're more like acquaintances, not friends really. I haven't seen him in years, I-"

Tuvok: "Has he ever been involved in criminal activity?" Neelix: "I, I wouldn't know. I certainly don't think so."

Tuvok: "I must question him, and I would appreciate your accompanying me." Neelix: "Me? What could I do?" Tuvok: "You would be able to help me evaluate the verisimilitude of his answers." Neelix: "I see." Tuvok: "Please meet me in Transporter Room 2 at 1800 hours."

As Tuvok returns to his work, Neelix realises the meeting is over. He gets up and departs, leaving him even more worried.

The tavern, Nekrit Supply Depot. Tuvok: "How much time did you spend aboard Voyager?" Wix: "Probably less than an hour altogether."

Tuvok: "Were you ever alone on the ship?"

Wix: "No. I was met by Mr Chakotay in your transporter room. Extraordinary experience, that transporter of yours. We delivered the bearings to Lieutenant Torres then Mr Chakotay and I paid a visit to my old friend Neelix in your Messhall."

Tuvok: "Where were you at the time of the shooting?" Wix: "In bed, asleep."

Tuvok: "Can anyone corroborate that?" Wix: "Alas, Mr Tuvok, I sleep alone."

Tuvok: "That will be all for now, Mr Wix."
He rises, the interview over.
Neelix to Tuvok: "I'd like to stay for a glass of Toffa ale."
Tuvok: "As you wish, but please see me as soon as you return to the ship." He leaves Wix and Neelix together.

Neelix sits down opposite Wix. Neelix: "I'd forgotten how easy it is for you to lie." Wix: "You're not suggesting that I tell him the truth?" Neelix: "Vulcans aren't as easily fooled as you might think."

Wix: "If you want to worry, I'll give you something to worry about." Neelix: "What?" Wix: "The people I was conducting that transaction for aren't happy that they didn't get paid." Neelix: "I thought this was your scheme." Wix: "Do you think I could've afforded those tubes? I was acting as an agent for some Kolaati traders. Do you know anything about the Kolaati? They're mean as firesnakes. They will kill us and it won't be quick." Neelix: "I can't believe this is happening. Why did I ever listen to you!"

Wix: "Neelix, it's alright. I've convinced them to take something else in payment, something easily come by. They know about Voyager. They want a sample of your ship's warp plasma. They'll be able to use it to increase the efficiency of their engines." Neelix: "No, it's wrong. I won't do it. This has to stop." Wix: "You should've thought of that in the beginning. You're in too deeply now." Neelix: "The people on Voyager are my friends. I can't steal from them." Wix: "Friends! You've already told me, they're ready to put you off the ship."

He has hit the mark. Neelix slams his hand on the table in anger and frustration. He gets up and moves away.

Wix comes after him. Wix: "You're living in a dream world. It's time to wake up. You're on your own, just as I am, and you're going to die a horrible death at the hands of the Kolaati unless you bring them 3 grammes of warp plasma, do you understand that? I've already told them you'd do it. Meet me here tomorrow morning at 0900 hours." Wix leaves.

Voyager, holding position within transporter range of the Nekrit Supply Depot.

Later that evening Neelix enters the store room standard doors where Paris is looking at the labels on the various containers. Paris: "Hey, Neelix. What's up?" Neelix: "Oh nothing. Just thought I might give you a hand with whatever it is you're doing. Paris: "You may regret that. Chakotay and I have to pick up a supply of bio-mimetic gel tomorrow morning. I am trying to find the container that is listed as the proper transport device. Starfleet standard issue L647-X-7." Neelix: "Sounds like another pair of eyes wouldn't hurt. M34, no not that one. L647, no, it's Y-6. Tom, if it's not too bold of me I wonder if I could ask you something." Paris: "Sure, anything." Neelix: "I've heard you were in some trouble in the past, spent time in prison." Paris: "That's right." Neelix: "Do you, would you tell me how you got in trouble?" Paris: "I've thought a lot about that. And it comes down to one simple fact. I didn't tell the truth. I made a mistake, which happens to people, but if I'd admitted that mistake it would have been a lot better. But I lied about it. And it nearly ruined my life. Why do you ask?" Neelix: "Oh, no reason. Just wondered."

Neelix notices the label on a container and picks it up. "Here's your container." Paris smiles broadly, pleased, as he takes it. Neelix moves to the door.

Paris: "After I've done here," and Neelix turns in the doorway as Paris speaks, "a bunch of us are going down to the Resort." He refers to Neelix's Paxau Resort tropical holodeck program. Why don't you come along?"

Neelix: "Thanks, but I'm going to turn in early, maybe another time." Paris: "OK." Neelix leaves.

Vorik descends by lift from the upper level of engineering to the lower level. (pop-up window)

But Neelix does not turn in early. Later that evening Neelix enters Main Engineering. Ensign Vorik descends in the lift from the upper level as Neelix arrives. The only person on duty is Vorik.

Neelix: "Good evening, Ensign." Vorik: "Mr Neelix." Neelix: "I thought I'd log a little time in the Jefferies tubes, if that's alright." Vorik: "I was unaware you were officially on an engineering work detail." Neelix: "Oh it's not official, not at all, but Lieutenant Torres has been good enough to let me poke around here and there, as time permits of course." Vorik: "She has mentioned your desire to become familiar with Starfleet engineering protocols. I see no reason why you can't proceed." Neelix: "Thank you."

He hesitates then decides to go ahead and ask Vorik something. "Ensign Vorik." Vorik: "Yes, Mr Neelix?" Neelix: "You're quite young. Is it difficult for you being so far away from everything that's familiar?" Vorik: "Had I been given the choice, I might not have chosen to explore the Delta Quadrant. However, since we are here, I must say the challenges are quite intriguing." Neelix: "Voyager is a wonderful place to be. People here are very fortunate." Vorik: "I would concur."

Following six screenshots: Neelix climbs up a ladder in a Jefferies tube. He opens one of the access panels and gets out a canister in which to put the warp plasma he is about to steal.

1	2
3	4
5	6

But just as he is about to take the plasma, he stops and closes his eyes as he re-considers. Will he steal from Voyager and and his friends? How can he NOT do it, when Wix's life and his own life depend on it?

Next morning, Neelix looks for Wix on the concourse of the Nekrit Supply Depot.

Spotting Wix standing discreetly in the shadows, Neelix goes over to him. Wix: "Did you get it? Where is it?" Neelix: "I have to talk to you." Wix: "Give it to me." Neelix: "I didn't get the warp plasma." Wix: "What?!" Neelix: "I couldn't do it. I just couldn't. We have to tell the truth. It's the only way to make things right." Wix: "We're dead men, Neelix." Neelix: "No, I have a plan."

Suddenly Bahrat and two of his security guards stride into the area. Bahrat calls out: "You two! Stay where you are!" At first Wix and Neelix think Bahrat is after them, but Bahrat heads for Chakotay and Paris. "I said, stay where you are!" Wix prevents Neelix moving towards the scene: "Stay calm."

Paris protests, bewildered: "What is this?"

Bahrat: "You two are under arrest." Paris: "Arrest?" Chakotay: "What's the charge?" Bahrat: "Conspiring with known drug traffickers and murder. Let's go."

Neelix stares. The situation has got even worse.