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Chapter Text

Lwaxana had been on many a planet of nudists and other exhibitionist cultures, but never had she been so ignored as she was on Ferenginar. Here, if she wanted to draw attention she needed to don a gown, a stark reversal of the usual where even the most garish of garments blended into the party. But, in the planet’s heat which was so humid that it felt as if one was swimming through the air, she found that a lack of clothing to be the only viable option. Besides, her distaste for the men of the planet’s resident species was strong enough that she'd rather associate with the women regardless of clothing situation, so missing out on the men’s attention was hardly a loss. 

Wandering through the casino district, needing a break from the constant up-charges for every little thing at her resort (needing to pay for a seat in the lobby after braving the stairs was the last straw) Lwaxana followed a crowd to one of the many gaming houses populating the street, the sound of rain rolling off the plex ceiling covering the walkways drowned out by excited shouts as she reached the source of the excitement: A Tongo Tournament. 

Maybe this would make arriving on the planet a few days before her diplomatic attendance at the annual trade conference worth it, because so far the vacation had been a bust. She had one last evening of freedom before it began, so she wanted to make the most of it.

Universal translator quickly rendering the signage legible, Lwaxana found herself following an ever dwindling line of patrons down level after level until she reached her destination, the sub-basement. Here was where the women’s rounds were held, where no staff, judges, or sponsors bothering with the event meant it was independent of the tournament at large. Observing from the sidelines for a while, Lwaxana noticed that despite the lack of regulation there was no plague of dishonest playing as one might expect from Ferengi. Instead, the games were twice as cutthroat as those upstairs despite there being no Latinum at stake. This tournament was a matter of pride for the women, and none wished to go home dishonored. 

Lwaxana found that the outer tables were a bore, the players were young and hardly skilled. Lwaxana did not pride herself at being a good card player, but even she noted a few amateur mistakes made by the girls. Moving inwards along the plush carpet and past automated drink dispensers, Lwaxana found the more serious players, tables where more senior Ferengi fought tooth and nail for the title. There was less laughter and more hushed whispers among observers, intense stares and focused contemplation creasing every player’s face. 

Then there was the main event, raised slightly on a circular platform where the masters played. Lwaxana could hardly keep up with their strategies as she stood on her toes to watch the match over the heads of younger women surrounding her, all itching to catch a glimpse of Tongo genius in action. There were six players, seeming to range from 200 to 300 in age, some looking so frail they might keel over if they acquired too many of the fake, hollow gold slips they played with yet still sharp as a whip. Two considerably younger women stood on the platform with them, one taking note of each move to probably publish later in Women’s Tongo Daily and the other announcing key moves to the surrounding crowd. 

“Yawf has met Tal’s move to acquire, and Tal retaliates with a Wet Slipple .” She cried out over the hubbub, naming each play. 

Lwaxana nodded along, somewhat interested in the game but one player was quickly catching her eye. Her moves were bold, but not as outright risky as Tal was playing, and it was paying off. However, nothing she had done had warranted an announcement and as the minutes passed she remained the only unnamed player. That is, until the end of the match. 

“With an acquisition equivalent to two bars, seven strips, and nine slips Ishka has won this round. The current standing is Yawf at five, Hetta and Ishka at three, Tal at two, and all other players with none. Next game will be in thirty minutes.” The winnings were of course hypothetical, but the pride was real and Ishka beamed, her eyelids fluttering as she met Lwaxana’s stare for a moment, then she was gone. 

With the table adjourned, the crowd cleared as women left the platform and talked amongst themselves. Lwaxana pushed her way through the babble as she made a b-line for the retreating Ishka. The woman was not socializing, instead moving towards a wall console. 

When Lwaxana got close enough, she noted that Ishka was intently watching the premier match on the top floor on a mounted screen, a match where the best of the men fought it out with wagers in the millions of bars. It wasn’t nearly as enthralling as the women’s match, the men taking tens of minutes to debate their moves and insult one another. A Ferengi Lwaxana identified as the Grand Nagus set down his cards, retreating, and Ishka shook her head in displeasure. 

“Wrong move?” Lwaxana asked softly as she slid beside her, forcing herself between the woman and this display, and Ishka clicked her tongue. 

“Entirely, he should have known that Nilva was bluffing. The man has a Dry Hutut yet is going to make out like it were moist at this rate.” 

“Tragic.” Lwaxana lamented, trying to match Ishka’s exasperated tone. 

Finally prying her eyes away from the screen, the Ferengi woman turned her head to look at the Betazoid with kind eyes. “If there were some way I could get a message up to him, he could turn the whole tournament around.” 

“Perhaps, but Nilva’s hand will be gone by then.” It didn’t slip past Lwaxana that Ishka was one of the only women paying attention to anything going on above the sub-basement, so she wondered just why Ishka was so interested.  

