Post by magicmuggle01 on Mar 9, 2019 12:16:24 GMT
The matriarch of the House of Martok challenges Worf and Dax's marriage.
Summary
"Captain's Personal Log, Stardate 51247.5. It's been a week since our return to Deep Space 9, but the mood of celebration continues. We're still at war, and the station has been designated headquarters for the Ninth Fleet. That, plus our strategic position guarding the wormhole, makes DS9 one of the most tempting targets in the entire Quadrant. But for now at least, the war seems very far away."
Celebrations over the recent
Allied victory continue on the
Promenade
Captain Sisko looks out on the second level of the Promenade with satisfaction as the flags of the Federation, the Klingon Empire, and Bajor are unfurled side by side from a rail, and the commerce of the Promenade resumes heartily, populated by the station's civilian population, and a mix of officers from Starfleet, the Bajoran Militia, and the Klingon Defense Force. Even though the Federation is still at war with the Dominion, the celebrations over Starfleet's return to the station are continuing and the atmosphere on the station is a happy one.
In Ops, Sisko arrives for work and he and Major Kira warmly wish each other a good morning, noting how happy they are to be working together again. However the captain has a lot of work in front on him, beginning with General Martok waiting in his office.
Martok, who has just been appointed Supreme Commander of the Ninth Fleet, is more angry than honored, ranting about the amount of paperwork that comes with the position. Sisko, who recommended him for the position, smiles and offers his congratulations, and offers to arrange quarters for the general aboard his new headquarters. Martok declines, preferring to keep his cramped berth aboard the Rotarran, so that he can at least feel like he's still "in the war." He requests Sisko's permission to have Worf continue serving as his principal intelligence officer, and Sisko agrees. The conversation then drifts to Worf's son Alexander, whom Sisko hasn't met before. Martok, choosing his words carefully, calls Alexander a fine boy with "the heart of his father," but admits he isn't much of a warrior.
In Quark's Bar, Alexander is sharing a drink of bloodwine with his father and Jadzia Dax, telling her about one of his memorable screw-ups aboard the Rotarran (flooding an entire deck with superheated hydraulic fluid). He says that, despite his clumsiness, he has become surprisingly popular among the Rotarran's crew, who have come to see him as a sort of "good luck charm." He then surprises his father by mentioning that he has received new orders to transfer to the cruiser IKS Ya'Vang at the end of the week. When Alexander leaves to get more blood wine, Quark approaches the two and asks if they have reconsidered having their wedding in Quark's. Worf tells Quark firmly that the wedding will be held on Qo'noS after the war is over, however Jadzia, after looking thoughtful during the conversation, suddenly jumps in and agrees to Quark's request. Worf is surprised, but Jadzia explains that this way Alexander can attend the wedding before he leaves.
When Alexander returns, Worf informs him of their change in plans and asks Alexander to be his Tawi'Yan ("swordbearer"), the Klingon equivalent of a best man. Alexander is so happy about this that he accidentally knocks over a tray of drinks.
Act One
Dax and Kira are discussing the wedding, with Dax mentioning Worf has been planning everything for three months. Kira comments the wedding seems to be dominated by what Worf wants, but Dax is all right with that knowing it's what Worf has wanted since he was a boy, and she's already had several weddings. As they talk, they almost run into Odo, but he sees them and abruptly changes direction to avoid meeting them. Kira tells her it is because of what happened during the occupation of the station, of which Dax has no idea, but she doesn't feel like getting into it at the moment.
Later, Worf meets with Sisko, Martok, Miles O'Brien, and Julian Bashir. He asks them to join Martok and himself in Kal'Hyah, a mental and spiritual journey that lasts for four nights before a Klingon wedding. Martok advises the four to get a good night's sleep before entering.
