The Trouble with Jones

"Captain Kirk! Friend Kirk!” Kirk groaned. He’d been enjoying shore leave at a tropical beach resort on Siduri, an independent world only loosely affiliated with the Federation, until he recognized an alltoo-familiar voice. Cyrano Jones, interstellar trader and general nuisance, beamed at Kirk from a beachside shack roofed with crimson palm fronds. The portly merchant seemed genuinely pleased to see Kirk, which was rather puzzling considering their history. “Jones.” The captain approached the shack warily. Hand-lettered driftwood signs advertised fruity drinks, clams, and trinkets – at suspiciously reasonable prices. Kirk was pleasantly surprised to see no tribbles in evidence. “What are you doing here?” “Enjoying the good life, captain!” Jones stepped out from behind the counter in front of the shack. Given the balmy climate, he had swapped his usual olive coat for a…