Kris and I had decided we would not share the video that we had taken, nor would we even discuss the moment outside of those who had shared the experience with us. But we see that Rich Stevens has posted video of his own. And in some small corners of the net, are other muddied accounts and we find ourselves in the strange position of wishing people knew what it felt like to really experience something special.

During an annual gathering of Webcartoonists (of which, it was my first year to attend), our paths coincidentally crossed with those of two performers: Avery Brooks and Jonathan Frakes. The two were enjoying the quiet evening we had just crashed. But instead of being offended at our presence they instead embraced it. Before too long, Mr. Frakes was accompanying the bar pianist and belting out “Aint Misbehaving” while we all watched in glee. Then shortly afterwards, the two mingled into our group and started to interact and join us in our celebration of the popular arts.

I want you to understand something important about Kris Straub. For him, Deep Space Nine is Star Trek. Benjamin Sisko is his Kirk. We’ve talked for hours about the Dominion war and his favorite episodes of DS9. For Kris, it just doesn’t get any better than Avery Brooks. To be there, when Kris got to experience this once in a lifetime moment had me in tears more than once. I’m strong enough in my manhood to admit this. This was more than just getting in line and being one of three thousand people to ask for an autograph. This was more than forcing an awkward meeting. This was complete and genuine serendipity that makes those once in a lifetime moments occur.

I know that for a lot of people in the bar, it was just a fun or surreal moment. But for my buddy…whew. Holy cow. I wish Erica and Kurt could have been there to see it. I feel guilty that I got to be the one sitting next to him when Avery Brooks grabbed him by the forearm and pulled him to the piano bar. I tried to back away and make it Kris’ moment but Mr. Brooks would have nothing of it “Where are you going?” he stated more than asked.

And so, I talked to Kris last night. We decided that since we’re seeing dank youtube snippets entitled “drunk Sisko” popping up on the net, it was important for us to become stewards of the moment and make sure everyone knows what really happened. We were all drinking. We were all celebrating. We were all having the times of our lives. Avery Brooks and Jonathan Frakes had every right to stand up and snub the lot of us for intruding on their quiet evening at a quaint piano bar. Instead they did this.

And it will never happen again.

Mr. Brooks from Scott Kurtz on Vimeo.