This is a re-write of a story that originally appeared in 'The Tailoring Times'. It takes place towards the end of the second season – after the episodes 'Cardassians' and 'The Wire'.
Disclaimer: I don't own Star Trek or the characters but the typos, bad grammar and other boo-boos are all mine!
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REPRISE - CHAPTER 1
Doctor Julian Bashir stowed his baggage in the runabout and made his way forward to the pilot's seat. The back of a familiar head could be seen above the headrest of the other seat.
"Garak! What on earth are you doing here?"
The Cardassian turned in his seat to face the Doctor, his eyes bright with amusement at Bashir's entirely predictable surprise. "Well, I thought over what you said about the Tozhat Resettlement Centre needing help with its computers and communication system and decided that I could spare some time after all. Besides, I would enjoy a walk in the sunshine and fresh air, even if it is on Bajor rather than Cardassia – but then, we can't always have everything we want, can we? However, if you would rather I didn't accompany on your visit ..."
"No, of course not!" Bashir hastened to reassure his friend. "But what about your shop? Is someone looking after your customers for you?"
"My dear Doctor, I was hardly going to announce the fact that I would be leaving the Station, and for a visit to Bajor of all places, was I? I'm sure that my shop will be just fine and as for my customers, difficult as it may be for them, they will just have to struggle on without me for a few days."
Bashir laughed but was then suddenly serious. "Thank you." He reached out and squeezed Garak's shoulder. "Your help will mean a lot to the Resettle ..." He paused, then continued quietly as though speaking to himself, "Resettlement Centre? Now there's a euphemism if ever there was one! What chance have any of the war orphans there of ever actually being resettled?" He squeezed Garak's shoulder again. "Your help will mean a lot to the children, Bajoran and Cardassian, and to me as well. They have so little it makes me feel totally inadequate every time I visit them - and yet, I can't not go." The helplessness he felt was reflected in his expression, he looked away trying to regain his composure.
"There's no need to be embarrassed, Doctor," said Garak softly. "I do understand."
Bashir looked back and met Garak's eyes. "Yes, I believe you do - now – but there was a time when I wouldn't have."
"We have both come a long way since then."
"Yes, WE have." Bashir's usual good humour was now fully restored as he took his seat. "Right, let's go!"
