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Mother of Quark and Rom, widow of Keldar, daughter of Adred. Ishka was a headstrong, enterprising Ferengi female, and broke with Ferengi tradition in several ways. She never liked to chew food for her sons, she talked to strangers, and she even wore clothes and earned profit. The Ferengi Commerce Authority discovered her business activities in 2371, and tried unsuccessfully to halt them. In 2373, Ishka and Grand Nagus Zek became friends and were soon romantically involved. When she learned that Zek was suffering from a failing memory, Ishka worked behind the scenes to help Zek in his business dealings. When Liquidator Brunt learned of this development, he enlisted Quark in an unsuccessful effort to break up Ishka and Zek's relationship. As Zek's advisor, Ishka made no secret of her hope to reform Ferengi society to grant equal rights to females. In 2374, Ishka, who was over 100 years old, traveled to Vulcan for cosmetic ear-lifting surgery to make her look younger. Her transport ship was captured by the Dominion. Ishka was subsequently rescued by a heroic mercenary team led by Quark with Rom and Nog. Ishka suffered a heart attack later that year, necessitating a new heart. Her convalescence came just as Zek had imposed remarkable reforms on Ferengi society, granting females the right to wear clothing. Ishka was first seen in "Family Business" (DS9). |
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