Sirella arrives on DS9
Later, Sisko and Martok go to one of the upper pylons to greet Martok's wife Sirella, who has arrived on a Vor'cha-class ship. By marrying Worf, Jadzia will become a member of the House of Martok. As a mistress of a Great House, Sirella approves all the weddings conducted by its members. Sirella greets Martok by telling him he has put on weight – and his hair is going gray. After Sirella tells him she expected him to be in his grave, he tells her he will attempt to die soon – before the year is out if possible. After being introduced to Sisko, she asks where Dax is and goes alone. Martok is in awe of her, though Sisko a tad confused.
Worf is with Dax as she prepares to meet Sirella. He's a bit concerned about the var'Hama candles being replicated, but Dax responds that he is just criticizing and that the meeting will go fine. Then Sirella enters. Dax gives a Klingon greeting, but she responds immediately asking Worf to leave. Then, she continues to be hostile. Sirella tells her that it would be difficult for a Klingon female to impress her and that for an alien it will almost be impossible. Dax says she enjoys a challenge. Sirella demands she prepare the appropriate meal for the following day, and finally, comments on the candles being fake before abruptly leaving.
Act Two
Worf confronts Martok asking him why he never told him Sirella was opposed to his marriage to Jadzia. Martok tells him Sirella believes that by allowing aliens into the House of Martok, they risk losing their Klingon identity. Martok does not want to interfere in Sirella's affairs, either. Worf wants to talk to her, but Martok reveals that Sirella does not like Worf either.
Meanwhile, Sisko, O'Brien, Bashir, and Alexander begin the Kal'Hyah in one of Quark's holosuites, all eager for what they assume will be four days of Klingon debauchery. Worf shows them the Ma'Stakas, that are to be used at the conclusion of the wedding in a ceremonial "attack" on Worf and Dax. This tradition stems from Kahless and Lukara's wedding when they were nearly killed by Molor's troops. Worf also mentions that the food sitting nearby is not to be eaten, it is there to tempt them to break their fast. This is the first trial on the path to Kal'Hyah – deprivation (with the other trials being blood, pain, sacrifice, anguish and death). Everyone realizes that they are in for four days of hell.
At the same time, Dax is undergoing a trial of her own. She is holding two braziers and lifts them onto a column, conducting a recitation. Sirella is unimpressed and orders her to do it again. Dax is frustrated, since it has been the third time. Sirella then tells her to end her attempt as she believes the House will not tolerate her weakness and she will always be considered an outsider, clearly expressing her opinion to her. Dax reacts angrily to this and lifts the braziers again.
Act Three
Jadzia's next trial is to recite the history of all the women in Sirella's family. Dax is recounting the end of the Second Dynasty, but then tells her that one of Sirella's ancestors who was apparently the daughter of the Klingon emperor Reclaw was in fact a concubine through a little-known fact. This infuriates Sirella, who orders Jadzia to continue with the "correct" history.
While this is happening, Kira congratulates Jake Sisko on having his stories of life under the Dominion occupation published by the Federation News Service. Odo approaches but once again avoids Kira, who then has Jake ignore it. Kira and Jake then see Sisko, Bashir, O'Brien, and Alexander enter the holosuites again, on the second night of their path to Kal'Hyah, appearing quite serious. This trial is the shedding of blood. Sisko, O'Brien, and Alexander take a step back before Worf and Martok turn around. Although Worf is surprised to see that Bashir has "volunteered" to go first, Bashir is even more surprised. Worf tells the doctor not to worry, as the pain only lasts a few seconds, and approaches him with the knife.
Act Four
Manuele Atoa concludes his fire
dance at Jadzia's pre-wedding
festivities
Meanwhile Dax is hosting a raucous party in her quarters with many people including Kira, Nog, Quark, Rom, Leeta, Morn, and Jake. She's invited Lieutenant Manuele Atoa from the USS Sutherland to perform a fire dance. It's a big hit with everyone.
Meanwhile, Bashir and O'Brien are chained to the ceiling above a floor covered with hot coals. Bashir tells O'Brien he is having a vision – he is going to kill Worf. O'Brien agrees with him.
