Victory

 Episode Name:  Victory
   Written By:  Edwards
         Cast:  Edwards, Clough, Havaris, Haven, Baran, McAnally, Ghorev, 
                Zeel, Rivers, Umanah and P'Trell.
  Produced By:  Starfleet
  Directed By:  Edwards
     Aired On:  Thu Mar 07 12:54:41 2002
     Stardate:  52174.6

Time: Thu Mar 07 12:37:33 2002

Stardate: 52205.1

McAnally seeks out Edwards as she comes in, still tugging at the jacket of her dress uniform. "This thing feels sort of... stiff," she complains, but with a good-natured grin.

Edwards glanes toward McAnally, as he hangs near the entrance for the time being, and comments, "That's Starfleet for you. But you wear it real well."

Baran sits at the barstool nearest the door, sipping the dredges from a mug. He holds it as far from his face as possible, as though overly concerned about the state of his uniform. He turns at the other officers' entry, and smiles faintly.

"Thanks," replies Gretchen, looking around. "It's going to feel a bit strange celebrating."

"That's why we're being formal, I guess." Edwards replies, with a slight frown. "I wonder where everyone is..." he thinks aloud.

McAnally lifts her brows and exhales a bit. "Well, I think maybe some aren't feeling up to it. Others are on leave."

Edwards taps his comm badge, "Lieutenant Edwards to Lieutenant Clough."

A drunken Ferengi toward the back of the Zone shouts for more tube grubs.

McAnally remains near Edwards, though she's scanning the entrance for any new arrivals.

Baran shifts his drink between his hands absently before placing it aside for the bartender's removal. Taking a nervous step towards the others, he ventures, "A couple of people have filtered in and out, sirs...I, uh, think maybe some people share the concern that it might not be appropriate to celebrate." The tone of his voice carries in no uncertain terms how he disagrees with that sentiment.

Over Clough's comm badge, someone's quiet voice replies over a background of new age, instrumental music, "Doctor Clough here, go ahead." She sounds... subdued.

Into his comm badge, Edwards says, "I noticed that you weren't present in the Neutral Zone. I'm hurt."

Edwards mutters under his breath, so it doesn't get picked up by his comm badge, "Gonna have to drag people here, I see..."

McAnally nods in agreement with Baran's comments. "I think you're probably right, Ensign." Turning to Edwards, she arches a brow and says, "It might not do them any good to make the revelry compulsary, Sir."

>From Edwards's comm badge, Clough sighs. "So am I, Michael. I assume you are referring to the party?"

Into his comm badge, Edwards says, "Yes. He's not here."

Baran blinks, remaining a discreet distance from Edwards' conversation with the doctor. He nods at McAnally's observations, adding quietly, "Especially if they're inclined to bring their black cloud of angst everywhere they go anyway..."

Dakin arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind him.

Dakin has arrived.

>From Edwards's comm badge, Clough does not reply for so long that one may wonder if the connection has been severed. "I doubt I would do much for the atmosphere."

Into his comm badge, Edwards says, "You'll blend in. Trust me. I won't make you come, either, but hiding isn't gonna do you any good."

Dakin steps into the bar, semi-uncomfortably, but not to the extent that he has shown since returning to Betazed.

McAnally's brow furrows at Baran's comment. "Is that a reference to Dr. Clough?"

Edwards sighs and runs a hand through his hair absently. But he doesn't comment beyond what he says to Clough.

>From Edwards's comm badge, Clough sighs. "If you insist... I'll be there shortly. Notify me if there is a... change in attendees."

Into his comm badge, Edwards says, "All right. Edwards out."

Edwards reaches up and taps his comm badge, ending transmission.

Baran nods sheepishly to McAnally. "Sorry, sir. It slipped. But..." He trails off, sighing.

Dakin heads straight for the bar, flagging down a server and ordering a glass of springwine.

McAnally gives Baran a warning look. "I realize the Doctor may not be in the best state at present, but speaking so about your superiors can get you into a lot of trouble if it's done in the wrong audience." Her expression softens, and she adds, "But now is not the time to dwell on that. We're trying to celebrate a victory after all."

Edwards adjusts his uniform jacket and sighs, "This is going to go quite poorly. I can tell."

Milara serves drinks to a group of loud Klingons.

Dakin grabs up the glass of Bajoran liquor that's placed before him and approaches the assembled. "'Evening, all."

P'Trell arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind him.

P'Trell has arrived.

Baran, looking mollified, turns to greet Dakin as he approaches. "Hello, Lieutenant."

P'Trell enters the Zone looking about, he smiles and nods to those he recognizes.

Clough arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind her.

Clough has arrived.

McAnally says quietly to Edwards, "I hope not, Sir."

Rivers arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind her.

Rivers has arrived.

Edwards nods silently to McAnally. To Dakin, he offers another nod in greetings, and inquires, "How're you doing, Rann?"

Clough steps inside rather... reluctantly. Looking around her carefully, she manages to nod at those who notice her. She slips to the side of the doors and continues to stand, looking about the bar for familiar faces she might actually want to speak to.

Dakin sighs. "I've been better quite honestly, but... I suppose I'm dealing with it." He shrugs slightly. "Been a while since I last wore this..."

P'Trell hangs back a bit watching the crowd. He smiles and nods to the Doctor as she enters noticing another person lurking on the sidelines.

McAnally greets Clough in a friendly way. "Good evening, Lieutenant."

