Holiday

Posted on Tue Feb 3rd, 2026 @ 1:00am by Commodore Wilkan Targaryen & Rear Admiral Loatha Targaryen & Commander Ash Randall & Commander Zhora zh'Roothi & Lieutenant Commander Kuzos & Lieutenant Commander Sora Bernadotte & Lieutenant Commander Aidan Datari & Lieutenant Urvasi Elandorn & Lieutenant Rio Kholin MD & Lieutenant Amber Laurell & Lieutenant Joshua Silas & Lieutenant (J.G.) Dylan Blake & Ensign Sayori Nakai & Ensign Mirakylin Yumerieva
Edited on on Tue Feb 3rd, 2026 @ 1:00am

10,090 words; about a 50 minute read

Mission: 7. Guile
Location: Promenade, Deep Space 9
Timeline: 2439-08-12, 17:00

Captain's Log, Stardate 116612.9:

Enterprise has docked at Starbase Deep Space Nine to undergo repairs to our damaged computer core following our ordeal in the Gamma Quadrant. Normally I'd be content to allow our engineers to handle the situation as, so far at least, the damage has only caused erratic performance in low level computer functions. I have authorized shore leave for all personnel, except for a few crew members ordered to stay behind to direct the repair teams. The repair teams estimate repairs will take at least two days and I myself will be monitoring the repair teams progress from DS9.

No matter how many times Commodore Wilkan Targaryen boarded Deep Space Nine, he was always surprised by how industrialized the station was when compared to a Federation built station. No where was that more evident than with the station's airlocks. As the door prepared to open a heavy, reverberating grinding noise started to play across his ears, vibrating within the deck plates more than the air itself. This isn't a sleek, pressurized hiss and a silent slide of a Federation door, no, this is an industrial mechanism straining to work after years of abuse.

The door rolls along its visible, greased track, like a gear turning in slow motion. The viewport built into the wheel moves along with the door, which was more a slab of corrugated metal than anything else. As the door slid into place, the computer's voice announced the atmospheric equalization in Bajoran and Federation Standard, crisp and efficient against the raw sound of machinery. A slight pop could be heard in the ears as the airlock opened completely and the pressure in the ears of the crew equalized.

Then the noise became nearly deafening.

Deep Space 9's Promenade was a bustling, vibrant locale where the air was abuzz with a cacophony of alien languages and the distant clatter from Quark’s ever spinning Dabo tables. What seemed like hundreds of species moved along the Promenade space, making their way through the wide, circular walkways to the diaspora of shops and restaurants that lined the walls of the lower floor. Wilkan's eyes were drawn not to the stores, but to the architecture of the Promenade itself.

Just like the rest of the station, the Promenade was more functional that polished. DS9's Promenade was built of thick, dull-tan metallic panels, that were reinforced by massive, dark support columns that arced across the high ceiling above. For even the untrained eye the underlying Cardassian design was hard to hide, the sharp curves and oppressive fixtures evident. It was amazing how it was all softened by the chaos of the diversity within the curved halls of the spaceborne mall. Colorful Bajoran silks and banners of the major powers of the Khitomer Alliance hung from the second-story railings, providing splashes of color against the uniformity of the Cardassian architecture. Impressive statues of figures important to the Bajoran culture stood like silent sentinels watching the living, breathing bazaar below. It was really quite beautiful.

As he wandered the Promenade, Commodore Targaryen wondered what the rest of his crew were thinking.

Amber wasn’t far behind Targaryen, seeing him in front of her she picked up the pace. “Commodore..” She offered a warm smile as she caught up. “Do you mind if I walk with you?”

Glancing over, "Not at all, Counselor, not at all. I was just on my way to get a jumja stick. Would you like one?" The Commodore motioned toward the kiosk selling the Bajoran confection.

“Can’t say I’ve ever tried one, so yes please” Amber grinned like a child about to head into a candy shop. “I was wondering if it would be okay for Josh and I to share quarters? I know these requests normally don’t go through the CO, but I wanted to ask anyway while we’re not on duty.”

Wilkan handed two strips of latinum to the vendor to pay for the candy. Accepting the two snacks, he handed one to the Counselor first before looking at the distinctly Bajoran treat. Tasting the candy, the flavor reminded him a bit of maple syrup, but with a citrus like after taste. "I don't personally mind, Counselor, but I don't think you'd qualify for one of the family suites if that's what you're asking?" He wasn't exactly sure what he was being asked. Commander Bernadotte would be the one to ultimately assign the cabin.

"I suppose you have my blessing though," the Commodore commented as he noticed a Bajoran Ranjen pass by.

Amber tried the Bajoran candy nodding before answering. “We don’t need family quarters, we just wanted to be sure that moving in together would be okay. My quarters might be the bigger ones being Senior Officers quarters but I’ll see where Josh wants to be. Thank you for your blessing anyway.” She smiled before eating more of her candy.

"Not a problem, Counselor," the Enterprise's Commander answered. "You caught me at a good time, I always get a jumja stick when I'm on DS9. My wife says they improve my disposition and make me agreeable. Sadly it's not like during the War. Back then I'd get a Romulan osol twist instead, they're a bit tarter than sweet." He still remembered one time speaking with the Romulan Senator - Creetak was her name - about the osol twists. Rumor had it she also convinced Colonel Kira to try them.

Amber grinned. “I don’t know your wife, but I’m sure she knows you better than anyone. I tend not to make any judgements about people, being a Counsellor I need to be neutral at all times. Oh, and please call me Amber, it saves the titles while we’re off duty. I have to admit I like this, I’ll have to buy more before I go back to the ship.”

"Feel free to do so. I tried to convince the merchant to come to the Enterprise, but she wasn't to thrilled about the idea. Plus, my wife would kill me. Most of the time the kids are here with her on DS9 and they like jumja sticks as much as I do," Wilkan explained. "I'm a little surprised you haven't met her, she's the Captain of the Defiant and the Bajoran Sector Commander. You may also call me Wilkan or Will if you prefer while off the ship."

