Ferengi - Romulan Treaty!

Entering a meeting room the crown prince Xrathis of the Gorn hegemony takes a seat inviting other diplomats and leaders to join him. Addressing those who have joined he cleanches a clawed fist and slams it down on the table.

So the Romulans Star Empire and the Ferengi Alliance have joined in a Treaty of trade and friendship... The Hegemony has discussed this at length and we have realised that this alliance poses a threat to the alpha quadrant.

His yellow eyes glare around at the other delegates as he continues.

Some may view this simply as the Star Empire and the Ferengi alliance making friends... Well i say it is a dangerous alliance, one that should make the alpha quadrant stand up and take notice. One that boosts their ability above those of us without such treaties.

The Gorn stands his form towering above the meeting room table and continues.

The Gorn Hegemony stands against such a treaty and will move against it if nessasary, I call upon the ferengi and the romulans to answer this threat to the balance of power within the alpha quadrant

The Gorn crown prince seats his scaly hide back into the chair and waits a sinister snarl upon its lips.

*The Grand Nagus rises slowly from his seat leaning heavily on his golden staff, he speaks in his high pitched, nasely voice*

"Your excellency, the Ferengi allliance has not entered any alliances with any race in the quadrant, we are only interested in striking up trade agreements with our neighbours, so that food, clothing and of course medical supplies are available to our people"

*He looks around those gathered and gestures with open arms*

"The Ferengi alliance believe in the free market and openly encourage trade with all of our neighbours"

*The Nagus bows slowly and returns to his seat, his bodyguard supports him as he sits*

Peering at the frail Ferengi Grand Nagus the Gorns lips come together tightly as he listens to his words. Waiting for him to finish he speaks, his words a reptilan hiss.

medical suplies... food... clothing... is this your defense? Weak words spouted by those who would ally themselves with another major power of the Alpha quadrant, words no doubt spouted by the machinatons of the Romulan Star Empires favourite puppet.

He looks at the others at the table as he continues.

Two major powers of the Alpha quadrant begin trading and we are expected to believe that it is simply food and clothing, that ferengi will start wearing the latest in romulan clothing or that the Star Empire will consider your dishes a delicacy... No, what will happen is that the trade between two such powers will elevate your empires research and production far above us minor empires until we are obsolete and your conquest can begin.

The red leather gloves punctured by the Gorns claws make an audible creaking sound as they are tightened and the glove is formed into a fist that smashes down on the table once again.

Abolish the treaty take a minor race as a trading partner or prepare for retaliation, the Gorn Hegemony will not allow such an unbalancing of power to go unaddressed.

With a hiss of anger the crown prince of the Gorn looks across all those present waiting for their response.

*The Grand Nagus jumps when the Gorn slams his fist down, obviously uncomfortable with the Gorns stance*

"I can only reiterate mighty prince......the ferengi alliance currently has no allies and has no intentions to make any at this time. We are simply traders and will trade with any and all who are willing to open their markets to us, yourselves included"

"As for the goods that we trade, that is Ferengi business but I assure you, there is profit in all products"

*The Grand Nagus mops his head before continuing*

"The only reason the ferengi alliance and the Romulan Empire have made this agreement is that they are the only race in the Quadrant that we have made contact with and hence the only race we can pursue commercial opportunities"

"The Ferengi only seek peaceful business with its neighbours, of which we currently have one"

Rubbing a claw across its reptilian chin Xrathis thinks for a moment then speaks.

Do you acknowledge that a treaty as you describe between two of the major powers of the Alpha Quadrant will allow you both to grow in power much swifter than the other Empires? Have you not considered that such a treaty will cause others to join together against you because of this, had you done this with a minor faction the implications would not have been so big... surely you see this, or do you simply not care?

The Gorns eyes narrow and the yellow eyes are mere slits as he studies the noble if somewhat frail looking Ferengi.

*The Nagus listens intently to the gorn and nods slightly at various points*

"I will obviously acknowledge that our arrangement gives us both opportunities for new business and trade benefiting both the Ferengi and the Romulans, but our arrangement is not exclusive and does not signify any form of alliance"

"All of the other factions in this quadrant are free to follow our example and partake in business in pursuit of profit, surely your highness, when you encounter your nearest neighbours you will invite them to trade?"