Baran offers Rann a sypathetic smile, shifting his own shoulders momentarily. Indicating Dakin's drink with a slight nod, he observes, "What a pleasant-looking drink. What's it called?" He gestures for the ever-sneering Milara as he inquires.

Rivers strolls into the Zone without even a pause, bound for the bar. There's a greeting nod for those lingering near the doors, Dana's usually cheerful smile a bit subdued, but present.

Dakin glances towards Baran. "It's called springwine. It's a drink native to my homeworld."

Milara serves drinks to a group of loud Klingons.

Clough offers McAnally a light nod, but is subdued for the most part, and however pleasant her mood may have been recently, it is no longer. She looks away quickly enough.

McAnally exhales in a little sigh, and gives up on trying to engage the melancholy doctor in any conversation.

P'Trell heads to the bar and orders an Andorian ale, when his drink arrives he opts to not invade the Doc's melancholy and begins to mingle.

Baran glances at McAnally briefly before ordering a Springwine from Milara.

Dakin looks over towards Clough then regards McAnally, "She's going through quite a bit at the moment, Gretchen... when she's ready, she'll come around."

Edwards looks about at the slowly growing crowd and murmurs, "Not bad, not bad..."

P'Trell says "What's not bad sir?"

McAnally nods at Dakin. "I can understand that. Betazed is her home world, after all."

Dakin scratches his temple. "Um, actually, there're other things on her mind... but I'm stopping short of spreading gossip."

Edwards turns slightly, looking to P'Trell, and replies, "People. People, uh, arne't bad."

A Human freighter captain bemoans the current state of the Dominion war.

Rivers finally reaches the bar and hauls herself onto a barstool. Leaning over the bar a bit, she makes a polite request of the bartender, then settles back and turns on her stool to survey the growing crowd.

P'Trell nods and seemingly takes this at face value. "I've not often found them to be sir."

McAnally lifts a brow towards Dakin, then she remembers and gives a slow nod. "Ah, riiight."

Clough catches the comment made by McAnally, and it finally brings a response from her - as well as giving her reason to step forward. "If it were only Betazed that I were mourning, I could better concentrate on the party. Whatever our losses there, we /did/ win the battle ultimately. Betazed is free. We could wish for no more."

Edwards remarks, "That's good, Leftenant." His attention turns to Clough and McAnally, but he doesn't comment.

McAnally seems a little unsure of how to respond to Clough's statement, and so stammers lamely, "I am... sorry that circumstances have prevented your... enjoyment of the evening."

P'Trell sips his ale, antenae twitching slightly.

Dakin nods to Clough. "How're you holding up, Callie... if I may ask?"

Baran raises his glass in a silent toast to Callie's pronouncement, sipping.

Rivers turns around to flash a quick smile at the bartender when she's brought her drink..a whiskey on the rocks, it appears. Casually her gaze travels the bar, taking note of who is where, as well as several new faces.

Rivers sits down at The bar.

P'Trell sits down at The bar.

Clough glances over toward Baran with an arched brow before she turns her eyes to Rann. "If I could make half as many friends as I am managing to make enemies, things might be going at least somewhat less poorly." Oh yeah, /that/ sounds pleasant.

Dakin's brow furrows slightly. "I'm... sorry."

Edwards glances toward McAnally and remarks, "I think... we need more alcohol."

McAnally murmurs back to Edwards, "Couldn't it just make things worse?"

Dakin looks to the others, "Umm... getting to another subject, Michael, how's Akeen's Sadie Hawkins Dance coming?"

Clough smiles regretfully and shakes her head. "Not nearly so much as I am." She looks around at the room as a whole and forces away her downtrodden mood. Replacing her sad frown with a smile, she suggests, "But this is a party, isn't it?" She also echoes Michael, "And I, for one, agree that more alcohol would be greatly welcomed."

Edwards turns his head and lowers his voice, so it's harder to overhear him, "Worse?" Glancing back to the others, and raising his voice to an acceptable speaking level, he comments, "Dance? I hear it's coming along quite well. Should be fun. Hope you all attend."

Dakin nods. "As long as no one asks me to dance. I have the distinction of being Class Wallflower during those events four years in a row."

McAnally grins at Dakin. "Has Leah asked you yet?"

P'Trell raises his glass in Dakin's general direction, "Nonsense, you look like a born dancer Lt."

Dakin shakes his head. "No, can't say as she has... I mean..." He blinks and looks over towards P'Trell quizzically. "Um, thanks..." Returning to McAnally, "I suppose its a foregone conclusion my fiancee would ask me, but it hasn't come up."

The din of the bar gets strangely quiet. Then someone laughs, and the silence is broken, returning the Zone to a counterpoint chorus of voices.

Clough turns her smile to Michael. Although it may be forced, it is genuine just the same. "And what about you, Michael? Who has convinced you to tag along on their arm for the evening?"

Edwards responds to Clough, "Women and I don't seem to mix, unfortunately." He offers her a smile, then glances about momentarily. "Leftenant Rivers!" he calls out, when he spots her, "Come over here!"

Dakin suppresses a chuckle. "And furthermore, I hope no one expects me and my holo-band to be the entertainment."

Rivers lifts her glass to take a healthy swig of her drink. When she sets it down again, she turns in her seat to look Dakin's way as well, lifting her free hand to wiggle her fingers in a wave. "I'm sure she will.." Her words drop off at Edwards' call. "Err..sure." Picking up her glass again, she slides off the barstool and heads over to Edwards.

Rivers stands and leaves The bar.

