“Remember to take only one per day. It’s a strong med and those are the last three I have.”

“Thank you, Doctor Taya. Thank you.”

Taya watched as the last patient of the day slowly walked out of her clinic. Dozaria Colony was a desolate place, but the district known as the Razor, was the worst. It was appalling that there were still places like that in modern times. Sighing, she plopped down in her chair for a much needed rest.

The tinkling of the bells above the door startled Taya, as she must have dozed off to sleep.

“I’m sorry, we’re closed for the day. You’ll need to come back tomorrow.”

“That’s not why I’m here, Doctor.”

Taya sighed. Another shakedown. “How much will it cost me this time?” She rubbed her tired eyes, clearly seeing the Ferengi in her clinic for the first time.

“What? Oh, I see.” The Ferengi chuckled. “I’m actually here to offer you an opportunity.”

“And what opportunity is that, Mister…”

“Krogasi. My name is Krogasi.”

“So tell me what it is so I can say no and get some sleep,” said Taya.

“Now don’t be like that, Doctor. I believe this is something you’ll like.”

“Probably not, but someone paid you to come here, so they should get their money’s worth.” Taya was beginning to feel annoyed.

Krogasi chuckled again. “There’s an opening for a medical person on a freighter. The captain wants you.”

That was unexpected. Taya stood up, her arms crossed. “I’m listening.”

“I knew that would pique your curiosity,” said Krogasi. “It’s a chance to get off this rock and earn some latinum.”

A plethora of questions raced through Taya’s mind. She needed some clarity. “How about you start at the beginning.”

Krogasi shrugged. “You have a good reputation. The captain heard of you. He has an opening and he wants you.” Krogasi shrugged again. “I don’t see why you’re not jumping at this.”

“I guess it just takes me longer,” said Taya. “What ship and who is the captain?”

“The Wandering Wolf and Captain Hasara.”

“Governor Hasara?” Taya would never have thought it was him. She wondered where he ended up after he left Dozaria. “Why? How? What’s the rest of the story?” Taya was beginning to babble.

“I’m just the messenger,” said Krogasi. “He wants you to meet him on Starbase Montana.”

Taya frowned. Part of the judgment against her when she was kicked out of Starfleet was she was banned from any Starfleet ship, base, facility, or installation for two years. That was four years ago and she had stayed away, so going back now would still be uncomfortable. “Sorry, I’m not interested.”

“Are you really happy here?” said Krogasi as he waved his arm around the room. “It’s not like you haven’t left other places before.”

Taya wondered how much Hasara knew about her and why.

“A ship will be here to take you to the base, all expenses paid,” said Krogasi.

“And if I don’t accept?”

“The ship will bring you back, though I don’t know why you’d say no.”

“The people here need me,” said Taya.

Krogasi scoffed. “How much has actually changed since you’ve been here? Dozaria will always be Dozaria. One doctor won’t change that. If you’re not planning to be here the rest of your life, this is a chance to have something better.”

“You get a bonus if I say yes,” said Taya.

Krogasi smiled.

Taya sat down again. Krogasi made some valid points. She had helped people, but nothing truly changed. In trying to render aid, she had to deal with shady government officials, the black market, street gangs, supply chain issues, and medical equipment she was barely able to keep functioning. Maybe it was time for a change. “I’m interested, but I feel guilty about leaving. I’ve helped a lot of people. Two years here is a long time.”

Krogasi shook his head. “Rule of Acquisition 21, Never place friendship above profit. They’re not your friends, but I’m sure you understand the point.”

“It’s that easy for you,” said Taya. Deep down, she knew he was right, it was probably time to leave. That didn’t assuage the guilt.

“Yes, it’s that easy.”

The room grew silent. Why was it so difficult to say yes? If she didn’t like the offer, she could always come back or look for something else. “All right, I’ll meet with Hasara.”

“Excellent,” said Krogasi. “I’ll finalize the arrangements. You won’t regret this.”

Oh, I’m sure I will, thought Taya. It was her turn to chuckle.