Epilogue

Rom and Leeta swept across the lounge dance floor, probably trying hard to forget their troubles for one night.

Nog, however, could see the tension on his father's face, the sad look in Leeta's eyes as she rested her chin on Rom's lobe. Even Vic Fontaine's crooning couldn't take the pain away.

"They may be safe now," Commander Alden said next to Nog. The first officer adjusted the bowtie of his tuxedo. "But don't expect them to be happy about it." He swigged his bourbon and rested the glass on the bar counter.

Nog sat stiff in his own tux, watching his father and stepmother dance awkwardly. Rom, also in a tuxedo, tried to lead the much taller Leeta, who was draped in a flowing red gown. The older Ferengi seemed tired, robotic in his movements. Nog had hoped his father would cheer up some as time passed, but two weeks had gone by and intelligence reports from his few supporters within the Alliance brought nothing. Rom had sunk deeper in melancholy.

"I don't expect them to forget what happened, Commander," Nog said, never taking his eyes off the couple. "I just never thought I could see my father so…empty and serious."

"It comes with exile," Alden replied. "And determination. I'll say this much for your father - he may not be the shrewdest man I've ever met, but he has an awful lot of determination."

Nog considered defending his father, but he knew Alden was right - Rom wasn't very shrewd. The whole Ferengi race was in danger because of his father's lack of shrewdness. Alden clapped a hand on Nog's shoulder. He looked up at the first officer.

"But I've never met a Ferengi with as much courage as your father," Alden added. "Except for you."

Nog and Alden joined the rest of the lounge patrons in applause as Vic finished the song. The singer played the modest performer and smiled. "This next song is for a couple of cats on the dance floor who've had a bad break."

Vic's eyes turned to Rom and Leeta, who looked up sadly. Nog felt a pang of sadness too. "This it to remind them that, even when things get rough, they still have each other."

Vic looked back at his band and gave them the cue.

It's very clear
Our love is here to stay
Not for a year, but ever and a day.

The radio, and
The telephone, and
The movies that we know,
May just be passing fancies
A nd in time may go….

Nog looked over at Alden, who was thoroughly enjoying the music. He had to smile himself. Then Alden nudged him with a slight laugh and bent closer. "Watch out, Lieutenant, you're smiling," he said in Nog's ear. "People will see you."

Nog shot Alden an annoyed look. "I know how to smile."

The first officer pulled away a bit. "You could have fooled me," Alden said with his own smile. "You really are too serious. I know things look bad, but you need to smile more." His smile broadened to a grin. "I bet you'd feel differently about that blonde engineer if you did."

But, oh, my dear
Our love is here to stay.
Together we're going a long, long way.

Nog glared furiously. "Don't say it so loud," he hissed. He leaned closer to Alden. "I told you - it wouldn't work out."

Alden nodded skeptically. "Right," he drew out. "I believe you, really." He took a swig of his new drink and stared at the glass. "Lieutenant, that's a lie. I really don't believe you."

Nog sighed and glanced at his parents. Rom had a bit more life in his step, and Leeta was smiling. Maybe there was some truth in what the commander said; after all, his parents' relationship was working.

"I hardly think you're in a position to give me advice on dating," Nog finally said.

Alden took another swig and put down his glass. "Excuse me?"

"Well, you don't, right? You said so yourself - the very thought frightens you. Why would I listen to you about dating?" Nog reasoned.

Alden opened his mouth, but closed it again. Nog had the commander stumped. Alden adjusted his bowtie some more and stared out in the crowd. Finally he exhaled and looked back at Nog. The two locked stares for a moment - Nog with a "Well?" look in his eyes, Alden's an "I'm thinking, I'm thinking" look.

"Excuse me?"

Alden jumped slightly at the feminine voice. Nog looked past the commander to see a young woman in a long black dress, dark hair piled up on her head. Alden turned and leaned back until he was pressed against the countertop. His face turned incredibly pale, and Nog could feel the commander's intense fear.

"I couldn't help noticing you were without a partner," she cooed. "I'm new here. I was wondering if you could show me around."

Nog smiled broadly as the commander's face went from pale to bright red. "Well…I-uh…that is to say…well…." the commander stumbled, frantically adjusting his bowtie.

"I haven't danced in a while," the young woman said with a smile.

Suddenly Alden bolted away from the bar. "Excuse me; I think I'm needed in Ops." He laughed nervously. "But, of course, you probably don't know what Ops is. So I'll just bid you good night. Lieutenant." He nodded quickly at Nog and hurried out of the holosuite.

Nog shrugged. "Boy," he said. "I guess he really meant it." Nog glanced at the slightly confused woman.

"I know what Ops is," she said, puzzled. The woman turned to Nog as understanding spread across her face. "What kind of man can't tell a real woman from a hologram?"

Nog shrugged again, not sure he should mention the commander's apparent fear of women to a real female. It wouldn't be long before the whole station knew, and Alden would know who inadvertently started it all. "Don't mind him, he's had a few drinks," he lied.

"Synthehol?" The woman mused. "You don't have to lie for him, I know an excuse when I see one. Dr. Alex Monrow," she said, extending her hand.

"Lieutenant Nog," he replied, taking the doctor's hand. "You're new, right?"

"Yeah, this seemed like a good place to meet…." Her face screwed up. "Well, you know, people who don't look like they're smuggling something?" She smiled nervously. "So, you dance?"

Nog stared at her, eyes wide. "Well, uh, no, not really." He looked at his shoes for a moment. "Actually," he mumbled. "I'm involved."

Monrow nodded slowly. "I see," she said softly. "Hope it works out…."

Nog snapped his head up. "What do you mean?"

She smiled "Look, these lover's spats never last long," Monrow said sympathetically.

"But…what… I -"

"Don't worry, Lieutenant." She placed a hand on his shoulder. "It'll all be over before you know it." The doctor smiled again and rejoined the crowd, leaving Nog with his mouth open.

"But…." Nog looked back at his parents, who were eyeing the situation quizzically. Finally he let go of it, and Rom and Leeta returned to the dance as Vic finished his song. One last dance for tonight, Nog thought quietly. There won't be many more moments like this.

In time the Rockies may crumble, and
Gibraltar it may tumble,
They're only made of clay, but
Our love is here to stay.

Preview of Episode 9

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