Star Trek; Deep Space Nine
Blood Island

Chapter 7

There was no greater joy for a doctor than to see a patient, especially one who was a child, reunited with a parent. Bashir, Dax, Dr. Anthier and Dr. Gyem entered Neline's hospital room and found the girl, still in bed, holding the hand of her father; Kylth. The young girl, though very ill, was able to smile.

Kylth and Neline both looked to Bashir.

"You must be the Federation doctor who has been caring for my little girl." Kylth said to Bashir.

"Yes, I am." Bashir replied. "I hope to find a cure for her, and all the others, who have been stricken with this virus."

Kylth nodded in understanding. "My wife walks with the Prophets, and should it be their will, so will Neline."

"But you also found it necessary to keep her from this island." Dax said to Kylth. "Why?"

There was an exchange of glances between Kylth and Dr. Gyem.

"I was wrong about that," Kylth said. "And because of that decision, Neline's condition is getting worse."

"Well," Gyem said, "let's not get into that again, shall we?" Gyem looked to Bashir. "Now that she is with us, Neline will receive the best care we can offer her."

After making sure that Neline was in good care, Bashir, and the others, left Neline alone with her father.

"We hope," Anthier said to Bashir, "by seeing her, with her father, you can see that we are not the cold administrators you have made us out to be."

Bashir nodded in agreement. "I never said you were," Bashir said to her. "But she's here now, and so are we. I would like to see the labs that you have working on the virus. I graduated second in my class at the Academy, and hopefully I can be of service before," Bashir looked back at Neline's room, "before it is too late."

"Of course Doctor," Gyem said with a knowing smile. "We will take you there now."


DEEP SPACE NINE

Sisko sat behind his desk and stared at the com screen on his desk. The screen came to life and the cold Cardassian face of Gul Dukat came into view.

"Ah," Dukat said with a very forced smile, "Commander Sisko. With the time difference between Cardassia and Deep Space Nine, I have to think that this conversation is taking place during what should be your sleep cycle; Such a shame."

"Yes," Sisko acknowledged, "it is. Yet, I must point out that I am the one sleeping in the commander's suite. I have you to thank for that."

Dukat nodded at the point. "You are correct," Dukat replied. "Now, if you would excuse me Commander, I have important issues I am dealing with, so can we get to the point of this communication?"

Sisko did as he was asked. "I am aware that you, and many of the Cardassians under command, left sizable accounts at Quark's."

Dukat nodded. "Yes, Quark sent me a message, only an hour or so ago, telling me of your plans to confiscate those funds under some archaic Federation law. I don't have to point out that your Cardassian neighbors would see that as an unwarranted act."

"I'm sorry you see it that way, I really am." Sisko said in a sympathetic tone. "But my hands are tied. However, if I had your assistance on another matter I might be able to change the minds of the Federation officials who are asking about those funds." Sisko had learned the art of poker play years ago. He was using all his efforts to bluff his way through the conversation.

"What matter would that be?" Dukat asked.

Sisko showed Dukat the picture of Neline. "This is a picture of a Bajoran child who has become very sick thanks to a virus that you ordered used on her parents, and other Bajorans who assisted your occupation."

Dukat became stern. "That is a very offensive accusation Commander."

Sisko pressed on. "Listen to me Dukat," Sisko continued, "I don't have time to dance around the facts. You and I both know the proof of your involvement is no doubt well covered. All I want is the name of the Cardassian doctor who created the virus. No blame will fall on you, you have my word. I just want to find a way to save this young girl, and others like her, who face certain death just as so many already have."

Dukat thought for a moment, and then he continued. "Commander, I would suggest you drop this matter. You are dealing in decisions and events that happened years ago. It would be wise not to reopen old wounds."

"I can't afford the time to do that, Dukat," Sisko pressed, "and I don't think you can either." Sisko said, alluding to the credits at Quarks.

The former Cardassian commander of Terek'Nor took a deep breath, and then continued. "Very well, Commander Sisko, I will put you on the right path." And then Dukat leaned closer to the screen, "But don't say I didn't warn you."

Moments later Sisko emerged from his office, situated just above Ops. O'brien was at his post and looked up to Sisko. The look on Sisko's face betrayed his thoughts.

"What's wrong?" O'brien asked.

Sisko looked to O'brien. "Chief, I want you to prêp a Runabout for launch, immediately. Also, inform Constable Odo to meet me at the launch bay."

O'brien followed his orders and Sisko stepped into the turbolift, on his way to the Runabout.

-continued…