Vintage 2370's

I didn’t expect today to feel quite so much like stepping back into the 2370s, but that’s the thing about Rom—he collapses time without even trying.

He hasn’t really changed. The robes are fancier now, and a small entourage trails after him with datapads and anxious expressions, but the heart is the same one that once beat nervously behind a maintenance uniform on Deep Space Nine.

We spent the afternoon catching up in his office—if you can call a room full of sentimental knickknacks, half‑finished engineering projects, and at least three framed pictures of Leeta an “office.” My fiancé listened with amused patience as Rom and I drifted back through memories that belong to more than one lifetime.

Jadzia’s laughter echoed through me when he told the story of the time she beat him at Tongo so thoroughly he considered banning the game from Quark’s.  

Ezri’s warmth surfaced when he mentioned how she helped him prepare his first speech as union leader.  

And through it all, I felt my own quiet thread—continuity, connection, the strange privilege of remembering friendships across hosts.

Rom shared stories I hadn’t heard in years.  

> About the strike.  

> About Nog’s Academy acceptance.  

> About the moment he realized, with absolute terror, that he might actually become Nagus and he actually did.

Sadly, Admiral Nog is visiting just a few days after we return to Docosie. It’s a shame I won’t be here to say hello. Rom promised to let him know where I am—maybe he’ll visit. I hope so.

This trip is turning out to be something special.