Sisko strolled out onto the Promenade with an enormous grin lighting up his handsome face.
He had woken up in a sunny mood without any one specific reason, but knowing there was a baseball game to play on the horizon was enough to give him a boost. There were a few positions to fill, but since this rematch wasn't about demolishing Solok and his arrogance, Sisko didn't feel the same pressure to be fully ready as he had in that first game.
Kassidy went with Jake and their daughter to visit their grandfather. Sisko promised he'd join them for the trip to Earth during Thanksgiving, but with two starships under repair and refit at DS9, he felt obligated to remain behind.
While he missed his family, he couldn't deny he would relish every moment of peace and quiet his quarters had to offer for the next two weeks.
Just the thought of whipping up a lot of homemade food and not having to share it with three people nearly sent him into giggle fits.
Or…, he trailed off as he caught sight of Captain Lochlan exploring the Promenade with her two dogs.
Suddenly inspiration struck and he made a very energetic beeline for her.
He caught up with her near the Replimat and the lineup of restaurants the station had to offer. Lochlan was clearly trying to make up her mind about what she wanted for lunch.
"I suggest you try one of the Bajoran restaurants since you're here," he grinned as he stopped next to her.
"What? No Sisko's?" She teased with a smirk.
"Oh there is, but that is by invitation only," he teased right back in a low voice.
"Still cooking then?"
"Absolutely," he replied seriously.
He glanced down as one of her dogs whimpered for attention and offered his paw in a shake.
Sisko grinned and knelt down to shake his paw and give pets.
"I don't have any food yet, but it's coming," he whispered to the dog in a conspiratorial tone.
The tan and white Cardigan Welsh Corgi grew even more excited and whimpered some more.
"Mickey…," Lochlan admonished gently. "You little beggar."
Next to Lochlan, her other Corgi laid down, apparently convinced his owner was staying put for a while.
"This one here is Fergus. He's not as curious and extroverted as Mickey, but when he accepts you, you'll know because he'll sit on your shoes so you can't leave."
Sisko chuckled and nodded at the other dog.
"Hello, Fergus."
He was acknowledged with a couple wags of the tail.
"You were reading my mind though," Lochlan admitted. "Bajoran cuisine isn't exactly a staple around the Federation yet. I really want to try something new while the opportunity is present."
"Sounds like the logical thing to do," Sisko teased quietly. "Why don't you go find us a table and I'll order something I think you'll enjoy."
Sisko returned several minutes later with Hasparat and Jumja sticks.
"Sure smells delicious," Lochlan commented, noting the vegetables. "And healthy. Like squash."
Sitting across from her, Sisko began digging into his own food when he felt Mickey's eager paw on his leg.
"Are they allowed to eat from the table?" He asked, about to tear off a bite for the assertive one.
"They are, but don't feel obligated. They're spoiled. I'll keep Fergus fed over on this side, not that he'll pester as much. If you get sick of Mickey let me know. I can bring him over here."
Sisko dropped a bite of hasparat into Mickey's waiting mouth and resumed eating.
"So," he began with an endearing grin that probably got him off the hook with Jennifer and Kassidy many times. "I don't suppose I could talk you into making Pok Tar or any of your Vulcan/Terran fusion dishes while you're at the station?"
That earned him an enthusiastic nod from his lunch companion.
"Yes to both! I requested some personal leave for a portion of the time we're here so the free time for cooking and baking will be there. Just let me know which of the fusion dishes you'd like. And would you like me to make enough for your family when they return?"
Sisko popped another forkful of hasparat into his mouth and signaled with a finger that he'd answer as soon as he was finished chewing.
"I have no doubt they'd like that, but whether it will last that long around me is another matter," he joked.
Shaking her head in amused disbelief, Sadara dropped another bite of food for Fergus who swallowed it eagerly and then laid his head back down on his paws to resume his nap.
"I can always wait until the last minute," she suggested to Sisko.
"That would probably be wise."
The pair fell silent for a few moments, attempting to make some progress toward finishing their meals.
While Sisko could technically move throughout his days at his own pace to a large degree, the work still had to be done and he was looking forward to making himself a lot of leftovers to get him through the next few weeks.
Glancing around the replimat, he spied Bashir and Dax laughing over their own lunches across the way.
He was beyond happy for them that their relationship continued to stand the test of time., though he couldn't help but feel for Worf who had such a short time with Dax's previous host, Jadzia.
Dukat…, Sisko growled the name inwardly.
He'd tossed that evil bastard into the fire caves with a vengeance several years ago and yet, sometimes it still felt as if it had just happened yesterday. He wished he could do it a thousand more times just for good measure.
He was brought back to the present when Dax noticed him and waved with a brief smile before refocusing on the doctor.
Bringing his mug to his lips, Sisko took a sip of the sweet tea and pondered his next request of Lochlan. He hoped he wasn't making a pest of himself, but he really did need to fill the holes in the Niners team roster.
"I have one more favor to ask of you," he mentioned with hope in his eyes.
"Name it."
Sisko grinned and cradled his mug in his hands, enjoying the heat.
"I really need a center fielder for our rematch against the Logicians. I was hoping you'd join us."
Lochlan's eyebrows lifted in curiosity.
"A rematch, huh? You must be a glutton for punishment then? You know Solok won't go any easier on you guys."
"Absolutely. But I'm not focused on defeating Solok this time. It's an opportunity to play and I'm overdue for a good time," Sisko grinned endearingly, hoping his pleading look would talk her into it. "So what do you say?"
"Sure. I love a good underdog."
"That's what I like to hear!"
"Speak of the devil and he shall appear…," Lochlan murmured. "3 o clock."
Looking to his right, Sisko spotted Solok in conversation with another Vulcan. Likely one of his own officers from the T'kumbra.
Sisko let out a deep sigh as he watched his old Starfleet Academy rival from a distance. His eyebrows furrowed in response to whatever internal conflict he was wrestling with.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Lochlan asked, her expression one of concern and curiosity.
Sisko tipped an index finger in the direction of Solok and bobbed it up and down a few times.
"I was just trying to decide if I should extend an olive branch and invite Solok over for dinner also? It seems rude to invite one visiting captain and not the other."
He turned and leaned his tall, imposing frame against the railing next to him, still mulling it over in his mind.
The humans having stopped, Fergus and Mickey laid down.
Lochlan bobbed her head from side to side, apparently considering Sisko's dilemma as well.
"Keep in mind that as a Vulcan with some measure of emotional control, he would not take offense to the exclusion should he hear of it. Given your history, he certainly would not expect such an invitation. I would approach your decision by determining which option is the most most comfortable for you based on your beliefs? Would you rather endure his presence at dinner for the sake of politeness and the possibility of a better relationship? Or would you rather have the evening free of his smart remarks?"
Sisko glanced at Lochlan, carefully weighing her words. The slightly older woman had no way of knowing he wasn't pondering this decision solely for his own comfort. He'd seen Solok's reaction to meeting her the day before and wondered if dinner would help things along there.
He peered over at Solok again, scarcely able to believe he was seriously considering trying to help the Vulcan.
I must be getting soft in my old age, he thought. On the other hand, it would be a pleasure watching the smug bastard squirm with the object of his desire just out of reach…
And did Solok deserve a chance with Lochlan? Sisko shook his head, dismissing that cynical line of thought as quickly as it entered his head.
If anything, Sadara would be a good influence on him.
With a mischievous grin, he turned to Lochlan.
"I'll be right back."