Rules of Acquisition 

A female Ferengi named Pel, posing as a male so that she can engage in business, falls for Quark during very important negotiations between the Ferengi and a Gamma Quadrant race.

Director:

David Livingston

Writers:

Gene Roddenberry (based upon "Star Trek" created by), Rick Berman (created by)

Stars:

Avery Brooks, Rene Auberjonois, Alexander Siddig

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Avery Brooks	...	Commander Sisko
Rene Auberjonois	...	Odo
Alexander Siddig	...	Doctor Bashir (as Siddig El Fadil)
Terry Farrell	...	Lieutenant Dax
Cirroc Lofton	...	Jake Sisko (credit only)
Colm Meaney	...	Chief O'Brien
Armin Shimerman	...	Quark
Nana Visitor	...	Major Kira
Helene Udy	...	Pel (as Hélène Udy)
Brian Thompson	...	Inglatu
Max Grodénchik	...	Rom
Emilia Crow	...	Zyree
Tiny Ron	...	Maihar'du
Wallace Shawn	...	Zek

Storyline

A group of Ferengi are playing a game of tongo with Dax. Pel, a new waiter in the bar, has a great idea to ensure the customers are always thirsty. Suddenly Quark gets a message on subspace from Grand Nagus Zek. Zek has chosen him as the chief negotiator for the new business opportunities that will open up in the Gamma Quadrant. As his first task he must negotiate with the Dosi to acquire 10.000 vats of tulaberry wine. Zek believes the wine can be the key to opening the markets in the quadrant. He tries to convince Sisko and Kira to have a conference on DS9. Pel manages to put himself forward as assistant of Quark. He seems unusually devoted to Quark.

---

Plot Keywords:

wine | negotiation | game | 24th century | butt slap | 

---

Genres:

Action | Adventure | Drama | Sci-Fi

---

Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Official Sites:

Official Site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 November 1993 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

45 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This episode marks the first time to see the game of Tongo being played.

---

Goofs

The originally-aired version spelled the word "Acquisition" without the "c" and it appeared in the credits as "Aquisition." Also, the actress Helene Udy's name (appropriately spelled Hélène Udy) was given incorrect marks as Hêlene. Both goofs have been corrected in the DVD versions.

---

Quotes

Zek: Most of my information consists of little more than hints and whispers, but it's enough to convince me that whoever learns the secret of the Dominion, whatever that may be, will learn the secret of the Gamma Quadrant.

---

Soundtracks

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Main Title
(uncredited)
Written by Dennis McCarthy
Performed by Dennis McCarthy

User Reviews

Entertaining...but perhaps an opportunity missed.

While the episodes featuring the Ferengi were meant as comic relief, this one is a bit deeper--with a nice message about gender equality. When the show begins, Quark has a very efficient new assistant, Pel. Pel is invaluable to Quark--especially during his dealings with the Grand Nagus (Wallace Shawn) and the Dosi, a race from the Gamma Quadrant. However, no one knows that Pel is actually a woman--a woman who cleverly disguises herself as a man because unlike the usual docile and naked Ferengi women, she loves business and profit.

This episode is important because you hear the first mention of the Dominion--a race that will become SUPER-important in future episodes. However, this sense of continuity you do not find with Pel. She is a very interesting new character and like most, you never hear of her again after the episode is complete. It's a shame, as I would have liked to see more of this gender-bending lady. This is the fate of many great new characters on the show, such Melora from the previous episode!