Sorry for the late story, guys! I've just been so busy with other fics! SORRY!

This isn't the head injury one like I said, but it was just a super quick story I wrote to fill in the gap between my next update!

Oh and stupid FF . net didn't let me copy and paste this like I normally do, so I had to upload it so I hope it shows up alright! -.-

*I am crying over the fact I don't own Star Trek. Can you imagine how rich I'd be!*

XXX

Julian had never seen anyone so beautiful. He literally stopped breathing when he caught sight of her. Her eyes were a vibrant blue. Her hair was a mass of different shades of auburn. Her skin was like porcelain. She was just perfect.

He was staring at her, trying not to make it obvious. She was alone, working on a PADD and sipping some kind of beverage. She looked Human, but there were many aliens who looked like his species, he couldn't be sure without scanning her.

He laughed despite himself. He couldn't just approach her and begin a scan! He would need to ask her what species she was.

Looking away for a moment, he began a small conversation in his head on what he was going to talk about with her. He couldn't remember the last time his charm didn't work. Well. Apart from Dax, but that was for the best. He valued their friendship and would do anything to keep it healthy.

Turning back to where the woman was, he saw her frowning at the PADD. Perfect.

Picking up his drink, he rose from his table and approached her.

"Hi" He said as he stood next to her.

She visibly startled, her eyes widening as she saw him. "Hello"

"I'm Julian" He smiled his best smile "May I?" he asked, gesturing to the vacant chair opposite her.

"Uh, of course" She seemed to still be slightly shocked with his sudden appearance.

"I don't think I've ever seen you here before" Julian stated as he lowered himself onto the chair.

"I've been on this station for three years, Doctor. I've just never been in this establishment before today" She said flatly as she once again focussed on her PADD.

Julian was thrown back by her statement, but also her tone of voice. How did she know he was a Doctor? Pushing the though away, he continued with the conversation "Oh. Do you have family here Miss…"

Sighing, she placed her PADD on the table "I'm in Starfleet, Sir. I'm an Ensign and would like to be addressed as such"

Right. She obviously doesn't want to be bothered. "I'm sorry, Ensign. Would you prefer if I left you alone?"

Her eyes closed and she pinched the bridge of her nose "It's me who should apologize. You're a senior officer and I should respect you. It's just this problem I'm having and I can't seem to solve it"

"I see. Can I have a look? I might be of some help" He offered.

Her eyes opened and looked at him with a confused look "You're a Doctor, Sir. My problem in an Engineering matter, I'm not sure you will know what you're doing"

Julian smiled at her; he loved to brag "Well. Actually I did an Engineering extension course at the Academy. And…" he gestured her to come close "I'm sure that you've heard about my little secret"

She frowned at him "What… little secret?" She leant back in her chair and crossed her arms across her chest, intrigued.

"C'mon! Everyone knows my little secret! If you've been on this station for as long as you say, you would have heard. Rumours spread around this station like wildfire!"

Her cheeks went red at his statement, and she lowered her gaze to the table top, embarrassed "Well. I, er, like to keep to myself. I don't enjoy socialising with others. So I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about"

Julian was shocked at her admittance. How can someone so beautiful not enjoy talking to others? Surely people approach her all the time. "Oh. Well, you're socialising with me just fine" He knew he lied to her, she was very brash. But she looked so sad; he wanted to make her feel better.

She lifted an eyebrow and looked at him suspiciously "Don't lie. I'm awful at talking to others. Now. What's this secret?"

Julian leant close to her, lowering his voice "At the age of six. I was… genetically enhanced" It was such a relief for him to freely talk about the topic.

Her face paled and her breath hitched "Wha- What?"

"I was not always the smart and brilliant Doctor you know me as" He tried to lighten the obvious dull atmosphere.

She looked at him with a hint of anger in her eyes "Genetically enhanced?"

"Yes" He knew it was big news, and something you didn't hear every day, but the pure shock on her face startled him.

Her gaze lowered to the PADD on the table, it looked like she was processing what she was just told. And all of a sudden, she smiled and looked at him. Her hand moved to cover his. "Tell me more"

XXX

"…and that's it" Julian finished the long explanation about how Jules transformed into Julian. They had ordered drink after drink after drink and now he was feeling a bit tipsy. He didn't mean to delve too deep into his life, but he couldn't stop himself, it was as if the truth kept pouring out of his mouth.

She smiled at him, and shook her head in amazement "That's so interesting, and utterly amazing. I mean how they can alter a few genes here and there and transform a person into something so different. Were there any side effects?" She asked as she ordered another round of drinks.

