"Reading on the alien vessel?" the captain asked.
"Weapons and shields are similar in ability to ours Captain," Lt. O'Shea responded as Commander Yilaan, who had been summoned to the bridge for the conflict, exited the port-aft turbolift onto the bridge. "However, their propulsion appears to be less efficient."
"Hail them," Freeman ordered as he nodded at Yilaan, who sat down in her seat next to him.
"No response," O'Shea replied.
"Then they can just listen; open a channel Lt.," the captain replied.
Lt. O'Shea opened the communications channel and the captain addressed the other ship, "Unidentified vessel, I am Captain Mark Freeman of the Federation starship Bristol. Please cease your attack immediately."
"What business is it of the Federation in this matter?" a screen image of a man, human in appearance, suddenly appeared and asked.
"You appear to be conducting piratical attacks in Federation space against a poorly armed Ferengi trading vessel. That will not be tolerated," the captain retorted.
The human on the screen looked angered by that statement. "Piratical attacks? It was these Ferengi who, four days ago, stole a prototype matter/energy converter from one of our research facilities. We are merely trying to reclaim our property."
Captain Freeman looked troubled, "We will look into your claims, but we must ask you first to power down your weapons and shields."
"Very well Captain, conduct your investigations. I reserve the right to make my own judgments on the matter however," the human on the viewscreen said before terminating communications.
"They are powering down their defensive systems," said Lt. Reiv.
"Get me the Ferengi," ordered the captain.
"Damon Baktor on screen Captain," Lt. O'Shea replied.
"Captain thank you so much! You have fulfilled your half of our earlier bargain; you have saved our lives!" Baktor said quickly before Captain Freeman could address him.
"Baktor, the captain of the other ship accuses you of stealing something of theirs; you wouldn't know anything about that would you?" the captain accused.
Damon Baktor replied, "Captain! I'm shocked! To think that we would do such a thing. Whatever has been stolen hasn't been stolen by us, I assure you."
Suddenly Captain Freeman smiled in a fake show of good-naturedness, "Of course not Damon; I did have to ask though. You understand right?"
Baktor looked a little uneasy, having expected more accusations and arguments with the Federation captain, "Uh, right! Yes of course! No hard feelings Captain."
Still smiling, Captain Freeman spoke, "Good, good! Is your ship damaged at all Damon? Would you care for our assistance in repairs?"
"Well, actually it is quite damaged Captain, and we could use the help to get underway again faster," the Ferengi said and then paused, his eyes getting a suspicious slant to them. "Why are you being so generous all of a sudden Captain?"
"Merely showing my appreciation for your help in recovering the Larson," the captain said quickly.
The Ferengi nodded in acknowledgment, but still felt uneasy, "Well then, whenever you're ready, perhaps you could send over an engineering team or two?"
"They'll be on their way shortly," said the captain, still smiling. "Freeman out." He then turned to his slightly confused crew, "This is all a little too convenient, the Ferengi giving us the Larson, asking only for aid in return; then suddenly they're under attack by a ship of unknown design, claiming that something valuable of theirs was stolen. Baktor asking for a `Federation' vessel to assist."
"I noticed that too," Yilaan nodded. "By the expression on your face Captain, I can only assume you have a plan?"
The captain nodded, "Lt. O'Shea, get me a secure channel to the unknown vessel."
O'Shea complied and the captain addressed the human on the screen, "Sir, could you please give us something to go on regarding this component of yours?"
"How do you mean? I have no desire to share it's secrets with you," the leader of the unknown vessel responded.
"Like metallic composition; something to aid us in our investigation. By the way sir, I don't think I ever got your name," the captain inquired.
"I will transmit the information you requested," the human said and discontinued communications, refusing to answer the captain's request of identity.
"Transmission received sir," Lt. O'Shea said.
"Anything unusual about the information?" the captain asked.
"Sir, some of these components are rare; one in particular is only found on Drixol Four in the Rillan system," Lt. Reiv reported after a brief analysis.
The captain smiled broadly, "Perfect. Have the engineering teams take their time; have them need several small parts from the Bristol."
"I don't follow," Lt. Reiv said, turning in his chair to face the captain.
"This will get the Ferengi to drop their shields often, to beam us over, to beam things over. During that time, we can scan for these substances aboard the Ferengi vessel," the captain explained.
"So you think they're guilty?" Commander Yilaan asked.
"Let's just say I think a thorough investigation is in order due to exceptionally odd circumstances," the captain said quietly, sitting back in his chair. "Make the arrangements Commander; I want you and Jevor to head the away teams. Watch yourself over there Yilaan."
Yilaan nodded, "Aye sir," and left the bridge.
The captain sat in his chair with a slight smirk on his face, and hoped things would unfold as he suspected they would.
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