*The Grand Nagus pauses as if in thought and then nods to himself*

*He then whispers to one of his advisors, whi punches a few buttons on a pad , a few moments later a young ferengi arrives with a pile of papers*

*The Grand Nagus stands, with more strength than he normally exhibits as to make a point of the gesture he is about to make, although high pitched and nasaly his voice almost sounds commanding*

"Very well, to show the Ferengi have considered your concerns and values the opinions of all those who gather here....I hold in my hand contracts pre-approving all races to trade with the Ferengi empire"

*His eyes glisten as he looks around the room*

"This simple document will mean the Ferengi alliance will Aut-o-mat-i-cal-ly accept your requests for trade agreemets with the Ferengi Alliance when you make first contact with our traders"

*The same young Ferengi starts handing the documents around the meeting room eagerly*

*Before returning to his seat....the Nagus speaks again but more quietly with a an almost poetic lilt*

"Ask not what your profit can do for you.....but what you can do for your profit....."

No growls the Gorn.

We would not automatically engage in trade, we are not as trusting as the Ferengi Alliance and the Romulan Star Empire seems to have become in such a short time.

We would judge the mettle and character of those around us then perhaps pursue such treaties. You didn't acknowledge that this is a gross unbalancing of power or accept that trading with a minor race would perhaps be the best course of action to avoid this Northern Sphere Trading Alliance within the alpha quadrant between two major powers.

The Gorn leans foward his words becoming a hiss as he begins to continue his threats.

This NSTA (Northern Sphere Trading Alliance) is a threat to the alpha quadrant, your offer to placate the other races may impress them but you merely hide your actions by offering scraps and hoping that the ensuing frenzy will mask your actions. We do not accept scraps...

Since the Romulan Star Empire refuse to comment on this issue and no other race has yet to voice their concerns, we the Gorn Hegemony will take this matter into our own claws. We warn you now our fleets our massing and we will be coming to inspect your trade vessels.

Xrathis' eyes stare across all those at the table waiting for a response.

*At the growl of the Gorn the young ferengi stumbles and papers fly everywhere......he spends the next few minutes gathering them together trying to avoid looking in the Gorns direction. The Grand Nagus looks much less confident and slightly scared, obviously confused by such hostility having delivering what he obviously thought was a fair and generous offer*

*The Nagus bows spreading his arms wide before continuing......*

"Your majesty, I thought I already addressed your concerns but I was obviously mistaken.....I will address your points directly"

*The Nagus thinks for a moment and makes a few notes to make sure he doesnt miss anything*

"Firstly you speak of a gross unbalancing of power; I, the Grand Nagus, head of the Ferengi alliance, have offered exactly the same trading agreement with every race in the quadrant, not scraps. The decision to take up this offer is now with each and every race, yourself included"

"Secondly, it would obviously be more appealing in your eyes if this agreement was between what you describe as a minor race. In my eyes there is no such thing. Do you see vast empires across the galaxy? Or huge fleets of ships? No. We have all been plucked from our homes by this Q person, and dropped here, we are all as far as I can see on an equal footing. There is no distinction, opportunity, is opportunity"

"Finally, although not addressing an actual point. What is this NSTA (Northern Sphere Trading Alliance) you speak of. I have entered no such agreement with anyone and I assure you I would know. I cannot state it any more clearly, the romulans are now BANNED from entering Ferengi territory and I from his, not at all like an alliance, we are trading and respecting each others borders, as I would with all my trading partners. Its almost as if you want us to make an alliance as you have already named it"

Preloc emerges from the shadows of the chambers, dressed in the black fashionable clothing of his homeworld, his dark eyes glittering "Perhaps Ferengi you might better understand the honourable representative of the Gorn Hegemony's anger if you were aware of the fact that his homeworld's most valuable trading commodity is mud" a sly grin twitches at the corners of his mouth as he spreads his arms, "But of course the Gorn seem like a strong people, perhaps with the proper supervision they would make superb labourers." he bows his head in the direction of the Gorn prince, his eyes barely containing his amusement.

It was only proper to give a name to the shadowy organisation you have growing in the northern sphere of the alpha quadrant...

