Stardate not given: Quark returns to Ferenginar to his mother's home. But Ishka is uneasy because she is secretly romantically involved with Grand Nagus Zek. When Quark discovers the liaison, he is thrilled but hopes in vain that Zek would restore his trade license, which only the FCA can do. Liquidator Brunt of the FCA proposes that Quark break up the relationship between Zek and Ishka to regain his license in return. The plan succeeds and Zek leaves Ishka, with Quark feigning sympathy. He agrees to become Zek's First Clerk and soon recognizes that the economic decisions of the Grand Nagus are disastrous without Ishka's advice. Quark helps Zek to redeem himself in the eyes of the Ferengi society, and he reunites the couple.

• E19 Previous
• E21 Next