Jake shifted nervously in his seat. He wasn't used to being in a starfleet office. He rarely visited his fathers when he was on Earth. Jake liked to keep his distance from Starfleet. Still half convinced-and bitter-that Starfleet seemed to steal both his parents from him. His mother, in death, and his father in his time away from him. But still, he felt a sense of duty emerge inside of him when he was called by Admiral Ross.
"Hello, Jake," Ross greeted him as he entered the room. Jake slowly turned, used to being professional for his interviews-at least. "Thank you for seeing me."
Jake nodded.
"Hello, Sir, thank you for asking me to come. Although I was fairly surprised."
Ross flickered a smile.
"Yes, I assume you would be-wouldn't you?"
Jake remained stiff.
"This isn't about asking me to join Starfleet...is it?" He already felt guilty enough that he wasn't going to the same field his father was in.
"No, no." Ross waved his hand. "Don't worry, it's not that." Jake swallowed, and nodded.
"Okay...then what it's about?" He had always been more than a little blunt. The Admiral laughed, again.
"I see you want to get to the point. Your father's the same way on a lot of things." They shared a grin, at that, and Admiral Ross continued.
"We have been getting some concerning information about the Dominion."
Jake waited,unsure of what this had to do with him.
"They are trying to take over Deep Space Nine," Ross added, slowly for the impact of it. Jake nodded, aware of this bit of news. His father did try and keep him on top of some of the information about the war, when it would interfere. with both of their lives.
"Yes, I'm sure your father told you that," Ross mused, thoughtfully. "Well, I'm sure you're still wondering why you are here, then."
"I am," Jake slowly agreed. Ross folded his hands together.
"I'll come right out, and say it. We're in trouble, Jake. The Dominion are getting a lot closer to winning this war, then we would like. If they did that, they would overtake Earth, and Starfleet. We would all go to prison."
Jake paled a bit, at that imagry, but waited for what more was to come.
"We need to recruit more people," the older man added. Jake was about to protest, when he interrupted. "I know you don't want to join Starfleet, Jake, and I get that. And frankly we don't have the time to train these new recruits. What we need now is more spies."
That thoroughly caught him off guard.
"Spies?" Jake finally asked, in barely a whisper. Ross sighed, and nodded. He was continuing to speak-now fully invested in the conversation.
"Yes, spies. I was...I'm not sure how to say this, but you'd be a perfect spy. And with you on Deep Space Nine, you'd have some interesting access."
Jake paused, frowning, as he tried to process the information.
"I still don't see how I could be of help. And what good of a spy I'd be..."
"Oh, you'd make a great spy," the Admiral assured him. "I know you might hate this, but it's becuase of your father."
Jake had a feeling his dad would be entering this conversation somehow.
"It's no secret Dukat *hates* your father," Ross continued.
"Oh, he loathes him," Jake agreed-proudly. "What does that got to do with anything?"
"Everything," Ross told him. "Let's put this scenario in mind. The Dominion overtakes DS9. You stay behind to 'report' the news. Using your fathers title as emissary to your advantage. But you have another agenda. Hidden from even those that also stay behind. You ask to join the Dominion. Don't tell me Dukat wouldn't pounce at the idea of Sisko's only son betraying him."
Jake felt the wind knocked out of him.
"But...my dad...he'd know the truth?"
"No." Ross remained more stern, this time. "No one could know the truth, Jake. But if you manage to get in, and convince Dukat you want to join...Become his new sidekick...think of the information you could record. We'd be *finally* one step ahead of them, instead of the other way around." He leaned towards Jake, in a serious tone. "I know that this is a difficult thing to ask of you, Jake. Probably the most difficult thing you'd ever have to do. And by the end of the charade, your father will know the truth. And you would have possibly have saved thousands of lives. Will you at least promise me you'll think about it?"
Jakes breathing was getting heaveir. The idea of hurting his father like that...he still couldn't get past that. But he's been dreaming of his mother a bit more than in the past. And he couldn't help think it was because she was trying to tell him something. Trying to guide him in a certain direction.
So slowly he swallowed, nodded, and glanced at the Admiral in a calm demeanor.
"All right," he finally replied. "I will."