“Thank you Will” Amber smiled before massaging her temples. “I think I’ll have to drop by sickbay, I’m not sure if it’s all the minds here, but I’m getting more headaches than usual. Probably nothing to worry about though."

About a thousand potential answers went through the Commodore's head, so many that he tried to hide them using the skills he'd learned in blocking telepathy over the years. Instead of going the command route, he chose instead to go for the more personal one, "You should definitely get that checked out, Amber, we want to make sure that you're at your best. Doctor Kholin is on shore leave, but if you want to stop by the Infirmary here Doctor Carrillo is a pretty good doctor." His bias toward his own crew was showing.

Commander Randall stood outside Quark's, ears focused on the sounds and voices emanating from the establishment and tested the air with her nose, a few times, before moving on down the Promenade. What the Tuansee was listening and sniffing for was anyone's guess but she either did, or didn't, find it and moved on without a word.

A few seconds passed and Galatea's voice came over the communicator, "Enterprise to Commander Randall."

Ash keyed her communicator with a flick of her left ear, the device neatly hidden inside the cup of that ear, disguised as a little tuft of fur. "Randall here, Enterprise. Go ahead." When responded, quietly, Ash she paused, several steps from the entrance to Quark's place and appeared to study/admire the banners hanging from the second level.

"Sorry to bother you, Commander, but we just received notice that Starfleet has a new shuttle they'd like us to test for them at the Bajoran Okana Shipyards. I thought you may be interested."

"Sign me up." Ash replied, quietly, and suppressed the urge to do a Snoopy 'Happy Dance'. The one place aboard DS9 that the Tuansee Engineer actually enjoyed going to, Quark's, she was permanently, barred from patronizing after breaking the house on the dabble tables her last visit so, the inquiry from Galatea was a reprieve, of sorts, from an evening of terminal boredom. "I'm your girl." She continued and then added. "Thank you."

"I'll make sure the information gets to you. You may want to look for a copilot for your deployment tomorrow. Let me know. Galatea out."

For a few seconds the evening had been looking up for Ash but the threat of, absolute, boredom rematerialized for the felinoid like a planet eating monster that was too big to fight and impossible to run away from. It wasn't like there was NOTHING to do on DS9 it was just that there was nothing that ASH wanted to do on DS9. The Chief Engineer of Enterprise sighed and continued on away from Quark's while she contemplated her options for exploring the station for things that she would find interesting and also considered who would be copilot.

Kuzos walked along the Promenade, pointedly ignoring the stares, disbelieving and downright angry looks he was getting from either merchants or others visitors on the station. It was clear that a Vorta in a Federation uniform was not a normal sight or a welcomed one. He didn't see any others from the Enterprise so he continued to sight see and smile at those he met .

"Commander Kuzos!" Aidan called as he recognized the Vorta officer. "Mind some company?" He asked as he caught up with the man, fully aware of the disapproving looks of the station occupants and visitors. The Trill was accompanied by a little girl who was held securely by the hand. "I was going to show my little girl around but you look like you could use some moral support."

Kuzos spun at hearing his name. "Commander Datari" He replied pleasantly. "This is a surprise and not at all. Company would be most welcomed right now." He knelt on one knee to address the little girl, smiling brightly at her, "Hello, my name is Kuzos. What is yours?" As he waited for a reply he looked up at Aidan, "Where's Sherlock?"

As if on cue, the blue landed boldly on the Vorta's arm and nuzzled the man's cheek in greeting. "There," Aidan chuckled, "as if he was waiting for your summons." He nudged the little girl forward. "go on, tell him your name."

The hybrid girl bit her lip and smiled shyly. "I'm Saeri," she whispered, then held up her hand. "I'm four...."

The Ranjen saw Sherlock and immediately stopped in his tracks, looking at the creature. "What sorcery is this?" He asked, surprised by the life-form.

"Teleportation," Aidan explained, "this is my pet, a mini dragon I suppose but from what little I know, he's a firelizard. And no, he doesn't breathe fire. He's generally very friendly, provided there's no danger. His name is Sherlock."

Kuzos lifted a hand to scratch Sherlock's head in greeting, "Hello Sherlock, good to see you." he said before facing the little girl again. "Saeri? That is a pretty name and it is a pleasure to meet you and you are four? My you are getting to be a big girl. Are you enjoying spending time with your father?""

The little girl nodded. "I always spend time with daddy," she answered smartly, "besides daddy and Sherlock there's no-one else. I don't have friends on the ship yet, we just got there." She looked up at her father. "Maybe Auntie Kesha and Darok can visit? Or grandpa Thelev?"

Aidan shook his head. "Unlikely sweetie, but maybe we can visit in a few months. Maybe," he added, "no promises." He looked up at the others. "My foster father and sister...she barely knows them to be honest, as I haven't seen either in over a year."

Kuzos smiled, "That is wonderful that you are having a good time with your father." He paused for a moment then continued. "Being new somewhere especially on a starship can be scary." Kuzos replied gently, "I'm new as well. Perhaps we can be friends together?" He suggested.

"You can be daddy's friend," the girl answered boldly, "and family friend." She paused, studying him with an earnest look on her small face. "I think you're a little old to be just my friend?"

Aidan chuckled, an amused expression touching his lightly tanned features. "At least she suggests friend," he coughed under his breath.

Sherlock chirped, dark green eyes speckled with blue. Still perched on the Vorta's arm, he extended a talon to the newcomer as if to suggest to include him on the conversation.

Kuzos chuckled at Saeri's statement. "I see. Well, friends come in all shapes and sizes as well as ages. I would very much like to be your father's friend and Sherlock's" As he reached up and gently took the talon and grasped it. "As for family friend, I suppose that will have to do."

The little girl smiled. "I think you will be," she said wisely. She stood up to the tips of her toes to get taller. "I like you," she added confidently.

Kuzos's smile brightens at Saeri's statement., "I certainly hope so. That would please me very much and I like you too."

"Would you like to join us for a drink?" The Trill asked casually, casting his happily smiling daughter a warning glance. "Just a drink," he added carefully, just in case things got misinterpreted, which wouldn't be the first time.

