Ward of the Prophets

Scene 9

Based upon Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

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Odo and Kira stood before Captain Sisko's desk once again. Jeklyn was not with them, she was waiting outside with Chief O'Brien.

"You said you know what our Bajoran orphan friend really is," Captain Sisko prompted.

"Yes," Odo nodded. "I do know what she is."

"Let's here is, Constable."

Odo paused for a second or two, almost for dramatic emphasis. "Dani Jeklyn is not a Bajoran, but one of their gods."

Kira's gaze shot from Sisko to Odo. "You think she's Prophet?"

"You think she's a Prophet?" Sisko echoed in disbelief.

"She is a Prophet," Odo confirmed. "She knew . . . certain things. She knew about the accident before it happened. She knew you, Captain Sisko, and Quark; both of whom have spoken to the Prophets. She spoke to me about knowing the outcome of the game. She is a Prophet."

Captain Sisko and Major Kira remained silent for a moment, stunned beyond all imagining. As they thought about it more, it became more and more obvious that it was true. "Bring her in," Sisko said quietly.

Odo turned to the door, opened it and invited the Prophet Child in. He nodded to Chief O'Brien, dismissing him. The girl bounced in, comfortable with her friends, and sat on the chair that was far too big for her, the one in front of Sisko's desk. Her smile faded at Sisko's rigid expression.

"Are you one of the beings that the Bajorans know as 'Prophets?'" he asked in a flat tone.

Jeklyn looked up at Odo, then Kira, then back at Sisko. "The Sisko has treated me well, he has protected me," she answered and Sisko took that as an affirmative. She then turned to Odo. "You taught me of the thing that all these corporeal being share. The thing that makes them the same, even you. You taught me the meaning. You helped me understand. You helped me experience. You helped me be.

She then turned to Kira, who suddenly felt very uncomfortable. "Do not fear, Nerys. Am I really so different than I was a moment ago?" Kira kept her eyes on her feet and it looked as if she did not know what to do with her hands, they were very active. She finally just clasped them in front of her. Jeklyn smiled. "You are of Bajor. I am of Bajor. We are of the same," she said in a calm and gathered voice. She took Kira's hands in her own. "I love you, Nerys, and not like I love all Bajorans, it is unique.

Kira smiled and hugged the little girl, remembering their friendship over her reverence. "I love you, too, Jeklyn." Tears welled in her eyes, sensing the girl's impending departure.

Jeklyn turned back to Sisko. "I can go home now," she told him. "I should return to the Temple in the same ship I arrived in. All the missing will be returned."

Sisko nodded again. "We will send you home." His gaze returned to Odo. "Constable, you and the Major take that ship back to the wormhole. It's time we bring those people home." He regarded them carefully for a moment, and saw their apprehension at letting the Prophet girl go. He turned back to her and smiled. "It's a little strange to meet you on my home field, not yours."

Jeklyn returned his smile. "You have helped me see through the Emissary's eyes. Seeing the Universe through the eyes of our people brings us closer to them. I thank you," Jeklyn stood and excused herself.

She walked out of Sisko's office, leaving the others in a thoughtful silence. Odo and Kira stared at Sisko, whose eyes remained on the chair that the girl had just vacated. "Dismissed," he said after a moment, too encompassed in thought to give any further instruction.

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