Jake shifted on his seat at Quarks-ignoring the side looks Rom had kept giving him. The longer he stayed on DS9, with the Dominion in charge, the more his chest would ache. He was all too aware that the longer he put off talking to Weyon about his "desire" to join the Dominion the more days passed to give the Dominion more chances to slaughter thousands of people. It was almost too much weight to bare, and made him want to blurt out the truth to Rom, or Kira, or somebody. He used up every ounce of his strength, however, not to. He was unaware that his hidden pain was causing a stir as he was giving unusual, and visible, signs of distress. Enough for Rom to talk about it to his brother.
"Brother," Rom finally said, during one of the late shifts-after Jake had left. "I am worried about Jake."
Quark sighed, agitation entrenched in his entire body. The Dominion were *far* from pleasant costumers. He couldn't believe he was starting to actually miss humans.
"What is it now, Rom?" He finally replied. "Or can it wait, until morning? These Jem Hadars are rather exhausting."
Rom looked surprised.
"I just said what I wanted to talk about," he rebuttled, bristling a bit. "It's about Jake."
"What about him?" Quark grunted, as he unloaded another box of liquor. "And are you going to help me, or not?"
Rom took the box from him.
"I'm worried about him."
"About who?"
At the look on his brothers face, Quark quickly retracted the question.
"That was a joke, Rom. Everyones so...uptight these days!"
"Of course they are!" Rom spat back. "Because of the war! And with Jake staying behind...He's Nog's best friend-brother."
"I'm aware of that." Quark softened his tone a bit. "And he's all right, for a hu-man."
"Not only are they best friends but the Captain helped get Nog into Starfleet. I can't help feel that we owe it to him to take care of Jake."
"I guess I agree," Quark grunted. "But Jake's also a full grown adult, who can do what he pleases."
"I just don't know what *that* is," cried out Rom, clearly flustered. Quark sighed, and sat down for a break.
"What do you mean? i thought he was here to report a war."
"Jake was hardly looking at me when he said that. He seemed almost...ashamed. A bit resigned to his fate here. I can't describe it, but it was almost like he was holding himself back from the full truth."
Quark studied his brother, with a more earnest nature than what Rom was used to.
"You're really worried about him, aren't you?"
"I am," Rom admitted. "He was great with Nog. And really helped save him, and put him in the right direction. Without their friendship, I'm not sure where Nog would be. Besides that, he's a good person. You said that, yourself."
"Even if he likes odd drinks like root beer," Quark reluctantly agreed. "All right, fine. I'll go talk to the Major. She seems protective over him, too."
"Thank you brother," sighed Rom.
"Now get back to work!" Quark snapped-as if he had decided he had gone too soft in the moment. "This isn't a charity bar!"
Rom nodded, eager to get busy again so that things might go back to the way they were sooner than later. Before the war started.
Jake stood in front of Weyon's door. It was now, or never. He quickly knocked-before he lost his nerve.
Weyon opened the door, and his already plastered on smile faltered at the sight of Jake.
"I'm not going to do anymore interviews, today, Jake," he said, sternly. "Not until you are willing for me to look over the interview before publishing."
"It's not that," Jake replied, shifting a bit. "I...er...I wanted to talk to you about something." He lowered his gaze, and took deep breaths. Weyon appeared to be interested.
"And what is that?" He asked, a little coldly.
"Can I ask inside?" Jake remained sheepish, but the Vorta just sighed.
"Fine, but it better be important."
"It is!" Relieved he stepped into Weyon's quarters. He swallowed, and tried to work out the proper wording. God he was so damned new at this stuff, it was pathetic-really.
Finally he blurted it out.
"I want to join the Dominion."
The certainly got Weyon's attetion.
"Please, have a seat, Jake."His voice was suddenly more kind, too. They sat, both in silence.
"I must say, Jake," the Vorta spoke after a while. "That not many things shock me. This has, however."
Jake moved his hands up and down his legs.
"I can see you are clearly uncomfortable about this, which means you know what a serious commitment it is," Weyone mused, thoughtfully. Jake nodded.
"Yessir, I do," he added for good measure. Weyon frowned.
"I just don't understand. Why would you want to betray your own *father*?" Suspicion lingered. Jake licked his lips. His mouth felt dry.