Kuzos nodded and replied, "I would like that." Though his face showed confusion at the remark 'just a drink.' He decided not to question the comment. "Have you a locale in mind?"

Skilled at reading expressions through his years as linguist and interpreter to his deaf foster sister, Aidan sighed softly. "I suppose that deserves an explanation," he added, "since Saeri has discovered that I have no mate, she has been trying to find herself a new secondary parent. She has tried to...arrange dates, a somewhat curious endeavour at her age to begin with. As for locale, Quarks perhaps? It is the only decent venue I know on this station. Unless you have a better suggestion?"

Kuzos looked between Aidan and Saeri, as Aidan explained his previous comment. "Ah, I see. However she is concerned about your well being." He offered before adding "Quarks is a fine choice."

Urvasi, dressed in a light green blouse/dark green skirt ensemble, no bra, thong, was waiting at a gathering room beside the airlock that went into DS9. She was sitting down and drinking a Vanilla Latte with cinnamon while playing an Adventure Game on her PADD. She was hoping to catch Dylan on his way to visit the Promenade and see if she couldn't join him as a date for the Evening.

"Not working still I hope?" Dylan's voice interrupted.

Urvasi perked up mid sip at hearing Dylan's voice. She moved the Latte away from herself with her TK and then stood up and turned to embrace Dylan in a hug. She yiffered in humor as she replied, "Not in this outfit, I hope." She gave him a quick kiss on his lips, then continued, "I am glad you found me as I was waiting for you." She giggled a little, then asked, "So.. my first time to DS9 Promenade. Would you mind showing me around... and maybe consider this a date?"

Returning her affection Dylan couldn't hold back his own smile as Urvasi uttered a delightful giggle: "Luckily for you I've passed through the station a couple of times in the past and can recall some places to visit especially good for first timers. Shall we get started?"

Urvasi gave Dylan another squeeze as she replied, "Good, a knowledgeable tour guide is good, being a beau is the best. Let's." She reluctantly released the hug and went to be on his right side. Taking his arm, she let him lead the way.

Together they crossed through the airlock and after a short walk arrived on the station's promenade, its Gothic, industrial Cardassian architecture was proudly on display as normal.

"Quite something isn't?" Dylan asked watching the way she'd been drinking in the scene. "A far cry from a normal Federation starbase."

Urvasi looked around, taking in the aesthetics of the Cardassian - Federation conglomeration of architecture meeting to create the synergy of the promenade. It was unusual, yet, clashing in a way of being purposeful, and to be admired. She let out a breath of wonderment as she answered Dylan, "Yes, to both. I like it... a far cry from anything I am used to... and that makes it an experience, and even better as it is with you."

"You big softie."

The Ranjen, who had moved on from Sherlock, had come to the benches and overheard. "If this is your first time to the Promenade be sure to visit the Bajoran Temple for services, or there's a new guest who had been touched by the Prophets with the gift of foresight!"

Shooting Urvasi a sideways look Dylan nodded slightly at the passing Ranjen. "The Temple is open to all if you'd like to visit."

Urvasi drew back a little from the guy who interjected himself into Dylan's and her's date. She was skeptical at hearing about 'services' and 'prophets'. Her 'religion' was all about the Creator and following his creed for all. She responded, "If we go by the temple, we will visit to see the sights. Thank you." She returned her attention to Dylan, saying, "So, you mentioned there were a couple of places you knew for first timers. What place did you desire to visit first?"

"Oddly the temple was on the list, but we can always leave that for later," Dylan replied slowly having felt her shy away from the passing Ranjen. "No visit to DS9 isn't complete until you've been to Quarks, as you can see it sticks out like a sore thumb," he pointed to the noisy glittering establishment.

Urvasi quirked her head a little. She hoped she hadn't irked Dylan in some way at her reaction. She replied, "Oh.. it was. Okay, we can visit it after Quarks. Let's see what the establishment is about. Please, lead the way."

"Considering it's been called a gambling leisure house in the past I think you can properly fill in the blanks," Dylan smirked leading the way. "Oddly the young fresh faced me enjoyed watching the girls dance on the tables on a previous visit," he said. "The older, wiser me, however won't be giving them a second glance. That is, unless you opted to join them!"

Urvasi tilted her head as she caught Dylan's words 'gambling leisure house', trying to correlate it with her homeworld Nestranstra III and Tau-Riene. It wasn't until Dylan said 'girls, dance, tables' that she shifted her thinking to the strip bars and brothels on Existence point. She let out a yiffer as she replied, "Okay, now I am following. And, you know, if allowed, I just may just for you... " She gave a kiss on his neck just below his ear, then moved her lips up to his ear to whisper, "Let you see what color of thong I am wearing... " She giggle yiffered lightly and tugged on his arm to lead the way.

He let out an audible gasp before she tugged his arm and felt certain he face was bright red once more.

Urvasi noticed, yiffered gently, then gently moved him forward while making it seem like he was leading them into 'Quark's Bar, Grill, Gaming House and Holosuite Arcade'. She quickly took in scents and sights, then whispered to him, "Well, more like home, not like Existence point. Still, I see peripheral tables on the second and third floors with lower lighting than the central area." She breathed in, then said out loud, "Lead the way, boyfriend. Let's get drinks, then.. up there, third floor, empty table for two.. *yiffers* might be big enough to table dance..."

"Call me selfish but I'd rather have a private show," Dylan said lowly with a crocked smile. "In the meantime what do you want?" he indicated to the bar.

Urvasi yiffer-giggled at the mention of a private show. She turned to look at the bar, closed her eyes to take in a long sniff, then said, "I'll take an Orion's Belt. It smells like it has rum, a melon type liquor, a citrus fruit similar to pineapple, and a splash a medium cream." She snuggled into his side, saying low, "Private show.. I think that can be arranged.." Then she continued with, "Your turn to choose a drink, and then, I am buying. My pay allotted expense money is a touch higher than yours."

"Ah, another perk of being senior staff I suppose?" Dylan joked. "On top of the bigger, private quarters with actually running water you get more spending money then me when ashore? Another thing to look forward to, one day maybe."