Odo arrives at the party after receiving complaints about the noise and that he also heard there was a fight. Kira is first at the door, and now he is forced to talk to her. Kira tells Odo the fight was between Morn and a Bolian, but the two are getting along fine now and that she is authorizing the party to continue. Odo turns to leave but he and Kira finally realize they have to talk about what happened during the occupation. Allowing his deputies the rest of the night off to enjoy the party, Odo and Kira leave to talk in private as Dax begins to flirt with Atoa following his act.
Soon, Sirella arrives, ignoring everyone there, and tells Dax it is time for the Bre'Nan ritual. Fed up with her, Dax sternly tells her she is busy. Sirella insults her, calling her a Risian slut. Sirella orders her to come with her, or she will cancel the wedding. After Dax refuses, Sirella pulls a d'k tahg and Dax disarms her. Sirella leaves and Dax forces the party to resume.
The next morning, Dax wakes up with a monumental hangover and, after kicking out the party-goers (Morn and Atoa) who ended up crashing for the night sluggishly orders a raktajino from the replicator. Worf arrives and tells Dax they have to talk; Sirella has canceled the wedding. Dax tries to sleep instead, but is prodded. She begins to explain what happened when the two hear voices coming from the adjoining room. Opening the door, they find Odo and Kira, who are still talking. Dax tells the two that it's 10:30, and the two quickly leave as they're both meant to be on duty. Worf tells Dax to go to Sirella and beg for forgiveness, to which she reacts angrily and tells Worf that all they should do is go to Captain Sisko and he can marry them instead. Worf is upset that Jadzia has so little regard for his traditions and feelings and sadly leaves, telling her that Sirella was right – there should be no wedding.
Act Five
Worf kisses the bride
O'Brien and Bashir enter Quark's bar where they see the Klingon banners being removed. Quark tells them that the wedding has been canceled. The two are sorry for Worf and Dax for a couple of seconds... then immediately order dinner.
Martok goes to speak with Worf who is brooding aboard the Defiant and tells his friend he has made a mistake. Worf can't help but feel that Martok is right, but recent events have made it clear just how different he and Dax are - he is serious while she is fun, she has many marriages behind her while he is preparing for his first, he can't stand Quark while she plays Tongo with him, among many other things. As a result, Worf feels that love may not be enough in this case. Martok admits that Sirella is nothing like the woman he imagined he would marry; she has too much pride and vanity for his tastes, and yet he loves her with all his heart. Martok reminds Worf that honor and glory, things that Klingons prize above everything else, are worth nothing without someone to share it with.
O'Brien and Bashir are just about to eat a huge meal, when Sisko, Martok, and Alexander enter, telling them that the wedding is back on as Worf is apologizing to Jadzia. Sisko tells Quark to remove the food, that there should be no food for those on the path to Kal'Hyah. Quark tells them there are no refunds for those on the path to Kal'Hyah either. However, Worf enters and tells them that Jadzia has refused to be married so the wedding is stil off. Sisko decides to go and talk to his friend, telling the others to make sure Bashir and O'Brien don't eat anything.
Sisko goes to Jadzia's quarters where she is rearranging her items angrily. Jadzia finds the notion of apologizing to Sirella insulting, as she says she was once the Federation ambassador to the Klingon Empire and that she negotiated the Khitomer Accords before Worf was born. Sisko, determined to snap Jadzia out of her stubborness, sternly reminds his friend it was Curzon who negotiated the accords, not her, and that she should go to Sirella and do whatever it takes to be forgiven, even if it involves grovelling. Sisko also tells Jadzia that if she cares so little for Klingon traditions she should never have fallen in love with Worf in the first place. Jadzia tells Sisko that her life was completely mapped out; friends, a career, but then one day a certain Klingon came aboard the station and all of a sudden she found herself falling in love with him. Jadzia realizes she has to apologize to Sirella, and thanks her old friend asking him whatever happened to the ensign she used to know. Sisko simply tells her he grew up.