"I'm angry at him," he finally admitted. There was a sprinkle of truth about that, but for different reasons. "I'm angry that he picked Bajor over his own son. That he cares more about that stupid planet, than about his family."
He was getting amped up. Yes, he was sometimes hurt over the amount of time his father spent with strangers. But not nearly to this degree.
"He cares more about the Prophets than he does about his own crew. And it shows. It seems like the Dominion would do just fine protecting Bajor on it's own. If they do that, my dad can go back to a normal job. And live a normal life."
Weyon was processing the information quietly. He shook his head.
"You humans, and your anger issues always surprise me," he sighed. "But you know I can't make a decision without talking to Dukat first." Jake's pale face nodded.
"I understand."
"Then let's go there together," Weyon pressed, gently. "I am pleased that you are not seeing us as the villain for once, Jake. And your conclusion about our ability to protect Bajor is most flattering. I'm sure it would be irrisistable for Dukat to hear about this."
Jake felt weak, but knew he had to continue now that he was on this path. There was no turning back.
"Can...Can we go to him now?"
"The sooner the better," Weyon quipped, and stood up. "Oh I am so excited about this newest addition, Jake! You've made me so happy!" As he walked to the door Jake followed-wishing he could feel as excited as Weyon rather than the sinking dread of horror he felt as he started to walk towards his new future.
Jake could barely breathe, as he walked towards Dukats office.
What was he doing?
Possibly saving thousands of lives
But he was just a stupid writer! He didn't join Starfleet just so he could avoid messes like these!
What will he tell dad? Or how will he know?
Weyon let the door open.
"Come in, come in," he replied, through an eager gesture. Jake walked in, slowly. Weyon frowned at him.
"You're acting nervous."
"It's no question on Dukat's feelings towards me," Jake slowly said. "Or, I should say-my family."
"Well he doesn't bite," Weyon winked at him. "Unless ordered." Dukat arrived into the empty office, then.
"This has better be good, Weyon," he remarked. "I was having dinner with Ziyal."
"Oh, it is,"the Vorta told him eagerly. "It is. This is Jake Sisko, by the way." Dukat grunted, as he sat down.
"Yes, I'm aware of who he is. My question is, why is *he* in my office?" Dukat stared at Jake, with a dare in his eyes.
Jake swallowed, and forced himself not to look away.
"It's like this," Weyon stated. "Jake here wants to join the Dominion."
Dukat remained frozen, in response. And then he started to laugh. The laughter caught both Weyon, and Jake, off guard.
"You're joking right?" He wiped his eyes, still laughing. "Albeit, that is a good one."
"I'm very serious," The Vorta replied, a little shaken. "Well, I should say Jake is."
Dukat saw the looks on their faces and slowly stopped laughing.
"You *are* serious?!" He gasped, in utter disbelief. "I can see it on your face," he added, in a challenge. Jake had to take a deep breath, before responding.
"Yes, I'm serious. I want to join the Dominion."
Dukat just sat there, actually dumbfounded.
"Why?"
Jake knew he would have to one up his acting with Weyon, right then and there.
"I want my father back," he finally stated, simply. "And that means the war has to end. And besides that, I believe the prophets are dangerous. They are killing him." He swallowed again, and a third time. "And Bajor isn't more important than Earth," he added. He felt sick to the stomach.Please let that be enough, please, please please.
But he knew with Dukat, he would want more.
And he was right.
The Cardiassian rose, and started to pace.
"I don't understand," he finally replied. "You want your father back, but this would also crush his spirit. Why would you want to betray him?"
Jake was fishing, and had to continue to fish.
"I also want to hurt him," he lied through his teeth. But it was enough to get Dukat's attention. "He's responsible for my mother's death. She...never wanted to be on that away mission, at Wolf 359. She wanted to raise me on Earth. He insisted. He's ALWAYS insisting, whether his family wants to go-or not."
Jake wanted to vomit, but had to do every bit of control as possible. He felt sick, and light headed. Dukat and Weyon were looking at each other, with unspoken words.
"I'm not sure how *badly* you want to join," Dukat mused. "Not sure if I believe this...sudden change of heart."
"It's not really sudden," Jake protested. "I just haven't said anything. It's not like I could have taken a shuttle and flown to your ship, before, and asked to join."
"He's made a fair point, there," Weyon remarked.
