Disclaimer: While the attempt has been made to be medically accurate, some artistic license has been taken, and statements made by Dr Bashir are not to be regarded as authoritative. Monosynthadrenaline, thollanine, and thollanase are products of the au thor's imagina tion, and any re sem blance to actual drug and/or chem ical names is un in ten tional.

The Chitran and Slovian races are a product of the au thor's imag i na tion, and any resemblance to the name of a canon Star Trek race is unintentional. Recognizable characters and plotlines are the property of Paramount and Viacom; all original characters and story © 2019 FemaleChauvinist.

Do not post without permission. Do not copy/print without including the above disclaimer in its entirety.

A/N: "Season" given for timing reference only; see my profile for the alternate history used in this story. Barbie

Chapter One: Gesundheit

Season Four

Mattarcrian followed the steward through the halls of the ship that would take him through the wormhole to the Alpha Quadrant, and from there to the planet Earth.

"This will be your cabin," the steward told him, stepping aside to allow Matt to enter the room first as the door slid silently open. "You'll have it to yourself until we reach the Alpha Quadrant; we're picking up another passenger at the Deep Space Nine station there, and he'll be in here with you."

"Thank you," Matt said quietly, unsure how he felt about sharing his cabin. On the one hand it would be embarrassing to have one of his episodes witnessed; on the other he was beginning to wonder just how safe it was for him to be alone when they happened.

They crossed through the wormhole a week later, Matt having already suffered two episodes in that short time. The dull headache that no longer ever really went away seemed to be growing worse, throbbing if he turned his head too fast.

The steward was just ushering his new roommate in, explaining the accommodations to both of them, when Matt burst into a sudden fit of violent, explosive sneezing.

"Bless you!" his roommate said cheerily as the door shut behind the departing steward and it finally seemed no more sneezes were forthcoming. He extended his hand. "I'm Julian Bashir."

"Mattarcrian Allonderack; you can call me Matt," he replied, cautiously accepting the man's handshake as he waited for the stabbing pain behind his eyes that made his usual headache feel like nothing. If he held his head absolutely still, maybe he could make it to his bed; the last thing he needed was to scare his new roommate off by passing out in front of him.

Bashir dropped his bags in the corner, then turned to ask which bunk was his. But the words froze on his lips when he saw his roommate standing unnaturally still, almost as if he was afraid to move. And while the man obviously wasn't Earth human and Bashir had no idea of his normal skin color, its tone now looked decidedly unhealthy. "Are you all right?" he asked instead, taking a step toward him.

Matt swallowed hard, spots dancing in front of his eyes at even his single cautious step backward. "Help me," he whispered. "Got to lie down…pass out if move…"

Bashir crossed the room in a single stride, his hand drifting toward his tricorder, though he left it clipped to his belt. If the man was indeed on the point of collapse, getting him to bed came even before checking his vitals. "All right, I have you," he said, an arm securely around Matt's waist. He moved forward slowly, but Matt bit back a scream of pain, gripping Bashir's arm until Julian was sure his fingers had left bruises. "Hang on," he murmured; "you're going to be fine." In one swift motion he caught Matt under the knees, lifting him into his arms.

He was heavy, even for one who was stronger than his slim frame appeared, but the distance was short and moments later Bashir was laying him in the bed. "What hurts?" he asked urgently, his tricorder already in his hand.

"Head," Matt gasped, squeezing his eyes shut against the pain.

The scan showed no apparent cause, and while normally Bashir found unexplained symptoms slightly annoying, today he couldn't help a sense of relief. The most obvious condition he had feared would have required immediate surgery, something he was hardly equipped for, though he would have attempted it if he had to…or maybe the captain would have agreed to turn back to Deep Space Nine, he mused, frowning at the tricorder. Even a slight hint of something wrong would have been nice, but Bashir let no hint of his emotion into his voice. "Just lie still; has this happened before?"

"Yes." Matt squinted up at him. "You…please tell me you're a doctor."

"Yes," Bashir said gently.

Given Matt's past experience, especially recently, it shouldn't have been nearly as reassuring as it was. But something about the man's calm confidence made Matt hopeful for the first time in a long time.

Next chapter coming next week!

I proofread all my stories at least once before posting, but if you see any mistakes I might have missed, please let me know!

Please note that I have internet access only once a week, and may not have time to respond to all reviews/messages. If you have questions regarding my Deep Space Nine alternate history, check my profile first to see if they're answered there. Thanks for your understanding! Barbie