In Quark's, several Klingons begin to beat Klingon drums. The marriage service is almost operatic. It relates the creation of the Klingons by the gods, who were later killed by their own creations. After Worf and Dax recite their vows, swearing to join with each other against all that oppose them, Sirella pronounces them married, and they kiss. Jadzia makes a gesture of respect to Sirella. Sirella then embraces Jadzia, welcoming her to the House of Martok and calling her "my daughter."
Bashir and O'Brien, still smarting after their grueling march on the path to Kal'hyah, have been hovering anxiously with their Ma'Stakas. Martok gives the word as soon as Sirella hugs Jadzia, and they bellow hearty war cries and charge the altar with their Ma'Stakas held high.
Memorable quotes
"Handsome young man... he must get his looks from his mother's side."
- Quark, musing to Worf and Jadzia about Alexander Rozhenko
"As you probably know by now, Jadzia and I will be married here on the station in six days."
"There's nothing more romantic than a wedding on DS9 in springtime."
"...when the neutrinos are in bloom."
- Worf, Bashir, and O'Brien
"You've put on weight... and your hair is going grey."
"My... deterioration is proceeding apace."
"I thought you would be in your grave by now."
(laughing) "I shall endeavor to die, this year, if possible."
- Sirella and Martok, upon Sirella's arrival at Deep Space 9
"Sirella is a woman of strong convictions. She believes that by bringing aliens into our families we risk losing our identity as Klingons."
"That is a prejudiced, xenophobic view."
"We are Klingons, Worf. We don't embrace other cultures, we conquer them."
- Martok and Worf, about Worf's marriage to Jadzia
"I had every right to bring you into our family, and she's accepted that there's nothing she can do about that!"
"How comforting."
"(bellowing with laughter) And they say you have no sense of humor!"
- Martok and Worf
"We now begin a fast that will continue until the day of the wedding."
"That's four days away!"
"It is a short time, I know, but we must make the best of it."
- Worf, Bashir and Martok at the start of Kal'Hyah
"I sold my first book today."
"Really? How much did you get for it?"
"It's just a figure of speech. The Federation News Service is going to publish a book of my stories about life on the station under Dominion rule."
"And they're not paying you?"
"No."
"Well, then you have my sympathies, and the first round of drinks is on the house."
"Really?"
"No. It's a figure of speech."
- Jake and Quark
"Miles... it's working. I've had a vision, about the future. I can see it so clearly."
"What is it?"
"I'm gonna kill Worf. I'm gonna kill Worf. That's what I'm gonna do. I can see it clearly now, I'm going to kill... him..."
"Kill Worf?"
"Kill Worf."
"Kill Worf... Kill Worf!"
- Bashir and O'Brien, on the path to Kal'Hyah
"We are not accorded the luxury of choosing the women we fall in love with. Do you think Sirella is anything like the woman I thought that I'd marry? She is a prideful, arrogant, mercurial woman who shares my bed far too infrequently for my taste. And yet... I love her deeply. We Klingons often tout our prowess in battle, our desire for glory and honor above all else... but how hollow is the sound of victory without someone to share it with? Honor gives little comfort to a man alone in his home... and in his heart."
- Martok, to Worf discussing marriage
"This is Worf's fault! Worf and his traditional Klingon wedding!"
"Well, he may have let this wedding business go to his head, but you are 356 years old. Compared to you, Worf is just a kid. And if you can't abide by Klingon traditions, then you never should have let yourself fall in love with him in the first place! And you are in love with him."
"I wasn't looking to fall in love. I was perfectly happy with myself. I had friends, a career, adventure. Then one day this Klingon with a bad attitude walked into my life and the next thing I know, I'm getting married. After 356 years and 7 lifetimes, I still lead with my heart."
- Jadzia Dax and Benjamin Sisko
"To this very day, no one can oppose the beating of two Klingon hearts... Not even me."
