The party swirled on in spite of Muon's bombshell; Quark and Pi Meson hid their reactions, and everyone else appeared to ignore the possibility of Quark leaving (for now). So Sisko didn't think anything of it when Admiral Paris sidled over to him. "Admiral," Sisko said with a nod.
"Ben. Having a good time?"
"Good enough."
"Quite an announcement Muon made. I did not see that coming. But I liked the way he put it. It begs the question of whether someone else should take on new challenges."
"What do you mean, sir?"
"This isn't official, Ben; no one has cut any new orders for you. But there are some in San Francisco who think your experience and insight would be better served on Earth planning for the Dominion threat than out here on DS9...being a Ferengi's land lord."
Sisko bristled a little but kept his cool. "I do more than collect Quark's rent, Admiral."
"I know. But the Dominion is the greatest threat to the Federation after the Borg, and some argue even greater. Almost all of our intelligence comes from your engagements with them. That makes you a valuable asset, one we could lose if they mount a surprise attack through the wormhole. But that also means you're the perfect candidate for the staying here, at the tip of the spear."
"What about the station if I go to Earth?"
"Major Kyra is an able officer from your reports, and some think Bajor should assume most, if not all of the responsibility here."
"Is the Federation abandoning Deep Space Nine?"
"NO, Ben. Bajor would never be abandoned, but that doesn't mean we have to run their station in perpetuity. Especially as long as they are not a Federation member."
"Are you saying this to try and put pressure on them to join, Admiral?"
"I'm not saying anything, Ben. This is all unofficial."
"Where do you stand, unofficially?"
"Let's just say that if you wanted a ride back to Earth on Daimon Pi Meson's ship, I wouldn't object."