Dakin looks over and nods with a smile to Rivers. "'Evening, Dana."

Clough shakes her head, laughing softly and easing into the mood of the party slowly. Hey, a lot of happy people in a room and an empath... the mood is /bound/ to wear off on her eventually. "I can't imagine why, Michael. Your charm and wit should make you a certain magnet."

Dakin grins to Edwards, "Yes, and besides, I think I know someone who might have their eye on you as it is."

Edwards comments, "I hope it isn't the person Gretch mentioned earlier." Without clarifying, he looks to the approaching Rivers, "You looked all lonely over there, Leftenant. Blend in with us."

A small maintenance drone drifts by the window.

Clough looks Michael over thoughtfully, brow arched and grin in place. "Now now, Michael, you simply /can't/ be so secretive. Else, I'll have to ask you myself. Who is this mystery woman you hope to hide from?"

Dakin listens intently with interest.

Rivers chuckles quietly as she comes up on the group. "Blend isn't a good word to use where alcohol is involved, Lieutenant, but thank you." She glances to Dakin with a slight grin. "Evenin' boss." Lifting her glass, she sips quietly then, her attention now drawn back to the ongoing discussion with interest.

McAnally grins at Edwards' words, but keeps his secret.

Edwards nods at Rivers' words, "Good point." To Clough, he smirks a little, "Don't know her name, but I do know that she's gone and that I'm quite happy about that."

Baran slides from his barstool, laughing as he concludes a conversation with P'Trell. Striding towards the amassed group, he smiles to all and sundry, hovering close enough to catch the gist of the conversation.

Baran stands and leaves The bar.

Dakin nods. "Ah, then it wasn't who I was thinking of. Nevermind."

Edwards regards Dakin with all due curiousity, "You gotta tell me now."

Umanah arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind her.

Umanah has arrived.

Clough continues to watch, but there has grown a calculating gleam in her eye as she regards Michael - who in turn, regards Dakin. Whether she senses or sees Baran's approach, she turns slightly to murmur to him.

Dakin pauses a few seconds before speaking. "Well, I'm not sure about this 'cause all she'd tell me's that she thought you took a shine to her... Dosa."

McAnally smirks, and folds her arms across her chest, trying to look innocent as she scans the crowd. "I think," she says after a moment, "that I'll go get a drink. Anybody want anything?"

Edwards does a double-take, "The /Cardassian/?"

Dakin simply nods. "Mm-hmm. But please don't tell her I told you."

Outside the viewport, a passing freighter is silhouetted against the bright light of the anomaly.

Rivers glances from one to the other, an expression of amused curiosity playing about her face. She gives McAnally a nod, grinning. "I'll take another whiskey if you're offering," she adds, swirling her ice in her glass.

Umanah enters, her hands clasped behind her back and her gaze sweeping the room attentively. She catches, it would seem, snippets of conversation as she studies the assembly... Notably, the word 'Cardassian', which prompts her lips to press in a thin, pale line. Taking a deep breath the steps forward and into the gathering proper. Time to mingle.

Edwards nods quickly, "Your secret is safe with me, Rann." He glances to McAnally and shakes his head, "I'm all right."

P'Trell stands and leaves The bar.

P'Trell rises and moves to mingle with his peers.

Dakin nods to McAnally, "I'm good, thanks." Back to Edwards, "Thanks, but don't feel too bad about it... you weren't the only senior officer she had a thing for."

McAnally reaches for Rivers' glass. "Want me to take that back for you too?" She adds a smile to her words.

Baran swirls the drink in his glass, smiling at Clough. Just loud enough to carry, he comments, "This is quite pleasant. It's a Bajoran Springwine. Have you tried it?"

Edwards remarks to Dakin, "I know. She spoke quite fondly of you." That makes him smirk somewhat again. As he begins to look around again, he makes note of Umanah, who doesn't look familiar, and edges toward her, "Hello there... ?"

Rivers knocks back the last of the whiskey and then hands it over to McAnally. "Sure, if you're going that way, thanks." She gives Dakin and Edwards both a curious look. "I think I need to start making rounds more often."

Dakin says, "So I'm..." Before he can get "told" out, he too notices Umanah. "Hmm. Seems the station's Bajoran population keeps growing..." he says with a bemused smile.

McAnally carries Rivers' glass over to the bar, and is busy with Milara for a few moments.

Umanah inclines her head at Edwards' greeting, summoning up a smile. "Good evening, Lieutenant," she replies, her voice warm. "Doctor Umanah Malon, transferred from the USS Hood."

Clough tries really hard to hold onto her smile at Baran's comment, but it fades slightly. She shakes her head, apparently not intending to try it, either. Catching Michael's questioning greeting, she turns to see who has arrived and gets her smile back in place promptly. "Ahh, Michael, it seems you've found the latest addition to our medical staff. Dr. Umanah Malon, please, come in and meet Lieutenant Michael Edwards, our acting CO. Michael, this is Dr. Umanah. She has only recently arrived, but I believe she will make an excellent addition to our staff."

A tellarite makes his way past. The exit parts for him and he disappears into the mall.

Umanah extends a hand to the acting CO, smiling her appreciation of the introduction sidelong to Clough. "It's a pleasure to make your aquaintance, Sir."

P'Trell orders a refil of his ale then meanders back making a mental note of the names he hears.

Edwards accepts the offered hand, shaking it gently, "Likewise, Doctor. Can't ever have enough good doctors around here, you know?" Realizing how that may sound, he clears his throat, "Not that it's, ah, dangerous here or anything like that. Well, much, anyway."