"But still." Dukat remained thoughtful. "I want you to tell the Major, then," he finally stated. Jake froze, his body still depleted of energy.
"What, now?"
"Before you chicken out, and change your mind. You tell her, and Odo, you want to join-and you're in for good. No turning back."
Jake's breathing got more intense. This was happening all so fast! But still, he had to go through it. Pull it all off, like a bandaid.
"All right." He tried to steady the shakiness of his voice.
Kira was confused at the request to meet in Dukat's office. It was her plan to try and avoid Dukat as much as possible. It was even more confusion to see Jake sitting next to Weyon. And both Weyon and Dukat smiling, while Jake looked miserable.
"What's going on?" Her eyes narrowed. "Why is Jake here?"
"Mr. Sisko has something he'd like to share," Dukat told her, in a sneering tone. She waited, frowning at the young man. She was already against him staying behind, and a feeling of protection rose inside of her. He was far too young to be caught up in all of this. And yet, something told her she wasn't going to like what she would hear. Jake mumbled, and she strained to hear him. Weyon told him to speak louder. He did, but refused to look at her.
"I'm joining the Dominion." His voice was sullen, still, and yet certain of what was happening. She felt the wind being knocked out of her.
Did...Did she hear that right? Jake. Jake SISKO joining his father's enemy? No, that wasn't possible.
"NO." Her knees buckled, and Weyon helped her to a seat. She slapped his hand away. "No, Jake, that's not true. Tell me that's not true," She grabbed Jake's hand, and felt it trembling. She could tell he was terrified. "Did they pressure you into this?"
"It was Jake's idea!" Weyon snapped in annoyed defense. She still couldn't process these thoughts. That idea of that kind of betrayal.
"Jake, please, talk to me. Whatever you are going through I can HELP. You don't have to do this."
"But I do." Jake blinked back tears. "Please don't make this any harder than it has to be, Kira."
She jerked back at that name.
"It's Major." Her voice broke when she talked. "If you are going through with this...it's Major from now on."
"I understand." His voice was barely a whisper. More confusion than hurt filled her. This wasn't making any sense!
"This... this isn't YOU, Jake!" She swallowed.
"Maybe it is me," he feebly replied. "And everyone was too busy to notice."
"The odd one out always makes the most surprising decisions," quipped Dukat.
"Shut UP, Dukat," she hissed, and her face continued to pale. "This...this would break your father's heart, Jake."
Jake shuddered against her touch.
"I know." His voice faltered, with a sense of sadness in it. His eyes seemed to be trying to make her plead to understand something. Something she wasn't able to. She stood up, sharply.
"I can't believe you'd be this SELFISH," she shot back. "To betray your own father, your own PEOPLE." Her body waved as she felt faint. Unable to stay, she stormed out-with hot angry tears in her eyes as she could hear Jake pleading at her to understand.
Weyon patted Jake sympathetically as Dukat marveled at how the whole scene played out. This was turning out to be BETTER than anything he could have planned. Eagerly he held out his hand to a broken Jake Sisko, and smiled.
"Welcome," he said, cheerfully. "To the Dominion."
Jake felt sick by at the end of that day. It was an overwhelming hours of information, and forcing the Major to think that he had betrayed everyone. But he couldn't live with that. Starfleet be *damned* he couldn't hurt the people he cared about the most like that. Even though he understood why. The better the acting, the more believable it is. And it's really believable when it's not acting from other people. But he couldn't get the look of hurt out from the Major's eyes. He listened, numbly, to Dukat and Weyon. Dukat believed him, for now, but was letting him join on a trial run basis. He claimed he still had "more to prove" before Dukat would allow him to work near him, or talk with him about anything war related.
That made his stomach flop more, at the idea of more tests he had to go through. More tribulations. After visiting the restroom to vomit he decided to make one more decision that day. To tell the Major, and Odo, the truth. It was the only way he could live with himself. He made sure he was unfollowed as he rushed to her quarters.
The Major was laying on her couch, with a cloth on her head as Odo sat next to her in horrified shock.
"This still can't be possible," he protested."Jake would never..."
"Will it is possible," she snapped. "It's official. The war has changed *everyone*." Angry tears smarted her eyes. The door buzzed. She froze, not ready to speak with anyone from the Dominion again.
