Gunfight at the OK Brig Corral

Posted on Tue Oct 6th, 2015 @ 7:03pm by Ensign Corrine Steiner
Edited on on Tue Oct 6th, 2015 @ 7:04pm

Mission: By Dawn's Early Light
Location: Civilian Brig - Starbase 332

[ON]

Corrine Steiner stood in front of the brig containment field holding the Choople gang.

The little orange men wailed and complained:
"This is inhoomane! Uncivilized!"
"We have a right to due process... in THIS century!"
"You cruel, cruel female beast, you!"

Corrie shrugged, "Fine. You guys go ahead and gunch to your heart's desire. I was going to make you an offer."

Their eyes lit up:
"An OFFER!"
"Don't go! Don't go!"
"Oh! Steiner! You are WONderful!"
"You've come around and seen the light! We knew you could do it!"
"Ummm, what did you have in mind?"

It was a rare moment of pindrop silence around Ferengi. Corrie explained, "The Sojourners are threatening Ferengi interests in this sector. They're also going to attack this starbase. You have two choices. You can sit here in the brig and ride it out, or you can show me how you'll contribute in the fight against the Sojourners."

Choople held up a finger, "You mean defend this base?"

"As long as you make Sojourners in this sector miserable, I don't care where you are. Away from SB332 would be refreshing, though."

"Um, would you excuse us for a moment?" The men hurried to the center of their cell and formed a football style huddle. Everybody whispered at once.

Corrie examined her nails as the executive conference dragged on. Eventually, the Ferengi hurried to present themselves back at the doorway. There was a silence. In the American old west, it was the high noon sun. Here, it was ceiling lamps. In the old west, it was a dusty wind. Here, it was life support ventilation. In the old west, it was Colt 45's. Here, it was haggle-volleys.

Choople drew first, "Full pardon!"

Corrie countered, "Upon proof of contribution."

"Define 'contribution'!"

"Fourth Class Partisan activity as defined under international codes."

"No security deposit!"

"Promissory note of property forfeiture and arrest if you don't fulfill your contract."

"Access to tactical situation broadcasts!"

"Special real-time civilian Tac warning channel through boosted relays."

"Full marketing pitch opportunity to the Shokirian!

"Over my dead body!"

Choople raised a finger, "Would you excuse us for a moment?"

The micro-mob huddled up once again and furious hushed conversation ensued. They then ran back, "DEAL!"

All parties offered the Ferenginar business salute. Corrie looked to the guard, "Let them go." She then warned, "I'm giving all Klingons a free pass on airlock charges if you double-cross me."

"Hey! Hey! Let's not spoil a wonderful new business partnership with ill will, here!"

"PARTNERSHIP?"

The Ferengi ran for their lives.

After they were gone, the guard sighed with relief, "Bless you, Ensign Steiner! Thank you! Now we can get back to normal ruffians, drunks, and thieves."

[OFF]

-------------------------------------

Ens. Corrie Steiner
Generic Brig Guard
Frenengi Choople & Associates [Steiner]

Starbase 332
Pegasus Fleet