Dakin raises his glass of springwine to his fellow Bajoran from across the room.

Clough laughs at the stumbling of Michael's tongue and shakes her head, explaining to the new doctor. "What he means to say is that we are /constantly/ in need of more medical staff because at least a few of the station residents are picked off each week. You've certainly acquired a busy post." Her wink suggests she is teasing, but once made, she slips away for a moment to go place a quiet request in with Blutox.

Baran smiles faintly at Edwards' remark, concealing any further reaction behind the rim of his glass as he sips.

P'Trell smiles, "Yes, you get used to the explosions in no time."

Rivers turns slightly, greeting the newly introduced doctor with the flash of a smile, arms folded across her chest. "Evening," she pipes up mildly and casts a sideways glance to Edwards. "Things do have a tendency to go boom at the most awkward of times, dont they."

Umanah ahs, mildly, her smile wry. "I served on the Hood during the combined Allied Fleet's attack on Cardassian space, Sir. You won't frighten me away. Don't worry." She nods a greeting to Rivers.

Baran extends a hand to Umanah as Clough slips away. "Nice to meet you, doctor. Pay no mind to their warnings...I generally manage to keep the bloodstains mopped up in the infirmary. Ensign Gavyn Baran, head nurse," he greets.

Edwards nods at Umanah's words, "Good." When Baran introduces himself, he takes that opportunity to survey the scene, "I wonder if it's time..."

Laco arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind him.

Laco has arrived.

Umanah takes Baran's hand in a firm grip, smiling. "Yes, I had the opportunity to visit the Infirmary, earlier, and found it to be quite bloodstain-free. Excellent job, Ensign." The smile grows into a grin. "Pleasure to meet you."

Ghorev arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind him.

Ghorev has arrived.

Dakin steps closer to the new doctor. "Pleasure to have another of our people aboard, Doctor. Lt. Dakin Rann, head of security."

P'Trell smiles as he sees another Andorian enter the room.

McAnally returns to the group with a refill of whiskey for Rivers and a Tequila Sunrise for herself. She offers the former out to its recipient with one hand while having an experimental sip of her own selection with the other.

A young ensign carefully sidesteps one of the bar's more drunken patrons.

Clough smiles at whatever response she hears from Blutox and chuckles, patting his arm lightly. She waits for a few moments until something is concocted and poured into a glass which is then placed in her hand. She turns away, then, and returns to her group. After waiting for Rann's introduction to be made and responded to, she turns her warm smile on Gavyn. "Excellent job indeed. Gavyn is remarkably talented in a number of ways. He is quite indispensable, I assure you."

Rivers takes the offered glass and grins slightly. "Thanks again." Standing in the little cluster of people somewhere in the middle of the bar, she glances to Edwards again and shifts a brow upwards curiously. "Time for what?"

Edwards stands near Rivers, Dakin, McAnally, Umanah, Clough and Baran and not terribly far away from P'Trell as he considers the growing crowd of celebrators.

P'Trell takes a healthy drink of his ale and waits to hear what it's time for.

Ghorev moves around the knot of people, with brief motions of acknowledgement to a few, like Edwards, and Rivers, and McAnally, as he makes his way to the bar counter.

Umanah turns to Dakin at his greeting, seeming a touch distracted by the crowd, trying to pay attention to everyone all at once. At the sight of him, the smile on her face brightens considerably, upgrading to a beam, and she reaches impulsively for his hand. "Prohpets guide your path, Lieutenant Dakin!" she exclaims, warmly. "What a pleasure to meet yet another homeworlder!"

McAnally sips her colorful beverage, but, spotting Ghorev, makes her way over to him. "Lieutenant?" she calls out.

Ghorev turns to face her as he motions to the counter staff. "Gretchen. Did you need something?"

Laco heads for the bar and orders something.

Dakin accepts the hand-grasp with just as warm a smile. "The feeling's mutual, Doctor."

Edwards watches Ghorev move around, nods matter-of-factly, and absently tugs on his tunic. "Okay." he murmurs. He clears his throat, "Everyone! Could I have your attention please!"

Ghorev murmurs a drink order to the counterperson and then gives Edwards his attention.

McAnally shakes her head and says, "Not really. I just... had a question." She looks around, and lowers her voice. "If I /were/ to invite someone to the dance...." She stops right there as Edwards lifts his voice and mutters, "Tell ya later," to Ghorev before devoting her full attention tot he Second Officer.

P'Trell turns eyes and antenae towards Edwards.

Baran sips quietly from his drink, attention shifting to Edwards with his announcement.

Dakin blinks and turns to regard Edwards.

Laco turns to face Edwards.

Clough falls silent to listen to Michael, though this doesn't stop her from consuming her beverage.

Umanah settles into parade rest, clasping her hands behind her, eyes on Edwards, calm and attentive.

Edwards wanders toward a nearby table, pulls out a chair, and climbs onto it, so he can survey his fellow crewmates and, perhaps, assorted civilians. "I realize you probably all have better things to do than listen to me." he starts. "But I have a few things to say, if you all don't mind. First of all, thank you for coming. I know that a lot of you don't exactly feel like celebrating, but... personally, I'm glad you all came. And not just because I wanted an audience."

The din of the bar gets strangely quiet. Then someone laughs, and the silence is broken, returning the Zone to a counterpoint chorus of voices.

Rivers turns her attention to Edwards after waving to Ghorev.

