u/Darklit15

I was watching a few episodes of Lower Decks recently, and now I have a crush on Ma'ah. DAMMIT LOWER DECKS, STOP MAKING ME CRUSH ON SOME CHARACTERS ​​

Starting today after my closing shift at my grocery store, I'm doing my very first Star Trek show binge!

The house had finally quieted down. Mostly. Rix and Nira had eventually fallen asleep after demanding: three bedtime stories, snacks, and “one final hug” approximately nine times each. Parth and Jeef had crashed in the guest room after nearly exploding from too much tube grub casserole. And somewhere else in the house, Ishka and Zek were absolutely still being weirdly affectionate. Which Quark was trying very hard not to think about. Now he and Selyra were finally alone in his old room. Or trying to be. Quark tossed his jacket onto a chair dramatically. “I swear this room got smaller.” Selyra, sitting on the edge of the bed while removing jewelry, smirked. “No, you just fill rooms with complaining.” “I fill them with personality.” “You fill them with lawsuits.” Quark opened a drawer. Paused. “…Why are my Marauder Mo figures facing the wall?” Selyra glanced over. “…You posed them dramatically before dinner, didn’t you.” “…Maybe.” Then— BZZZT. A transporter sound came from inside the wardrobe. Both of them froze. Slowly turned. Dead silence. Selyra blinked once. “…Did your closet just beam someone in.” Quark looked horrified. “That sentence should never exist.”

Another faint transporter whine echoed from inside. Quark slowly approached the wardrobe doors. Selyra crossed her arms behind him. “If this is your mother and Zek again, I’m moving out.” Quark grabbed the handles dramatically. “I don’t think I can survive a second emotional ambush tonight.” He yanked the doors open. Inside stood Brunt. Perfectly still. Hands clasped behind his back. Already smug. “Brunt,” he announced proudly, “FCA.” Long pause. Selyra immediately spoke first. “More like Brunt, the Creeper in a Closet.” Quark wheezed laughing instantly. Brunt looked offended. “I am conducting official FCA business.” Quark stared at him. “…In my closet?” “Yes.”

Another silence. Then Quark pointed inside the wardrobe. “You TRANSPORTED into my bedroom closet.” Brunt straightened proudly. “It was tactically efficient.” Selyra deadpanned: “You’re one step away from becoming a Ferengi urban legend.” Brunt tried to ignore her. “The FCA has reason to believe Grand Nagus Zek is engaging in suspicious activity.” From somewhere else in the house came Ishka’s laughter. Brunt twitched visibly. “…Excessively suspicious activity.” Quark folded his arms. “So your solution was hiding in my furniture?” Brunt looked genuinely confused. “…Yes.” Selyra looked at Quark. “You grew up with this?” “No wonder I have stress issues.”

Brunt attempted to regain authority. “You are banned from Ferenginar, Quark.” “And yet here I am.” “I could report you.” “You’re currently standing in my closet at midnight.” Brunt hesitated. “…That weakens my position somewhat.” Selyra leaned casually against the wall. “How long were you in there before transporting?” Brunt answered immediately. "Thirty-seven minutes.” Quark recoiled in horror. “YOU WERE PRE-MEDITATING THE CLOSET.” Brunt scoffed. “I was waiting for the appropriate dramatic moment.” Selyra physically covered her face laughing. “That is the saddest thing I’ve ever heard.”

At that exact moment— the bedroom door suddenly opened. Parth peeked in sleepily holding his plush. “…Why is Brunt in the wardrobe.” Jeef appeared behind him immediately. “…I knew I heard villain noises.” Brunt sighed deeply. “I am not a villain.” Jeef pointed directly at the closet. “You materialized from furniture.” Fair. Then Nira wandered in rubbing her eyes. She saw Brunt standing inside the wardrobe. Paused. Then whispered dramatically: “…Closet goblin.” Selyra LOST IT laughing. Quark had to grab the dresser for support. Even Parth snorted into his plush.

Brunt looked genuinely wounded. “I am a respected FCA Liquidator.” Rix stumbled into the doorway half-asleep behind Nira. Looked directly at Brunt. “…Tiny tax ghost.” Jeef collapsed against the wall laughing. Brunt turned toward Quark desperately. “Control your children.” Quark immediately pointed at him. “YOU came out of a CLOSET like a haunted accountant.”