“Of course, but I’ve been keeping track of their strategies and have some suggestions the Nagus might find enlightening.” Ishka replied calmly. 

A new voice, shrill and impatient, chimed in from behind Lwaxana. “As if the Nagus isn’t already the most enlightened Ferengi. He’ll pull through, and it’s not like he’d listen to us anyway.” It was Tal. “See you in round forteen.” The woman sneered before wandering off, and Ishka rolled her eyes. 

“He’d do well to listen to us.” She huffed.

Lwaxana nodded, sympathetic to the plight of women like Ishka. It was a shame that this society was so backwards, they were holding back some truly bright minds. “I’m sure, any reason in particular you’re rooting for the Nagus?” 

Ishka leaned in close, and Lwaxana had to fight to keep a gasp in when Ishka’s breath breezed across her cheek as the woman whispered, “I’ve got a sizable sum riding on his victory.” Pulling back away, she winked, delicate (and likely exorbitantly expensive) earring swaying beneath her chin. 

Lwaxana smiled knowingly. “If you could speak to him, what would you say?” 

Some minutes later, Lwaxana found herself ascending to the top level of the gaming house in a glass elevator, having flexed her political standing on Betazed to be invited as a guest to observe the next master’s round despite being a ‘fee-male’ as the bouncer had put it. Pressed in the palm of her hand was a folded slip of paper, which then was placed in the care of the Nagus’ Hupyrian servant after some gratuitous flirting. It was tricky making a pass at a being sworn to silence, but Lwaxana had worked to woo even a changeling and reveled in the challenge. 

She sipped a sweet, fizzy concoction of algae and honey as Zek unfolded the paper delivered to him, quickly reading it before looking back up to Maihar'du with a knowing smirk. Putting the page safely in his breast pocket, the Nagus returned to his game and Lwaxana observed from the far side of the room. 

Quickly, his losses were neutralized and became earnings, and Lwaxana wished she knew more about the game to understand just how the change in strategy was amassing such a shocking victory for him. Whatever Ishka had suggested certainly turned the tides, but it would only be a matter of time before the others caught on and retaliated in kind. So, Lwaxana returned to the sub basement where the 14th women’s masters round was nearly finished. 

Things went back and forth like that for some time, and the Nagus was winning by a large margin, but things were not going so well for Ishka. She was so engrossed in the men’s rounds that she was slipping in her own games. After round 20 she was down six from the leader, and in third place, so when they met again at the console Lwaxana tried to refocus her. 

As she spoke, Ishka just began to laugh. “I appreciate your concerns, but what happens down here doesn’t matter. The Latinum is hollow, and I’ll be back next week to show these girls who the boss is. Tonight, I just need Zekkie to win.” 

“Zekkie?” Lwaxana prodded, and Ishka’s ears blushed. Now it was her turn to chuckle. “I see what’s going on here, it's about more than just profits.” 

“It is mostly profit, I assure you that much, but he has a way with words.” She swooned, “And with policy. Before Zekkie was nagus, I wasn’t allowed to leave the house. But he had the foresight to see how beneficial letting women out of their homes could be, and the Ferengi Alliance is much better for it. We’ve still got a ways to go but it’s progress.” Lwaxana nodded understandingly, that certainly rocked the boat on Ferenginar, but it was also the only reason she was willing to visit in the first place. Under any other circumstances she would have sent a different representative for the talks happening later in the week. 

She also swore to herself that she’d get these two to talk, face to face, by the end of her trip. Zek would be at the trade conference after all, and Ishka hadn’t picked her plus one yet. But first, she had personal matters to attend to, which involved inviting Ishka back to her hotel with her after the 25th and final round. So, two more trips to the top level and back later, she asked the question. 

Being in especially good spirits after just making a tidy profit with the Nagus’ resounding victory, Ishka agreed and together they navigated back to Lwaxana’s resort, rushing from cover to cover to avoid a sudden downpour. Skipping the amenities, Lwaxana took the woman straight up to her room. It was a spacious accommodation with a full kitchen and balcony overlooking the natural mud baths that the resort had been constructed around like a concrete serpent. 

Ishka, drawn to the window, looked out onto the grounds, dozens of patrons appearing no larger than Gree worms. “This is lovely.” 

“Yes, I quite like this particular wing of the resort. Allows for a bit of privacy but also a view.” Lwaxana replied, mixing a drink for them both and then bringing it over to Ishka who gladly accepted the libation. “Cheers.” 

Glasses clinking together, Lwaxana stood beside Ishka, brushing shoulders and enjoying the quiet. Ferengi were hard to read, their four-lobed minds resistant to empathic abilities, but Lwaxana could still tell that there was something bothering Ishka. “Is anything wrong?” 

