>ALL IN A DAY'S WORK [GUL DUKAT | OPEN ]

[only_a_gul]

[It took Gul Dukat a moment, but only a moment, to realize that he was not where he was supposed to be. He slapped a palm to the device on his forearm.]

Dukat to the Zhelek. This is not Terok Nor. Kindly explain your incompetence.

[After getting no response, he swept his gaze up and down the promenade. It looked similar to his former command post

Comments

[jimeeena]

[ A curious look crossed Jimena's face as she saw the new guy. She put down the PADD she was reading off of and stood, making her way towards him. ]

Another new person.

[only_a_gul]

And who might you be?

[For a human, she was remarkably attractive. Something in the way she moved. It reminded her of Major Kira. He found himself unconsciously subtly moistening his lips.]

[jimeeena]

Jimena T. Kirk, Stardate 2258.45. Captain of the USS Enterprise.

[ She raises an eyebrow in Kirk fashion. Which means a sad attempt at raising an eyebrow. ]

You?

[only_a_gul]

[That didn't really mean anything to him. But, she was a captain, and that is worthy of some respect. He sketched a bow, which still came off as arrogant.]

Gul Dukat. Former Prefect of Bajor. Current commander of the destroyer Zhelek. Officer of the Cardassian Empire and informal liason with the Federation. At your service.

[jimeeena]

[ Her eye twitches, just a bit. There's something about this guy that just seems to rub her the wrong way. Maybe it's the bow, or maybe... ]

That's a lot of titles. Is it supposed to impress me or something? Because it's not working.

[ Cue cheeky grin. ]

[only_a_gul]

Then I shall have to work harder in gaining your esteem, Captain.

I was a Legate, but an unfortunate indiscretion led to my demotion. I am told that even the Zhelek will not be mine to command for much longer.

Can you imagine, me? Captain of a freighter?

[He barked a bitter laugh, unsure why he'd just revealed something about himself so freely.]

And now this...

[jimeeena]

Oh, I don't know. A bit of hard work might do you some good. There's nothing like getting dirt and grease under your fingernails and seeing how it all pays off.

[only_a_gul]

Oh, I've dirtied my hands, aplenty Captain. Worked my way up from a lowly glinn.

[He didn't like her tone. At all. But then again, there was something to be said for a woman with attitude.]

I know the value of a good day's hard labor.

[jimeeena]

Really? I never would've guessed. You come across as the well of kind of person.

[ And, yes, that was a not-so-thinly veiled insult. ]

[only_a_gul]

You've only just met me, captain.

And you presume I come from a place of empty privilege? Tut! Tut! You wound me. But I have sworn to maintain excellent diplomatic relations with your kind, and so shall let the matter pass.

This time.

[jimeeena]

Oh, well thank you. I'd absolutely hate to ruin diplomatic relations in a place like this.

Of course... that little "this time" could be taken as a threat and that could give the impression of hostility. And hostility makes relations so hard to maintain.

And we wouldn't want that, now would we?

[only_a_gul]

You've obviously never encountered a Cardassian before. If I hadn't given you a veiled threat, you could have taken it as a sign of weakness on my part.

I'm only showing you the respect that one of your...position...deserves.

[And yes he did just rake his eyes over her in a very leering way.]

In the interests of harmonious intergalactic relations, of course.

[jimeeena]

[ And that does it. Jimena's face hardens and the walks forward until her snarling face is shoved in his. ]

Listen, bub. If your so concerned about maintaining your reputation and your precious diplomatic relations, I suggest you quit treating me like a piece of meat, alright? Because I'm not like other Starfleet captains. I have no problems with punching you in the face or, depending on just how far you take this, messing with your reproductive organs.

Do I make myself clear?

[only_a_gul]

[He stood his ground, although he did hold up his hands as if in mock surrender.]

Are you trying to threaten me, captain, or titillate me?

Sometimes it's so hard to tell, with you humans.

[jimeeena]

Ti-titillate?!

[ That's it. She sees red and hauls off on him, throwing her best right hook. ]

[only_a_gul]

[He didn't bother to block the first blow, confident that he would be able to take it. His head whipped to the side with the impacted and he tasted the sharp tang of blood on his mouth. He wiped at his split lip but made no move to retaliate.]

Perhaps you might want to work on your impulse control, Captain. We wouldn't want to start an incident.

Now that the introductions are over. Perhaps you can explain to me where we are and why we have been brought here.