Rules of Acquisition
- FIRST SHOWN (US)
- 8 November 1993
- ON
- First-run syndication
- STARDATE
- None given
- DIRECTED BY
- David Livingston
- PRODUCTION NO.
- 427
WRITTEN BYTeleplay by Ira Steven Behr; story by Hilary J. Bader
The Grand Nagus sends Quark to close a big deal in the Gamma Quadrant, and his sharp new assistant Pel proves indispensable, though Pel is hiding a secret that could ruin them both.
Red alert: the full plot, ending included. Haven't watched yet?REVEAL SYNOPSIS
Grand Nagus Zek chooses Quark to negotiate for him in the Gamma Quadrant, and Quark relies heavily on Pel, a talented new waiter. Pel is in fact a woman in disguise, defying Ferengi law that forbids females from wearing clothes, earning profit or travelling. She confides in Dax and admits she has fallen for Quark. The talks with the Dosi over tulaberry wine go badly when Zek suddenly demands a hundred thousand vats instead of ten thousand. Quark and Pel realise the order is a ruse: Zek really wants to make contact with a mysterious and powerful power called the Dominion. Back on the station, a jealous Rom exposes Pel, and Quark tries to pay her to vanish. Pel reveals herself to Zek, who agrees to keep quiet because the scandal would embarrass him too. Pel leaves to start a new life in the Gamma Quadrant, sharing a fond farewell with Quark.
- 01The first mention of the Dominion, the Gamma Quadrant power that drives the later seasons of the series.
- 02Hilary J. Bader's story began as a Next Generation pitch titled “Profit Margin”.
- 03The first time the Ferengi game tongo is seen being played.