"Well, I remember getting sick a lot when I was ten. It might have nothing to do with the enhancements, but I'm not too sure. I was at the hospital for a week, but I don't remember a lot of it" He leant back in his chair and rubbed his eyes, he already had four alcoholic drinks, but this woman didn't have any. She had a shift in a few hours.

"Interesting, very interesting, this is all so fascinating, Doctor. Would you mind helping me with something?" She leant forward and stared him in the eyes. She knew she was what most people considered beautiful, and it never came in useful. Until now.

The waiter placed the new drink onto the table and collected the empty glasses. Julian thanked him and picked up the new glass. "What can I help you with?"

She smiled and started to raise herself from her chair "Come and see for yourself, Doctor"

Julian stared open mouthed at her; she was nearly as tall as him. Seeing the suggestive smile on her face, he downed his last drink and stood up. "I, er…don't know your name"

She laughed at that. She completely forgot she didn't tell him her name "Ensign Francis Hartleberry"

"That's a beautiful name, Francis. It's also a Human name" He didn't know where that came from, his mind was foggy.

She was slightly taken back by that statement "Er, yes. Yes it is. I am Human. Don't I look it?"

He giggled and began to walk around to stand beside her "There are countless aliens that look like us. I just wasn't too sure. Shall we go to your quarters?"

"No. Let's go to yours" Francis turned round and began walking out of the establishment. Julian followed her like an eager puppy.

XXX

"Here it is. My quarters" Julian announced as he strolled in.

"It's very nice. Tidy as well. There's nothing amiss at all!" She was amazed at how spotless it was. "You're like me! I like things organised, so nothing goes missing or wrong"

Julian smiled and walked to the replicator "Do you want anything?"

Francis slumped down onto the sofa. While Julian was drinking alcohol, she didn't have anything to alter her state of mind as they were in the bar. "Can I just have a coffee or something, please?"

"Of course. How do you like it?" He asked.

Before she could answer, the door chime went. "Who's that?" Julian asked, honestly perplexed. He didn't arrange anything with anyone.

Francis turned towards the door "Let me just check, shall I"

She strolled to the door and opened it, revealing three Human men, who looked like they worked out. A lot!

"It's my father and brothers, Doctor! Come in, come in" She gestured to her quarters.

The men came walking into the room and stood in a line, with their arms clasped behind their back. Julian approached the men and stood in front of the sofa. Why would Francis' family be here? How could they be here?

Putting on his best smile, he offered his hand "Pleasure to meet you, Mr Hartleberry"

He just stared at him with hate and Julian slowly lowered his hand "Erm. What can I do for you? We can move to the table so we can all sit down" He began to move towards the table, when a strong hand on his chest prevented him from moving.

"You're the reason they're here, Doctor. They want to talk to you, and they prefer standing up" Francis smirked as she sat down on a nearby chair "Tell them what you told me"

Julian frowned, even if he was slightly intoxicated, he knew something was amiss "Tell them what? What's going on?" He once again tried to move, but was pushed back onto the sofa.

Francis let out a long sigh "C'mon Julian. Tell them about your little secret!"

"Wha-"Julian went to stand up again, but was roughly pushed back by her father.

"What's this secret?" Her father leant down so he was eye to eye with Julian.

"I think you should go" Julian spoke but didn't move a muscle, he was frozen from fear.

"He's genetically enhanced guys. Like Khan Noonien Singh" Francis called out from where she was sitting. Julian just stared at her with shock.

"Khan Noonien Singh, eh?" Her father asked, still eye to eye with the Doctor "So, you're a mutant like that monster?"

Julian felt his heart hammering away in his chest, he feared it would burst from the amount of fear he felt "Sir. I'm not a mutant. I was enhanced to cure a serious birth defect"

Her father straightened up to his full height, staring down at Julian like he was rubbish "Let me tell you a story, freak! An ancestor of my wife was killed during the Eugenic Wars. She always vowed revenge, but sadly never succeeded as she was killed by an augment that escaped the institute"

Oh no. He had to escape or they're going to kill him. He better try and explain to them he is nothing like Khan "Sir. I assure you. I am nothing like Khan. I will never willingly take a life…" his words were cut off as one of Francis' brothers roughly pulled him up from the sofa by his shoulders.

"We don't want to hear your voice, Doctor" Taunted the brother as he threw Julian to the ground.

Julian hit the ground with a thud; he couldn't do anything to prevent his fall and landed with his arm behind him. He bit his lip when he felt his shoulder resist the movement, only for the muscles to be pulled painfully.

