"Chapter 2, The Party"
"Oh, isn't she beautiful?" Dr. Bashir asked.
"Oh yes," Garak answered glancing at Valentina Riddle, chatting with Jadzia.
"Who are you talking about?" Garak asked and turned to the doctor.
"Jadzia Dax, who else?" he paid back and looked confused at Garak. "Who did you think about?"
"Oh,…nobody…"
"You surprise me every time," the doctor laughed.
"Why? Because I may also feel attracted to a beautiful lady?"
"Oh, no, because you feel attracted to Commander Riddle. She's here for just a few moths and I am scared for finding out what you're thinking."
"Oh, believe me, dear doctor. There's no way. She is twenty-four and a Starfleet officer. And I'm just a tailor."
"You weren't a tailor your whole life."
"Oh, right. Before that, I was a gardener."
Dr. Bashir smiled and suddenly, Captain Sisko joined them from behind.
"Now, why only standing here? What about asking a lady to dance?" he proposed and passed them, hand in hand with Captain Yates.
"They're such a beautiful couple," Dr. Bashir mentioned. "I'm glad that I came back in time from Arvada III and didn't miss their wedding."
"Wedding?" Garak asked surprised.
"You really seemed a bit off these days, Garak" Bashir said and gave a pat on his back. Then he went toward the three ladies and moments later disappeared with Jadzia Dax toward the dance floor.
Garak noticed Shakaar entering through the doors, also walking toward Major Kira and Lieutenant Commander Riddle now. My chance, the Cardassian thought and also walked over. Now that Valentina was standing alone he whispered into her ear: "Planning something tonight?"
"Shouldn't we go somewhere more quiet? Follow me in three minutes, we'll meet in front of my quarters.
"Agreed," he smiled and she walked away. He sat down at the bar at Quark's.
"And what can I do for you?" the Ferengi asked in his usual nerved voice.
"Do you still have that Rokassa juice?"
"Of course. Nobody here drinks it except for you."