Havaris arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind him.

Havaris has arrived.

Ghorev accepts the ale proffered by the server, and holds the glass. But, holding out for a forthcoming toast, waits before drinking.

Haven arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind her.

Haven has arrived.

Baran nods to the new arrivals, smiling faintly, and returns his attention to Edwards and his chairtop announcement.

Clough keeps her attention on Edwards. Very carefully on Edwards, in fact.

Zeel arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind her.

Zeel has arrived.

Haven sidesteps the door with a backward grin at Zeel then ponders the quiet in the area.

Havaris arrives late, but there he is. Looking a bit awkward in his dress uniform. He's carrying a silver tray in his hands, about three inches deep from which protrudes what can only be green grass. Which is an odd thing to carry to an event such as this. He quietly moves to the side, glancing down at the ground for a moment before flicking his gaze to Edwards.

Ghorev stands by the bar, drink in hand, and like everyone else is focussed quietly on Edwards, who is standing up with some kind of speech.

Edwards stands upon a chair, addressing the assembled masses, and enjoying the attention. "Now I'm, ah, not usually one for speeches." he continues. "But something had to be said about what happened. We all know the horror of Betazed. We know that twenty million people died. And yes, we need to remember that. We have to remember because nothing like that should ever happen again. There's no excuse and no justification for it."

Rivers stands in the center of the knot of people, her eyes on Edwards as she speaks.

Zeel steps into the Zone, smiling brightly. As quietly as she can, she moves towards the congregation, folding her hands behind her back.

Umanah continues to listen, attention on Edwards, standing at parade rest. Her expression darkens a touch as the Second Officer speaks, but only for a moment.

P'Trell nods to the Orion woman as she enters and returns his attention to Edwards

Baran shifts somewhat in his stance, following Edwards' speech closely with slight nods at the words.

Clough's smile has held rather easily for some time, but as Edwards begins to speak, it begins to slip and grow more brittle. Her temples bulge as she clenches her teeth. She does nod, however, acknowledging his words.

Dakin glances over to Edwards, having just enough springwine in his glass for a decent toast.

Blutox escorts an overly drunk patron out the door, then returns.

Haven just stands there, beside the door, intent on not intruding into the moment the others are sharing. She eases into parade rest, sort of.. since one arm won't rotate in that direction, so it instead hangs at her side.

Laco drinks from a glass that is filled with a thick, gray liquid.

"The tragedy of Betazed will never be forgotten and rightly so." Edwards states sincerely. "But there's something else we have to remember. Something that's just as important. Betazed is free. Millions upon millions of Betazoids live. They will have food and shelter and their freedom. They will be able to live like ever Federation citizen should, with safety and comfort. And this is because of us. It's because of Starfleet. It's because of the Klingon Empire. It's because of the Romulan Empire. And it's because of every Betazoid who refused to give up. We came together and we showed the Dominion that they can fight us, they can bloody and they can take our homes, but we won't quit! We will fight back! No matter how many of our homes the Dominion takes, we will take them back! Each and every one of you has something to celebrate! The Dominion, with its disposable soldiers, didn't count on people like you! Be proud of that!" When he finishes, he stands there, perhaps a bit awkwardly at how adamant he got.

P'Trell raises his glass as Edward's speech finishes. "Hear hear. To Betazed!"

Umanah raises an imaginary glass, having not yet procured a drink in the flurry of introductions that greeted her from the door. "And to all of you," she adds.

Havaris dips his chin a touch, blinking thoughtfully before raising his head a touch more proudly than he's normally given to. He swallows once, and not having a drink, simply murmurs his answer to the toast. "To Betazed." His hands shift their hold on the tray in his hands, his weight shifting from foot to foot.

Dakin raises his glass as well, deciding not to verbalize anything at this point.

Baran stands mute for several breaths as Edwards' words resonate through the room. At P'Trell's exultant toast, he blinks and joins the toast with an upraised glass. "To Betazed and the Federation," he echoes with a spreading grin.

The lone Betazoid in the room, Callie lifts her own glass with only a slight tremble. "To us all," she offers quietly, unheard in the crowd.

Rivers lifts her glass for a quiet cheer. "Here here!," she adds as well.

McAnally, having listened intently to Edwards, lifts her own tumbler. "To Starfleet!"

A drunken Ferengi toward the back of the Zone shouts for more tube grubs.

Ghorev lifts his own glass, quietly, to approve the toasting, and then sips.

Edwards can't help a grin, since it seems he hasn't made a complete fool of himself, and calls out, "To Betazed! To Starfleet! To the Klingons! To the Romulans! To us! And to the end of the Dominion's reign of terror! It isn't over now, but if we have anything to say about it, it will be soon!"

P'Trell says "I for one need something stronger than ale. Who'll shoot something potent with me?"

McAnally grins back at Edwards, her own grin widening, looking as if she's full to bursting and just trying to keep from whooping.

Laco raises his glass, then sets it down so he can blow his nose on a napkin.

Umanah's lips curve in a slightly melancholy smile as the crowd takes up the salutations, each in turn. She looks about the room, her gaze bordering fondness for this assembly of strangers. Wistful. Squaring her shoulders, she steps up to join P'Trell at the bar and states, "I'll take that action." She quirks a grin.

Dakin calls out something in Bajoran, which the other Bajorans here would recognize as an old Resistance rallying cry.

Rivers grins at Edwards enthusiasm and bounces a bit on her heels.

