Chapter 4

Be Noticeable

"Uh."

I know that the Firengi entered the room over thirty seconds ago even before he started to mumble. He is standing over me now and it is very uncomfortable. I can sense that he is looking over my physical form but if he touches me, I will kill him.

"Uh," again, he is hesitating. I wait for him to start the usual groping but no wandering hands have come forth.

I can't hear anymore from him except the sense of his eyes on me. Another ten seconds pass before I deem that it has been more than long enough for him to wake me. Opening my eyes, I see the shock on his piggish orange features and I address him with a businesslike tone, "What is it?"

"Uh," he stands up straight and looks at anywhere else but not directly at me, "Damon Jek would like you to know that we will be arriving on Deep Space Nine in thirty minutes."

"Very well," I begin to lift myself off the couch but my head spins and I desist my actions long enough to say, "Thank you. I would like to prepare myself before we dock."

The chubby Firengi jumps back slightly at the coldness in my voice and then stomps out of the quarters while throwing dark glares my way. It does little to me, I am aware of his hostility but right now, this dizziness has got to go. Making my way towards the replicator, I order, "Computer, a raktajino."

The machine gives a humming noise, then the scent of strong Klingon coffee reaches my nose and already, the headache pain gives way a little bit. I grab the cup, waiting a moment to savor the heat as it creeps up through my hand to my neck, then I cautiously sip from the steaming liquid. The warmth lulls itself down from my mouth to my stomach and instantaneously, the pain in my head subsides.

"Oh, thank the gods for coffee," I murmur as I turn then pause at the sudden sight of myself in the mirror. I didn't realize that Damon Jek had a full length mirror running alongside his replicator but strangely, he does. Scanning myself, I find that there just isn't something right about my reflection. It's myself, I just don't look pleasing to the eye or my eyes, at least.

What would a musician wear?

A thought that I have never considered but Cardassian thinking has taught me that one must always be prepared and ready to dirty one's hands. The blue dress that I am wearing is of a navy blue which makes my hair appear to be so dark that it has a bluish tint, an effect that I was shooting for but something still does not look right. I pick at the long sleeves, they are only replicated cotton, yet if I take them off then I will get cold.

What must change?

I ask myself quizzically then something that I heard Dukat say returns to my mind, "If you want their attention then you must be noticed. Sisko will want to believe that you are a truly good human who only wishes to live peacefully. Lt. Dax will want to be entertained. Quark is easy, just look like someone out of Vulcan Love Slave. Major Kira doesn't like politics so do not be too talkative, she will be your friend if you prove yourself to her. The Constable seems to befriend those who have nothing to hide but in control of themselves. As for Garak, I think you know Cardassian men well enough except imagine one with as much wit as a Klingon and as much charm as well."

Considering those factors, I run my hands over the fabric, "I must be noticed but it can not be overdone. I must be human yet strong. Respectable, fun, beautiful, and everyone's friend," I find the problem with my image while muttering and so I start to rip off the midriff of the dress, "But not everyone likes everyone. That will be the problem but then again, I am not everyone."