"Who is it?"
Jake's quiet voice came through.
"It's Jake Sisko."
She sucked in her breath,and rose sharply. Odo placed his hand on her-to calm her.
"Please," Jake's voice sounded hollowed, and terrifed. "Please, let me explain Major."
Odo stared at her.
"You said it yourself," he urged. "You didn't believe him at first. Maybe he does have a better reason than what he could mention in there."
As hurt filled her she still reminded herself he was still a kid. She had to try and talk some sense into him.
She swallowed, and agreed for him to enter.
Both she and Odo watched a flushed looking Jake Sisko. He looked like he was about to collapse, so Odo gestured to the chairs.
"Have a seat, Jake," he said coldly. Jake swallowed, and obeyed. Kira noticed he couldn't look at her. She frowned.
"All right." She paused as she sat back down. "I'm waiting..." another pause. "For you to explain, like you said you would."
"Right." Jake swallowed, and blinked. "It's just...I probably shouldn't even be here."
Kira nodded to the door.
"You can leave, then."
"No, it's not what you think. I could get into a lot of trouble."
The Major's heart went out to the young man, and wondered if the Dominion had threatened him.
"If you are terrified of the Dominion," she replied, softly. "We could protect you."
"It's not them." Jake shook his head, and she couldn't help but think how young, and trembling with fear, he seemed be right then. "It's Starfleet. I'd be in trouble with Starfleet."
Odo looked at him sharply, surprised by those words coming out of young Sisko's mouth.
"Starfleet? What do *they* have to do anything?" He demaned, and Jake flinched a bit.
"Everything," he whispered. Kira sighed, her headache returning.
"Jake, you're not making any sense. I can't help you if you don't tell me what is going on..."
"I'm a spy!" Jake finally blurted out. There was silence in response, as both she and Odo tried to make sense of this new information. At first she was't even sure if she heard correctly.
"I'm a spy," Jake repeated, miserably. "They recruited me before the Dominion take over. They wanted me to work side by side with Dukat. To get close to him, so I can find out secrets about him. To use his hatred for my father to our advantage. To save lives of not just Earth, but of Bajor." He glanced at them, looking like a scared, helpless, boy. "I knew I was in over my head, even when I said yes. But...I guess they guilted me into it. And I just kept on digging myself deeper into this hole. And I have no way out." He wrung his hands, anxiety filling his voice. "They told me not to tell anyone. And that was slowly killing me on the inside. Than Dukat wanting me to convince you, that I joined...I just couldn't Major...I should couldn't do that to you..." With that he slowly broke down, sobbing, and Kira swallowing, feeling anger for what Starfleet had made this young man do. Fury rose within her as she glanced at Odo, who was shaking his head. She took deep breaths, and placed her hand on Jake's knee. At least it was making sense now.
At least she knew why he would have "joined". And guilt filled her for ever believing his story of why he joined. The real Jake Sisko had shown through in these last few minuets. A scared, terrified kid who wanted to help save lives. Wanted to help so badly, he'd put his own life in terrible jeopordy. And because of that, she was willing to do whatever it took to protect him.
"It's Kira now," she finally spoke, and he looked at her with tear stained-and confused-eyes. "You said Major, earlier," she reminded him. "My name is Kira."
Relief flooded his face as he broke down some more, and she held him-promising to keep him safe. No matter what.
Jake was trying to adjust this new life of his. Kira had been horrified, and wanted him to quit. Odo had commented that it might just be too late for Jake to back out. And because of that, he should try and carry through. Jake said he'd be able to do that better, now he knew that Kira, and Odo, Rom, and Quark knew the truth. That it wouldn't hurt so bad when they would talk in a snide way towards him in front of Dukat and Weyon. He could handle it, now that he knew it was all an act.
While Weyon was more than eager to have Jake join, Dukat was taking longer to convince. Damar was staying on both sides, but agreed that Jake should be allowed in for some of the meetings-but not the most important ones. It was then, that Kira would help Jake with the wires under his shirt. Old school technology was something that would be less suspicious than anything modernized. After, Jake would have Weyon help him write his articles for the people on Earth. He was aware that it would cause a stir among his "readers", for it sounded very un Sisko like.