The Gorn Xrathis, crown prince of the hegemony is about to continue when the Cardassian representative speaks. The Gorn begins to look pleased someone has taken an interest in these affairs, however this pleased look is soon replaced with the cold reptilian stare and a low hiss rumbles from within the Gorns throat.

Xrathis calls over a Gorn soldier and asks for a data pad. Studying it for a moment his eyes flick to the Cardassian and any close to the Gorn can see its seems to be the Star Map. Closing the pad he continues and grinning slightly his tone has changed.

Very well Grand Nagus Ramark, your words have eased our fears for now, however if the opportunity presents itself we will be inspecting the cargo of your trade ships.

He nods his head at the Ferengi in a sign of respect. Then his gaze lingers on the Cardassian and he takes one last look at his data pad.

Cardassian... you dare insult the Crown prince of the Gorn and the Hegemony itself? Who are you that you speak such words of potential slave labor and belittling our economic power?

The Gorns tongue flicks out for a moment in restrained anger.

Preloc's dark eyes flicker at the sight of the pad and a cold light begins to grow in them, a smile crosses his lips and his next words seem measured and soft "My apologies if I caused you offence mighty Prince, perhaps this is a simple case of Cardassian humour not translating correctly. As for the matter of trade agreements, Central Command has authorised me to say that the Cardassian Union is....amenable to potential trade agreements but we may have strict requirements placed upon the captains of any ship that enters our space and he will be expected to abide by them on pain of death. As far the matter of the Ferengi and Romulan agreement goes, if the other powers wish to trade medical supplies, Ferengi bugs and Romulan Ale amongst themselves we of course of no problem with that." His eyes turn to the ferengi diplomat and he fixes him with a cold stare "If however they were to trade weapons and technology, then we may have a problem and believe me when I say that if such a thing happens Central Command will find out and act accordingly."

a vulcan steps in "calm yourselvess , the vulcan high command may be able to accomadate"

The Gorn crown-prince relaxes as the Vulcan intervenes.

Perhaps your humor was lost on me Cardassian, for this i apologize.

Placing both clawed hands on the table spread wide the gorn leans forward slightly addressing the Grand Nagus.

We have begun research on a new class of Gorn vessel, a Spector class vessel that will be used to inspect trade vessels and enforce order within the Alpha quadrant, designed with advanced shielding and weaponry to withstand resistance and possessing cutting edge scanning devices to inspect trade vessels who could be running narcotics, weapons or forbidden technology.

Peering at all present his voice lowers to a hiss.

We expect that all races of the Alpha quadrant will rejoice in this news...?

Preloc steps forward again, a smirk on his face "Whilst I am sure that the Gorn Hegemony's mighty vessels are quite capable, Cardassians will patrol and defend their own space, we thank you for your kind offer mighty Prince, but of course we must refuse your assistance and reiterate that any vessel caught in our territory without express permission from Central Command will be destroyed." Preloc steps back again and stares pointedly at the Ferengi representative.

*The Grand Nagus looks very uncomfortable being looked at so intensely by the Cardassian, he quickly recovers himself and the familiar pointy smile appears in place*

*The Grand Nagus bows to the Cardassian*

"As has been witnessed in this Forum, the Ferengi have already offered trade agreements with all races in the quadrant, we have no desire or intention to partake in any illicit trading. If a Ferengi was found to be involved in any such activity it would be without the blessing of the Ferengi Alliance"

*The Grand Nagus looks towards the Gorn representatie and bows*

"It is reassuring to know that you are making advances in the detection and prevention of illicit trading in your lands, but I am not sure how this would help other races. I assume your ships will not be trespassing on any other races territory without permission?"

"I do not know how much you know of our culture, but any business undertaking not sanctioned by myself will be viewed in a very dim light"

*An advisor whispers in the Nagus' ear, he nods appreciatlively befre continuuing*

"It seems the Federation will be able to benefit from your new technology as you unlike the Romulans and ourselves, are affiliated"

"It seems the Gorn Hegemony recognise opportunity when presented, perhaps your affiliation requires a name?"

