The Promenade deck was busy with activities as final preparations were being made for the Bajarian Holiday Celebration. The station was at full capacity and had to turn away some last minute visitors for the celebration. Odo had his security force on high alert to report anything out of the ordinary no matter what it might be. He did not want to take any unnecessary changes after already losing one of his men. Quark was finding new creative ways to profit from the Bajoran people with a limited supply special holiday items he was selling.

On the command deck in operations Kira was busy talking with representatives from the provisional government and Commander Sisko was in his office talking with Admiral Kline, who was reminding him how important today was for the Bajoran people as they return to independence after the ruthless oppression they had endured for so long under Cardassian's rule. The admiral also ask about any new information regarding the assassination threat concerning the First Minister. O'Brien had his hands full setting up the subspace communication between the station and Bajor so everyone could take part in this glories independence day celebration.

Dax for her part was still at her console looking for the energy fluctuation that she had noticed the day before. For endless hours, she has waiting for it to reappear, but nothing. Even the chief reassuring her that it could have been something from a departing ship that cause the elevated levels did not convince Dax to leave. She was confident that she was on to something and that this mystery may lead them to a killer.

It was still a few hours before the ceremony was to start as Commander Sisko receives a surprise visitor to his office.

"Emissary, how good to see you again." Said First Minister Aar.

"First Minister it is nice to see you as well, but I thought you would be in meditation before the ceremony seeking guidance from the prophets on this day."

"Yes Emissary I have spoken with the prophets earlier on this day, and I have received enlightenment from them. However; I wanted to come in person to ask you about this assassination attempt. I heard that one of your personnel had fallen victim, and for that you have all of Bajor's deepest sympathy. Do you think that it's connected to my being here?"

"First Minister we are still into our investigation about that incident. We are taking every precaution against the threat against your life we have our security detail on full alert and Starfleet is standing by to assist us as well if the situation should call for it."

"Emissary I trust the prophets that you know best, it's just such a critical and sensitive time for my people. After all that our world had to endured at the hands of the Cardassians for all these years and now with our Provisional Government in place you would think happiness would exist. But not everyone on Bajor is happy about our new government. And even more are not happy about the role the federation is playing. Some see the federation as a second cousin to the Cardassians."

"First Minister you know that the federation is not like.."

"Emissary please I did not say that I shared their views, but it does exist by many. I thank the prophets for you Emissary and now we have this opportunity today to do so much good."

"And you will today First Minister I am sure that your speech will be excellent and that you will inspire your people."

"Thank you Emissary, I have one more request of you."

"Anything First Minister."

"Please accompany me on stage during my speech. It will be so much to Bajorans throughout the entire alpha quadrant to see the first minister and their Emissary together."

"As you wish."

The final preparations were almost complete for the first minister's speech, as the Bajorans in charge of the program wanted everything to be perfect. Even though this was a Bajoran holiday there was a diversity of cross species in attendance for this historic day of freedom. The stations security guards were reviewing details and different angles of the promenade. While Odo was double checking all the security scans from the previous hour. He was not one to take anything for granted.

Quark's was flooded with crowds as those in attendance waited for the promenade to open for the program. Quark had offered a discount on his drinks, but that was only after he had earlier increase the price. So even with a discount he was still making extra profits. He rubs his chin looking at all the drinks being served and thinks to himself that the Rules of Acquisition # 181, a waiting crowd equals more profits. As he walks upstairs greeting his customers along the way a set of eyes meet him. Quark remembers that look from the other day as being the stranger sitting in the back of the bar. The stranger reaches out and grabs Quark pulling him inside of an empty holosuite and closing the door behind them.