"Get up" Francis' father near enough yelled at Julian, he was so angry! He would take revenge for his wife's untimely death.

Julian pushed down all his fear and stood up. He would not let himself be intimidated by this man!

"Harry…" The father spoke, still staring at Julian "you hold him"

Julian's heart leapt and his stomach churned at the words. When one of Francis' brothers approached him, Harry he presumed, he took a step back.

Before he knew what was happening, Harry lashed forward and grabbed hold of Julian's arms, twisting them behind his back so he was immobile from the waist up.

Francis was observing the encounter with interest. She heard about the Doctors secret long ago. It was difficult not to! She knew he couldn't resist a pretty face so she arranged the accidental meeting with her family. Getting him drunk was not in the original plan, however, she was looking forward to seeing Julian unable to defend himself.

She squealed with delight as her father delivered the first punch, right to Julian's midsection. She began watching with such glee as the Doctor was being attacked.

XXX

Julian was lying on the floor, breathing heavily which only jarred his ribs. Even though he wasn't moving, it caused great pain. The three men had been brutal, not stopping despite his cries of pain, not stopping until he was no longer able to move.

They had left him an hour ago; he had only regained consciousness ten minutes ago. Unable to move, he just lay there, hoping someone would notice his absence from the staff meeting.

XXX

Miles was making his way to the meeting. He had overslept and was now running late. He was never late for a meeting and he would be damned if he would start today.

Walking through the corridors and entering the meeting room, he sighed with relief, Julian wasn't there. Meaning he wasn't the last one, but looking at the chronometer, he discovered he was one minute late.

Cursing himself, he took his designated seat and slumped down. "Where's Julian?" he enquired.

Jadzia turned her gaze to the Chief, before looking at Sisko "I was thinking the same thing. But I saw him yesterday with a young woman. He's probably still in bed" She smirked.

Sisko looked at his senior officers with a serious look "Doctor Bashir knew we had a meeting, he has no excuse to be late." He realised he was being a bit harsh, but he needed to set an example. Being late was not acceptable, unless there was a damn good reason.

Slapping his combadge, he called for the doctor. Only there was no response.

"Julian, please respond"

He looked at Kira, who slapped her own badge "Kira to Doctor Bashir"

Again, no answer

"Computer, locate…" Sisko's words halted when he heard a whisper.

"Shhh" he demanded, everyone turned dead silent as they were listening.

A weak, pitiful voice was coming through Kira's combadge "help"

"Computer, locate Doctor Bashir"

"Doctor Bashir is in his quarters"

"Is he alone?"

"Affirmative"

"Major, Constable. Go to his quarters, see what's going on and let me know"

Kira and Odo stood up and marched out of the room, leaving Jadzia and Miles worried.

Miles spoke up "Where do you want us, Sir? He's obviously in trouble. We should all go"

"Chief. Nothing might be wrong. I don't want to cause panic by all but one of the senior officers marching through the corridors. We'll wait until we hear something. He might be drunk, we just don't know"

Sisko knew what he was saying was a weak argument, but it was true he didn't want to cause panic throughout the station.

XXX

Julian was lying curled up on his side, clutching his stomach tightly. He felt like he was going to be sick, every one of his ribs felt broken. He didn't even want to think what his stomach must look like, a mass of black and blue bruises no doubt.

Deciding he couldn't just lay here, he straightened himself. Gritting his teeth against the pain of his stomach muscles pulling, he continued to straighten until he was lying flat on his back.

The pain was excruciating, he couldn't bear the thought of crawling over to his computer to call for help. Instead, he lay still, breathing heavily and willing his heart rate down.

And then! A chirp!

He frowned, trying to figure out what the noise was. It was annoying him, he just couldn't think straight.

Deciding to ignore it, he went to investigate his stomach. Gingerly moving his hands to open his jumpsuit, he paused.

The front part of his jumpsuit was missing, his stomach was on view. He didn't remember this happening. Someone had obviously cut it open, but why?

Moving a hand to investigate any broken bones, he heard the chirp again. Louder this time, like it was coming from right beside him.

His mind soon clicked! His combadge! It was obviously still nearby.

Lowering his hands and turning his head to the source of the sound, he saw his badge. It was among the remains of his uniform.

Taking a deep breath to prepare himself for the pain that was to come, he leant toward the badge, trying to grasp a hold of it.

It took him four attempts to grab it, but he soon tapped it and said the first thing that came to mind "Help"

The static ceased and he collapsed back onto the floor, he was just so tired. His attackers ignored his face and head, just focussed their punches and kicks on his stomach, but he was still so tired.

