Dark Market Syndicate

The Dark Market Syndicate was the name of a group of octopus-like entities whose mind acted as a single consciousness. It served as the defacto government of the Dark Market located in the Delta Quadrant.

History
According to space salvager Eurydice, like all things the Syndicate started small but over time it gain enough influence to rule over the trade hub.

In 2262, Eurydice was coerced into working for the Dark Market Syndicate when they took her daughter. She found the Federation starship, USS Enterprise (alternate reality NCC-1701), adrift and moving at sub-light speed. She then spoke with its captain, via hologram, offering to tow them to a place where they could get dilithium. She then had her ship, the Spectral, tow the Enterprise to the Dark Market.

Eurydice then beamed Capt. Kirk over to the Spectral and then spoke to him about her reasons for helping him and his crew. After docking, Eurydice then took Capt. Kirk and his landing party to meet with a dilithium merchant, Grunthum. After making the deal, Eurydice then took them to meet the Syndicate, to get their blessing.

However, Eurydice betrayed them in order to clear her debts with the Syndicate.

Kirk attempted to peak their interest in peaceful trade relations with the Federation. Though slightly interested the Syndicate had already sold five of his crew and hold not release the Enterprise.

Despite them giving her daughter back, Eurydice felt guilty for what she did to Kirk and his crew and helped them escape.