Kira wandered slowly down the Promenade and stopped in front of the entrance to the temple. She stepped inside and took a position in the back. The temple was devoid of people at this time of day but it was always open for those who wished to come and pray. She settled herself in the typical prayer position and tried to clear her mind. Usually, the peacefulness of the temple helped her to settle her emotions and calm her thoughts. But today it wasn't working. She prayed
fervently to the Prophets for peace, for insight into her disturbed thoughts but it seemed useless.
If anything, she felt even more confused and chaotic. Finally, frustrated with her unfruitful efforts, she said a prayer for Ziyal and rose to her feet.
Exiting the temple, Kira felt slightly angered at her lack of success in settling herself.
Oh well, since prayer hadn't worked, it was time for plan B.
With that thought in mind, Kira marched resolutely toward Quark's.
Entering the noisy establishment, she made her way to the bar. Quark, having seen her enter, met her as she reached it.
"Major, what can I do for you?"
"What's the strongest thing you have?"
Quark eyed the major for a moment. He had been at the service for Ziyal this morning and he had a hunch as to how hard the major was taking the loss of the young woman. He had observed the close interaction between the two. After all, it was part of his business to notice these kinds of things.
"Well, major, the strongest thing that I have on hand would of course be Cardassian kanar. However, knowing your sentiments toward all things Cardassian, my next best suggestion would be Saarian brandy. Shall I pour you a glass?"
"Give me a bottle of kanar and two of the brandy. Charge it to my account."
Now Quark was really worried. The major never drank more than a glass of anything at a time. He tried frantically to think of a reason to not give her what she was asking for and tried stalling.
"Major, you know I can't have you pouring your own drinks. It would look bad and might even be bad for business."
Kira was in no mood for equivocating. She reached across the bar and grabbed the Ferengi by his lobes. Yanking him closer, she hissed into his ear, "I don't care if its bad for business, Quark. It'll be bad for your continued existence if I don't get what I asked for pronto."
Hastily deciding discretion was the better part of valor, Quark backed away from the major and her dangerous grip and reached for the requested bottles. He placed them on the counter before the major and quickly scuttled backward, watching from a safe distance as she turned and left the establishment, bottles in hand.
He let out an exasperated sigh. Sometimes it just didn't pay to try to help people.