*The Nagus nods again to the Gorn and takes his seat*

Grinning and showing far too many teeth for this be taken seriously the Gorn sits back

A name...? Why yes this is already under consideration, our peoples Gorn, Federation and perhaps... others are discussing this as we speak. With any luck this will be announced shortly.

The grin disappears and so do the teeth.

Cardassian we would not dream of entering your borders without a direct plea for aid or suspected trading violations. You have nothing to fear.

Eyeing the ferengi and looking at the empty Romulan Chair at his side.

However... we have concerns about your Trade alliance and once research of the advanced Spector Class vessel is commissioned we will review our stance and act appropriately.

The Gorn raises one of its scaly ridges above its eye as would one raising its eyebrow and peers intently around.

*The Grand Nagus once again looks perplexed*

"This discussion is growing tedious, it seems there is one rule for the Gorn and another for the Ferengi, let us recap..."

*The Ferengi takes a list handed to him by an aide*

"One, The Gorn accuse the Ferengi of an 'alliance'. Not only have the Ferengi not entered such an agreement but have offered the same trade deal to all other races in the quadrant"

"Two, the Gorn threatens to 'inspect' our legally operating Trade vessels, thereby openly stating a lack of respect for our territory and diplomacy, it seems our legally formed trade routes should be stamped on, I can not begin to think why"

"Three, the Gorn enter into an affiliation, A military pact allowing use of federation stations and territory, giving the Gorn the ability to travel over much more of the galaxy "

"Your suspicion and eagerness to highlight a trade agreement and what you believe to be nefarious activity reveals alot about what you consider typical behaviour. The ferengi have done nothing wrong and your reaction is to form a military pact and constantly threaten us, although we have done nothing to warrant such threats. Additionally, after my repeated attempts you still refer to a trade agreement as an alliance, the difference is very clear and I would appreciate you not muddy the waters with incorrect definitions of what we speak"

Taken aback by the Ferengi impatience the gorn takes deep breath.

I apologize if i have confused you Great Nagus. We seem to have a difference of opinion.

The alliance i speak of is the trade alliance.. or treaty you have with the Romulans. Your attempts to placate the rest of the Alpha Quadrant with offers of trade does not impress me so i ignore this gesture as it is a little two late.

Now the fact that you have a treaty with the Romulans is an unbalancing one, as the potential technology and economic powers of your two empires are something to be feared. Had you done this with... say a lesser race it would not have been a problem and no threat would have been perceived, I count myself among the minor races in so much that I am not foolhardy enough to believe that our technology and economic power is as fearsome than that of certain powers, those same powers that are now joining together in a trade alli... treaty.

Now i am forced to act and spearhead a galactic peacekeeping force in the hopes of stopping what is looming ahead of us. I believe it is necessarily for the galaxy to see that the trade between your two empires does not spiral out of control and the balance of power is maintained as best we can. If this means intrusion upon your empire to inspect trade vessels... then so be it. Of course this course of action could be avoided, we could draw up an arrangement? But i digress.

Now to the matter of the Affiliation with the Federation, this is your doing Grand Nagus, yours and the absent Romulans. Your actions have consequences and this is the result. I have spoken with the federations president and they have agreed stability is needed in these early years of expansion. Yes this military pact gives us further reach, but all the better to police the quadrant.

As to your implications about our moral and ethical codes based on our differences, this is yours to perceive as you see fit, we only react to the threat at hand.

leaning forward slightly again.

This is a good thing Grand Nagus, the birth of a galactic police force is being born, one that will help those in need and investigate and put right those that would try to tip the scales of balance beyond repair.

The Gorn relaxes again and all hear the creak of his red leather gloves punctured by vicious talons, once again putting the words of this creature at odds with its appearance.

*The Grand Nagus stands wearily his arms spread wide and and palms facing upwards*

"Well, it seems there is little I can do or say to ease your mind your highness, you insist in seeing threats and danger where there is none and have become blinded to reason. I can only hope your crusade does not destabilize this quadrant to a point of no return"

*The Nagus holds up a datapad in his hand, and then places it in the centre of the table*

"We have nothing to hide. Our accounts are in order *Gesturing to the pad* and all trade goods are transported according to all trading laws and agreements......and as per my original promise our offer of free trade to all races in this quadrant stands."