Urvasi at first thought she heard a tinge of jealousy, a tinge of envy, but then, it became a desire for advancement for those perks. She almost let out an exhausted sigh before catching herself. She instead replied, "Yes, earnings of perks due to duty and desire for advancement.. You will get there, I know it." She leaned into him, wanting to show him support.

Dylan smirked at her encouragement words. "Thanks, though I'm not in a hurry to excel just yet. Due to a recent change in circumstances I'm quite content for now."

"Now, what to have...?" He browsed the flashy digital menu that adorned the wall space. "I'll have a Mind Meld please."

The bartender serving that section of the bar quickly pours their orders. He is fast, efficient, and has their drinks in less than 32 seconds. Urvasi watched and studied how he created the two drinks aggregately, taking internal notes for her own mixology background. She picked up her drink, saluting Dylan, and said, "Wow, he was good, fast, exact, and proficient on his pours. I need to practice with you to get that good." She picked up Dylan's drink and handed it to him, saying, "So, third floor, to the right, a table just for us?"

Craning his neck upward Dylan caught sight of the table she'd mentioned. "Alright, lets go." he lead the way up the spiral staircase to the upper level.

Once seated he indicated with his glass back down towards the bar area seeing some familiar faces. "As you can see Quarks is popular with visitors alike."

Urvasi sat down as Dylan did. She took a sip of her drink. It was good, but for her, a neat bourbon or speyside scotch would be better. She looked down where Dylan indicated and saw more o the crew gathering, and then to another place with others were, besides a lot of unknowns about. "Wow, a lot of the Enterprise officers here tonight besides others." She looked about with a hopeful look, then seemed to deflate a little. She sighed and said, "No dance floor..." She smiled back to Dylan, "But at least I am here with my boyfriend, that is a big plus."

"Sounds like something we can drink to," Dylan lifted his glass towards each other and they clinked together.

Urvasi took another drink, her ears flickered with a decision as she had promised something earlier to Dylan. The table was not big enough for her to dance on, sooo. She stood up, saying, "I need to make sure my shoes are adjusted properly." She moved around to be beside Dylan, then she bent over to make sure her shoe straps as well as claw openings were aligned, her buttocks towards him, while using his body as a shield so that no one else in the club could see. The color shown to him was Teal.

Quickly he swallowed the mouthful of drink he'd just taken as Urvasi shifted directly in front offering him a very private view. Concerned someone else may have seen Dylan tugged her tail encouraging her to kneel beside him and lent closer. "I've always said you look good in teal," he whispered.

The tug near the root of her tail was an erotic flirt to Urvasi. She felt herself release some wetness into her style of panties even as she turned around to kneel beside Dylan, her eyes looking up into his. She listened to his words, then smiled with a dreamy look. She replied, "Thanks.. we may have to go blouse and skirt shopping for clothes near that color." She flexed her legs to come up to meet Dylan lips to lips, then did a slip move to go back to her seat. She shifted a little in her seat, then she looked at him with 'accusing' eyes, and said, "Thanks a lot, boyfriend, I am squishy in my seat. You will help me clean up later, yes?" She looked down at her drink and followed up with "Darn it, I'm empty."

"Hey, don't blame me, I didn't finish your drink," Dylan smirked. "As for the other...yes, in good time. There's a lot more of the station to explore first."

Urvasi let out a low, erotic yiffer laugh, "Okay, all in good time." She brightened and asked, "So, when you finish your drink, we continue the tour? Or did you want another one?"

Eyeing the growing number of Enterprise crew members gathered below Dylan tossed back the remainder of his drink to answer her question. A wince flickered across his face as the alcohol hit his throat: "Let's go before the others invite themselves to join in."

Urvasi stood up while replying, "Sounds like a plan. Your tourist awaits her tour guide happily."

Eagerly he took her hand and squeezed it. "I'll give you the five star tour," he smirked privately.

Moving to another station needing attention, Mira chatted with the Station Personnel about the needed power and computer repair and upgrade links to the DS9 Engineering personnel. She was one of those assigned in shifts to work with the engineers. While the main concerns were the Core, there was also needed updates to the peripheral computer control links as well as power transferring cables to help in the next instance the 'Ash protocol' was needed. Even though only an 'Ensign', her core competency was power generation, handling, and transfer, and so this made her uniquely qualified to help oversee the power conduit as well as the computer link upgrades.

Mira would be doing this for 2 days, then one day off, then again 2 days, 1 day off. This gave direction and flow to the DS9 Personnel, then would give them a grace day to complete the assigned from the previous 2 days. She was okay with this, and on her day off, would then go check out the DS9 Promenade. She was not sure what she would find, but at least she could get off the ship and see something new not experienced before.

Sora, meanwhile, had decided to personally oversee the first day of the repairs and updates to the computer core, although she had planned to then head to Quark's for the evening. Before that, however, she was going to do one last round of checking in with various members of the crew to see how they were making progress. As she was, officially, off duty, she had decided to dress more casual, opting for a black vintage t-shirt with the logo of one of her favourite 21st century bands, a short leather skirt, and some simple black boots, combined with the cropped jacket from her Terran uniform with the rank boards removed, and a black flat cap. She had also pinned her combadge to the chest of her jacket.

Seeing Mira still at work, she walked up to her. "Ensign, how are we looking?"

Mira nodded to the SB9 personnel as she said, "One moment, please." She turned around and smiled at finding that it WAS Sora who asked about how the work was going. She lowered her gaze to the shorter lady as she started with, "Going good, Commander... Bernadotte.." Her ears and whiskers moved back and forth as a larger genuine grin burst upon her muzzle. Mira exclaimed, "Oh my gosh, you look GREAT! Commander. I love your ensemble, I wear similar style clothing when I am not in uniform." She then paused, realizing she had forgotten about the order. Her face turned frightened, then neutral, as she gushed, "Sorry, sorry... umm.. yes, on the repairs and upgrades.. we are a little ahead of timeline for the peripheral power and computer conduit repairs to include upgrades to handle future loads. I am not sure how the Core repairs and minor upgrades are progressing as I am not assigned to those." She waited, a slight tremble running through her tail at repercussions of her just gushing out compliments to a superior officer before following the order to give a status.