- Sirella, officiating Worf and Jadzia's wedding ceremony
Summary
"Captain's Personal Log, Stardate 51247.5. It's been a week since our return to Deep Space 9, but the mood of celebration continues. We're still at war, and the station has been designated headquarters for the Ninth Fleet. That, plus our strategic position guarding the wormhole, makes DS9 one of the most tempting targets in the entire Quadrant. But for now at least, the war seems very far away."
Celebrations over the recent
Allied victory continue on the
Promenade
Captain Sisko looks out on the second level of the Promenade with satisfaction as the flags of the Federation, the Klingon Empire, and Bajor are unfurled side by side from a rail, and the commerce of the Promenade resumes heartily, populated by the station's civilian population, and a mix of officers from Starfleet, the Bajoran Militia, and the Klingon Defense Force. Even though the Federation is still at war with the Dominion, the celebrations over Starfleet's return to the station are continuing and the atmosphere on the station is a happy one.
In Ops, Sisko arrives for work and he and Major Kira warmly wish each other a good morning, noting how happy they are to be working together again. However the captain has a lot of work in front on him, beginning with General Martok waiting in his office.
Martok, who has just been appointed Supreme Commander of the Ninth Fleet, is more angry than honored, ranting about the amount of paperwork that comes with the position. Sisko, who recommended him for the position, smiles and offers his congratulations, and offers to arrange quarters for the general aboard his new headquarters. Martok declines, preferring to keep his cramped berth aboard the Rotarran, so that he can at least feel like he's still "in the war." He requests Sisko's permission to have Worf continue serving as his principal intelligence officer, and Sisko agrees. The conversation then drifts to Worf's son Alexander, whom Sisko hasn't met before. Martok, choosing his words carefully, calls Alexander a fine boy with "the heart of his father," but admits he isn't much of a warrior.
In Quark's Bar, Alexander is sharing a drink of bloodwine with his father and Jadzia Dax, telling her about one of his memorable screw-ups aboard the Rotarran (flooding an entire deck with superheated hydraulic fluid). He says that, despite his clumsiness, he has become surprisingly popular among the Rotarran's crew, who have come to see him as a sort of "good luck charm." He then surprises his father by mentioning that he has received new orders to transfer to the cruiser IKS Ya'Vang at the end of the week. When Alexander leaves to get more blood wine, Quark approaches the two and asks if they have reconsidered having their wedding in Quark's. Worf tells Quark firmly that the wedding will be held on Qo'noS after the war is over, however Jadzia, after looking thoughtful during the conversation, suddenly jumps in and agrees to Quark's request. Worf is surprised, but Jadzia explains that this way Alexander can attend the wedding before he leaves.
When Alexander returns, Worf informs him of their change in plans and asks Alexander to be his Tawi'Yan ("swordbearer"), the Klingon equivalent of a best man. Alexander is so happy about this that he accidentally knocks over a tray of drinks.
Act One
Dax and Kira are discussing the wedding, with Dax mentioning Worf has been planning everything for three months. Kira comments the wedding seems to be dominated by what Worf wants, but Dax is all right with that knowing it's what Worf has wanted since he was a boy, and she's already had several weddings. As they talk, they almost run into Odo, but he sees them and abruptly changes direction to avoid meeting them. Kira tells her it is because of what happened during the occupation of the station, of which Dax has no idea, but she doesn't feel like getting into it at the moment.
Later, Worf meets with Sisko, Martok, Miles O'Brien, and Julian Bashir. He asks them to join Martok and himself in Kal'Hyah, a mental and spiritual journey that lasts for four nights before a Klingon wedding. Martok advises the four to get a good night's sleep before entering.
