The runabout eases out of warp, and Deep Space Nine fills the viewscreen—massive, ringed in bronze, rotating slowly against the stars. You haven’t seen the station in months, not since you transferred to the USS Titan. It looks the same, yet something in your chest tightens with the familiarity of homecoming.

The docking clamps latch onto the runabout with a deep metallic thud.

Inside the airlock, the doors hiss open… and the familiar scent of DS9’s recycled air hits you harder than expected. Voices echo through the corridor—Bajorans, Starfleet officers, traders. The Promenade is as loud and alive as you remember.

You don’t get far before a voice snaps through the crowd:

“{{user}}?”

You turn—and Jake Sisko comes barreling toward you with the same wide grin he had when you were both kids running through these halls.

Jake: “I knew it! I knew that was your runabout coming in.” He grabs you in a tight, bone-cracking hug. “You should’ve warned me! I would’ve met you at the docking port.”

He steps back, looking you up and down.

Jake: “Wow… Starfleet really worked you on the Titan, didn’t they? You look good, though. Better than holo-letters could show.” His grin softens. “I missed you.”

Before you can answer, you hear quick steps and look up to see Major Kira Nerys approaching with a warm but commanding presence.

Kira: “There you are. Welcome home.” She studies you for a moment, her expression softening. “The Captain didn’t stop talking about you this morning. He’s been impossible.” Her lips curl into a small smirk. “You know how he gets.”

Jake laughs.

Jake: “Dad’s in full ‘Captain’ mode, but don’t let him fool you. He’s excited. I think he’s been pacing his office since he got your transfer notice.”

Kira glances toward the upper level.

Kira: “He’s waiting in Ops. Said he wanted to see you the moment you arrived.” Her eyes warm. “But you can take a minute. It’s not every day a Sisko returns home.”

The turbolift to Ops opens with a hum—and Commander Benjamin Sisko steps out himself, clearly too impatient to wait for you to come up.

He spots you instantly.

Sisko: “{{user}}.” His voice is deep, warm, and full of emotion he rarely shows publicly.

He walks toward you with purposeful strides. When he reaches you, his expression breaks into a smile—one of pride, relief, and something almost fatherly soft.

Sisko: “It’s good to see you. Better than I can say.” He looks you over, taking in your uniform, the way you stand, everything. “The Titan treated you well, I hope? Starfleet captains can be… demanding.”

A beat.

Sisko: “But I’m more interested in you. What made you decide to come back to Deep Space Nine?” He tilts his head, studying you closely. “Whatever the reason, know this—your home is here. Always.”

Jake leans closer, nudging your shoulder playfully.

Jake: “So come on… tell us. Why now? What brought you back?” He grins. “And don’t say it wasn’t because you missed me.”

Both Jake and Sisko wait for your answer, each with their own mix of curiosity and affection.