“Oh no, not wrong, but I do have a question that may not be… expected.” Ishka began, turning to look Lwaxana in the eyes. She wasn’t shy, but this was the most reserved Lwaxana has seen the woman. “Do you have any clothes with you?” 

Lwaxana smiled widely, “Only my finest travel gowns. Would you like to see them?” 

Ishka’s eyes lit up, even brighter than they had when Zek was announced the winner of the tournament. “Please.” 

Leading the way into the bedroom, Lwaxana threw open wooden closet doors to reveal a dozen dresses hanging inside. Ishka was in a trance, trailing her hand along bright pink silk and maroon lace. “Take any out you like.” Lwaxana insisted.

“Then let’s lay them all out on the bed.” Reverently, Ishka pulled hangar after hangar off the rack. A minute later all twelve gowns were on display, some on the quilt and others hanging from curtain rods and picture frames. 

“Would you like to try one on?” Lwaxana asked cautiously. Ferengi women were forbidden clothing, and she did not wish to offend her new companion, but then again Ishka was a rule breaker, earning profit and all. There was a palpable excitement in the air, and Lwaxana drank it in like fine wine. 

“If I put one of these on, I fear I may not be able to return it.” Ishka admitted, longingly stroking a black skirt covered with shimmering spots in every color. 

“Then take it, I’ve plenty more. Is this your favorite?” Lwaxana approached, pulling the garment off the hangar and holding it up to Ishka’s frame. They were of similar size, so it would likely fit. 

“Yes, I think so.” Ishka beamed, placing her hands over Lwaxana’s to hold the dress in place. She unzipped it delicately, keeping a hand on Lwaxana’s shoulder to steady herself as she stepped inside. Slipping her arms into the long sleeves, she pulled it over herself and walked over towards the mirror, the billowing skirt trailing behind her elegantly. 

Lwaxana followed close behind, zipping the garment up as Ishka admired herself. It was a little too big, not hugging her slim curves as it did on Lwaxana but still looked gorgeous on her. “The cut suits you.” Lwaxana commented, resting her head on the shorter woman’s shoulder. 

Ishka nuzzled against her. “I agree, thank you.” 

Turning her head, Lwaxana kissed the woman on the cheek, testing the waters. Ishka reciprocated with a peck to her lips. Lwaxana sensed that she was both elated and afraid. “I’m sorry if I have overstepped.” 

“No, it’s alright, I’ve just not done this since my husband…” A flash of sorrow radiated off the woman, lips downturned and gaze glossing over in remembrance. 

“I understand. We don’t have to do anything else, and if you are uncomfortable...” 

“I don’t want to stop.” Ishka interrupted. 

“Dinner, then?” Lwaxana offered. 

Ishka grinned, exposing charmingly crooked teeth. “I’d love that.” 

Over a luxurious meal ordered in, Lwaxana regaled in retelling stories of her travels, enjoying the ability to share so freely. She also felt a pang of sadness for the woman before her, someone so curious and eager yet not allowed to leave the atmosphere of this wet rock. 

Ishka, seeming to not want to let Lwaxana talk herself into a depression, changed the subject and explained some of the more advanced intricacies of Tongo, describing her strategy in helping Zek and how she turned his game around. 

“He owes you a wealth of thanks for that.” Lwaxana noted as she took the last bite of her meal. 

“Zekkie can keep the thanks, I just want the wealth.” Ishka replied cheekily. Her hand slid across the table to settle on top of Lwaxana’s. “Thank you for today, I’d never have been able to win without you.” 

Ishka was full of surprises, first admitting to profiting and now sitting across from her in clothing, happily running thin fingers over the fine fabric, shuffling her legs under the layers. Turning her hand up, Lwaxana squeezed Ishka’s gently. “Happy to help. Now, where would you like to see this night go?” She asked suggestively, leaning over the table. Ishka’s eyes wandered down, momentarily exploring the still nude Betazoid in front of her. 

“Another kiss, perhaps?” Ishka’s confidence wavered, and Lwaxana wanted to prop her back up like the gorgeous, radiant figure she deserved to feel like.

One kiss led to another, and soon they were laying side by side on the bed, Ishka’s fingers laced in Lwaxana’s hair as the woman deftly massaged her lobes. Tracing along the inside from her fossa to her antitragus and back up again, she coaxed out soft moans and a low purr from the Ferengi. Tipping her head down, Ishka dragged her nose along Lwaxana’s, ridges releasing a fragrant oil. Lwaxana wished she could make a perfume out of the mossy scent. 

Lwaxana had always found Ferengi to be visually attractive, but after several negative encounters she’s nearly written off the species. Now, she was glad she hadn’t entirely, as while half of the species might not be to her taste, Ishka was perfection, making dinner seem tasteless and bland by comparison. Her sweet hums and warm skin a meal prepared by the most skilled of chefs as they tangled together. 

