A Gothic Space Tale

By: X. Foxglove

It was amid the frantic, mid-morning chaos of Quark's Bar that her dearest remaining friends caught their first glimpse of him. Kira had contacted them in advance from her returning shuttlecraft, inexplicably asking them to assemble in the bar upon her imminent return. Quark later confessed that he would never forget the sight of the station's commander walking into the bar, straight-backed and beaming on the arm of an expensively dressed stranger, the exact cost of his attire too much for even Quark to dare estimate. She strode into the establishment, assured and luminous, directly to the table occupied by her curious friends. She addressed them all at once as their eyes turned expectantly toward her, saying simply, "I want you to meet my husband, Lahn Rathaus."

In front of her, jaws dropped and eyes glazed in momentary confusion. Everyone stared at the dark, stately gentleman on her arm. He loomed like a jeweled statue above them, his features cut from smoky quartz, his hair and eyes like smooth obsidian. Julian was the first to regain himself, immediately rising and extending his hand, "Pleased to meet you, I'm Julian Bashir, station doctor."

"You're rather more than that, wouldn't you say? You are the genetically engineered Star Fleet officer who stood up to Section 31, from what I understand," the man spoke in a deep voice befitting his enormous height, his syllables resonating with a mild Betazoid accent. "It's a pleasure to meet you Doctor. I've heard so much about you from Nerys." At this, he coiled his arm around the Colonel's waist, pulling her closer into his side.

He turned next to Jake. "And you are Jake Sisko," he proclaimed, shaking the young man's hand. The uncharacteristically silent Jake stood promptly and surrendered his hand, which was instantly engulfed in Rathaus' fist.

"What can I get you folks to drink?" Quark broke in. He stood directly behind the couple and stared, bedazzled by the exquisiteness Rathaus' jacket. His entranced eyes caressed the seamless, black fabric. Quark managed a mere nod at Kira's order of expensive champagne for everyone, and, still enraptured, slowly backed away toward his bar.

Meanwhile, an exuberant Kira introduced her new husband to Ezri Dax and Kassidy Sisko, who were patiently waiting their turns. Dax instantly jumped up to wrap Kira in a congratulatory hug. Kassidy, weighed down by her advanced pregnancy, settled for words of good wishes while Jake pulled up an additional chair for the unexpected groom.

"So," Ezri asked, having captured the man's glittering eyes. "Lahn, I take it you're from Betazed."

His smile diminished slightly as he issued a firm correction. "My friends all call me Rathaus." Kira cast him an indulgent glance. "And yes, my family is from Betazed; though I've spent very little time there myself. My principle residence is an estate called Pirovania on Windau."

"Windau? I've never heard of it," Bashir stated. "It's not a Federation planet?"

"You are correct. However, we do enjoy Federation protection." Rathaus settled himself more comfortably in his chair, sliding it farther away from the table in order to cross his long legs. "Windau is a small agricultural planet. Most of the land is taken up with farming or forests. It's more of a series of country villages that anything."

"It sounds wonderful," Kassidy interjected.

"It is. It's probably one of the most beautiful planets I've ever had the pleasure of having seen."

"I take it you'll be living there, not here on the station?"

"We'll stay on the station, of course," Kira replied. "I'm not giving up my commission just because I got married."

"As soon as I can convince her, Nerys and I will take an extended vacation on Pirovania," Rathaus interjected, affectionately caressing his wife's hand.

Quark, having apparently overcome his earlier stupor, reappeared at the table with a tray of champagne. "First round is on the House in honor of Colonel Kira's good fortune."

"Rathaus is in agriculture, not smuggling, Quark," Kira quipped. "I'm not sure your bribes will do you much good."

"It never hurts to make a good impression, Colonel. You never know when a mutually beneficial arrangement may turn up," Quark replied, undaunted.

Jake stood up, "I'd like to offer up the first toast," he lifted up his glass. "To Nerys and her new husband Rathaus. May they always find happiness."

Julian threw in a "Here, here," as everyone clinked their glasses together.

So, how did you two meet?" piped in Dax.

"I had business in the Bajoran capital," began Rathaus.

"See, I told you he was into more than agriculture," Quark nudged Kira.

"He owns several new factories on Bajor that are producing advanced agricultural tools," Kira said proudly. "We met at a shrine. I went there to pray and Rathaus went there to admire the artwork."

"Nerys was kind enough to show me around. Things progressed naturally from there."

"We were married at the same shrine yesterday afternoon," Kira added, wistfully. "The Prophets must mean for us to be together."

"I take it that's your betrothal bracelet? It's lovely." Kassidy asked, gesturing toward Kira's wrist. The bracelet, of pure surax was obviously heavy, and intricately carved with ancient Bajoran symbols. It wrapped snugly against her flesh.

"Yes. The text is from a love poem of one of Bajor's most revered poets. It's almost too heavy to be comfortable. It would be a good weapon, though, if I ever needed it."

In the silence that followed, Julian was once again the first to speak. "If you'll excuse me, I have an appointment I must get to."

"Why don't we all have dinner tonight in my quarters," Kassidy proposed. "We'll make it into a little party in honor of your marriage."

"I know that Nog will want to come along," Jake added. "He's on duty now in Ops."

"That would be wonderful," Kira replied. "And why don't you honor us with some of that famous Sisko cooking?"

Rathaus nudged his wife, "There is no need, dear. We'll just have it catered."

Jake perked up, "I'd love to. Of course, I'm not as good as Dad was."

"Don't be modest. Jake," Kira said, putting her hand on his arm. "You're a worthy successor to the Family specialty."

Rathaus' eyes narrowed slightly at seeing the affectionate gesture. "You'd better get back to work, Nerys. I know you have a great deal to do."

"But I wanted to show you our quarters."

"I can find them myself and get settled in." His tone was soothing and compliant, a marked difference from his momentary expression.

"All right," her expression was tender. "I'll go to Ops and get started, then meet you in our quarters before the party." He kissed her forehead in reply.

"Okay, then," Julian stated. "We'll meet in Kassidy's quarters at 20:00."

The participants uttered various enthusiastic affirmatives and then went their separate ways.