"From atop the Tower of Commerce, Zek delivered a stunning speech , stating '...the Dominion is the single greatest threat to the freedom of all people within the Alpha Quadrant. More importantly, they're bad for business!'"

"Ferengi business leaders were shocked by the announcement, but pledged their support to the Grand Nagus' decision."
 

"In other Dominion war news, the Federation controlled Bajoran space station Deep Space Nine was attacked yet again.

"Three days ago, a Dominion flotilla led by a new battleship over thirteen hundred meters in length attacked DS9 in another attempt to seize the Bajoran wormhole and bring in reinforcements from the Gamma Quadrant.

"The flotilla was met and destroyed by a Federation force led by Vice Admiral Alexander Pierce, a Starfleet veteran of over sixty two years, and hero of the first Federation war with the Cardassian Empire.

"Only one Federation ship was reported lost in the battle." 
 
 
 

Only one Federation ship was reported lost...

Alexander Pierce slowly set his glass down and looked at the Starfleet officers and enlisted who had gathered at Quark's for a celebration of their victory over the Dominion battleship. 

Around him, laughter filled the bar as the assembled friends and shipmates swapped stories and lies.

Seated with him, Captains Benjamin Sisko, Gary Quick and Sa'lanna respectfully remained silent, remembering their fallen friend.

At the next table, the celebrating grew louder as Captain Morgan Bateson stood and raised his glass.

"A toast to our quick victory over the Dominion bastards." Bateson shouted.

Cries of agreement came from all over the bar as glasses slammed together, some of them breaking.

Next to Bateson, Captain Mackenzie Calhoun stood.

"To our friends and crew who fight along side us." Calhoun shouted.

Again, shouts of agreement and breaking glasses followed.

Montgomery Scott, who was seated on the other side of Bateson stood.

"To all our loves...past, present and future." the Scotsman said.

For a third time, shouts and breaking glass filled the bar.

Admiral Pierce suddenly found himself standing, his own glass raised.

"To our departed friends who have begun their own journey without us." the admiral said quietly.

To his amazement, all of those gathered in the bar stood with him. They brought their glasses together quietly in salute to their friends who had passed on.

As Pierce drained his glass, the alcohol warmed him and eased the pain.

A little.

"I suppose we had better be on our way, Ben." Admiral Pierce said.

Sisko smiled.

"It was good to see you again, sir." the captain replied, extending his hand.

Pierce took Ben Sisko's hand and shook it.

"You too." said the admiral quietly.

Ben Sisko and Gary Quick shook hands as well.

"Ben, you ought to come with us." Quick said.

"Honestly Gary, I've thought about it a lot over the past week." Sisko replied. "But my place is here."

Quick nodded.

"Besides," Sisko added, "you guys don't play baseball."

Both Captains laughed as Admiral Pierce moved over to the table where Morgan Bateson stood, waiting.

"I'll meet up with you as soon repairs to the Bozeman are complete." Captain Bateson said, his smile gone.

"Very well, Morgan." Pierce replied. "I wanted to thank you again for taking Commander Shetley back to Earth."

"Its an honor, sir." Bateson stated.

Admiral Pierce nodded.

"Also make sure that Scotty gets back to Utopia Planitia sober." the admiral said with a forced smile.

Bateson shrugged.

"I'm not sure I can promise that," Morgan Bateson replied, "after all he is an admiral."

Scotty laughed.

"Since when did rank ever stop you?" Scotty asked.

Bateson smiled again.

"There was only that one time."

Scotty spat.

"Admiral Pierce, it was a pleasure to serve with you again." Captain Calhoun said, finding the opportunity.

"You too, Mac." Pierce replied. "It's a shame that you're going back to Thallonian space but I'm sure that Admiral Necheyev has a plan in mind for you."

"Calhoun shook his head.

"I wish she would inform me of it." the captain said. 

Pierce smiled again, a little easier.

"Me too." the admiral said, turning to leave.

Admiral Pierce made his way out of Quark's and onto the Promenade. Outside, he turned to Captain Sisko who had followed the admiral along with Sa'lanna and Gary Quick.

"I almost forgot, Ben." Pierce began. "I left a Padd for you in your office. Just a quick note or two but it may come in handy sometime."

Sisko seemed surprised.

"Alright, sir." Sisko replied. "Thank you and good luck."

"To you too, Ben." Pierce said.

Turning to Sa'lanna, Pierce spoke again.

"I guess it's time."

The Vulcan captain tapped her communicator badge.

"Sa'lanna to Liberator. Three to beam aboard."

Almost instantly, the three Starfleet officers began to fade as the transporter effect surrounded them. 

Within seconds, Captain Sisko was standing along on the Promenade with memories, old and new, flooding through his mind.
 
 
 
 
 

Later that day, Sisko returned to his office to collect a few items he needed to attend to while Major Kira was on medical leave.

As he started to leave, the captain remembered the message from Admiral Pierce. He quickly grabbed the Padd on his deck and took a quick glance at it as he started for the exit.

He looked at the Padd and stopped.

The contents of the message was a map of the Federation/Cardassian border with a single system in Cardassian space highlighted.

Chin'Toka.

Sisko looked at the Padd for several seconds, shrugged and left his office.

Jake would be home soon, Sisko thought.
 
 
 

Dukat stared at the ancient Bajoran text in silent reverence, caressing the pages of the tome with an almost loving hand.

The Cardassian had immersed himself in the Bajoran writings, searching for a means to strike back at those who had stripped him of everything he held sacred.

His family.

His position.

His honor.

There will come a day, the Cardassian mused, when all those responsible would pay the price for their interference.

Soon, Dukat thought silently, looking at the image of the Pah-wraith.

Soon.