Family Business

DVD, DS9 S3 (Family Business)

Quark's family is the unlikely source of the narrative, but it's as much about Jake's hopes to get Sisko and Kasidy Yates together. The freighter captain has been built up a lot, or to be precise, Sisko's meeting with her has been, as everyone seems to know about it, much like Bashir's impending encounter with Dr. Lense in the last episode. In that, his colleagues were happy to tease him, but a more professional tone is taken with their Commander, they're more embarrassed to confess they know about it. Sisko immediately sees Kasidy's not what he was expecting, but to be fair he had low expectations. It isn't until the magic words "sliding into second base" that things take off unexpectedly with a joint love of the ancient and forgotten sport of baseball providing instant connection - the funniest moment is not the Ferengi frivolities as might be anticipated, but Commander Sisko's reaction to Kasidy's interest in the sport. Up to that point they've been a little embarrassed about Jake's obvious match-making, but this, the single most important revelation for Sisko turns things around. You wonder if Jake knew of this trump card and tactically kept quiet about it... And thus, something is born that would, like Leeta's introduction in the previous story, and Brunt and Ishka's in this one, endure to the end of the series, though none of those characters could be said to be obvious contenders for recurrence from their first appearances.

Brunt, played by Jeffrey Combs, back after appearing in the disgustingly rich and self-absorbed role of alien Tiron, is seen as business-like, a little officious perhaps, but only interested in getting the job done as quickly as possible before he's off to the next infraction. You don't even get a sense that he enjoys the power he holds from his brisk manner, but there's no animosity between him and Quark at this stage as the barkeep appears to be compliant at every step. The full 'brunt' of of the FCA Liquidator's authority isn't felt this time, he's in and out as quick as possible, though his parting comment about hoping never to see them again would not come true. Quark even agrees with Brunt and traditional Ferengi's views on the subject of women not being allowed to earn profit, wear clothes, travel or speak to strangers, but it becomes evident his values aren't as important as profit - his greed is greater than his shame when it comes to Ishka sharing her acquisitions 50-50!

We soon get to know Ishka, or Moogie, her affectionate nickname, as a contrary, self-willed female that has always been untraditional even when her boys were young. Quark's always been ashamed and was taunted by the other Ferengi children that his mother wouldn't chew his food for him or would talk to strangers. Details such as these add greatly to both Quark and Rom's character, and explain a few things, such as the way Quark treats Rom - he always took Moogie's side, and Quark knows what she says about their Father, Keldar is true, that he didn't have a business head, though he doesn't want to admit it. It also explains the way Rom has grown up to be less of a Ferengi than his brother, besides the fact he's not very quick or confident - he spent another ten years at home after Quark left, no doubt Moogie's influence grew stronger, but little did she know what her ways would lead to, indirectly planting the seed of change to Ferengi society through her son.

Rom comes out of his shell and into his own, cowing Quark and Ishka into submission from surprise at his outburst and impassioned speech about the state of the family. He's not as stupid as he seems. Almost as stupid, but not quite. Moogie must have been a big influence on the way he believed, though she is as interested in Ferengi values of profit-making as anything else. Rom is more interested in the happiness of people, it seems, after his unsuccessful attempts to be devious or grasping. Ironically he carries it off for once, lying to get Quark and Moogie together. It's possible to make an estimate of Quark's age from the facts in this episode. We know he left home twenty years ago, at his Age of Ascension. Nog's just completed that rite in his mid-teens so Quark must be in his mid-thirties now. When Quark leaves for Ferenginar a number of Ferengi seem to be going off at the same time - my theory is that it's the waiters and other Ferengi operators of the bar, taking advantage of its closure to visit home just like their boss. Maybe they saved money by all chartering the same shuttle - that would have made for an episode in its own right!

Many aspects of Ferengi tradition and life are explored. We don't see much of the homeworld, but it lives up to the food they like to eat, being a perfect, moist climate for bugs and grubs. We see the famous Tower of Commerce reaching majestically into the sky, and Quark even climbs its stairways (off-camera). Every little thing must be paid for so I can't imagine there are many poor people in Ferengi society. If everyone charges even to admit visitors or to sit in a chair or use basic amenities then money must constantly be changing hands and even the weakest entrepreneur could get by if they put some effort into profit-making. The architecture, spheres abounding, continues the design first established way back in the race's first appearance in 'TNG', but enhances it. The snail-shell design of the chair, the low doorways, the lighting balls in the ceiling in the same style as their ship's consoles, even the hint of a huge version in the dome of the house, all fit with the Ferengi look and style. It's such a pleasure just to visit such an alien culture, yet we also get to meet Quark's mother and hear about his family life growing up (including other relatives being mentioned to add to the list, in Adred, Quark's Grandad, and Cousin Stol who was spoken of in 'Q-Less').

The other characters on the station aren't featured as much, but Sisko and Kira discuss the new Runabout (replacing the Mekong) which he names Rubicon. Kira even makes a joke of the number of Runabouts they get through, and that it's a good job Earth has a lot of rivers! Like the previous episode an example of the Napean species can be seen in the background, this time as one of Kasidy's crew. The reality is probably they needed to reuse the makeup, but it is funny that you never see them and then two turn up in quick succession. Sisko's cooking is again featured, and Mai'Hardu's race are shown to be more than just servants when we hear Moogie made money on Hupyrian beetle snuff, so perhaps the race exports it? Visiting Ferenginar has just about completed the set of homeworlds for the season. We've been to Earth, Trill, Odo's chunk of rock, even Kronos, in fact the only relevant world we haven't been to this season is the one on their doorstep: Bajor. That would very shortly be remedied.

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