Sirella arrives on DS9
Later, Sisko and Martok go to one of the upper pylons to greet Martok's wife Sirella, who has arrived on a Vor'cha-class ship. By marrying Worf, Jadzia will become a member of the House of Martok. As a mistress of a Great House, Sirella approves all the weddings conducted by its members. Sirella greets Martok by telling him he has put on weight – and his hair is going gray. After Sirella tells him she expected him to be in his grave, he tells her he will attempt to die soon – before the year is out if possible. After being introduced to Sisko, she asks where Dax is and goes alone. Martok is in awe of her, though Sisko a tad confused.
Worf is with Dax as she prepares to meet Sirella. He's a bit concerned about the var'Hama candles being replicated, but Dax responds that he is just criticizing and that the meeting will go fine. Then Sirella enters. Dax gives a Klingon greeting, but she responds immediately asking Worf to leave. Then, she continues to be hostile. Sirella tells her that it would be difficult for a Klingon female to impress her and that for an alien it will almost be impossible. Dax says she enjoys a challenge. Sirella demands she prepare the appropriate meal for the following day, and finally, comments on the candles being fake before abruptly leaving.
Act Two
Worf confronts Martok asking him why he never told him Sirella was opposed to his marriage to Jadzia. Martok tells him Sirella believes that by allowing aliens into the House of Martok, they risk losing their Klingon identity. Martok does not want to interfere in Sirella's affairs, either. Worf wants to talk to her, but Martok reveals that Sirella does not like Worf either.
Meanwhile, Sisko, O'Brien, Bashir, and Alexander begin the Kal'Hyah in one of Quark's holosuites, all eager for what they assume will be four days of Klingon debauchery. Worf shows them the Ma'Stakas, that are to be used at the conclusion of the wedding in a ceremonial "attack" on Worf and Dax. This tradition stems from Kahless and Lukara's wedding when they were nearly killed by Molor's troops. Worf also mentions that the food sitting nearby is not to be eaten, it is there to tempt them to break their fast. This is the first trial on the path to Kal'Hyah – deprivation (with the other trials being blood, pain, sacrifice, anguish and death). Everyone realizes that they are in for four days of hell.
At the same time, Dax is undergoing a trial of her own. She is holding two braziers and lifts them onto a column, conducting a recitation. Sirella is unimpressed and orders her to do it again. Dax is frustrated, since it has been the third time. Sirella then tells her to end her attempt as she believes the House will not tolerate her weakness and she will always be considered an outsider, clearly expressing her opinion to her. Dax reacts angrily to this and lifts the braziers again.
Act Three
Jadzia's next trial is to recite the history of all the women in Sirella's family. Dax is recounting the end of the Second Dynasty, but then tells her that one of Sirella's ancestors who was apparently the daughter of the Klingon emperor Reclaw was in fact a concubine through a little-known fact. This infuriates Sirella, who orders Jadzia to continue with the "correct" history.
While this is happening, Kira congratulates Jake Sisko on having his stories of life under the Dominion occupation published by the Federation News Service. Odo approaches but once again avoids Kira, who then has Jake ignore it. Kira and Jake then see Sisko, Bashir, O'Brien, and Alexander enter the holosuites again, on the second night of their path to Kal'Hyah, appearing quite serious. This trial is the shedding of blood. Sisko, O'Brien, and Alexander take a step back before Worf and Martok turn around. Although Worf is surprised to see that Bashir has "volunteered" to go first, Bashir is even more surprised. Worf tells the doctor not to worry, as the pain only lasts a few seconds, and approaches him with the knife.
Act Four
Manuele Atoa concludes his fire
dance at Jadzia's pre-wedding
festivities
Meanwhile Dax is hosting a raucous party in her quarters with many people including Kira, Nog, Quark, Rom, Leeta, Morn, and Jake. She's invited Lieutenant Manuele Atoa from the USS Sutherland to perform a fire dance. It's a big hit with everyone.
Meanwhile, Bashir and O'Brien are chained to the ceiling above a floor covered with hot coals. Bashir tells O'Brien he is having a vision – he is going to kill Worf. O'Brien agrees with him.