Sora chuckled at Mira's unease. "Ahead of time is always good, glad to hear it. I just came here from the Core, they're on schedule as well at the moment." She smiled. "I don't have much of my wardrobe with me, but a lot of it is this kind of style." She glanced around. "I mean, I am still doing work even though I'm supposed to be off-duty, so decided I might as well throw on something more comfortable than the uniform."

Mira's stance shifted at the chuckle, smile, and Sora's words. It moved from unease to wonderment. Her eyes went wide as she thought through what Sora said. "Wait, your off duty? And, that would be why your dressed in such a fashionable way... and your wardrobe is similar? Umm.. I am on duty, I think, as I was tasked to show the DS9 personnel the peripheral repairs and upgrades. Still.. Umm, when I am off later, could I meet up with you to see the Promenade and show you my off duty normal garb?" She blushed, then continued, "Would that be okay, Commander Bernadotte? Uh... uh.. no pressure, honest."

The Terran laughed. "Yes, I'm supposed to be on shore leave. But I decided I should do a walkaround and check in on the status on the computer repairs and upgrades. As for showing me the Promenade, you do know that I was stationed at DS9 for a bit when I was with Temporal Investigations? For some reason, this place attracts anomalies and incursions. Must be the wormhole. Or the fact we're quite close to the Badlands." She shrugged. "Anyway, I was heading out to grab some drinks after finishing my rounds, you're welcome to join me!"

Mira nervously laughed as she replied, "Umm, I meant 'show off my wardrobe', not show off the promenade. I have never been to DS9 before. Sorry for my words misleading you, Galactic norm is not my native language." She thought for a moment, "And please, I would love to grab a drink with you after shift. I am off shortly, so I can change and go with you. I think my outfit will compliment yours, but I will leave the final judgement to you. Meet you at the umbilical attachment in thirty minutes?" Mira's expression was hopeful, yet with a tinge of readiness for rejection.

Sora glanced at the tricorder on her wrist, which she had configured to function as a wristwatch when not in use, and nodded. "Thirty minutes works, gives me enough time to finish my rounds. I'll see you at the dock, Ensign. Don't make me wait," she added with a smile, and turned to leave.

Mira replied with, "See you there, Commander." She started her final rounds to verify the DS9 engineers were working on the correct areas.

***** 30 Minutes Later ****

Mira arrived at the dock right on time. She was dressed in a brown shirt that ended above her belly button, a black leather jacket that was shorter than the brown shirt with full length sleeves, black leather skort, and calf high leather lace up boots. The shorter, silky fur on her abdomen was easily seen, along with her little coarser, but still soft, fur along her sides and along her lower back. Her comm badge was placed strategically over her belt buckle.

"I see now what you meant," said Sora, walking up behind Mira. "I like your style, Ensign." She chuckled. "Although we should probably drop the ranks, at least when we're not on duty," she added, holding out her hand. "Sora."

Mira whirled around at hearing Sora coming up behind her. She listened intently, then a lot of tension went away as seeing the hand and the name, 'Sora'. She grinned and held out her hand to grasp Sora's and said, "Mira." Her tail came around to wrap once around the joined hands. Mira was looking into Sora's eyes, keeping good eye contact as this could be the start of a friendship instead of just acquaintances. She continued, "Thanks for inviting me. So.. since you know DS9, and I don't... would you like to lead?"

Sora smiled. "Mira it is. Just one moment before we go, I hope you don't mind that I've invited someone else along."

Just as she finished speaking, the 'someone else' she mentioned came running down the corridor, a woman that by all means could only be described as tiny. Dressed in a simple, light blue dress and brown boots, her hair seemingly freshly dyed black with a blue sheen, Sayori skidded to a halt next to Sora, almost gasping for breath. "Sorry I'm late, my mother called and I lost track of time. She says hello." Sayori turned to look at the other person waiting. "Oh, Mira! Hi! Didn't realise Sora meant you when she said she'd invited another Beta shifter. So, drinks. Where are we headed, Quark's?"

The Terran chuckled. "You didn't have to run, you know. I was about to ask, actually, Mira, what kind of place do you want to go to?"

Mira smiled at the diminutive Trill/Human hybrid, standing at 4 feet 9 inches of height. She glanced over to Sora, standing at a 5 foot 5 inches in height, and then realizing she was at 6 feet 1 inch in height. She loved Soyori's personality and scatterbrained duty cycles... yet, here were two 'humans', and she was... well, she was a rat, and way over them in height. She looked down at them, then answered Sora, "Well, I have never been to DS9, so, I am wide open?" She looked at them, then her demeanor seemed to open a little, "Umm, I am tallest here.. most inexperienced here... if you want to go ahead and leave me behind... I won't mind, Honest. But, if you want to keep me with you, despite my race.. Quark's is fine? I trust Sayori's judgement. I am.. here to experience the new... If..."

Sayori tilted her head at Mira's question. "Wait, why exactly would your species be an issue? I'm confused."

"Beats me," Sora added with a shrug. "Feeling insecure up there? Surely you'd be used to having to look downwards at people by now. Or is it because of the whole Terran thing? Didn't think the news had spread that far yet. Anyway, it's up to you whether you want to tag along, Quark's it is."

Mira looked at them for a moment, then burst out in a chortle that sounded like bells with interspersed low cutoffs. She grinned as she replied, "Sorry, I get in my head sometimes. Definitely, I'm in. Thanks gals."

Sora smiled warmly, a somewhat unexpected expression from a Terran, especially towards someone as alien as Mira - but then, Sora was not an ordinary Terran by any measure. "Quark's it is, then. Follow me."