Ghorev, the toast given and accepted, the speech done, motions to the Chief of Ops, nearby. Ghorev whispers to , "... to... something before... his..."

Umanah freezes a moment, as though her heart's stopped in her chest. She shuts her eyes and rests a hand on the bar, drawing a deep breath, her smile pained. Dakin's cry visibly pierces her heart, and it takes her a moment with her head bowed to pull it back together.

Clough lowers her glass and finishes off its contents. Afterwards, she sets it aside and begins to fade back into the room, sliding back to become one in the crowd.

P'Trell smiles widely to Umanah. "Does the good doctor have any suggestions or does she follow the mad scientist where fools fear to tread eh?" he gestures towards the bar as he heads in that direction.

McAnally tilts back her head and consumes a great quantity of her Tequila Sunrise. Those who've seen her here before know, however, that she always orders them with half the liquor content.

Edwards decides that he ought to leave it while he still looks good. So he jumps off of his chair, pushes it back under its table, and wanders toward the group of people he was hanging around, "That went better than I thought it would."

McAnally nods her head to Ghorev after her healthy gulp, and replies quietly. "I had a question about the dance."

Havaris fails to be achieve anything like elation. His gaze drifts about the room, noting faces and names, lips turning up faintly as the old shout of the boys back home reaches his ears. His gaze drops to the floor again, and his steps carry him in the direction of Clough. Of all people, it's Clough. He ambles back into the crowd in quiet pursuit, and upon reaching her, extends the tray in his hands. "Here." He glances out over the crowd for a moment, then back to her. "This isn't for me. I can't... make speeches. So. Here. You'll know what to do with it." His chin dips, the tray extended a little further.

Now that the speech is concluded, Zeel begins making her way through the crowd towards Edwards. "Sir?" she asks quietly on approaching, "Do you have a moment...?"

McAnally whispers to Ghorev, "Do... to... /man/?"

Haven just watches, staying on the outside.. after all, that where she is most comfortable..where she is used to being.

Umanah raises her head and puts on an easier smile for P'Trell, taking another deep breath before replying, "Well... I think I'll defer to your doubtless greater knowledge of potables, Lieutenant...?" She arches her eyebrows a bit, and waits to be supplied with a name.

Rivers flashes Edwards a grin. "Good speech, Lieutenant." She lifts her glass again and then makes a quick glance around the crowd while she sips at it.

Dakin nods to Edwards. "Nice one, Michael."

Edwards nods to Rivers and Dakin, "Thanks." When he hears Zeel, he turns toward her, and replies, "Yeah, sure. What can I do for you?"

P'Trell looks to the Doctor as he breaks from contemplating the bar. "P'Trell, Doctor, Prythra P'Trell, I'm the new assistant science officer." He then returns his gaze to the bar. "Something Terran I think..."

The lights on the jukebox flash.

Dakin walks back over to Umanah. "Um, what I said just earlier... it didn't offend, I hope?"

Zeel absently scratches the back of her neck lightly, "Well, it's a bit sensitive." She nods over towards one of the tables, "Could we talk about it over there, sir?"

Ghorev looks at McAnally for a moment. Considers his answer. Ghorev whispers to McAnally, "... I am... to... time... So... speak... either... I... err... as the... of... upheld."

Edwards motions toward the table Zeel indicated and replies, "After you."

Baran turns slowly, basking in the wave of camaraderie and good cheer that follows the speech's conclusion. Having emptied his drink in the toast, he strides to the bar and pauses, surveying the assorted bottles on display.

Zeel bows her head, smiling and turning on her heel to move to the table in question. "Thank you, sir."

Zeel sits down at square table.

P'Trell says "Baran! Come, drink!"

Edwards wanders along after Zeel and drops into a chair at the table.

Edwards sits down at square table.

McAnally grins and nods at this answer. "Not that I think it'll come up, mind you, but just in case. I'd considered inviting Kara, but I'm not sure she'd be interested."

Umanah hops up onto a barstool, nodding deference to P'Trell's judgement. "Terran, eh? Very well. I place myself in your hands, Lieutenant P'Trell." Her tone is quite wry. Amused. When Dakin approaches and speaks, she blinks, startled by the sentiment. "Offend?" she echoes. "Prophets, -no-, Dakin..." She shakes her head, her eyes and smile soft. "No. It was beautiful. I thank you for it."

Ghorev frowns at the mention of that particular name. But nods, however.

Baran smiles at P'Trell. "I intend to...the question is, what sort of beverage does the situation warrant? Too much to choose from..."

Dakin also bristles slightly at the mention of Kara Dade, but shrugs it off. "My pleasure. I felt it appropriate to the occasion."

Rivers drifts off from the little knot of people and towards the bar.

McAnally is apparently oblivious to the affect a certain name has had on those within earshot, and continues to sip her drink, enjoying the gathering.

Umanah nods to Dakin, her voice quietly emphatic. "It was more than appropriate. It was inspired." Then, affecting a lighter mood, she offers, "Drink with us?"

Clough, having been fully prepared to make her exit, stops rather like one might after being shot with a stun beam from a phaser when Havaris approaches her. Standing absolutely still, she looks only briefly at the Bajoran before her eyes drop to the tray he carries. For a long while, she simply looks at the little piece of her home. "Thank you, Kusto," she says finally, her voice soft in the din of the room. "I can think of no better place for a representation of the victory than here. Give it to Noonan and let him display it appropriately. I have... never known you to be at a loss for words. Whether you make a speech or simply say a few words, I am certain the presentation will prove appropriate and honorable." She makes no move to take the offered tray. "Thank you for everything you've done." Her eyes raise to his once more, then glance around. Briefly, the pinpoint Haven before returning to Kusto. "But... I can't take it either. Excuse me... please." And with her reply given, she moves to step away, offering only a final, quiet few words to him as she goes.