Leg escaping from a high slit in the skirt of the dress, Ishka wrapped it around Lwaxana and pulled her closer still. “So what makes you purr?” 

Lwaxana’s breath hitched at such a question, and she loved how direct Ishka was. Not wanting to mince words, Lwaxana guided Ishka’s thigh between her legs, and her hand to her full breast. Rubbing herself against Ishka’s silken skin, Lwaxana left a trail of slick, and Ishka kneaded at her flesh to the rhythm that Lwaxana oomoxed her lobe. 

Lwaxana’s other hand wandered to the elongated back of Ishka’s skull. Where their men were crass and demanding, Ferengi women were an absolute delight and Ishka was more than just gorgeous, she was wise and insistent, and wonderful company. 

The physical closeness was also greatly appreciated, Lwaxana always had been a very hands-on lover and enjoyed getting to know a person’s outside just as much as the inside. As they pair heated up, their groins came to kiss, the smoothness of Lwaxana complimenting the ridges adorning Ishka’s pelvis. Both species were humanoid enough to be compatible, but also different enough to create unique sensations for one another. 

In a moment of clarity, and wanting to enhance things further, Lwaxana rooted around in the table drawer for something she’d brought along just in case she’d not met a companion. Turns out, she could still use it even in the company of another, and when Ishka laid her eyes on the toy she laughed heartily, “Oh, this will be fun!” 

Lwaxana started it on a low setting, the curved flexible bar pulsing pleasantly as she slid it between their legs. The fabric of Ishka’s sleeves tickled her back as the Ferengi held onto her, overwhelmed in a pleasant way. Her breathing grew heavier, steaming the crook of her neck. Lwaxana mouthed at the top of Ishka’s ear and gently pulled on her earring, hooking it under her breast. 

Ishka responded with a desperate pulse of her own, thighs tensing and pushing the tip of the toy inside of Lwaxana, “Oh, stars,” The Betaxoid pleaded, feeling herself overheat from the core. She’d had sex with hundreds of aliens in her life, but this was a rare time where sensations of the physical sort overrode her mental functions, Ishka’s mind was closed and forced Lwaxana to feel eveything purely through touch, sight, sound, and taste. 

She licked at the slightly lumpy skin over cartilage and Ishka swore in her native language. Then, Lwaxana dialed up the toy to the next setting. 

Everything was wet and warm, the body pressed against her, Ishka’s pussy leaking the lovely blue essence of her kind, mingling with Lwaxana’s own fluids and dancing between them to the vibrating rhythms of her toy. It slipped out of her as Ishka pushed Lwaxana onto the bed, long skirt draping over them like a tent. Lwaxana pulled it up over their heads, creating a dark space for just the two of them. 

Straddling over Lwaxana, Ishka leaned down and pressed into the Betazoid’s engorged clit, rubbing and circling those sensitive nerves, “You didn’t need to be told, ah, what I liked, did you?” 

Ishka chuckled, leaning so close that their lips brushed as she replied, “I just wanted consent.” She tilted her hips just so, pushing the toy into the perfect position. Now it was Lwaxana’s turn to curse into the mottled darkness around them as her orgasm quickly came to a head. 

Lwaxana collapsed down onto the bed, ams flopping beside her as her head fell to the side. She caught her breath as Ishaka slid to lay beside her, tossing her skirt back down to cover her legs, “How was that?” 

“Incredible,” Lwaxana managed to huff out, opening her eyes a bit to gaze into Ishka’s which were so full of love and adoration that she felt she might melt into the mattress. They were also still blazing with another emotion- lust. “But we’re not done here yet, sweet thing.” Forcing herself back up, she crawled down to the foot of the bed and slid under Ishka’s skirt. 

“Don’t worry about me,” Ishka began, but cut herself off as something slithered between her folds. 

Lwanaxa fished for the toy, still buzzing away by her ankles, and positioned it under her chin as she licked long striped into the other woman’s sex. She put to work everything she’d learned from other partners to slowly work Ishka up to her own peak of pleasure, circling her tongue and plunging it in deep, reacting to Ishka’s little kicks and feeling the pulse throbbing in the thighs pressing against the sides of her head, wiry muscles strained as her toes gripped at the sheets. 

When Ishka came it was like a slow moving wave, building and rising, washing over the woman for nearly a minute of intense sensation. Every little move Lwaxana made sent ripples through the Ferengi that increased tenfold, a joyful shout of her name coming from between jagged teeth. 

Lwaxana enjoyed tending to Ishka through every second of it, and once over, she shimmied back up to the headboard, curling up beside Ishka and pressing hot kisses into her neck. Ishka stroked Lwaxana’s hair, holding her close and picking up their conversation where’d they’d left off, soft spoken. 

This went on for some time, and eventually Lwaxana could not hold back a yawn. 