Mira gladly fell in line with Sora and Sayori. She was a towering female behind a 'standard' height and a diminutive height female. And, she was still growing for another 25 years Terran. She felt the weight of her childhood, her family being slaughtered, her time in school being picked on, harangued, because of her being Arkelian, a fanatical race who would systematically kill any who are not Arkelian.. but that was not her, she was outcast, not believing in their god system, only believing in the Creator of all. Then, she looked at the two before her, two Terrans, well, one Trill Terran, who accepted her, without judgement. She decides... she will try be a gal with them, a female needing companionship, and not an outcast who deserves the worst heaped upon her. She will enjoy tonight, with, two who accept her for being... a potential friend.

Upon the upper level of the promenade occupying a position that could, with a simple turn of the head offer two fascinating views stood Commander zh'Roothi. From her advantage point she could, as she was doing at present, gaze down upon the bustle of the walkways below offering the opportunity to study the passersby without disturbance. Yet, if she chose to turn to the right just at the correct time the swirling mass of light an energy of the wormhole would occasionally burst into life, like flashlight in the darkness.

After the deathly silence on DS47 the noise of an outpost full of life, culture and noise felt jarring, yet invigorating in the same instant. The Andorian's lips pursed with thought as she watched personnel move below, engaged in a animated conversation with one another and wondered if the stricken outpost would ever become this vibrate living on frontiers edge. She wasn't regretting her choice to turn down Vice Admiral Astran Deix's offer but did find herself pondering the 'what if' while the Enterprise remained at DS9.

"Darsek for your thoughts?"

The new voice brought Zhora out of her own thoughts and back into the present. She quickly identified its owner and greeted him with a nod.

Lieutenant Commander Ektis Samti walked along the balcony toward the Enterprise's First Officer. The Executive Officer of the Defiant, Commander Ektis was wearing a more traditional Bajoran suit now than the uniform of a Starfleet Officer. While he was off duty now, something about how he was walking made it seem like he was still working, not that the XO of a starship ever really got any time off.

He looked out the window, seeing the Enterprise docked at upper pylon two, "Would you look at that. They don't make many like that these days."

Following his gaze the Andorian woman couldn't play down the smirk that tugged at her lips as Samti complimented the Enterprise. "Size isn't everything," she reminded him. "The Defiant is a formidable vessel and I hope you're proud of your crew. We'd be having a much more different conversation if things had been different on DS47."

"I'm very proud of the Defiant," the Bajoran answered, "just as I'll be as proud to be the new XO on 47. Admiral Deix notified me a short while ago. Seems he thinks I'll work well with their candidate for the captaincy." He smirked.

"Congratulations Samti," Zhora replied honestly. Though she'd had limited time working with the Bajoran Commander she'd been impressed by what she'd seen. His clear, calm head would be an asset for the new Commanding Officer of the restored space station taking pride of place in the Federation's plan to mend bridges between old foes. "That's wonderful news."

He leaned against the railing, despite being above the Promenade, "So, since you didn't mention you were the candidate for the captaincy, I take it you still haven't decided? The Admiral told me."

"Ah, I see," Zhora mirrored him by leaning against the railing and sighed. "Did he instruct you to pressurise me?" she asked contemplating if this was the actual reason why the Bajoran had approached her in the first place.

He retreated a bit, "No, not like that at all. I usually stop somewhere on the Promenade for dinner after my duty shift and happened to see you. I was curious if you'd like to join me? I wasn't aware if you'd been to the station before."

Realizing she'd come across both rudely and insensitive Zhora quickly shook her head. "I'm sorry that was rude of me, I didn't mean it like that," she began. "I still have time before I give the Admiral my final decision, a distraction would be most welcomed."

"Not necessary to apologize. You have the weight of the galaxy on your shoulders, or at least a quadrant," the Bajoran smiled. "A couple options exist for dining. There's always Quark's, but it's more touristy now than anything. There's a few other restaurants like the Replimat, the Klingon Deli, and the Bajoran Greengrocer."

"I'll defer to your recommendation," she returned his smile. "I've not had the luxury of such a prolonged time on the station prior, normally just passing through or caught up in mountains of work."

The Bajoran motioned toward the Promenade and smiled proudly, "Let's get going. It's still Federation Day and things will fill up quickly."

Rio was dreading seeing DS9 again. She had hoped never to set foot here again, preferably EVER. She delayed going aboard and insisted on procrastinating with every outstanding PaDD, all necessary stock items, medicines and supplies of every kind. Finally running out of 'chores' the CMO went round supervising the sterilisation of daily cleaning of the equipment but the staff had already done a perfect job of that and it was just an excuse to be repeating it - it would still need another go-over after 2 days out of use anyway, so it was a pointless nonsense.

She had to straighten her spine, metaphorically as well as physically and just go on over to the Station. She told herself it wouldn't be the same as it had been when she had left. She hoped the people who had betrayed her would have moved on by now so there would be no horrible encounters bumping into them and even though there would be memories of those days, her old job, the quarters it all happened in and so on, she was better off without either of the shallow pair and they were welcome to each other!

Head high and breathing deeply, the Enterprise's CMO strode onto the Promenade, a little belatedly but full of confidence - or so she hoped. The memories of the old place hit Rio harder than she expected though. Yes, there had been pain and betrayal here but there had been some great times before that all happened and suddenly just strolling around the old familiar sights and sounds, really flooded back to her, leaving her feeling vulnerable and concerned. There were even some familiar faces. Quark for one, eternal in his presence and his bar and gaming house seeming to increase in size whenever she saw it. There were other familiar sights and experiences and even the "Box of Delights" coffee house and bar was still open for business. Rio sought refuge inside, hoping that Yolanthe the Bokka was still behind the bar but there was someone different here today.

The Box of Delights was still here and it was still configured the same but there was a very different refurbishment and decor and a different type of clientele too. It didn't matter, not today, Rio ordered herself an Andorian Sunrise and told herself it was just one - it was an R & R two day leave - where would there be any harm? The waiter came across as she sat down in a small alcove amongst many such, and she ordered her drink but then decided to try the Terran pastries - she was suddenly aware she'd missed lunch - and everything for that matter - since breakfast. "Pain au Chocolate" please, Rio asked, with a polite smile. "...and a piece of Andorian Lemon and Strufruit pie too. Thank you".