QUARK: Brother, there's something I need to tell you. ROM: You mean that ten bars of latinum is an overly generous finder's fee? I already know that. QUARK: It's about the Nagus and Moogie. ROM: What about them? QUARK: They're lovers. ROM: No. QUARK: It's been going on for over a year. ROM: No. QUARK: She's his secret financial advisor. She helps him run the entire Ferengi Alliance. ROM: No! QUARK: Would you stop saying that.

Me: No.

"You want me to put the baby down? Fine – I'll put the baby down... (Kirayoshi begins bawling loudly)... Happy?" "That's amazing..." "No, no... this is amazing... (once in his father's arms the crying stops) Now if you'll excuse me, it's my turn to throw"

Yeah, that tracks. Babies do that. I may be 25, but I literally grew up with two younger sisters, and I have three first cousins once removed, so I know how that works.

For some reason(and this is probably because my eyes were acting up when looking at comments on a Quark video on YouTube), I read Morn as "Mom". I'm honestly freaking embarrassed, lmao. I just NOW realized it was Morn. Was also reading certain comments about the character from a distance, so maybe that's why, lol.

QUARK: Hello, room. Where's all my stuff? If she's thrown out my Marauder Mo action figures. (Quark opens the wardrobe. Zek and Maihar'du are in there. Quark hands over his bag and shuts the door. Then his brain registers what his eyes saw and opens it again.) QUARK: Grand Nagus? ZEK: Quark, what are you doing here? QUARK: I'm visiting my mother. ZEK: That's no excuse. You've been banned by the FCA. You must leave Ferenginar at once.

QUARK: Got to go. The Nagus, he knows I'm here. Wait a minute. What's the Nagus doing in my closet?

(Later)

(There's the sound of a transporter inside his wardrobe. He opens the door to reveal - ) BRUNT: Brunt, FCA. QUARK: What are you doing in my closet? BRUNT: Conducting official FCA business. QUARK: In my closet?

(Even later)

BRUNT: On the contrary. I want you back in business. It gives me an opportunity to keep my eye on you, because one day you are going to make a mistake, and on that day you're going to lose more than your licence. QUARK: But that day is not today. Now, back in the closet where you belong. BRUNT: It's not over, Quark. QUARK: Don't make me come in there after you. (Transporter sound.)

Full Name: Selyra Species:*Advanced Shapeshifter Affiliation: Starfleet / Deep Space Nine Rank: Lieutenant Age: Adult Status: Deeply embedded in the chaos surrounding Quark, his family, and the Cerritos crew whether she intended to be or not

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Appearance

Selyra’s natural form is elegant and striking, with subtle features hinting at her morphogenic nature.

Physical Features

* Long dark hair with faint iridescent shimmer under certain lighting * Pale skin with slight liquid-like reflectiveness when emotional * Sharp green-gray eyes capable of becoming intensely intimidating * Tall, graceful posture * Usually calm facial expressions that make her sudden emotional reactions far more noticeable

Style

* Prefers practical Starfleet uniforms with minimal personalization * Off duty, tends toward dark layered clothing and fitted jackets * Rarely wears jewelry aside from a small band Quark eventually gave her * Frequently folds her arms when annoyed or thinking

---

Personality

At first glance, Selyra appears:

* emotionally reserved * analytical * intimidatingly observant * difficult to surprise

In reality, she is:

* deeply loyal * quietly protective * emotionally intense beneath the surface * surprisingly affectionate toward people she trusts

She struggles with vulnerability and expressing emotions openly, especially after years of conditional approval from her mother and distrust toward others because of her species.

However, around the people she considers family, her softer side emerges naturally.

Especially around:

* Quark * Rom * Ishka * the Cerritos crew * and most dangerously… Rix and Nira

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Relationships

Quark:

Quark started as:

* an annoyance * then a reluctant ally * then emotional trouble

Now? He is the person Selyra trusts most. Their relationship thrives on:

* sarcasm * banter * mutual protectiveness * shared survival instincts * and surprisingly deep emotional understanding

Quark is one of the few people capable of making her laugh consistently. Selyra is also one of the only people who can completely dismantle Quark emotionally with a single look. Despite pretending otherwise: they are hopelessly devoted to each other. The entire station knows it.

---

Rix & Nira: The hybrid toddlers created accidentally by Rutherford and Tendi imprinted immediately on Selyra and Quark. Selyra initially approached the situation cautiously. That lasted approximately: eight minutes.

She quickly became:

* fiercely maternal * highly protective * surprisingly patient * and terrifying when the twins are threatened

The children bring out an openly nurturing side of her almost nobody expected.

