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generate many enemies,” Tuvok suggested.
    “Which might make them a little touchy,” Janeway agreed.
    “They are known to be very secretive,” Neelix said. “I have never actually met one of their kind, or done business with them, I assure you. But as I understand it, they normally deal only through specially trained advocates.”
    “Captain,” Tuvok said, “if I may make a suggestion.”
    Janeway nodded.
    “Lieutenant Torres has just informed me that an EPS submaster flow regulator will be needed to restore the phasers. It will be extremely difficult to fabricate one from scratch. Since the Televek are apparently arms and technology merchants, and since they obviously have phaser technology, it is possible they may be able to assist us.”
    Captain Janeway had long relied on Tuvok for sage advice in all manner of situations. He had a knack for determining the most reasonable means to proceed, even when there seemed to be none.
    Again she found herself looking at him with rapt regard. His idea was extraordinary at first take, but intriguing nonetheless.
    “So you’re suggesting we try to do business with them?” Chakotay said, eyeing the Vulcan curiously.
    “We need what they likely have,” Tuvok said. “It is logical, and possibly in everyone’s best interest, to assume a replacement valve could be procured from them and then modified to fit our systems.”
    “I like it,” Janeway said, thumbing her chin as she considered it further. “But what would we have to trade?”
    “Maybe they could think of something,” Chakotay suggested.
    “From what I’ve heard, they are quite good at that, Captain,” Neelix said. “But I don’t recommend you bargain in good faith.”
    “No?” Chakotay asked.
    “No. How can you be sure that they will?”
    Janeway nodded at this. “Point taken, Mr. Neelix.” She signaled Tuvok to open the channel once more. “Director Gantel, we may be able to work together,” she said. “Help each other. An exchange of some kind, a mutually beneficial trade. Would you be willing to discuss such an idea?”
    Once again the wait was a long one.
    “Perhaps,” came Gantel’s reply. “We are a reasonable people.
    What do you suggest?”
    “Captain, we have significant new data on the planet,” Tuvok said, leaving it at that, letting Janeway decide whether she wanted to hear it now.
    “A moment, again, please,” she told Gantel. She made a slashing gesture with her hand, and Kim muted the communication link. “Go ahead,” she said to Tuvok.
    “Drenar Four is coming apart,” Tuvok replied. “The seismic activity is increasing steadily. At the present rate Drenar Four probably will not survive as we know it, and the end will come relatively soon. I’ve noticed a considerable change in the stability of the planet’s magnetic fields as well. They appear to be reorienting themselves.”
    “If the molten core of the planet is moving about, it would have that effect,” Janeway said. She nodded to Kim. The link opened again. “We should be able to agree on one thing at least,” Janeway told the Televek director. “The populations on Drenar Four are in grave danger, and we are both concerned about them.
    That might be a starting point. What can you tell us about them?”
    “Tell you?” Gantel’s voice came back.
    “Yes. We are reading numerous primitive villages, some large enough to be cities, but we know nothing at all about the inhabitants. Have you made contact with them?”
    “Why, no, Captain, we have not. We also know very little about them.”
    “I see.” She paced a moment, then looked up, wishing she had a face to talk to.
    “We would like to discuss terms,” Janeway told him. “We are hoping you can help us obtain some hardware we require. I’m sure that, in return, we can help you with any relief or rescue operations you are conducting here on Drenar Four.”
    “Of course, Captain, we commend you for suggesting the idea. You seem a shrewd and