“It’s quite late, and you probably intended to get some rest tonight.” Ishka commented, starting to sit up. 

Lwaxana pulled the woman back down into their warm cocoon of blankets, “Oh, do you think you could stay the night?” 

Ishka let herself settle back in, kissing the tip of Lwaxana’s nose, “I suppose, if you’ll have me.” 

“Absolutely. But you are correct that I should rest up, the conference begins in the morning.” 

“Then sleep we shall.” 

Sharing each other’s space, Lwaxana let sleep pull her consciousness down into its abyss. She dreamt of gold, tongo, and dotted black silk.

Chapter Text

Far too soon, streams of light cast themselves across the room as the sun rose, slowly rousing Lwaxana. 

She got out of bed as quietly as she could muster, not wanting to wake the snoring Ferengi beside her. After washing up she dressed in the large closet and snuck out the door, leaving a note inviting Ishka to use her spare key to access the resort’s amenities if she did choose to stick around. 

The trade conference greeted Lwaxana just like any other, it was an annual event and the only thing that ever changed was which planet hosted it. No matter where it was, someone was unhappy and that negative air could really make the place reek, but Lwaxana let the buoyant mood of the night before keep her uplifted. 

Going about her duties, she greeted the many delegates one by one, these first few hours more social in nature before the more structured talks began. Lwaxana caught up with the ambassadors from Bolias, Andoria, and so on and so fourth, each meeting blurring into the next yet navigated with expert poise. She prided herself on keeping up to date on each planet’s dealings and alliances, and let her knowledge lead the conversations. 

Then, out of the corner of her eye she spotted him- the Grand Nagus. He was having a laugh with an Orion man, servant towering over the pair and holding a tray of snacks that occasionally was lowered down to Zek for his selection. 

Making her way across the room, Lwaxana waited for their conversation to lull before inserting herself into it, “Gentlemen, I do hope I am not interrupting, but I do not believe I’ve made your acquaintance yet, Grand Nagus.” Truth be told, she’d been avoiding him for years,  but now she had to tolerate his leering gaze for a greater purpose. Lwaxana just reminded herself that it was because of this little old Ferengi that she had some of the best sex in her life the night before. 

“Oh, not at all Miss Troi.” The Orion greeted, ducking away with a nod of his head. Lwaxana almost wished he would have stayed, but this made her mission easier to have Zek’s undivided attention. 

“To what do I owe the pleasure of your formal introduction?” Zek said, cracking a salacious smile. 

“I think we have much to discuss,” Lwaxana said, offering the much shorter man her arm, knowing he’d not be able to resist. 

“Ohoho, how exciting.” He replied, taking her arm and allowing Lwaxana to guide them to an empty balcony. She hoped he didn’t mind getting a little wet, the skies were starting to open up but so far it was only a mist. 

“So, I had the pleasure of observing you in yesterday’s Tongo tournament,” Lwaxana began, and was immediately interrupted by his cackle. 

“Yes! I remember you. You and Maihar'du were quite friendly up there. I would have come over to greet you properly, but I had to keep my focus on the game. I’m sure you understand.” Zek winked, he knew she’s who passed the notes. Good, that would make this easier. 

“Well, that’s exactly what I wanted to talk about. The advice wasn’t from me.” 

Zek’s giddy expression dropped, now his brow furrowed in confusion, “It wasn’t? Does anyone else know?” 

“Don’t worry, only one other person, and it’s who wrote the notes.” Lwaxana assured him.

He relaxed a bit, but only leaned in closer, into her personal space, and spoke in hushed tones, “Well who was it?” 

“If it’s ok, I’d rather take you to them than say.” 

Zek exhaled slowly, a rush out of his bulbous nose. “Fine. Take me there.” 

“Oh well, I’m not sure they are ready yet. Tell you what, come up to my room this evening, after sundown.” 

Zek took Lwaxana’s hand into his own and patted the top of it, “It will be my pleasure, ambassador.” She tried to ignore his implications and guided their little party of three back into the main hall, happy to catch the eye of another delegate and bid him farewell. 

By the end of the day’s schedule, Lwaxana is mentally exhausted, but she knows there is still work to be done. She picks up a coffee on her way to her room as the daylight began to wane, rushing back and throwing the door open, “I have a surprise for you!” she announces to an audience of none, dotted black gown laid out across the bed right where Ishka had laid that morning. 

Lwaxana surveyed the room; it was empty. Her heart sinks, but then she remembers the note and finds it where she left it, a little thank you scrawled below her looping script, and the key card missing. 

Calling for the hotel’s computer, Lwaxana asks for Ishka’s wearabouts. After paying the fee for information, and to bypass personal privacy, she finally gets the answer- in the mud baths. 