Dakin nods and the discomfort fades slightly. "Absolutely, Doctor." He flags down a server and requests a refill on his springwine.

Ghorev whispers to McAnally, "... I could... with... Feel..."

McAnally whispers to Ghorev, "/She/ is not even... she does... more..."

P'Trell begins to direct the bartender in the mixing of an odd drink which, in the end she simply hands Prythra the bottles and several glasses. He begins to mix a double shot sized drink comprising of three different terran beverages. "A Terran bunkmate of mine on my cadet cruise tought me to make this. It's called a 'Brain eraser' I believe. Eight of these and I became convinced that a Jeffories tube was insulting my Keth's honor with comedic and embarrassing results."

Milara makes a sneering face at a patron who is getting a little too friendly.

Haven issues a small sigh then ducks her head and turns for the doors.

Umanah's shoulders shake with silent laughter, her eyes alight. "Indeed? I'll make sure to stop at seven." Oh-ho. So the Bajoran thinks she can hold her liqour. "Shall we find a place to sit, gentlemen?"

Ghorev nods to McAnally. "Alright," he simply says.

Havaris lifts his chin yet again at whatever Callie murmurs to him, brow knitting. "Good luck, Clough." And that's that. He takes in a breath, glances back across the room and ambles towards the bar, tray still in his arms. Looks like he's stuck. In a display that is both entirely out of order and exceedingly out of character for him, he crosses purposefully to the bar, places one foot up onto a stool, and climbs right up onto the bar, turning about to face the crowd. Blinks twice, and asks simply -- but clearly, "Ladies and gentlemen, if I may?"

Dakin nods and indicates an empty table. "After you, Doctor."

Umanah turns on her way to the table, drink in hand. At least she's prepared for a toast this time. She looks up at Havaris, attentively.

Edwards turns slightly in his chair, so he can regard Havaris over at the bar.

Baran listens to P'Trell's description of the terran drink. "Sounds dangerous. I'd like one too, please," he smiles to the bartender.

Clough makes her way to the exit as Havaris slips through the doors. There is a hard-won calm in her expression as she leaves.

Clough heads out and into the Mall.

Clough has left.

Ghorev begins to meander away from the bar counter, into the room at large, sipping on his ale.

Haven stops short of the door hearing Kusto's voice. Slowly she rotates her stance to raise her eyes to watch him. Of all the emotions shinning in her eyes, pride is there. Pride in Kusto for what he risked to bring home.

Dakin turns his attention to his XOas he follows P'trell and Umarah to a table.

McAnally fixes her attention on Havaris this time, eyeing his tray curiously.

P'Trell places the glasses on a tray, on an afterthough he adds the bottles and follows the Bajoran. "Probably safest for all involved Doctor." He teases.

Baran turns from watching the bartender's mixings to turn his gaze upwards to regard Kusto and his bartop announcement.

Havaris isn't one to make a fuss under normal circumstances, but he's currently standing on a bar making an ass out of himself. In for a penny in for a pound. "Please. I'm asking only for a moment, then I'll leave you to your celebration." A quick glance about the room, waiting for some semblance of quiet before he'll begin. He glances to Edwards with a faintly pained expression. Little help?

P'Trell turns to watch and listen.

Milara makes a sneering face at a patron who is getting a little too friendly.

Zeel stands and leaves square table.

Edwards makes note of Havaris' look as he moves to stand up from his table. Climbing up onto his chair, he calls out, "People! Surely we can give Mr. Havaris a moment of our time!"

Edwards stands and leaves square table.

Zeel rises from her table and winks at Edwards, "Well, thanks again. Now it's time for some Happy Juice! If you want, I can even regale you with some more tales of Tandelou."

Ghorev makes that sigh-like trilling noise as he takes a seat soomewhere.

Ghorev sits down at square table.

Umanah casts Zeel a faintly disapproving look as the Ensign fails to clue-in that it's Pay Attention To Havaris time. The set of her jaw seems to indicate that if people don't start focusing on her fellow Bajoran, she's like to start knocking heads together. She can treat the concussions later.

Meandering herself, Rivers watches Ghorev move away just as she was approaching. Durnit. She looks from Havaris standing at the bar, to the table Ghorev takes a seat at, then back to Havaris and finally stops moving around to listen.

P'Trell says "Say your piece Havaris, if you speak loudly enough people'll listen."

Havaris begins simply, "I'm a soldier, not a poet. So I'll keep it simple. On Bajor, we fought. We bled. We died. Always with the knowledge that we would rebuild. They raped our planet, burned our villages, slaughtered our families. But we never lost faith." Kusto lifts the tray in example, setting it down on the bar. "I brought this back from Betazed. So that even if they return. Even if they take that planet apart and and leave rubble in their wake, they'll still have something left from which to rebuild. The only difference between a hero and a statistic, ladies and gentlemen, is that heroes are remembered. Heroes have names." A glance across the room in general. "Never forget them." He blinks once, then twice, then dips his head. "Prophets guide you. All of you. Thank you." With that, he drops to the floor in front of the bar, adjusting his uniform as though he'd never opened his mouth.

