Vic was standing looking at himself in a mirror, eyes wide with nervousness. He was wearing his very best suit and wanted to look as suave and sophisticated as he possibly could. He fidgeted, repeatedly straightening his collar, his bow-tie, his pocket-square. Everything had to be perfect.
Nog walked up and stretched up to slap him on the shoulder.
"Vic, stop fidgeting. You look as smooth as a... what's something that's smooth?"
"Silk?" ventured Vic.
"Exactly. Smooth as a silk. So relax. You've done this a thousand times."
"Not for a thousand people, I haven't!" he replied, nervously. "If Frank could see me now..."
Vic turned away from the mirror, still nervous.
"You really think I look okay?" he asked again.
Just then, Kira walked in from a side room and went up to him.
"You look great," she said. "As you would say 'You're gonna knock 'em dead.'".
"I'll settle for entertained," replied Vic, with a wry smile.
Mireh came out of her bedroom wearing a typical five-year-old's part dress. It was a light pink reaching to just above her matching pink shoes. The top half was largely unexceptional except for a flower just below her left shoulder. The lower half of the dress flayed away in a number of wavy layers ending in some lace at the bottom. She had a ribbon and some matching clips in her hair. As a special favour her mother had agreed to paint her nails to match.
The young girl stood and pouted.
"Mummy!" she cried. "This dress itches."
Matthias, also wearing a glamorous evening dress, walked over to her daughter.
"Oh, I'm sorry, baby. Come here then, let me see."
Matthias stepped behind Mireh and checked the back of her neck.
"Oh dear," she said. "I know exactly what to do to make it better."
She went off to the bathroom and came back with a small tube. She squeezed some cream out into her hand and rubbed it onto the back of Mireh's neck.
"Is that better?"
"A bit. Thank you Mummy."
"You're welcome, baby," she replied, planting a small kiss on her daughter's forehead.
Matthias looked around for her son.
"Sibias, hun? Is Arios ready?"
"He most certainly is," replied Sibias.
Sibias appeared from the bedroom, pushing Arios in front of him. Both of them were wearing smart dinner suits complete with black tie. Arios looked like an adorable miniature version of his father.
"Oh, look at my two handsome men," said Matthias. "And doesn't Mireh look pretty?"
Sibias looked over at his daughter. "Come here my princess. Let your daddy admire you."
Mireh walked over to her father and gave him a quick twirl.
"Do I get a hug?" he asked but she just stood there and shook her head.
"She's complaining that it's itching a bit," said Matthias.
"Well," said Sibias. "If it is itching so much you can always wear something else but you won't be as beautiful. Don't you want to be the most beautiful girl there?"
His daughter gave him a big smile and a tight hug.
Matthias disappeared into her room for a moment and returned with a holographic camera.
"I want a picture of my two beautiful children together," she said.
After much struggling she managed to get them to stand next to each other long enough to take a couple of pictures.
She crouched down in front of the kids and looked at them with a semi-serious face.
"Now, I'm letting you both stay up past your bed time because it's a special night. But that means I don't want any arguments when I say it's time to go to bed, okay?"
"We promise, Mummy," said Mireh.
"Can I have a jumja stick too?" ask Arios, hopefully.
"Okay," replied Matthias. "Just this once."
Sibias whispered in her ear. "Hadn't you intended to give them one anyway?"
She just winked at him.
Matthias went off to the replicator whilst Sibias helped the children with their coats.
"Four jumja sticks, please," she said out loud. Then added quietly, "Two of them sugar free."
The standard hum sounded from the replicator and four jumja sticks appeared, arranged in two pairs. Matthias grabbed them and brought them back to the kids, who were now wearing light jackets.
She handed one of the sugar-free sticks to each of the kids and one of the others to Sibias and kept the last for herself.
"Okay - everyone ready?" asked Matthias and the family exited their quarters.
The kids skipped on ahead, both sucking happily on their jumja sticks while Sibias and Matthias follow behind, also sucking on theirs. Sibias leaned in close to his wife.
"You look beautiful too, Phil."
"Why thank you, kind sir."
Sibias started to suck on his jumja stick.
"Ooh! We get the full sugar ones," he said.
"Well," replied Matthias suggestively. "We may need the energy later."
Sibias couldn't help thinking that this was turning out to be a very good evening indeed.
Back in ops, Vaughn exited from the captain's office and walked down the steps to the central Ops table where Dax was waiting.
"All locked up for the night?" he asked.
"Yep. No more ships due in. Everyone who needs to be here is already here."
"Good," replied Vaughn before turning to the tactical alcove.
Vulcan officer Sevak manned the station and was busy checking panels.
"Mister Sevak - are you sure you're okay running Ops all by yourself?" asked Vaughn
"Indeed, sir. I am quite capable. Tonight's event is, after all, for the benefit of the crew's emotional needs. And since I have no such needs, I would venture that I am, in fact, the ideal man for the job."