“Oh, that should have been obvious. Silly me.” Lwaxana admonishes as she strips. The day’s diplomatic work was over, so no need for such formalities. Tossing a towel over her shoulder, she made her way down to the baths. 

They were the busiest part of the resort, so it took some trial and error (and seeing far too many nude males) before she finally found the woman. She was alone in one of the smaller mudpots and soaking up to her neck with a warm towel over her eyes, the picture of serenity. 

“I don’t want to scare you, so I’ll let you know I’m here.” Lwaxana announced, and Ishka raised a muddy hand up to lift up the corner of the towel. It was still strange to her to not be able to use her telepathic abilities with the entire species of a planet, but not an unwelcome change to the usual constant hubbub of thoughts and feelings swirling around her in a tapestry of emotion. 

“Hello, please join me.” Ishka beckoned with a demure smile and sweet eyes. 

“I intend to, but only for a little while. I’ve got a surprise for you later this evening.” 

Ishka smiled wide, revealing her fangs, “I’m not sure there’s much you can do to top what has already happened in the past days, but I won’t stop you from trying.” 

“Good.” Lwaxana sunk down into the mud, sliding up beside Ishka. The gentle heat of the pot relaxed muscles she’d not even realized had tensed from the conference. She closed her eyes and settled in, and the thickness of the mud absorbed the movement of the woman beside her as Ishka slowly moved to stand in front of her, leaning forward for a kiss. 

Lwaxana accepted hungrily, pulling Ishka into her lap. Under the mud, she dragged her fingers down Ishka’s chest, massaging the fine sediment against her skin. Another whiff of her familiar scent overwhelmed her as Ishka rubbed her nose on either side of Lwaxana’s neck, marking her before trailing her teeth down her shoulders. Lwaxana shuddered at the spontaneity of it all. 

“So, about that surprise,” Ishka whispered.

“Let’s go.” 

So caught up in the whirlwind of it all Lwaxana forgot about Zek and let Ishka guide her back into her arousal. They caressed each other in the shower, rubbing off the mud and letting their hands linger far too long. Lwaxana helped get the last of the clay out from the lovely space under Ishka’s breast, kissing in the deep crease formed by her many years, and Ishka brushed out her hair with her fingers, commenting on the softness of it, comparing it to a fine fabric. 

“Sometimes it feels like more of a hassle than it’s worth. I don’t know, do you think I’d look good bald too?” Lwaxana joked, earning a beautiful laugh from Ishka. The woman was the embodiment of the word, truly. And Lwaxana had seen many beautiful things in her lifetime, precious stones and renowned models, but none could compare to the luminous being before her. 

“I think you’d look lovely in any amount of hair, but I do love the feel of it.” Ishka kept petting it as the water beat down on them both. 

“Then I suppose it will have to stay.” 

Ishka ran her hand down the side of Lwaxana’s face and hooked her fingers under her chin, pulling their faces closer for a deep kiss. Lwaxana needed more contact, pressing her body flush against Ishka’s and reaching around to cup her soft ass. Ishka hummed happily at the touch, adjusting her stance to open her legs. 

Taking the invitation, Lwaxana let her fingers dance in that hot space. Ishka rubbed the ridges of her nose against hers, and nipped at her bottom lip, “Ah! Is this my surprise?” She whispered. 

“Oh no, but I think you still like it.” Lwaxana flicked at a particularly sensitive spot, and had to catch Ishka as her legs gave out. 

“A little too much perhaps. Back to the bed?” 

Lwaxana helped Ishka back to her feet and wrapped the woman in a warm towel, Ishka pulling it tightly around her body and closing her eyes in pleasure, enjoying the fluffy texture. Guiding her back to the bed, Lwaxana laid her down, quickly patting herself dry before climbing in on top of Ishka. 

She slid under the towel, letting her nose trail along the rise of Ishka’s stomach and in the divot between her breasts. Lwaxana didn’t want to surface. Instead to rest here on perfection forever. Journeying to the right, she took a soft nipple between her lips and sucked until it was hard, feeling Ishka’s heartbeat quicken under her hand which sat on the skin just above the organ. 

Shifting to the other side, Lwaxana paid the same attention to the other breast, and Ishka moaned softly. Reluctantly, she came up for air but was rewarded with a leg hooking around her, pulling her back down and into a pleading kiss. Rubbing against one another, the women warmed up to a burning hot temperature. 

Ishka made the next move, hiking up her leg for Lwaxana to rut against. Her hands explored the Betazoid, pinching and stroking and scratching. Lwaxana sat up on her knees, bobbing up and down along silken skin and throwing her head back in pleasure, her mane of hair showering them in droplets. 

Their laughter twined together into one joyful sound, and Ishka slid down the bed, positioning herself below Lwaxana to give her back the same gift she’d been given earlier. Tongue flicking out, she teased the woman at first but soon dove in with incredible accuracy. 