The Waiter noted the choices on his PaDD and once confirmed scurried away. ~I know that's a really bad combination, all that indulgent, sweet stuff...~ she admitted to herself silently in a one person, two way internal conversation. The Waiter brought the order and Rio gently swirled the Sunset, starting it off with its famous colour changes then watched it - never failing to be fascinated by the way it reacted. She was just forking a piece of the pie into her mouth, having put the rainbow drink down in front of her plate, when who should walk in but her ex and the woman who had taken him from Rio - her former 'best friend'.

Rio almost choked and shrank back as deeply into her alcove as she could. Fortunately these nooks were designed for uninterrupted conversations and intimate moments and were draped to the ceiling with wall climbing plants, perhaps artificial, Rio hadn't been interested enough to find that much out, but they were a piece of good luck right now and that was all that mattered.

The incoming couple were distracted in an angry altercation, currently only rough, even profane words, fired at one another as if they'd been enemies about to break out into physical conflict. They pointed fingers accusingly at one another and hissed a lot of what they were firing back and forth, clearly at odds... and some!

This was embarrassing. What should Rio do? Could she get to the door to leave without being seen? No. She wasn't going to retreat on their behalves. It was a public hostelry and she was a paying customer. She decided to sit quietly and try to enjoy her treats. If she could ignore them, so much the better. Sipping her beautifully settling sunny coloured artwork of a drink, she warmed with the effects of it and kept sipping for a few moments. She had almost forgotten how much she enjoyed this cocktail. Biting into the Pain-au-chocolate next, she ended up with creamy chocolate filling spilling around her mouth as it melted and spread. She quickly took up the napkin she'd been given and wiped her face, hating the idea of how that must look.

However, the other two 'ex' important, no longer missed, people in her past-life didn't even glance at the other occupants of the room. The continued to bicker and growl and even snapped at the unsuspecting, innocent waiter for taking too long to approach for their order. Rio continued to eat quietly and politely until the squabbling became even more accusative and it became apparent, due to the raised volume, impossible not to hear, whether anyone wanted to or not, as the woman stood up and leaned right into the face of the man, screaming out that he was something unrepeatable and that he was sleeping around AGAIN. She spat the AGAIN word at him and attempted to slap his face but he countered and blocked her swing. Off balance now and infuriated further, the unfortunate waiter took the brunt again as he approached with their food and she snatched it from him and hurled the hot meal into the man's lap, causing him to roar in pain and swear hideously at her, calling her dreadful things and declaring that he was sorry he'd even been so stupid as to marry her and that he would be getting a divorce IMMEDIATELY as he never wanted to see her again, in fact he hated her and all her tantrums, tempers, nagging and spite. She wasn't letting him get the last word though, and began yet another tirade. He stood up and she tried again to try to slap him but he parried her away easily again and she became so incensed that she launched herself at him, nails scratching wherever she could make contact.

The other customers were tired of this horrible scene and behaviour and some had complained. The Manager was approaching and each table he passed raised their objections to the whole spectacle although Rio was sure she had seen several of them seeming to be enjoying having a laugh about it earlier. Clearly enough was enough though and the warring couple were ejected, first politely asked, then more insistently told to go and finally, with the delighted help of some of the other customers, physically ejected out onto the promenade.

As the procession passed Rio's alcove on their way out, she was unable to just stare away and her eyes met her ex-fiance's. His recognition silenced him and he stopped struggling with his captors and just stared at Rio, his mouth forming her name. The Trill just wanted to cry to see someone she had once loved so much, in such a sad and horrible situation like this but she fought to keep her 'doctor's professional expressionless face' in place as best as she could. All that she could focus on was the revelation that the two of them had got married. It was no pleasure to Rio that this had clearly disintegrated into an acrid divorce, it was just that he had moved on so fast, from being affianced to herself, to first sleeping with the woman who had failed to be her best friend, then escalating it to actually marrying her instead.

Rio had thought she was over the both of them but clearly she wasn't completely purged of them until now. After this whole awful episode however, Rio had seen the most dreadful sides of both of the two and wanted nothing more to do with them. They were both clearly self-centred, but also rude, foul-mouthed, violent and altogether to be avoided at all costs. Rio had lost her appetite for the tasties but she swilled down her drink and rose, settling her bill with the waiter on the way out and emerged back onto the Promenade. Security had now been summoned and were attempting to deal with the two furious combatants and this time, Rio managed to keep her gaze diverted as she passed by, disappearing into the crowd that was gathering beyond.

As the Enterprise's Chief Medical Officer walked away this time, she was remembering how she had been telling herself for years now, that she was over those two and free to leave their betrayal behind but NOW she could feel a liberating feeling of this actually being the real situation at last. She was now, finally free of the whole emotion, the whole pain, the doubt about whether or not it had been her own fault or her own doing, ALL of that was cleared away and despite *thinking* it had been before, she was now 100% *sure* and it was such a relief that she went into Quark's, took out some latinum for a little bet or two and ordered a couple more of the Sunrises. She was going to be sorry in the morning when the hangover hit her but by her spots she was going to have SOmuch fun celebrating her new emotional freedom first!

After a few minutes walk across the promenade, Sora had led Sayori and Mira to the entrance of Quark's, where she spotted another familiar face. "Commander Randall!", she called out. "Did not expect to run into you here, especially not on your own. Fancy joining us for a drink?"

Sayori smiled at the Commander and nodded a greeting. She'd not had much interaction with the Chief Engineer so far, but she had heard good things. She definitely could appreciate the fact that she did not have to strain her neck to look up at her, as opposed to Mira. "Evening, Commander, good to see you!"

Commander Randall turned to see Sora calling out to her and gave a little wave in greeting as she moved back toward the entrance to Quark's place to, at least, say hello. "Commander Bernadotte. Ensign Nakai. Ensign Yumerieva." She said in greeting, with a nod to each and smiled Sayori. "Good to see you too. Its nice to see eye to eye with someone for a change." She said, in jest, though she literally was eye to eye with the Ensign. Ash was almost never out of uniform, even when off duty, but had ditched the uniform on this evening in favor of a tank top, shorts and little tennis shoes the same shade of green as her eyes. "I'd love to join you all for a drink...assuming I can get in." She responded to Sora, with a little swish of her tail.