Vaughn barely managed to suppress a chuckle at Sevak's excess verbiage and only a stare from Dax stopped him laughing out loud.
He waved his arm as a signal to Dax. "Well, Lieutenant… after you."
"An officer AND a gentlemen," replied Dax with a chuckle.
The two of them headed up the stairs to the turbolift.
Bashir was waiting near the curtain as Vic walked towards him, with Kira and Nog tagging along behind him. Vic was clearly nervous, checking his cuffs, clearing his throat. He felt like a rookie on his first ever appearance on stage.
"How long have I got?" he asked.
"T minus five minutes, Vic," replied Bashir.
"Sounds kinda quiet out there."
"Stop worrying. I've got it all under control. You ready?"
"So, I am the entertainment on the evening when the Kai is chosen?"
"Yep," replied Bashir.
"I wouldn't have thought that Kira would have allowed it. She is very protective about her beliefs."
"Well," replied Bashir, "I persuaded her that there were extenuating circumstances."
Vic gulped and readied himself.
"Okay, I'm ready."
"Then let's go," said Bashir, encouraging Vic to step out onto his stage.
Bashir lead Vic and the others out onto the stage.
Vic stopped dead. The room was completely empty; except for Ginger the cocktail girl waiting by the bar.
"I don't understand... where is everyone?"
"They're waiting for you to take the stage. This way," said Bashir as he walked towards the bar.
Ginger poured a glass of champagne and handed it to Vic as they passed. Vic looked at it, not sure what to do.
"Go ahead," said Nog. "You are definitely going need it."
After a small hesitation Vic knocked back the drink and handed the empty glass back to Ginger.
"Break a leg, Vic," said Nog.
Vic smiled. Well, the kid seems to have learnt some of the jargon.
"Thanks kiddo," he replied. "But I still don't get it. There's no one here."
Bashir smiled and held the curtain into the entry passage open for him. Bashir could see that Vic was still not quite sure what's going on.
"This way Vic" ,said Bashir. "Just follow me."
Vic, Bashir, Kira and Nog gathered in the small anteroom. Kira touched a control and the door opened.
Vic's jaw dropped as the roar of an enormous crowd came to him from Quark's and beyond.
"Your audience awaits," said Bashir.
Vic turned to Bashir, confused.
"Doc, we've been over this," he said. "There's no way to go out there."
"Vic," said Bashir with a grin, "I'd like to introduce you to a friend of mine."
Vic looked back to the entrance and in walked someone familiar dressed in a Starfleet medical uniform. Vic was sure he recognised the heavily balding guy but was not sure where from.
"You look familiar," he said.
"I should hope so too," replied the visitor. "I am the guy who is fighting for holograms' rights."
A look of shock came over Vic face.
"You're the Voyager EMH. It's an honour to meet you."
"I'm sure it is. Though I have to admit it's an honour for me to meet another self-aware hologram."
"But I still don't understand what this has to do with me leaving the holosuite."
"You'll see," replied Bashir with a smile.
"Computer," said the Doctor. "Incorporate the Voyager EMH into holosuite program Bashir '62."
The doctor's image shimmered for a moment as it was transferred from the mobile emitter to the holosuite.
The computer beeped and announced "Transfer complete".
Bashir then took the mobile emitter and attached it to the lapel of Vic's jacket, as if it was a flower.
"Computer," he said, "transfer the hologram of Vic from holosuite program Bashir '62 to the mobile emitter."
Now it was the turn of Vic's image to shimmer for a moment as it was transferred from the holosuite to the mobile emitter.
Again the computer beeped and said "Transfer complete".
"There you go Vic," said Nog. "Have fun."
"Wait," said Vic cautiously. "This means I can go out of the holosuite?"
"Absolutely," replied Bashir. "Now go, before the Doctor changes his mind."
"Oh Vic," said the Doctor. "This is a one-time event. Don't expect a repeat performance. So make the most of it."
"Thank you Doctor," replied Vic.
"And, whatever you do, don't break it! I don't want to be stuck here in Vegas forever."
"No problem. I'll be careful," replied Vic. "But you should know that being stuck in Vegas ain't so bad. Great nightlife, loads of broads and you get a chance to sing."
"Well, maybe I'll taste some of the nightlife while you are out there," said the Doctor with a smile.
"No problem," replied Vic. "Be my guest."
He waved his hand and the club became a hive of action for the Doctor, who suddenly felt in his element.
Bashir stepped out of the holosuite door and onto the upper balcony of Quark's bar. He turned around and looked back at Vic, almost daring him to follow.
Vic began to realize what Bashir was implying. He took a small step forward... and another... and then he was over the threshold.
For real.