Sure that help was on the way; Julian allowed his eyes to drift shut.

XXX

Kira and Odo were marching through the corridor, they were trying to avoid any attention but at the same time get to the doctors quarters as soon as possible.

"What do you think is happening, Odo?" Kira asked as they turned a corner, it wouldn't take long to get to Julian's quarters.

"Going on, Major?" Odo asked.

"With Julian! Sisko said he might be drunk, but why would he ask for help?" Kira enquired.

Odo scoffed "Lieutenant Dax said she saw him with a woman last night. She probably stayed round Doctor Bashir's quarters and had a few more drinks."

"But why would he ask for help?" Kira asked, her gut was telling her something was utterly wrong.

Odo shrugged his shoulders "You know how Doctor Bashir is when he's drunk. He probably fell off the couch and asked for help"

Kira shook her head "I think there's something more, Odo. The computer said he's the only one in his quarters. Why would he still be there, but his companion have left?" They turned to last corner to Julian's quarters.

XXX

He heard a noise, coming from outside. For a dreadful long moment, he feared it was Francis' family coming back. He held his breath, trying not to make a sound.

Until he heard the unmistakable sound of the Major.

XXX

"Computer, open the door" Kira demanded.

There was no response, not even a chirp.

"Computer, open the door" Odo tried. When that didn't work, he tried his security code. But still, nothing happened.

Kira let out a long frustrated sigh "We need to use the manual override"

Odo immediately moved over to pull the lever down, opening the doors with the distinct hiss.

"Doctor Bashir?" Odo called out.

A cough caught their attention, coming from an adjoining room. Then a weak voice called out "In here"

Kira glanced at Odo, and marched into the room.

She ran straight for the doctor's body, dropping to her knees and grabbing hold of his face in her hands "Julian! What happened?" her voice revealed the utter shock she felt as she saw the condition he was in.

His face was unmarked, if a bit pale. It was his chest and stomach which worried her. It was covered in bruises and blood. When she gently placed a hand on his abdomen, he cried out.

Pulling her hand back quickly, he tried to calm him "Shhh. Help is on the way, Julian. What happened?"

Julian panted to control the pain "A few people" his eyes squeezed shut, talking hurt his chest "didn't like my enhancements"

Kira felt her anger rise up, she very nearly saw red! How dare someone attack someone so brutally just because of something done to them as a child. Julian saves life! No one should be punished for it!

Odo called for medical assistance as soon as he saw Julian's condition. He had seen people attacked like this, wounds inflicted the same way. But he just didn't understand why someone would do that to the doctor! He was a healer!

He could see by Julian's face that talking hurt. He winced through his entire sentence to Kira. Odo needed to know what happened, but it was obvious Julian wasn't in a position to give a report.

Signalling his deputies to come to Julian's quarters, he stood back and watched with interest as Kira shushed Julian like a child.

XXX

"He'll be alright. He had a few cracked ribs and severe bruising but luckily nothing was broken. He also needed a skin graph on his chest" Nurse Jabara announced as she walked out of surgery.

All of the senior officers were in the waiting area, patiently waiting for news on Julian. It was Miles who was the first to notice Jabara's entrance. The others soon realised she strolled into the room.

"Why a skin graph?" Jadzia asked as she rose herself up from her chair.

Jabara sighed sadly "His attacker used a scalpel to write "Genetic Freak" on his chest. That's where the blood had come from. Luckily it wasn't deep enough to scar, but it did require new skin"

"Can we see him?" Sisko asked.

Jabara shook her head "He's still unconscious from the surgery, but he'll be up in a few hours. Why don't you go and get a drink, I'll inform you when he awakens"

Sisko nodded his head, already beginning to walk towards the exit. He stopped when he heard Miles' voice "So he'll be alright, then?"

Jabara smiled and nodded "Yes. He'll make a full recovery"

Miles sighed and closed his eyes. What a relief!

XXX

Odo and his deputies managed to find the attackers and put them in the brig to wait for Captain Sisko.

No one expected they would ever be allowed onto a Starfleet vessel again. Attacking a Starfleet officer is a grave offence, it would have been a lot worse if Julian had died. But. His injuries were not severe enough to cause death, just extreme pain.

These people knew where to hit Julian to cause as much suffering as possible, almost like they had practice on others.

What no one but the Hartleberry's knew was, that there was another person who joined in the fight.

Another person who was still on the station…

END

XXX

I hope you liked it! And once again if it shows up weird, blame FF . net. I am completely not used to uploading a file :(

No preview this time, because it will be the head injury fic :P