P'Trell sets his tray down and claps.

Edwards drops down from his chair and applauds Havaris' effort. While he does so, he mumbles something to Zeel.

Haven bows her head a moment the raises it and nods, a smile on her lips.

Edwards whispers to Zeel, "... good..."

Dakin sets his glass on their table and also applauds.

Baran cranes his neck to catch a glimpse of the contents of Havaris' tray, and nods. He takes up the applause.

McAnally applauds Havaris politely, then turns to make a comment to Ghorev, who'd been standing beside her, only to find him gone. A moment's searching locates him over at a table.

Umanah sets down her drink, and applauds, one hand striking the back of the other. Her gaze follows Havaris as he steps down, her chin lifted in an expression of fierce approval.

The tray, for those not in the know, contains a soil and grass sample from Betazed, as noted in the +VIEW of the room.

Rivers lifts her glass in another toast, flashing a quick smile to Havaris. She'd applaud, but she has a glass in her hand. She turns then to walk over to Ghorev's table. "Evening Akeen," she says over the din of the bar. "Mind some company?"

Ghorev motions for Rivers to have a seat with a light smile. "Not at all."

Rivers sits down at square table.

A group of Orion traders start a drinking song amongst themselves.

P'Trell sits down at square table.

Zeel glances towards Havaris thoughtfully as he speaks, then returns her attention to Edwards, looking perhaps a bit surprised, "Oh, really?" She smirks, "All right. Let me go get a proper drink and we'll have a chat." She then moves over towards the bar, "Gimmie a Tandelouvian Happy Juice."

P'Trell reaches up from his sitting position and hands Umanah a glass.

McAnally walks instead to Edwards' table as Zeel heads to the bar. "I think I'm going to call it a night, Lieutenant. We're short-handed with several folks out on leave, and there's a lot to be done tomorrow."

Havaris weathers the applause without making any note of it. It's not why he got up there in the first place. He glances to a few faces, Dakin's, Umanah's, Edwards', Haven's, Rivers'. Accepting what smiles and encouragement they offer. As Edwards nears the bar, he offers a quiet, "Thank you, Sir." And more or less dismisses himself from the gathering proper, fading back to find a nice quiet table in the back.

Havaris sits down at square table.

Umanah watches Havaris a moment longer, and then turns as P'Trell offers up a drink to her. She smiles, politely, and seats herself, taking the drink. "Thank you, Lieutenant. Now this is called... ah... What again?" She looks down at the glass, dubiously.

P'Trell says "Good speech Havaris, care for a drink?"

Dakin seats himself at P'trell and Umanah's table.

Dakin sits down at square table.

Umanah sits down at square table.

P'Trell says "Brain Eraser. You drink it like a shot"

Umanah looks up at P'Trell, her eyebrows making a slow climb towards her hairline. "And I'm supposed to do that how? Aside from unhinging my jaw? This will -not- go down in a gulp..." She then watches P'Trell down the drink in just that, one gulp, and blinks. "I... stand corrected."

Edwards watches Zeel move off. When McAnally approaches, he nods to her, "Thanks for coming. Hope you had a good time."

Umanah shrugs, examining her drink a moment more, and then tosses the contents back, shutting her eyes and swallowing with a wince. Two gulps. Okay, maybe a gulp and a half.

McAnally says "I did. That was some speech, Sir. Have a good night."

Nevaren heads out and into the Mall.

Nevaren has left.

Zeel retrieves a tumbler containing a thick orange liquid, winking and murmuring a thank you to the server. The Orion woman turns around and walks back towards Edwards, arching an eyebrow curiously at McAnally.

Nevaren arrives from the mall, the entrance's double doors sliding silently closed behind him.

Nevaren has arrived.

McAnally gives Zeel a fractional smile of greeting, though she pauses to politely await Edwards' response.

Edwards smiles proudly at that, "Thanks, Gretch." That said, he nods to her, and moves to take his seat.

McAnally, having received said response, now makes her way out.

McAnally heads out and into the Mall.

McAnally has left.

Edwards sits down at square table.

Zeel sits down at square table.

Outside the viewport, a passing freighter is silhouetted against the bright light of the anomaly.

Proving that it's never a bad time for paperwork, Havaris tugs the PADD from his belt, leans back in his chair, and begins pouring over reports. Soaking in the room from a distance, content with that. He lifts a free hand to scratch at his ridges once, face impassive.

Nevaren saunters into the NZ, pulling open his collar to denote he is going off duty. The extremely scarred albino half-breed walks up to the bar and idly orders a large pint of that noxious Cardassian brew, Khanar. Glass in hand, he turns and leansd back against the bar, sipping his beverage, and scans tonights patrons with hauntingly ghost-pale green on green eyes.

Haven shifts from foot to foot then slowly walks to the plague and tray. Trembling fingers reach to touch it lightly as her eyes close and her hard bows, mumbling softly to herself.

Ghorev shares a brief clink of glasses with Rivers, both of them appearing reasonably tired. And talks to her quietly at their table.

Nevaren looks around at all his comrades, dressed offduty, and sighs slightly with a smile. He hopes they had a good party. They deserved it. He'd gladly work an extra shift to cover for them while they vented steam after their victory.

Laco blows his on another napkin, then sets it on the bar.

Once Haven's prayer is said, she brings her fingers to her lips then touches those fingers to the plaque. A silent farewell. Opening her eyes, she turns and scans the crowd. Her eyes light on Kusto for a moment then she swallows hard and heads for the doors.