Quickly, Lwaxana found herself out of breath and needing to brace herself on the bed with her arm, “Have you done this before?” 

Ishka chuckled, and managed to hardly let up on Lwaxana as she replied, “Don’t take this the wrong way, but your anatomy is very similar to my late husband’s.” 

“Oh, thank you.” 

“He was a very sensitive man.” Ishka cooed, rubbing her lobes against Lwaxana’s inner thighs. 

Then, Ishka did something entirely unexpected wirth her teeth that made Lwaxana’s vision go blurry. She bit down on her clit, the nub sitting between her front teeth. Not hard enough to hurt, but the sensation was unlike anything she’d ever felt before, and it was incredible. 

When Ishka then teased the tip with her tongue, it pushed Lwaxana over the edge and she fought to not fall down onto the woman below her. Her whole body pulsed with pleasure, and had she been on Betazed her elation would have radiated all the way around the planet. Every being would know of her joy, and share in it with her. There was just that much to go around. 

A knock on the door then interrupted them. 

“Did you order something?” Ishka asked, voice heavy.

Lwaxana snapped back to reality, “Oh no, it’s your surprise!”

Taking a moment to collect herself, she pulled on the robe hanging on the door. Ishka made her way towards the wardrobe, understanding that they would have company. A bold move, Lwaxana liked it.

Opening the door, Zek’s pinched features greeted her, “I’m here,” he announced, sidestepping around her to enter the quarters, throwing his arms out in excitement. “Where’s my secret Tongo genius?” 

“Right here.” 

Lwaxana turned around to see Ishka standing proudly, somehow she was able to slip into the gown before being seen. It probably helped that she didn’t have hair to tame, Lwaxana knew she probably looked like a wild woman with her hair half dried and sticking out at all angles. She was betting that Zek didn’t know enough about feminine styles to know it wasn’t some chic look from off world.  

“Another one!” Zek squealed, Maihar'du shoving Lwaxana out of the way with an apologetic look as he went to comfort his master, “How dare you! Shameful!” 

“Another?” Ishka frowned, hands on her hips. 

“You’d have me believe that this… deviant is who sent me that amazing advice?” Zek demanded, staring bullets into Lwaxana from within the folds of Maihar’du’s robes, shielding himself from the view. 

She sighed, in her mind this had gone a lot smoother. Ferengi men never ceased to disappoint her. Lwaxana may have faltered, but Ishka was ready. Lwaxana supposed she’d been ready for her big chance for far too long to mess it up. 

Ishka recited one of her notes verbatim, and Zek was forced to acknowledge her. “That… was a very good play, yes.” 

“Why don’t you come sit with me, and we’ll talk about it.” Ishka offered, settling into one of two chairs at the little table in the corner of the room. 

Zek hesisted, peeking around Maihar'du. He only acquiesced when Ishka stuck a bare leg out of the slit in her gown. 

“Alright, fine! But I demand an explanation for all of this or we will have a diplomatic crisis at the conference tomorrow, Troi!” 

“You’ll have all the explanations you want, now get over here.” Ishka crooned.

Lwaxana stayed around for a bit, enjoying watching Zek’s determination to be put out wilt as Ishka proved her genius in not only Tongo, but general finances and the future of the Ferengi Alliance as a whole. He even admitted to having encountered a rather sharp female on Deep Space Nine. 

Ishka was pleased to know this, and loosened up too. Business turned to pleasure and things started to get a bit heated, hands wandering up thighs and down lobes, and Lwaxana took her cue to leave. 

Good for her, but Lwaxana didn’t want to intrude. 

When she returned an hour later, Ishka was laid out on the bed with a padd, Zek and his servant no longer around. Her smile could not have been any wider when she made eye contact with Lwaxana, “Thank you.” 

Sitting on the side of the bed, Lwaxana said it was nothing, really, and mentally wondered where they would go from here. Ishka answered that question with an arm hooked around her torso, pulling the Betazoid closer. 

Lwaxana didn’t need to be asked twice and crawled beside Ishka, nuzzling into the crook of her neck. She was sure to let her hair rub against her lobe, and Ishka responded with a low purr. Gently pushing Ishka to sit up, Lwaxana sat behind her, laying her back down against her torso. With both hands free, she took one lobe in each hand and absolutely lavished Ishka. 

She stroked the outer rims, delicately tickled the inner whorls, and whispered lovely things into them. Ishka was incredibly responsive, moaning like a vulcan in heat. 

Tossing the padd away, Ishka slid her hand under her skirt, touching herself furiously. 

“I take it Zek didn’t take you all the way?” Lwaxana hummed. 

“Oh no, he did. Twice. But this is different.” Ishka replied coolly, voice managing to only hitch once. 