Including herself.

---

Rom: Rom became one of Selyra’s first true friends on Deep Space 9. She appreciates:

* his sincerity * kindness * emotional openness * and intelligence

Rom trusts her completely and considers her family without hesitation.

---

Ishka: Ishka absolutely adores Selyra. Initially impressed by her negotiation skills and confidence, Ishka quickly became protective of her emotionally as well. Ishka openly considers Selyra:

* perfect for Quark * terrifyingly competent * and future family

Selyra was caught off guard by how naturally accepted she felt around Ishka.

Especially after her own mother repeatedly withheld approval.

---

Cerritos Crew

The crew of the USS Cerritos rapidly became Selyra’s found family.

Mariner: Treats Selyra like a terrifying older sister and actively encourages her chaos.

Tendi: Absolutely fascinated by her shapeshifting and genuinely loves spending time with her.

Rutherford: Still apologizes for accidentally creating children.

Boimler: Mildly afraid of her. Respectfully.

Ransom: Considers her tactical intimidation “extremely effective.”

Freeman: Trusts Selyra more than she openly admits.

---

Abilities

Advanced Shapeshifting

Selyra possesses highly refined morphogenic control.

Capabilities Include:

* complete physical transformation * voice mimicry * biological restructuring * partial shifting for combat or infiltration * transforming limbs into tools or weapons * liquid-state movement through narrow spaces * rapid disguise adaptation

Her transformations are exceptionally detailed and emotionally expressive.

---

Combat Skills

* Advanced close-quarters combat * Tactical adaptability * Fast reflexes * Extremely dangerous when angered

Selyra rarely loses control emotionally.

Which makes it genuinely alarming when she does.

---

Social Manipulation & Negotiation

One of her most dangerous talents.

She:

* reads body language instantly * notices inconsistencies rapidly * dismantles lies efficiently * excels at intimidation without raising her voice

Her ability to humiliate scammers and manipulators publicly has become legendary inside Quark’s Bar.

Especially after repeatedly destroying Brunt verbally and financially.

---

Family History

Selyra’s relationship with her biological mother is deeply strained.

Her mother disapproved of:

* Starfleet * Ferengi * emotional attachment * and Selyra’s refusal to conform

After being forced to choose between her mother and the people she loved, Selyra chose her found family without hesitation.

Though painful, the decision ultimately freed her from constantly seeking approval she was never truly given.

---

Reputation on Deep Space 9

Current station reputation:

* terrifying * respected * occasionally alarming * weirdly beloved

Common opinions include:

* “Don’t insult Quark around her.” * “She can probably hear lies.” * “Never play poker with her.” * “The tiny shapeshifter children are somehow worse.” * "Brunt fears her.”

---

Current Status

Selyra never intended to build a family on Deep Space 9. Yet somehow she now has: a Ferengi partner, two shapeshifting toddlers, an adopted Ferengi family, a chaotic Starfleet crew and half a station that would fight someone for insulting her. And despite all the chaos surrounding her, she has never felt more at home.

ROM: You know, I could use a financial advisor.
QUARK: No kidding. But it's not going to be me. This Ferengi belongs right here.
BRUNT: I know someone who's available
ROM: Forget it!
QUARK: Not so hasty. Let him give you a pedicure first. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get back to work. There's money to be made.
BRUNT: How can I serve you, my
(Nog marches Brunt away.)
ROM: Wow.

So, I recently got interested in Star Trek this month due to wanting to find a different show other than Transformers(which I left due to some complications with relationships) and so far, I LOVE it! Even though I only seen two of the shows: Lower Decks and Deep Space Nine so far. I especially love the Fernegi episodes in DS9, especially since they involve my two favorite characters: Quark and Rom!

VASSERY: Now that we have paid our ceremonial invoice, perhaps we should focus on the application? It's a boilerplate... ROM: Ooo! Do you still play baseball? We should put in there that Ferenginar gets to play baseball. I like baseball. It's fun. VASSERY: I think we can slip that in, if that's the type of adjustment you need to get this done.

ROM, EVEN AS GRAND NAGUS YOU ARE KINDA ADORABLE

Sometimes when a movie night is on(Mariner recommended it,lol) especially if it's a horror movie, Selyra would intentionally shapeshift into the horror movie monster or ghost or demon. Quark admitted that it was kinda hot. (It's an AU where Selyra and Quark are technically in love, Quark doesn't admit that out loud though)