Odo arrives at the party after receiving complaints about the noise and that he also heard there was a fight. Kira is first at the door, and now he is forced to talk to her. Kira tells Odo the fight was between Morn and a Bolian, but the two are getting along fine now and that she is authorizing the party to continue. Odo turns to leave but he and Kira finally realize they have to talk about what happened during the occupation. Allowing his deputies the rest of the night off to enjoy the party, Odo and Kira leave to talk in private as Dax begins to flirt with Atoa following his act.
Soon, Sirella arrives, ignoring everyone there, and tells Dax it is time for the Bre'Nan ritual. Fed up with her, Dax sternly tells her she is busy. Sirella insults her, calling her a Risian slut. Sirella orders her to come with her, or she will cancel the wedding. After Dax refuses, Sirella pulls a d'k tahg and Dax disarms her. Sirella leaves and Dax forces the party to resume.
The next morning, Dax wakes up with a monumental hangover and, after kicking out the party-goers (Morn and Atoa) who ended up crashing for the night sluggishly orders a raktajino from the replicator. Worf arrives and tells Dax they have to talk; Sirella has canceled the wedding. Dax tries to sleep instead, but is prodded. She begins to explain what happened when the two hear voices coming from the adjoining room. Opening the door, they find Odo and Kira, who are still talking. Dax tells the two that it's 10:30, and the two quickly leave as they're both meant to be on duty. Worf tells Dax to go to Sirella and beg for forgiveness, to which she reacts angrily and tells Worf that all they should do is go to Captain Sisko and he can marry them instead. Worf is upset that Jadzia has so little regard for his traditions and feelings and sadly leaves, telling her that Sirella was right – there should be no wedding.
Act Five
Worf kisses the bride
O'Brien and Bashir enter Quark's bar where they see the Klingon banners being removed. Quark tells them that the wedding has been canceled. The two are sorry for Worf and Dax for a couple of seconds... then immediately order dinner.
Martok goes to speak with Worf who is brooding aboard the Defiant and tells his friend he has made a mistake. Worf can't help but feel that Martok is right, but recent events have made it clear just how different he and Dax are - he is serious while she is fun, she has many marriages behind her while he is preparing for his first, he can't stand Quark while she plays Tongo with him, among many other things. As a result, Worf feels that love may not be enough in this case. Martok admits that Sirella is nothing like the woman he imagined he would marry; she has too much pride and vanity for his tastes, and yet he loves her with all his heart. Martok reminds Worf that honor and glory, things that Klingons prize above everything else, are worth nothing without someone to share it with.
O'Brien and Bashir are just about to eat a huge meal, when Sisko, Martok, and Alexander enter, telling them that the wedding is back on as Worf is apologizing to Jadzia. Sisko tells Quark to remove the food, that there should be no food for those on the path to Kal'Hyah. Quark tells them there are no refunds for those on the path to Kal'Hyah either. However, Worf enters and tells them that Jadzia has refused to be married so the wedding is stil off. Sisko decides to go and talk to his friend, telling the others to make sure Bashir and O'Brien don't eat anything.
Sisko goes to Jadzia's quarters where she is rearranging her items angrily. Jadzia finds the notion of apologizing to Sirella insulting, as she says she was once the Federation ambassador to the Klingon Empire and that she negotiated the Khitomer Accords before Worf was born. Sisko, determined to snap Jadzia out of her stubborness, sternly reminds his friend it was Curzon who negotiated the accords, not her, and that she should go to Sirella and do whatever it takes to be forgiven, even if it involves grovelling. Sisko also tells Jadzia that if she cares so little for Klingon traditions she should never have fallen in love with Worf in the first place. Jadzia tells Sisko that her life was completely mapped out; friends, a career, but then one day a certain Klingon came aboard the station and all of a sudden she found herself falling in love with him. Jadzia realizes she has to apologize to Sirella, and thanks her old friend asking him whatever happened to the ensign she used to know. Sisko simply tells her he grew up.
