Terry Sauter quickly changed from her uniform into some comfortable silver jeans and a purple short sleeved blouse and hurried out of her quarters toward the Andromeda Atrium where the Bajoran Gratitude Festival was soon to begin. She had to pull some overtime which she wasn't happy about as she had planned to get there early to watch the preparations. She had dressed in the Festival's colors to more fully get into the spirit of things.

As she walked off the turbolift she quickly scanned the area for "him". She knew he would be there, but probably not this early she surmised. As she slowly walked the atrium she took in all the lovely silver, while and purple decorations which Ren Carstairs had managed to string all over the atrium including the plants and trees. The whole atrium was shimmering with the shiny metal steamers and balloons. Some of the many balloons were attached to the trees and furniture and some of them were freely floating around the atrium catching the light and producing many magical colors all over the place! Also at 15-minute intervals, a light mist of silver and purple dust would fall from the ceiling, coating everyone and everything in its colors, but only lasting a few minutes, at which time the coating would disappear. Terry didn't know what the stuff was, but it sure was pretty!

She noticed that all the booths that were selling Bajoran foods and drinks were open and already doing a nice business. She went over to the one selling Bajoran Fizzes which were like Earth carbonated beverages and bought a Pink one. Pink was her favorite color and it was also the sweetest drink of the three Bajoran Fizzes. The Purple Fizz had the strongest flavor, while the Blue Fizz was the mildest. The Red Fizz was the least sweet, but had the most fizz. She liked all Bajoran drink and foods and greatly admired the Bajoran people.

In fact, one of her best friends in all the world is Bajoran. Her name is Traulia, Emmalia. She worked with her at the Utopia Planetia Fleetyards and is still working there today. They keep in touch every week with subspace messages and meet whenever they can. Emmalia would tell her all about the Bajoran legends and their spiritual beliefs. Terry believed a lot like the Bajorans in some respects, although she didn't believe that the Prophets made the wormhole, like Emmalia did.

As Terry walked along the atrium sipping her Fizz she suddenly noticed "him" and stopped dead in her tracks. He was wearing his uniform and she thought he looked wonderful! Unfortunately he was with a girl and was heading her way! Terry quickly turned and headed for a food booth where she purchased a small pastry called a Fruitish, and found a table at which to sit while she watched "him" enjoying himself with his date. Ah well, she thought...maybe someday.

As Terry sat eating her pastry and drinking her Fizz her gaze again took in all the decorations in the atrium. There were lights which seem to come from all over the place which produced a rainbow of colors, falling over every one and everything. Ren sure outdid herself with this festival!

At last it was time for the festival to officially begin. Dr. Montgomery, Counselor Bek and Ensign Prelana from medical took their places on the platform. In front of them was a large silver bowl into which ran a clear tube. Dr. Montgomery and the Counselor spoke several words in Bajoran and then each poured a vial of blue liquid into the tube igniting the material in the bowl. Each then took a scroll and tossed them into the bowl. Prelana did the same and with that the Bajoran Gratitude Festival officially began!

Terry understood that you were supposed to put all your troubles and worries on the scroll and then burn it, symbolizing the end to all your problems. Terry could only think of one problem she was having and so wrote only one sentence on her scroll, "I have no companion to share my life with", and tossed it into the silver bowl. "Well, you never know!" she said out loud.

Terry enjoyed the rest of the festival with her many friends, especially Audra McKay and Hyper Nor. When she finally got back to her quarters she was exhausted. As she drifted off into a restful sleep she hoped burning the scroll would do her some good. Only time would tell.