Tending Bar…

Before long, Picard, Riker, and Shelby had all departed, Shelby somewhat unsteadily. Another human Starfleet captain came in, an older man with white hair and bushy eyebrows, but Cap knew that David Gold would not be drinking anything for quite some time.

Others came in as well, culminating in two more Starfleet personnel, a familiar human male and an unfamiliar Bajoran female. Cap knew that his place wasn’t to every captain’s taste, its ability to visually conform to the wishes of the patron notwithstanding, so it always did his heart proud to see a regular patron like Benjamin Sisko bring his friend and comrade Kira Nerys along when she made captain.

These two were different from Picard and Riker, though. Where Riker had taken to the place without hesitation, Kira seemed uncomfortable despite Sisko’s best efforts. They took their seats next to Klag, who had been sullen since Riker’s concert. Cap quickly brought the new arrivals their drinks. He welcomed Sisko back, and expressed his joy at Kira’s patronage. Sisko was all smiles, but Kira remained apprehensive.

Cap had faith in his place’s ability to knock down the walls, as it were.

He also noted that Klag’s warnog mug was almost empty….