In Quark's, several Klingons begin to beat Klingon drums. The marriage service is almost operatic. It relates the creation of the Klingons by the gods, who were later killed by their own creations. After Worf and Dax recite their vows, swearing to join with each other against all that oppose them, Sirella pronounces them married, and they kiss. Jadzia makes a gesture of respect to Sirella. Sirella then embraces Jadzia, welcoming her to the House of Martok and calling her "my daughter."
Bashir and O'Brien, still smarting after their grueling march on the path to Kal'hyah, have been hovering anxiously with their Ma'Stakas. Martok gives the word as soon as Sirella hugs Jadzia, and they bellow hearty war cries and charge the altar with their Ma'Stakas held high.
Memorable quotes
"Handsome young man... he must get his looks from his mother's side."
- Quark, musing to Worf and Jadzia about Alexander Rozhenko
"As you probably know by now, Jadzia and I will be married here on the station in six days."
"There's nothing more romantic than a wedding on DS9 in springtime."
"...when the neutrinos are in bloom."
- Worf, Bashir, and O'Brien
"You've put on weight... and your hair is going grey."
"My... deterioration is proceeding apace."
"I thought you would be in your grave by now."
(laughing) "I shall endeavor to die, this year, if possible."
- Sirella and Martok, upon Sirella's arrival at Deep Space 9
"Sirella is a woman of strong convictions. She believes that by bringing aliens into our families we risk losing our identity as Klingons."
"That is a prejudiced, xenophobic view."
"We are Klingons, Worf. We don't embrace other cultures, we conquer them."
- Martok and Worf, about Worf's marriage to Jadzia
"I had every right to bring you into our family, and she's accepted that there's nothing she can do about that!"
"How comforting."
"(bellowing with laughter) And they say you have no sense of humor!"
- Martok and Worf
"We now begin a fast that will continue until the day of the wedding."
"That's four days away!"
"It is a short time, I know, but we must make the best of it."
- Worf, Bashir and Martok at the start of Kal'Hyah
"I sold my first book today."
"Really? How much did you get for it?"
"It's just a figure of speech. The Federation News Service is going to publish a book of my stories about life on the station under Dominion rule."
"And they're not paying you?"
"No."
"Well, then you have my sympathies, and the first round of drinks is on the house."
"Really?"
"No. It's a figure of speech."
- Jake and Quark
"Miles... it's working. I've had a vision, about the future. I can see it so clearly."
"What is it?"
"I'm gonna kill Worf. I'm gonna kill Worf. That's what I'm gonna do. I can see it clearly now, I'm going to kill... him..."
"Kill Worf?"
"Kill Worf."
"Kill Worf... Kill Worf!"
- Bashir and O'Brien, on the path to Kal'Hyah
"We are not accorded the luxury of choosing the women we fall in love with. Do you think Sirella is anything like the woman I thought that I'd marry? She is a prideful, arrogant, mercurial woman who shares my bed far too infrequently for my taste. And yet... I love her deeply. We Klingons often tout our prowess in battle, our desire for glory and honor above all else... but how hollow is the sound of victory without someone to share it with? Honor gives little comfort to a man alone in his home... and in his heart."
- Martok, to Worf discussing marriage
"This is Worf's fault! Worf and his traditional Klingon wedding!"
"Well, he may have let this wedding business go to his head, but you are 356 years old. Compared to you, Worf is just a kid. And if you can't abide by Klingon traditions, then you never should have let yourself fall in love with him in the first place! And you are in love with him."
"I wasn't looking to fall in love. I was perfectly happy with myself. I had friends, a career, adventure. Then one day this Klingon with a bad attitude walked into my life and the next thing I know, I'm getting married. After 356 years and 7 lifetimes, I still lead with my heart."
- Jadzia Dax and Benjamin Sisko
"To this very day, no one can oppose the beating of two Klingon hearts... Not even me."
- Sirella, officiating Worf and Jadzia's wedding ceremony