Mira was slightly confused at the ranks with last names, unless that is how Commander Randall always wanted to interact with others? And, why for not getting in? She was a Senior Officer, meaning her age was good, right? She snorted in mirth as she said, "I would love a drink with you as well... And, as I am not in Uniform... can you call me Mira?"

Sora chuckled. "Why do I have a feeling there's a story there?"

"Okay...Mira. Ranks do seem a bit formal for being off duty, right?" She added, and glanced to Sora. "Call me Ash." She added and the felinoids left ear swiveled to focus on something to her left for a couple seconds before returning to an, attentive, forward position. "I still had grey fur the last time I was here and crushed a Dabo table." The Chief Engineer mused, with a little grin that intimated she thoroughly enjoyed doing it. "Its been a long time. They probably won't recognize me." She added, not mentioning, leaving out that she had turned 2 slips into an ingot by disabling the 'house' advantage and using her own, little known, temporal capabilities to determine likely possibilities and cover them.

Mira's eyes opened as she hoped they had forgotten that the Chief Engineer had destroyed their 'Dabo' table, whatever that was. She hoped it was not too expensive to have put any price on Ash's head. She glanced about, but there was no security crawling out of the woodwork, so... the destruction of property must have been covered by wanting to replace it anyways.

Spotting her colleagues, a now slightly 'happy' Dr Kholin approached them and offered a round of drinks. "I don't mean to intrude" she began "but as we're all in the same place, can I buy everyone something to drink?" she asked. She wasn't intending to stay and crash their party but it was nice to have new friends if possible that she waited to see if they seemed to dislike being jumped on and if she should just go upstairs and celebrate instead, before maybe making her apologies and retiring?

Mira smiled to the nice Terran/Trill Chief Medical Doctor, replying, "Sure, I'm in. I think it is always good manners to accept a Buy from a superior officer, right?"

Sayori grinned as the doctor approached. "And the Doc is here as well! Well, I'm not going to say no to a free drink, am I?" She cocked her head. "Say, Doc. You're half-Trill like me, aren't you?"

Sora rolled her eyes. "Not now, Sayori," she muttered under her breath, feeling a bit like an exasperated older sister.

"A drink would be just the thing. thank you, Doctor."

Rio took their orders and went to the bar to fetch them. When she got back she was deftly balancing the drinks like a pro.

"I was a waitress during the Medical Academy years." she commented, grinning, seeing their surprised looks. They all joined Rio in laughing about Student life and the evening went on very well from there on.

Daughter held safely and securely by her hand, Aidan gestures for his Vorta companion to enter first. His blue dragon companion however was nowhere to be seen. "How about you find us a seat, and I'll go and get us some drinks?" He suggested, "what would you like to have?"

Kuzos pointed to a table in the near corner. "How about that? And for what I would like anything is fine. I can handle many different types of drinks."

"Lovely," the Trill answered. "Saeri, please go with Commander Kuzos and stay with him, I won't be long." As he watched his daughter stay close to the Vorta security chief, Aidan went to get drinks. Within minutes he returned with two brightly coloured and very fragrant drinks. "Andorian tea," he explained as he set the tray down onto the table. "One of the few warm beverages I actually enjoy as I grew up with it. I don't consume alcoholic beverages, and actually prefer iced to near frozen water."

Kuzos and Saeri had reached the table and were sitting down, chatting when Aidan returned with the drinks. "Andorian tea?" Kuzos questioned, "I confess I have never heard of it or tried it. I look forward to trying it." he reached for the glass and took a sip. "Hmmm, a most delightful taste. Thank you Aidan for bringing it to my attention."

"What do you like to drink?" Saeri asked as she picked up her glass, "do you have a favourite?"

"Perhaps next round we can try something from your culture?" Aidan added, "assuming it's suitable for children of course, and doesn't contain alcohol or synthetic."

Kuzos nodded in agreement. "We Vorta have a very nice and flavorful fruit drink that I think Saeri and you would both like."

"That's settled then," Aidan grinned as he sipped his tea.

Meanwhile, the little girl had her eyes fixed on the alien. "Do you have a family with you?" She asked after a brief silence, not at all knowing that Vorta were cloned, not born out of two parents.

Kuzos smiled at the girl. "No, family little one. It is just me." He answered not unkindly.

"That must be lonely," the girl mused, "maybe you can join our family if you don't have any. Right daddy? Uncle KT might like that too."

Aidan almost choked on his drink as his daughter made the offer. His eyes watered as he coughed. "Maybe," he managed, "I'll explain that sometime...."

Kuzos smiled at Saeri, "Why thank you Saeri. That is very kind and thoughtful of you. I think I would like that. of course that is if your father has no objections."

"The more the merrier," Aidan answered between coughs. He set his glass down, still trying to regain control over his breathing. "Don't get me wrong, you're more than welcome, but I think Saeri doesn't quite understand. She knows we have a very complex family dynamic." Where before he had little intention of explaining then and there, now he felt obligated to, especially since lying wasn't in his repertoire of abilities. "My foster father is Andorian, she calls him grandad as he's a father to me. However in my late teens, I was formally adopted into a Reman family. I was also married twice, but lost my first husband in battle. My second marriage was to her mother, but she left shortly after her birth. I had a few relationships in between, and she has seen some of the pictures. And of course heard some of the adventures. But what she derived from this is that she seems to think I need someone, besides her."

The Trill looked genuinely apologetic. "I'd rather have a friend, for now," he admitted.

Kuzos listened in silence as Aidan explained his family situation ass well as his own personal relationships. When he had finished, Kuzos smiled. "Saeri has your best interests at heart and I would rather her care too much than not care at all." he paused for a moment before continuing, " Sometimes friends are needed more than family and you have a friend in me." he replied simply.

"As do you," the Trill promised. "Whenever you need anything, all you need to do is ask."

"Please remember that for yourself as well." Kuzos answered with a smile.

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