"Odo!"

Quark's harsh voice broke in on his thoughts.

"Yesterday there was a shipment of groat clusters, addressed to me personally, in Cargo Bay 47. I went to look this morning and they weren't there! I want to know what's happened to them! Odo! Are you listening to me?"

Odo spun his chair round so his back was to Quark. "She's gone to see Shakaar," he said dully.

"Who? What are you talking about? Do you know how much I paid for those groat clusters?'

"Major Kira. She's gone to see Shakaar. She went this morning. She wasn't going to tell anyone, until Commander Dax blurted it out."

"Well, I don't know why you're so surprised. What did you expect was going to happen?"

"I wasn't expecting anything," grunted Odo.

Quark sighed. "How long is it since Shakaar and Major Kira broke up?"

"I don't know. About a year."

"It's been over a year. You've had plenty of time to - arrange a merger with Kira, and in all that time have you even tried to open negotiations? No."

"It's not that simple."

"Odo." Quark paced across the Security office. "The woman waited a year for you to make an offer. Any kind of offer. You've had plenty of opportunities but you've let them all slip away."

"Who asked for your opinion?" said Odo, still with his back to the troublesome Ferengi.

"You did. I came here to discuss a missing shipment of groat clusters. You were the one who started talking about the Major. You want my advice?"

"No."

"Make it easy on both of us. Forget all about her."

"Is that the best you can do?" asked Odo, looking up at Quark.

"I'd like to see someone do better," replied Quark, defensively.

"So would I," said Odo emphatically.

Quark came over and stood behind him. "Odo. You're not exactly the most loveable person in the galaxy. You're not even the most loveable person in this sector. Or on the station. Or even in this room. You're cold. Rigid. Remote." He paused. "Can I leave now?"

"Please do."

Quark turned towards the door.

"Wait –"

Quark spread his hands in exasperation. "Odo - make up your mind."

"I need a favour from you," said Odo reluctantly. "It's about - Dr Bashir's new holosuite program."

Quark started at the abrupt change of subject."What about it?"

"I need to borrow it," said Odo.

Quark raised his eye ridges. "Why don't you ask him?"

"I'd - rather not discuss it with him," muttered Odo.

Quark tilted his head to one side. "Why do you want to borrow it?" he asked, in a more ingratiating tone.

Odo remembered the snippet of conversation he'd overheard."Because - according to something he said - it might help."

"With Major Kira?"

"Yes," grunted Odo.

Quark sighed again. "Anything to stop you maundering on about her." He thought for a moment. "All the holosuites are booked until 23:00 tonight but you can have one any time after that." He put a hand on his old adversary's – or was it friend's? shoulder. "I must admit I don't blame you for not wanting to tell Bashir. The quickest way to spread something round this station is to tell the good doctor and ask him not to tell anyone else. Now ... my groat clusters."

Odo reached under his desk and produced a small box. "You'll be glad to hear they aren't contaminated in any way."

Quark grimaced. "How many did you …"

"Only three. For tests. Station regulations."

Quark picked the box up and tucked it under his arm.

"Oh, and Quark …"

"Yes?"

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it. You know holosuites are charged at double rate after 23:00?"