Disclaimer: See Chapter 1.
I looked around in confusion when I re-materialized. I knew I wasn't on the station anymore; I was most likely on a ship docked here, or near the station. But something about this room seemed familiar for some reason.
Why did you choose purple?
I don't know...but it reminds me of the Dominion ships somehow...
The memory floated up from the back of my mind. As I looked around again, I sensed somehow that this was a Dominion vessel. My suspicions were confirmed when Weyoun himself walked into the room.
"You may wait outside," he said dismissively to the Jem'Hadar guards.
They obeyed without question and left us alone. He smiled at me and came forward, taking my hands in his.
"You seem surprised to see me," he whispered. "Why?"
"I was expecting to stay in my room for a while..." I started, unsure. Those pale purple eyes pierced my soul and I felt like he knew everything.
"Yes, I'm sorry if my methods startled you. But I feel this way is best."
"Ok, but why am I here?"
His brow furrowed in confusion. "Didn't I claim you, Aelis? You are mine; I told you that."
My heart raced at the memory, but before I could protest or say anything, he picked up a bowl from a table behind him and handed it to me.
"For you," he said. I looked in it and saw a small pile of deep red, shriveled berries. With a glance at him, I picked one up.
"Rippleberries?" I questioned.
He nodded and a smile tugged upward on the corners of his lips. "You remembered. Try it."
I slowly put it in my mouth, but once I bit into it, I was surprised at its flavor. It was a mix between a very tart cranberry and some sort of wine, but I liked it. I tried another.
"They're good," I assured him.
"Now I can taste what you can taste," he said. I nodded and started to ease a little. I knew I wasn't going to be harmed, that is I wouldn't if I played my cards right. I still wasn't sure how to convince him to leave me here on the station, and I couldn't even begin to explain to him that I was pregnant with his child. He set the bowl down.
"Where will I be staying?" I asked tenatively. He had walked over to a console to check something.
"With me, of course."
Of course. I groaned inwardly as I answered him with three sneezes. He turned back to me, startled.
"Are you all right?"
I nodded, grateful that he wasn't cluing in. "I'm fine."
He frowned and walked toward me a little. "Are you sure? You seem uneasy."
I shook my head. "Weyoun, I'm ok. There's no need to worry about me."
He nodded reluctantly, then return to the console and started pressing some keys. "I'll have the air filters checked immediately."
I sneezed again. "Thank you," I whispered, blessing whatever deities were out there that he didn't understand.
I heard the doors swoosh open and was relieved to see Odo standing there.
"Founder!" Weyoun exclaimed, bowing his head and spreading his arms in a sign of deep respect.
"I'd like my security officer back, if you don't mind."
"Odo, I can explain-" Weyoun started.
"Now."
He glanced at me. "Of course. If there's anything else I can do-"
"Never beam station staff onto a vessel without their consent. Now if you'll excuse me, Officer Gen has some explaining to do."
...
"I don't suppose you know why Weyoun wanted to talk to you?"
"Not until he told me."
"What did he tell you?"
I glanced down at the floor. "It's very hard to explain, sir."
"I take it this is not the first encounter you've had with Weyoun?"
I shook my head.
"I see...Dr. Bashir mentioned that I might want to talk to you about your medical exam. Does this have anything to do with your meetings with the Dominion?"
"Not with the Dominion, sir...only with one Vorta. He had a personal request."
"And that was?"
I looked up at him finally. "He wanted to know about aesthetics, sir."
Odo chuckled. "That must have been interesting. Were you able to teach him anything?"
"Not much...sir, I've been meaning to tell you something. I'll be taking some leave time in about 4 months time."
"Why?"
"It's of a personal nature, but if you must know...I'm pregnant."
"Congratulations. Who's the lucky father?"
I sighed. "I'd rather not talk about it."
Odo nodded. "I won't pry into your personal business. You may go."
I needed to tell him, and now was as good a time as ever. "Constable, it's Weyoun."
"Excuse me?"
"The lucky father? It's Weyoun."
Odo stood up and walked around to the front of his desk. "What?"
"I know, it surprised me too. Dr. Bashir took it rather well considering the circumstances...but I needed to tell you. So now you know."
His eyes hardened in anger. "Do you realize what you've just told me?"
"I do, sir."
"I don't think so. Not only is the father of your child one of the most despised things in the Alpha Quadrant, but this child of yours is most likely the first Vorta child in over 2,000 years!"
His voice had risen to a crescendo. "Do you have any idea what this means? What if the Founders discovered your child? What if they're displeased with the news? What then? You would be in danger, your child would be in danger, and this station would be at risk because of your decision! Tell me, what was so endearing about Weyoun that you would give yourself to him?"
Tears came unbidden to the surface and rolled down my face. "Sir...I had my reasons. And it wouldn't have been a good idea to refuse him."
"Oh, did he threaten you?" he said mockingly.
"Sir, I don't need to sit and explain myself to you! From what I hear, you haven't always made the best of choices either!"
Once the words had left my mouth, I covered it in shock. There was a fine line in this conversation and I had just crossed it. Odo stared at me with pure fury.
But then, surprisingly, his eyes softened to pity and sorrow.
"I'm sorry, Officer. I shouldn't have shouted at you. And you're right-we've all made stupid mistakes. You don't need to explain yourself to me; I'm sure the circumstances were...unusual."
"Sir?"
"Like you said, it probably wouldn't have been wise to refuse him. He's a mysterious animal, that's for sure."
He looked up at me contritely. "You may go, Officer. You'll get whatever leave time you need."
…
"You're doing great, Aelis. Push!"
"Remember to relax, dear. Keep your rhythm."
Finally, the baby exited my body and entered the waiting arms of Dr. Bashir.
He wrapped her up and handed her to me. Grandma, after calling my cousins in, looked at her great-granddaughter over my shoulder.
Dark purple eyes stared up at me as I took in all her features. Vorta ears flanked a pale face, and fine jet black hair covered her scalp like down. Her lips were pale pink, and despite her pale skin, a slight flush graced her cheeks. I gasped in wonder as I traced every inch of her with my eyes. A tear slipped down my cheek.
"She's beautiful, Aelis. Please tell me you decided on a name?"
I nodded. "Her name is Eris. Eris Gen."