"So he's not here, either?" he whispered.
Morn shook his head.
"You'd think he was hiding from me."
Shakaar let out a deep, deep sigh. His entourage of advisors and station security, all just barely a few steps away, were concerned. This wasn't what they had in mind when they agreed to accompany The First Minister of Bajor and Major Kira Nerys back to Deep Space Nine. They followed close behind everywhere he went, careful not to let anyone get too close. They were sure, after they dropped the Major off at her empty quarters - at the O'Brien's empty quarters – that he would be ready to turn around and head back to the capital. But when he began a stationwide search for the Chief, they were completely confused.
Oddly enough, it was unclear whether the crowds in and around Quark's bar were here to see The First Minister, or to take his place at the bar next to Morn.
"First Minister. It is time to go." His aide suggested, growing impatient.
"No, I think I'll stay here a bit." Shakaar smiled at a few passing Bajorans, and even shook a few hands. But it wasn't his constituents that he was here to see.
Perhaps it was the good feeling he had, not being cooped up in some administrator's office for a change. Perhaps it was just the way that Morn knew so much about Bajor; he had been here since the occupation, and he obviously knew as much about Bajor's history and politics as any alien on that station. Or perhaps it was that third glass of Spring Wine. Whatever it was, Shakaar felt completely comfortable with Morn.
They made a toast to Bajor, and to the brave resistance fighters that she produced under the Cardassian occupation.
Shakaar mentioned what a great visit he had had with the Major over the past few days.
"It was a great visit," Shakaar sighed. "Until Miles popped up."
Morn seemed surprised. And a bit confused.
"No. Not the Chief. The name." Shakaar's calmness quickly left him, as he began to stew over the night's events, once more.
"I knew something was about to go wrong, when she met me at the capital." He felt slightly guilty for complaining. He lowered his voice, so not even the Ferengis with their big lobes would be able to hear.
"I was supposed to meet her in Musilla province. An old friend has an cottage there. You know, romantic. Secluded. Away from this…" He motioned towards the crowds around the station. "But I was ok with staying in the capital. Any place was fine with me, as long as we could be together. Alone."
Morn nodded. He understood. Romance was, after all, one of his favorite subjects.
"I cancelled a few late meetings, and we went back to my quarters. I drew her a calming bath – she was complaining about being pregnant, you know? We ate dinner on the floor. I began to give her a gentle massage."
Morn smiled, and drew in nearer to hear Shakaar as he continued to lower his voice.
"She was really enjoying herself, too." The two men chuckled, knowingly. "And that's when it happened."
Shakaar took a long swig of his drink, as if needing it to finish the story.
"As she began to relax, completely, she gently called out his name. Miiiiles." Shakaar said, imitating the Major. Then he shook his head, deeply frustrated. "I tried not to let it get to me. I mean, she is living with him – with the O'Briens. I guess it's completely understandable. But…
"Then, when we got back to the station, the first person she wanted to see was…" Shakaar didn't even have to finish the sentence. "That's why I wanted to get to him. Before she could."