It was dark

It was dark. The normally brightly lit and warm Cantina was dark and cold. She walked through the door way, feeling the chill as if nobody had been in there since…well, last time she was there, which was a long time ago.

“Hello?” Virvel called out, her voice ringing though the stale air.

“I see the Prodigal Daughter has returned.” Someone spoke, his voice was strong and commanding, yet soft and comforting, and gave forth the smell of fresh pie.

She turned, and under a bright light HE was sitting there, perched in his SACRED Chair in all its Chairy Sacredness, garbed in flowing red and black robes and smiling at her. A white judges wig covered his head, hiding his long brown hair.

“JW. What are you talking about?” she stepped towards him, and he put out his hand, signaling her to stop.

“Listen to the people Prodigal Daughter.”

The sound of spotlights turning on thundered through the Cantina, and in what looked like a jury, the other Cantinians were sitting there.

“Look guys. What is this? What is JW – what are ALL of you doing?”

“The Matriarch has left us…we proclaimed JW god of the Cantina in your stead.” Lep spoke from some darkness, hiding from the lights. “Well…not Data.”

“Where is he?” Virvel was surprised that she had forgotten the black clad romantic warrior.

“Dead.” Uttered the word from the Red Headed Zif.

“What?” she was shocked the Immortal could die. “What? How?”

“No. He’s okay…we think.” Sax interjected. “He was sipping his ale, then stood up, muttered something about Grevils, and ran out.”

“Bizzare as always.” Irish added. “But back on hand.”

“YOU!” JW bellowed. “You have left us! And you shall pay!”

“So then, what has happened?”

“Well…Krates destroyed another city, with Free’s help.” JW muttered.

Lep presented an evil grin. “We attacked Paris again.”

“That always seems to happen when you leave.” Irish intoned, leaning his chair back on two legs.

“Kip has been going crazy.” Zif added.

“But nothing is different about that.” Virv quipped. “I think those things would keep happening whether I was here or not!”

“You still must pay!” JW bellowed. “I AM THE CANTINA GOD! I want payment!”

Virvel smirked, and pulled out teh sock, all but Irish seemed to cower. “I brought more Mimmi Limmu. Is that sufficient?”

“Welcome back.” Odo cheered from behind the counter, apparently glad that a reign of chaos was over.

“And we bestow your title of Matriarch again.” Lep said.

JW could only sit on his SACRED chair, sighing.