The cooperation still wasn't enough for Dukat, however, and was always keeping information at arms length. Finally Weyon complained to him in private, about his attitude towards Jake. Dukat finally had to admit his distrust.
"It's still so out of character," Dukat snapped. "To have him suddenly join...I don't understand it."
"He said it himself, he's angry at his father," Weyon disagreed. Dukat shook his head.
"I've been angry at my father in the past," he mused out loud. "But that doesn't qualify for betrayal!"
Weyon sighed, with clear agitation.
"We *finally* have a human on our side!" He protested. "Don't you understand how huge that is? How he could manipulate Earth into retreating, or surrendering?"
"I do," sighed Dukat. "That's why I'm cautious." He frowned. "I do have a thought, though."
Weyon waited.
"If Jake were to tell his father, confess that he had joined us-I might be willing to trust him more."
Weyon paused.
"How would you have Jake tell Benjamin?"
"On the large screen, of course," Dukat quipped. "With me right there, and you. If he can contact his father on that space craft of his, in front of his father's crew...then I might be more apt to believe him."
Weyon grunted, and rubbed his forehead.
"Fine, I'll make the inquiries about it," he snapped. "But don't get all upset if Jake refuses."
"If he wants me to be his ally he will," Dukat smiled. "And it'll give me a chance to hurt his father where it counts. In his heart."
Jake was panicking.
"I can't do it, Kira!" He cried out, with desperation. Weyon had just told him of Dukat's proposal. "I can't...I can't hurt my dad like that!" He wrung his hands together, and let a tear roll down his cheek. "I only did it cause it would take so long for my dad to know, and he'd find out from someone else. But to see his reaction..." He hurried to the bathroom, to vomit as Kira looked at Odo-both looking disgusted.
"I agree that this is horrific for Dukat to do this," Kira admitted. Since Jake had "joined" the Dominion she had been shocked by the information he had smuggled out by some of the meetings he had attended. She was all too aware of the information he could get out of Dukat, if he gained Dukat's trust. "But maybe Admiral Ross would tell your father the truth, after."
Jake came out of the bathroom, a look of hope on him.
"Do you think...that's possible?"
"I'm with Jake on this," Rom stated. He had insisted on joining whatever meetings Jake would have with Kira and Odo. "It's too much for the Captain to deal with. Do you think he'd be able to concentrate with the idea that his son betrayed him?"
"Which is why," Odo reminded him, dryly "We would get Ross to tell him the truth."
Rom was still shaking his head.
"No, his dad knows him too well. Jake, that is. He'd never believe him, and that would put Jake in danger."
Kira nodded, in slight agreement.
"There is an element of danger here, Jake, but you have been aware of this from the start. If you do this, though, and you get Dukat to trust you..." She swallowed, and placed her hand on his shoulder. "You could help END the war, Jake."
Jake blinked back tears, as he shuddered-and tried to control himself.
What would his father do? He could only hesitate for a second to be aware that his father would do whatever it took to save peoples lives, and end this war. Even if it meant hurting his family along the way.
He swallowed, and slowly nodded.
"Fine, but Ross has to tell him RIGHT after I tell him."
Kira nodded with sincerity.
"I promise I will find a way to message him."
"I still don't like this," Rom moaned and Jake sighed.
"I don't either, but let's get this over with."
He stood in the bridge, anxiety filling him. Weyon was 'delighed' in his own words-that Jake agreed so quickly. Even Dukat was surprised. But he was eager to get the exchange started. Quickly he had messaged the Defiant mentioning Jakes name-causing them to respond insantly.
Ben had been horrified when O'Brien said that there was message that had to do with Jake's time on Deep Space Nine. It was his worst fear coming true. Something bad had happened to Jake, because Jake had stayed behind. The rest of the crew knew better than to protest when he instantly responded.
There was silence in the Defiant, though, when they all saw Jake standing in between Dukat, and Weyon. Ben was seething, anger fueling him for them getting their hands on his only child.
"What is going on?" He demanded. "Jake, are you hurt? Did they hurt you?"
"On the contrary," Dukat remarked. "He's been a wonderful addition to this station."
Ben frowned, annoyed at the riddles Dukat woud supply. "I'm talking to my son," he snapped. "Let him speak."
