Mav Marcai flees with the cetaceans aboard an Orion Heavy to the closest Orion system, (into orbit of an M class planet with one large city on it; the “Free Market” city) hotly pursued by the Federation, Klingons and Romulan. (To simplify a short game time, the ships were already transferred). The Orions prefer peace with the Feds, Klings and Roms, but will fight somewhat to get hold of the whales and dolphins; which they maintain are 'unthinking animals'. Much like the Japanese government claims today.
Some relaxed, reasonable denial of being status of the Cetaceans, as well as complaints about the loss of time and money transporting them are met by stern warnings to the Orions of full on consequences from Captain Beernut. Nevertheless, they detect transport of one Aqualish from the Heavy to the Wanderer, and then later, to the larger Lightning. Negotiations for help in repelling the Federation is met with agreement by the Klingons, who secretly tell the Federation they are lying to the Orions. The Heavy approaches the planet despite commands to STOP by Captain Beernut.
After the Crazy Horse tractors the larger lightning, the Romulan fires on it, lowering a shield, and blowing out the Sensor net on the ship. The Klingon tractors the Romulan to ensure it will not destroy Mav's new ship. The Orions, having fulfilled their new ship delivery to Mav, back off. The Roms rotate to face the Klings, warning them there will be full on battle if they do not release them IMMEDIATELY. The Klingons do so. The Heavy has reached transporter range, and has beamed down massive numbers of life forms. The Crazy Horse beams ALL the Aqualish aboard, finds Marcai, and immediately arrests him. A thorough search finds none of the Aqualish have the Romulan artifact.
The Feds approach the planet, while the Roms shoot at the Wanderer demanding the artifact they deny having. All four Orions shoot on the Winged Defender, but its screens hold.
The Crazy Horse contacts and scans the departing Lotus Flower; the Corkscrew; a fine dining tour establishment. They deny having anything, and indeed, truth serum reveals Marcai gave the Romulan artifact to the Orion Heavy captain; the Roms stop the search on Marcai's new ship. More firing occurs between the Romulans and the Orions.
Captain Azure agrees to pay the Orions 2 x 2Li for the artifact, which they agree to GIVE to the Roms. All firing stops. The Rom departs with their artifact, and thanks to the Klingon. The Orion examination on the planet determines that the cetaceans ARE self aware; and so they return them to the Crazy Horse, due to an agreement of not selling Federation citizens from the days of Admiral Archer. The Medical officer FAILS his check roll; he doesn't realize that the cetaceans have all had their DNA sampled. It is only discovered back in the Aqualish system. The Orions WILL have a supply of navigator slaves to sell...
Will Starfleet order an invasion of the Orion Colonies to liberate these clones? What do YOU think? (Really, what do you think? I'm at a loss here for the next mission...)