*He nods to the Gorn*

"Including the Gorn"

*The Nagus seems much less animated than usual and the sparkle from his eyes has dimmed*

"It would seem that enterprise and trade are not allowed to flourish in this quadrant.........and suspicion and threats have replaced them"

*The Nagus returns to his seat looking even smaller than usual*

Preloc, who has been lounging in one of meeting chambers chairs inspecting his nails, suddenly begins to take notice again as the Gorn Prince mentions the Federation, he stands languidly and addresses the Prince directly "Mighty Prince, if you are foolish enough to believe the insidious lies of the Federation then you may one day find your once proud people have actually been quietly and efficiently assimilated into the Federation without even realising it." Preloc grins although his eyes show no apparent sign of mirth "If you continue down this path you will soon find yourself wearing one of their unbearably ugly uniforms and commanding a Federation garbage scow." He raises an eyebrow at the Nagus as he delivers his last line "I'm sure the Nagus would agree with my assessment, his people, cowardly in nature though they may appear to be, at least have the capacity to defend their own space with no outside help." Preloc, his comments delivered, sits back down again and pours himself a glass of Vintage Cardassian Knarr, he raises his glass in the Nagus' direction and smirks before taking a sip.

*The Nagus smiles a little awkwardly at the prelocs attentions and nods having no glass to return the gesture*

*He stands and bows to the room, to no one in particular"

"It is true, the Ferengi alliance has a long history of business dealings with most races, and we have always defended our own interests without the need for military pacts or alliances. I have never seen the need for such things, but I do not recall having been exposed to such bigotry previously"

*The Nagus still looks a little unsure as he returns to his seat*

*The Diplomat from the United Federation of Planets enters the chamber*

The United Federation of Planets represents a union of world who, not through coercion or conquest, has joined in mutual cooperation. We found our Federation on shared values of understanding, honesty and cooperation. Our hand is always open to welcome exchange of culture and friendship. However, as far as we appreciate trade an commerce to promote this understanding, we cannot allow such exchanges which perpetuate the subjugation of the freedoms the Federation value so highly.

As such we have been alerted to the wide spread galactic trade involving deplorable activities such as slavery, arms trade and the transportation of narcotics. Such acts do not promote the liberation of the individual or culture and we have agreed with the Gorn Hegemony that these activities must stop. Any trade in these commodities in Federation or Gorn Territories will not be tolerated, and the Federation seek to stifle such trade in neutral space.

We are always open to diplomacy and cooperation. We welcome any discussion to promote understanding in the Alpha Quadrant. However, we do not view kindly misrepresentation the Cardassian Union has made with regard to Federation Ethics.

*The Grand Nagus stands*


"I can only assume that you are refering to the Ferengi Alliance as the Gorn have done nothing but ignore facts and threaten us for some time now"

"The Ferengi are currently involved in legal trade between two systems, I have presented evidence of this legal trade and have official diplomatic relations to conduct it."

"The war like Gorn have repeatedly made false accusations and entered into a military pact with the federation with the intention of trespassing on other race's territory."

"So now in addition to the Gorn inventing threats and generally trying to distabize the entire quadrant, the federation have joined in the accusations. It would seem that the federation are not interested in facts, and have instead taken the word of a bigot. If you cannot present evidence of these activities I demand that the Gorn are held to account for their lies."

*Federation Diplomat Speaks*

The Federation of Planets have made no accusation at all. We have simply stated that we will end where we can any trade in slavery, arms trade and the transportation of narcotics. Surely this ideal would be supported by any noble people. I hope any truely civilised people will join the Federation in these sentiments and we welcome all who are willing to assist in ending such terrible activities which only serve to blight society and fetter the individual.

Federation sits, unable to hide his disappointment, and unable to understand why such basic ideals cannot be shared by the civilisations present

*The Grand Nagus stands and bows to the federation representative*

"My apologies, I am used to dealing with Gorn and had grown accustomed to his accusations. As leader of the Ferengi Alliance, I state officially that the we will not tolerate the trade in any illicit goods. The Ferengi alliance will join the federation in this task of ensuring that all trade in the Alpha quadrant meets these requirements."

"I would also like to offer my expertise in trade and commerce should it be required"

*Another small bow and the Grand Nagus returns to his seat*