Vic looked around at everything, listening to the sounds, gaping in awe, as Kira and Nog followed him out and the holosuite door closed. He was totally amazed and smiled like the kid who finally got the toy he has always wanted.
"Your audience awaits, Vic," said Bashir.
"Big night," said Vic, to no one in particular.
Still absorbing everything, Vic followed Bashir around the balcony. They passed the spiral staircase and continued on towards the upper exit out of the bar onto the Promenade.
The door opened onto the upper walkways of the Promenade and a sea of faces awaiting Vic's arrival was visible. The roar of people was huge. Morn, Treir and Hetik all stood just outside the door beaming back at him with anticipation with Morn calling out Vic's name the loudest.
Looking out to the crossover bridge in front of them, Vic saw that a full live band was set up. Real instruments like the ones Vic's holographic band plays. A mix of Starfleet officers, Bajoran civilians and a few other species that Vic had no idea what they were called were tuning up their instruments in preparation for the show.
Kira noticed Vic's thunderstruck expression.
"I put a call out for all the best professional musicians from all over the station and Bajor" said Kira. "I can't guarantee they'll be exactly what you're used to but I've had them practising non-stop for a week now."
"I've taken care of all the power requirements, and made sure that the Promenade's acoustics are just right," added Nog.
"And Quark even pulled the entire Promenade Merchants' Association together to cater for everyone," said Kira. "Almost the entire station has turned out to see you, Vic."
Vic was shell-shocked.
"So no pressure or nothin', huh?"
"Eh, Vic".
Vic turned round to see Nog standing behind him.
"I took the liberty of preparing something for you. You don't have to use it if you don't want. I just thought you might find it useful. I hope you won't mind."
"Well?," replied Vic. "What is it? Stop beatin' around the bush."
"Bush? What bush?," asked Nog. He then smiled when he realised that this must be another of those strange human sayings.
"Ok. Well, I figured that, since there are a lot of non-humans here from many cultures, you might want to sing some other songs. Songs from other worlds."
"Sorta late for that. I don't know any and I doubt I have time to learn some."
"Well," replied Nog. "That's what I wanted to say. I have an isolinear chip here with songs on them."
"And you want permission to download them into my program?"
"Yes. I didn't want to do it without your permission. It would be like invading someone's mind," explained Nog.
"I appreciate the sentiment. Feel free to download them. Anything to make the crowd happy."
Ro was standing outside her office doors surveying the scene like a hawk looking for its next prey. She was still using her supports but the fact she could stand for more than a few moments was a massive improvement and a big boost to her moral. Deep down she had been scared that she would never be able to walk properly again.
She was keeping a close eye on the massive crowds filling every space of the Promenade.
"Could this get worse?" she thought to herself.
Just then, Major Cenn pushed out of the crowd towards her. He was clearly very uncomfortable with all this and was looking for refuge.
"Prophets, I hate crowds."
"Really?" asked Ro, jokingly. "I never would have guessed."
"Who is this guy, anyway?" asked Cenn. "What's the big deal?"
"Frankly, I'm not sure myself," she replied. "I mean, I went one night to his club, more than a year ago, and well … I don't really get it."
"I'm surprised you're letting this happen, Lieutenant. This many people is a security nightmare."
"I've got every warm body working. I even pulled Etana back in just for the night. Anyway, no one actually asked my permission. Speaking of which, shouldn't you be covering the replimat, Major?"
"Right," replied Cenn, taking a very deep breath.
He waded back into the melee, soon lost in the masses of people. Ro smiled a little, amused at his discomfort.
A moment later Quark was the next to melt out of the crowd.
"Laren - can you please tell Sergeant Shul to stop bossing my customers around? This is a night to celebrate, not to be penned in like jebrets."
"It's for everyone's good, Quark."
"Yes, right," he replied, sounding unconvinced.
He then gave her a small smile.
"Nice to see you enjoying yourself for a change," he said.
Ro was taken aback for a second... but then a begrudging smile broke through after all. Quark smiled back.
"See? Knew you could do it."
And he melted back into the crowd.
The crowd had split into a natural break near the crossover bridge, making a front line that could look up the bridge to see Vic and the band.
Just pushing their way to the front were Vaughn and Dax.
Matthias and family were also just arriving from another direction - the parents shielding the kids from the mass. It was clear that the children were far more excited about being out so late and having their jumja sticks than they were about seeing Vic.
"Commander, Lieutenant. Quite a turn out," said Matthias.
"Indeed," replied Vaughn. "And good to see you Sibias."
"You too, Commander."
"Lieutenant Dax," said Matthias. "I want to apologise to you for what I said the other day."
"What did you say?," asked Dax, trying to think back.
"About having "real people's" feelings to worry about. I can see clearly that I was wrong. I shouldn't have been so judgemental. Besides, helping Vic with his problems has helped a lot of other people too. It's nice to see so many folks all enjoying the same thing."