“Oh?” Lwaxana was definitely surprised, Zek was the embodiment of greed after all. 

“You’re not a Hupyrian.” Ishka chuckled, and it all made sense, “Zekkie didn’t bring his medication with him is all, but we’ll meet again.” 

“I’m glad to hear that. When’s the wedding?” Lwaxana joked, pinching the textured bottom of Ishka’s lobes, loving how it made the woman sigh happily. 

“Very funny. But there is a future here. He’s not entirely opposed to my opinion.” Ishka craned her neck to look up at Lwaxana, “You are one hell of a diplomat.” 

Lwaxana expressed her gratitude at the comment by covering as much of Ishka’s lobes as she could with her hands and pressing in, a move known to make Ferengi come on the spot, the grand finale, “I know.” 

Ishka lay limp in her lap, muttering happy little things to Lwaxana. The elation of the day's events was overwhelming her in the best way. Thin fingers came up to stroke Lwaxana’s thigh, leaving little streaks of blue fluid in their wake. 

She spoke of her plans, she was going to change this planet for the better, and Lwaxana was proud to have helped her achieve this goal. 

“I was slowly working through my various shell companies, but getting an audience with the Nagus has helped push my agenda up by about, oh, fifty years or so. Thank you again. I’m not sure there’s anything I can offer you that-”

“Don’t you worry about that. The way this planet treats its women is wretched, and as a diplomat it is my duty to help set the score right. If you ever need anything, and I mean anything,” Lwaxana teased a lobe to insinuate her meaning, “you contact me, ok?” 

“I won’t hesitate.” Ishka replied, turning around to face Lwaxana. The gown was partially open and hung off one of her shoulders as she sat up. Lwaxana considered it might look better this way, and mentally noted to get one of her own dresses altered this way. 

Lwaxana went to reply, but instead let out a yawn. It was getting late, and these functions always exhausted her. 

“We seem to have lost track of time, and you must be starving, when was the last time you ate something?” Ishka asked, tone of voice taking on that of a concerned mother. Lwaxana appreciated the thought, as the matriarch of her family it was not often that anyone considered caring for her on such a domestic level. 

“Don’t worry, they overfed me at the conference plenty. But I could go for a bite.” Lwaxana admitted, feeling a bit hollow in the midsection despite the constant snacking from roaming trays of delicacies all day long. 

A few minutes later, room service arrived with a tray of finger sandwiches, half filled with cream cheese and the other minced gree worms. Lwaxana let Ishka coax her into trying one of the gray, slimy looking ones and immediately regretted it, but the soft doting from the woman afterwards almost made it worth it. 

“I assume you’ll be leaving tomorrow as the conference ends.” Ishka commented as she licked her fingers clean. 

Lwaxana sighed, she really didn’t want this to end, “Unfortunately yes. There’s business to attend to on Betazed so I’m afraid I can’t linger.” 

“I wish I could go with you.” Ishka lamented, and Lwaxana could hear the yearning in those words in her bones. Ishka looked up and out the window, gazing at the stars. Lwaxana took her hand and rubbed circles into the pliable skin with her thumb. 

“Another time, perhaps.” Was all she had the heart to offer. Part of her knew she could find a way to smuggle the woman off world, but that part also knew Ishka would never accept. She would only do that when she could take the rest of her species’ disenfranchised half with her. 

Ishka’s face hardened into a determined expression, “I’ll make sure of that. Zekkie has made me quite the list of promises. Us women will be right up there among the stars soon enough.” 

“Rule 75.” Lwaxana mused, one of the many rules of acquisition she’d picked up during her visit.

“Precisely. My heart will always be here on Ferenginar, it’s where I raised my wonderful sons and had one of the best loves of my life. Many of them, actually.” Ishka turned back, nuzzling into Lwaxana, “But, I deserve to reach out for more than what’s bound to the surface too.” 

“The galaxy is waiting for you, love.” 

Ishka curled in closer, planting a wet kiss to Lwaxana’s neck, “Awww. Thank you, I look forward to it. 

They spent another night together, although this time not much sleep was had. They laughed, cried, fucked, and did it all over agian until the sun once again crested the horizon. Klingon coffee fueled Lwaxana through the tedious final negotiations of the conference, and then her assistants all but dragged her back to her private shuttle, it was time to go. 

As she was corralled into the docking tube, Lwaxana looked over her shoulder to see a familiar face waving back at her, one of Lwaxana’s suitcases in her other hand. 

Lwaxana blew a kiss to Ishka, and far too soon the shuttle doors closed. The next time she’d see Ishka, it would be at the following annual trade conference held on Earth, and she shone in that same black dress, accentuated with a gold sash announcing her to be the delegate from Ferenginar. 

Ishka greeted her with a warm embrace and a kiss to the cheek, and that dress didn’t stay on for long after that.