The dart landed in the centre of the dartboard with a resounding thud, right next to two similarly placed darts. Lights flashed excitedly, while shrilling chime sounds were emitted from the dartboard, signifying yet another Bulls-eye for Julian Bashir, although he was stood at the other side of Quark's bar.
"You've been practising," muttered Miles O'Brien as he puts down his half empty pint of ale. Bashir smiled wryly as Ezri Dax gave him a quick kiss on the cheek as a reward.
The reunion party, for what it was worth, was underway. Odo was due to arrive at any minute but no-one was sure if Sisko would turn up, or even if he knew about the reunion at all. Kira had sent numerous transmissions through the wormhole, but had not received any response or sign to say that the Emissary was in the mood to party with old friends.
The mood had changed somewhat from when they first arrived. Admiral Hoover had interrupted their party to inform them of the current situation regarding Voyager and assigned most of them debriefing duties.
Kira collected her drink from a flustered Quark (who was upset that this party would now only last hours instead of the planned days) and joined the rest of her comrades.
"What I do not understand is if Voyager is so damn important, why the Enterprise doesn't escort it to Starfleet headquarters?" asked Kira.
"Even at maximum warp it would take them weeks to get there," pointed out Worf who was drinking Prune juice as normal. Prune juice had become a big hit on Chronos ever since Worf's appointment as Starfleet Ambassador to the Klingon home world. Imports of this non-alcoholic beverage were now matching those of Blood Wine in some sectors.
"It appears Colonel, that they do not call it 'Deep Space' for nothing, said Garak as he accepted a glass of K'narr from one of Quark's underpaid and overworked assistants.
Kira gave Garak one of her 'if looks could kill' stares, but Garak merely raised his glass to salute the Colonel.
"Well apart from that," said O'Brien who was preparing to throw his first dart, "Starfleet Command has the habit of delegating as much as possible across the quadrant these days." He threw the dart, which landed in the top-middle section of the board.
"Bad luck, old boy," commented Bashir
"Why's that?" Kira asked the Chief.
O'Brien stopped lining up his second shot and turned to face Kira.
"Because over the past seven years or so the Federation has faced crisis after crisis. So much so that it's now bloody paranoid about the next attack by the Borg or if another war will kick off any minute."
"But nothing apart from a few minor skirmishes has happened for almost a year now." Kira argued.
"Exactly," replied O'Brien. "So they are using this quiet time to build ships. And we are not talking about science vessels or ships designed for exploration. We are talking about war ships like the Prometheus, Defiant, and Excelsior class."
"A sensible approach," commented Worf
O'Brien turned back towards the dartboard before continuing. "It's not sensible if it's taking up all your time and resources." He threw the second dart, which landed right next to the first one. Bashir scrunched up his face in mock pain at the apparent bad form of his friend.
"Or if you do not want to upset the Romulans," said Odo as he strolled into the bar.
The game was forgotten about, as was everyone's drink, while Odo was greeted by shouts of 'Constable' from all - even though this was no longer his title. Kira simply walked over and gave him a big hug, while Quark was desperately trying to hide several mysterious looking objects behind the bar.
"I've missed you!" exclaimed Kira as she gave Odo a big, sloppy kiss.
"And I've missed you," said Odo with a sheepish grin. He turned visibly red in the face; something the Founders only did when trying to imitate humans. But Odo had never been a normal Founder and his embarrassment and joy were real.
After the introductions had finished, Kira questioned Odo about his entrance. "What did you mean about the Romulans?"
"I believe the Romulans have shown...their, let's say, displeasure, at what they call, 'Starfleet's build up of military forces'."
"How did you know about that?" questioned Worf, who was visibly concerned supposed Starfleet secrets were being discussed.
"You do not think being stuck in the Delta Quadrant means I do not keep an eye on things here do you?" Odo still had not let go of Kira and she did not seem to be complaining.
"Ah yes! Thank you for reminding me," said Garak standing up. "The Cardassian Government, or what is left of it, would like to also officially protest at the excessive construction of Starfleet warships, and request that an intergalactic inquiry be set up immediately, or whenever is convenient, by an independent body to investigate Starfleet's actions."
Garak sat down with an exaggerated sigh.
"You know this political stuff really is quite tiresome."
Despite how crazy it may have seemed, Garak was now a Governor on Cardassia. After the Dominion threat was over, Cardassia not only had to lick its substantial wounds, but also answer to Starfleet, the Klingons and everyone else in the Alpha Quadrant for their actions. It was only due to the aid their fleet provided in the final battle ( as well as the fact Cardassia already had suffered substantially for their alignment with the Dominion) they were let off so lightly. Still, the Cardassian government was ordered to disband and a new one put in place. Several key positions were directly influenced by Starfleet, who positioned people they knew were sympathetic to the Federation. One of them, despite his somewhat shady past, was Garak. The idea seemed just as crazy to Garak as it did to most people who knew him, but, as he always pointed out, he hardly had any choice in the matter.
