The shuttle made its way through the asteroid field, searching for a small dim light orbiting the planet. The flight was calm so far, without turbulence. A background hum reminded him they are still moving and the ensign-hat covered the incredibly bright cabin lights. Jim was in a state of trance due to almost 3 days of travel and sleep deprivation. From time to time he checked the travel bag under his boots - there was a Ferengi passenger nearby, so you can never be sure enough.
How did he get here? Well, it’s not like he was a genius or a Vulcan. Most of his life was too unpleasant to even remember. But the reality was that he found himself in a world that changed more than he could adapt. So, like a leaf blown by the wind, he moved towards the next challenge. His old skills were no longer required. There are new worlds out there to be discovered and this Starfleet Academy thing seemed the logical choice. Who knows, maybe there is a place for him somewhere among the stars. Until then, a warm bed and a glass of whiskey in the evenings will do.

“Long journey ha?”
The Ferengi moved to the chair across him. When Jim raised his eyebrows, he continued while sketching a large smile.
“Name’s Rom”

“Jim” , he replied back

Jim liked Ferengi in general. In his opinion they were a free species. Much of the old world he remembered. In some way, the federation was just another attempt to a perfect society by building a barricade of limitations and restrictions. This made everything ordered and safe and sure. However, Ferengi, in some way, with their risk taking nature and shady deals, had more freedom. Federation rules could be bent if a Ferengi needed to make some profit for his big family. And who could blame him.

“You coming for business or?”

“Oh no, I am a cadet, should start next week”

“How great. Fresh blood. Well in this case you should definitely visit Rom’s tavern on Deck 6. We just opened last year. Big discounts for new recruits. Satisfaction guaranteed.”

Jim could not stop smiling back at Rom.

“Say friend, would you be interested in making some lucrative transactions?” the ferengi continued the chit chat leaning a bit towards Jim as if they were plotting a mutiny. “I have some bajoran artifacts and some independent credits”.

“Almost there guys” shouted Helm.

“Look Rom, whatever you have, I am broke. I have only this bag with some sentimental crap. But as soon as I get my hands on some credits, will definitely visit you”.
The ferengi continued talking, also drawing the location of his bar and depicting with great detail the wonders of his business. Jim turned his sight to porthole. The dim light came closer as the shuttle acquired an approach vector. On the final turn he could distinguish “Challenger” on the hull.

…

The shuttle bay roamed with people. Some were repairing, some were loading other transport shuttles. Rom made sure one more time to explain how to reach him, then disappeared in the crowd. Jim stayed next to the shuttle in an erect stance. The pilot waved his hand towards someone and soon enough an officer holding a PADD approached them.

“Cadet Jim Stern reporting for duty”