"Don't worry about it, Counsellor. All is forgiven."
Bashir, Kira and Nog came down the spiral staircase and made their way over to them all. Prynn arrived as well and joined Vaughn.
"He's about to go on," said Bashir with obvious excitement.
The gang pulled together, ready for the show. Quark's voice echoed from loudspeakers all over the Promenade.
"Ladies aaaannnnnd gentlemen! (and any variations thereupon). Please welcome to the stage, in a special one-night-only event exclusive to Deep Space Nine, in honour of the new Kai ... Mister! Vic! Fontaine!"
The promenade was rocked by roaring, deafening applause. Vic strutted out to the centre of the stage, the true showman in full Vegas bloom. He had the crowd in his hand and they loved it.
"Ladies and gentlemen...," began Vic. "Friends! I just want you all to know how much it means to this old show horse to see you all here tonight. And I promise, you're gonna get the show of your lives, because..."
At Vic's signal, the band struck up - a full big band sound that filled the entire Promenade. It was the old classic "You Make Me Feel So Young," by Myrow & Gordon.
The crowd, thrilled with the show, were standing there staring at Vic.
Matthias and family were huddled together as were Hetik and Candlewood while Nog was standing with Permenter, Leishman and T'rb.
You make me feel so young
You make me feel like
Spring has sprung
And every time I see you grin
I'm such a happy individual
Bajoran medic Aylam was giving flirty glances to a totally oblivious Doctor Tarses.
Bowers was standing with the various security team members all holding glasses of beer and having a great time together.
The moment that you speak
I wanna go play hide-and-seek
I wanna go and bounce the moon
Just like a toy balloon
Bashir reached out to take Dax's hand and she let him. She even giggled a bit as he grabbed her in a hold for a bit of on-the-spot, impromptu dancing.
You and I, are just like
A couple of tots
Running across a meadow
Picking up all forget-me-nots
By the security doors, Ro was bopping on the spot a little, joining in despite herself. From across the crowd, she spotted Quark near his bar and he grinned back at her.
You make me feel so young
You make me feel
There are songs to be sung
Bells to be rung
And a wonderful fling
To be flung
Vaughn just rolled his eyes but kept smiling the whole time.
Bashir looked adoringly at Dax while Dax was doing her best to ignore it.
And even when I'm old and grey...
I'm gonna feel the way I do today...
Cause you make me feel so young.
Vic wound up his song and the crowd went wild, roaring their approval. Vic smiled for his friends, truly content.
"And now," said Vic. "For all you young lovers out there a special treat from the Everly Brothers."
"Oh, and please remember, there are kids around," he added as an afterthought. This brought an audible chuckle from the crowd.
Vic began his rendering of 'All I Have To Do Is Dream'.
Vic looked around and saw many damp eyes as people huddled together with their loved ones.
After finishing the song Vic took a deep breath.
"Now, ladies and gentlemen, as a special treat to all those non-humans out there - and there seem to be a lot of you today - I have learnt a few songs in native languages," he said, nodding to Nog. "Please don't be offended if I didn't get to you. Even I have limitations and some of the songs are hard for me to sing."
Vic spent the next hour singing songs from many of the cultures of the Federation and beyond. Finally, after an hour on the stage, it was time to close the show.
"My friends!" said Vic. "Before I finish, I want thank all those people who made this evening possible. I especially want to thank Julian Bashir and Ezri Dax for helping me dig myself out of the hole I was in. Thanks to Nog for giving a quick lesson in songs of other cultures. Thank you to Captain Kira for allowing me to appear here and, yeah, thank you to Quark too."
A round of applause rang up around the promenade.
"Another special thank you to someone most of you did not see this evening but without whom none of this would be possible. I would like to thank the U.S.S. Voyager's EMH for lending me his mobile emitter. I know how precious it is to him."
This was followed by another round of applause.
"I would also like to send out a special thank you in the name of the command officers here to the non-com officer Sevak for NOT coming and thus giving them the night off."
A chuckle went up in the crowd as Vic continued.
"And last, but by far not least, I would like to thank all of you who came here this evening and I hope to see you all in my club. Otherwise, I may be forced to do a repeat performance."
Vic looked over to Kira who was shaking her head but smiling. There was no way that that was going to happen.
"Finally, for my closing song," said Vic. A groan went up from the crowd.
"Hey, a hologram's gotta sleep too you know!" he said, raising another laugh from the crowd. "Besides, I think that the mobile emitter is programmed to turn me into a pumpkin at midnight.
"So, as I was saying, for my closing song I am going to sing a song made famous by one of my closest friends. I suppose you could describe it as his alma mater."
The crowd started to sway again as Vic began to sing…..
And now, the end is here
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I travelled each and ev'ry highway
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way ….