"I'm not sure if you'd be in such a hurry for that," Weyon mused. Ben was studying them. Both Dukat and Weyon had hidden grins on them while Jake looked miserable, but not terrified.
That caught Ben off guard.
"Jake..." He tried again. "I'm not mad, at you staying behind. I just need to know you're safe. That they aren't hurting you."
"They aren't." Jake's voice was barely a whisper. Dukat rolled his eyes.
"You need to speak *louder* Jake. Like we talked about."
"Stop pressuring him," Sisko snapped. "Jake, what is it? Why have they messaged us?"
Dax was also watching. She was watching as Jake's hand gripped a railing, and could tell something was off about his whole demeanor. She had glanced at Nog-and noticed Nog had sensed it, as well.
Weyon spoke.
"Don't you have something you'd like to tell your father, Jacob?" Ben was caught off guard by the familiarity between Weyon and Jake. Jake swallowed, and blinked back tears.
"Dad, i'm sorry."
"You don't have to be sorry," Ben was quick to say.
"Oh I think he does," chuckled Dukat. Ben hid a growl within him.
"Jake, you can say *whatever* you need to say to me. You know you can."
Jake kept on blinking, as if to blink back tears.
"I had to dad, I need you to understand this."
Dax was feeling sick, as she glanced at O'Brien, who was frowning. Bashir also looked puzzled. Only Garek seeemd to be aware of what was going on.
"You've joined them haven't you?" Garek asked, breaking the tension. Everyone responded with utter silence. Ben didn't even understand the statement, at first. Dax did, though, and gave a horrified gasping, sob. Nog was as confused as the Captain.
Jake swallowed, and looked down, and then looked at Garek-who had stepped closer.
"They have gotten their claws into you, haven't they?" Garek continued. Jake shuddered, and then finally spoke-more loud, and affirming.
"Yes."
"I don't understand." Ben glanced at Garek. "What as he joined, and how do you know about this?"
"I can guess, because I am aware of the tone one uses when they are about to betray their father,"Garek replied, slowly. "Jake has that tone."
Ben felt the wind being knocked out of him. What did Garek meant by betrayal? Jake would NEVER...He felt sick, but saw the pain on Jake's face. The look of confirming what Dukat was saying.
"Jake, what is it you are trying to say?" He gripped his seat, and tried to steady his voice. Jake's tone cracked, this time.
"I've joined the Dominion."
There, it was said. It exploded, like a bomb. Silence was the response, except for Nog gasping in horror.
"JAKE!" Nog whispered. "That isn't true! You're making that up!"
Ben just sat there. He didn't hear right...
He couldn't have heard right.
Jake...joining...
"You're lying," he whispered. "They are putting you up to this. Making you say those things...This isn't YOU Jake."
"Maybe you don't know me, then!" Jake finally found his voice, and Dukat was enjoying it more than he wanted to admit. "Maybe you don't know me, and that's the problem! You've taken...care of everyone else, but your own son. You don't know me at all. That's because you are never AROUND."
The half truths were the only thing that Jake could think of, to make it somewhat believable. He watched as the understanding passed on his father's face. The understanding and horror, and he forced himself not to look away. As punishment for doing this to his own father.
"Bajor has ALWAYS been more important than your family! Bajor, and those damned Prophets! You don't even care of they kill you, and leave me without a dad! Maybe I just want the war to end, because it takes everyones lives that I care about."
Ben was shaking, trying to process the information. He knew he had been too busy to be there properly for Jake...but this still didn't make sense.
"Jake, we can talk about this." Desperation was sinking in. "We can talk about this. Come home, Jake. Come home, and let me fix this. Let me fix us."
Jake blinked back more tears.
"I am home," he finally responded. And then there was more silence. Until Dukat interrupted.
"That was a lovely conversation, that was way overdue," he quipped-gleefully watching the suffering on Sisko's face "As you can see we have taken good care of your son. Do not contact us again, though. I don't hink he wants to hear from you, anymore. I know I don't."
With that, he ended the link before Ben could argue some more and Jake collapsed on the stairs, while Weyon rubbed his back.
"Well done Jake,"Weyon soothed. Dukat smiled as he watched the young man tremble with what just happened.
"Yes," Dukat replied, with an almost sneer. "Well done Jake. Well done indeed."