The comm. badge on the table chirped.

"Computer, what time is it"

"The time is 02:00."

The comm. badge chirped again, and she jumped out of bed to answer its annoying call.

"Kira here."

" Colonel, this is Ensign Stapes at OPS. I'm not sure if you know me or not. I just transferred to the station from the U.S.S Picacho…"

Ensign Nicole Stapes was very talkative for an ensign who had just graduated from the Academy last year. Kira knew Bajoran Militia officers didn't talk this much.

" Yes, Ensign. I know you. What do you need?

" There's a Cardassian ship whose captain wishes to speak with you…in person."

Kira put on her Bajoran Militia uniform and headed for the door.

"Have him dock at docking ring 3. I'll meet him at the airlock."

"Confirmed. Sorry to wake you up."

-----

Julian Bashir ran his fingers through his dark hair. 02:00 was very early to be up working on medical reports, he knew, but sleep wasn't coming easy to him tonight. To be honest, sleep hadn't been coming easy to him every night since his best friend, Chief O'Brian, left the station to teach at the Academy on earth.

Pull yourself together, Julian. It's been six months now since he left. You need to accept the fact that he's gone, and move on with your life. You're holding yourself back with grief. He's gone. Move on.

Unfortunately, letting go of those you love wasn't as easy as it sounded. Julian was going into depression; slowly, but surely.

-----

Kira Nerys waited outside of the airlock. She had no idea who the Cardassian captain was, or what he wanted. Whoever it is better have a good reason for dragging me out of bed so early. My shift doesn't start for another 6 hours.

Finally, the airlock opened, and the Cardassian captain walked out. He wasn't too tall, his ridges were average in size and thickness for a Cardassian, and his uniform was very well made and perfectly in place. He had a very fake-looking expression of joy on his face, and seemed to walk with jump and a skip. Kira was shocked.

"Garak? You're the Cardassian captain?"

"Try not to look so surprised, Colonel. I seem to shock everyone I meet these days." With that, he laughed. Kira couldn't help but laugh too.

"Garak, I know Julian would love to see you."

"Is that so?" he asked.

"He's been somewhat depressed since Miles left the station."

Garak had a look of confusion on his face. "Miles… Isn't that his friend, the Chief?"

"Yes, he left the station to work at Starfleet Academy a few months ago. Julian misses him. I think that seeing you…"

"You think that seeing me will cheer the doctor up, correct?" Garak interrupted.

Kira smiled. She was pleased that Garak was back on the station again. Things weren't the same without the former spy/tailor around to keep an eye on.

-----

Julian had dosed off with his PADD still in his hands. His head was resting on the back of his chair, and his feet were up on his table. He had finally fallen asleep in the Infirmary after spending hours working.

"Kira to Dr. Bashir, we have a medical emergency on at airlock 3. We need you're assistance."

Julian jumped up, confirmed the message, and grabbed a med kit. He was out of the door in seconds, rushing to the airlock.

Minutes later, he was approaching the airlock. He saw the Colonel wave in his direction, letting them know where they were. He ran even faster. It appeared as though there was someone else with her. AS he reached the airlock, he began looking for someone in need of medical help. He saw no one.

Whoever was with Kira had their back turned towards him. He assumed by the uniform and hair color and style that the man was Cardassian, holding the rank of Captain.

"Colonel, Captain. I'm not seeing a problem down here."

"My dear doctor, how many times must I tell you? It's Garak; just plain, simple Garak. There's no need to call me by my official title."

Garak turned and smiled.

Julian stood there, stunned.

Garak had returned.