There was a sudden pause as if everything that had happened within the last few minutes was being absorbed by all. Bashir finally broke the silence.
"Are you ever going to take your last shot O'Brien?"
"All right, all right. Keep your hair on."
O'Brien aimed with his last dart then let fly. The third dart landed close to the others.
"Winner, Miles O'Brien," said the dartboard's CVS.
"Hey! It's never done that before!" noted Bashir as he made his way towards the dartboard.
"That's because no-one's ever won the game before," pointed out O'Brien who was looking very pleased with himself. The rest of the crew was straining to hold back smiles as they watched on with amused interest.
Bashir took the board off the wall and examined it closely. "You must have cheated!"
"No, it's called, playing by the rules," said O'Brien. He picked up his drink and walked over to Bashir to explain. "A cadet in one of my classes at the Academy is a real darts fanatic. We have been playing most nights recently."
Bashir did not look at all convinced. "But I hit the centre every time; you were all over the place!"
O'Brien was really enjoying himself now. "You may be shocked to hear this Julian, but the aim of the game is not to just hit the centre."
Bashir took out his Tricorder and started to scan the dartboard. Kira and Dezri could not contain themselves any longer and burst into laughter, laughter which stopped as quickly as it had started as Ben Sisko appeared in the centre of the room, far faster than any Starfleet transporter could have achieved.
"Have I missed anything?" said Sisko, wearing his trademark grin.
Jake Sisko, who until now had been sat quietly in a corner, suddenly leapt up. "Dad!"
He ran over to his father, throwing his arms around the broader man, nearly knocking him over in the process. Soon everyone gathered round, asking questions and offering greetings, which, as with Odo before him, lasted for several frantic minutes. Quark used the opportunity to top-up everyone's drink. Finally Sisko managed to greet Kira. "Commander, it's good to see you've kept the place in one piece."
"It's still Colonel or 'Acting CO'I'm afraid."
"Starfleet still hasn't given you the post on a permanent basis?"
Sisko looked puzzled, which was understandable, as it had been almost a year.
"Nope. The official reason is that I'm CO until you return."
"But I resigned!"
"They didn't accept it. You're on a temporary leave of absence apparently."
There's nothing like good old-fashioned red tape mixed in with a healthy dash of politics, thought Sisko.
"And what do we call you now?" asked Garak. "Captain, Emissary or will The Sisko suffice?"
"You can call me anything you like Mr. Garak, or I should say Gul Garak, as long as you don't call me The Sisko."
"Well, let's just say, I'll call you Benjamin as long as you don't call me Gul Garak."
There were so many positions that needed filling on Cardassia that Garak had been made Governor, and given the rank of commander, as well as several other positions, titles and responsibilities Garak despised. It was either that or face substantial time in a Federation brig for multiple dubious charges, several of which Garak clearly remembered not being responsible for.
"I'm afraid you're going to have to call him Captain," Kira interrupted her tone serious and commanding. "As are we all. I may be acting CO but under the current crisis I'm re-instating your Starfleet Security clearances. I'll retain overall command of the station while you will assist Ambassador Worf in the debriefing of the Voyager crew as..." Kira paused for a second to think. "Strategic Advisor and Starfleet liaison to the Prophets."
Sisko accepted with a nod and a smile. Worf simply nodded his acceptance. Kira then turned to Odo. "Odo, I'm re-instating you as well. You will 'assist' the Chief of Security as, err, Security Advisor and Starfleet liaison to the Founders,"
"It will be my pleasure Colonel," Said Odo.
"Can I be re-instated as the station's tailor, with no link whatsoever to the Cardassian Government?" pleaded Garak.
"Whatever," said Kira dismissively.
"So when does this Crisis start?" asked Sisko eagerly.
"The Enterprise is due to arrive in approximately 26 hours," answered Worf
"In that case, first we have the reunion party, and then the crisis," Sisko announced as he clapped his hands together and smiled. Jake thought he had never seen his Father look so happy.
It was as if they last twelve months apart simply had not happened as the past and present crew of Deep Space Nine chatted, joked and enjoyed each other's company. Quark even tried to bribe O'Brien with promises of free time in the Holosuite for him and Bashir, in exchange for information regarding the Enterprise crew's likes, dislikes and supposed vices.
Unfortunately, the smiles and general good cheer were not to last very long.