2372: The Ravinok en route to Dozaria

KIRA NERYS

A/N: Elements of this are from the DS9 season four episode 'Indiscretion'. I figured that when Dukat is looking at the image of Naprem, the database for Terok Nor comfort women would be in use, so I seized the opportunity :p but it was mostly because I wanted to get Kira and Dukat to converse. But, yeah, I can't really remember what happened, so this might not make sense.

"You know, Dukat," Major Kira Nerys began, an essence of annoyance glowing in her voice. "You're going to have to tell me what has been bothering you."

Dukat looked at her quizzically and beamed. "Is it just me, or do I detect an iota of concern in your tone?"

Kira gave him a wry smile and shook her head. "You've been staring at that PADD for hours."

In submission, Dukat sighed and handed Kira the PADD. She took it and stared at it inquisitively. "She's beautiful," Kira observed, wide-eye, studying the woman who was displayed on the screen.

Skrain Dukat simply nodded and cleared his throat, in an effort to not feel or look too awkward.

"Who is she?" Kira asked, still holding the device.

Dukat resettled in his chair and began to run through pre-landing procedures for the craft's touch down on Dozaria. His gaze flickered up to see the Major's inquisitive glare directed at him. "No one important," he snapped.

Kira folded her arms stubbornly.

The Cardassian harrumphed lowly and showed a small smile. "No one important to me, anyway."

Kira raised an eyebrow. "To whom, then?" she enquired, lowering the thrusters on the Ravinok.

"One of my officers. You have yet to meet him; Gil Damar," he replied icily.

"A wife?" Kira pressed. "A Human wife?"

Dukat shook his head. "A lover," he replied, continually reminding himself that he was talking about that sort of stuff with Major Kira.

Kira swallowed and nodded. "I take it you had... feelings for her?"

That perked Dukat up a little. "Jealous, Major?"

She frowned and said snippily, "You wish." Continuing, she added, "She was important to him?"

Dukat nodded stiffly. "Very, was the impression I recieved," he replied. "He has a child with her."

Below the image, Kira caught sight of a small tab. She ran her finger across the screen, pulling down the tab and her brow knitted. "Is it customary on Cardassia for Guls to keep files on their officers' lovers?" Kira quizzed him.

Caught of guard, Dukat answered quickly, "Every comfort woman must have a personal file. At least, on Terok Nor, anyway." He grinned annoyingly in Kira's direction, adding, "After all, I am quite an organised individual."

"She was a comfort woman?!" Kira started, astounded. "On Terok Nor?"

Dukat nodded coldly.

"She is human, Dukat," Kira reminded him.

"I am aware of that, Major," he quipped.

She sighed in frustration. "Do you have any idea how many regulations that breaks?" she told him. "The Federation will be all over you. Abducting a human, and keeping her to satisfy your..." she sneered "needs."

"They were in love, Major," he countered. "There are no rules against that."

Kira, still, shook her head and read through the woman's file.

Name: Keela Monroe

Date of Birth: 2344

Place of Birth: London, England, Earth

Origin: Human

Family: mother and father: Sheridan and Jared Monroe; siblings: Alexander Monroe (brother)

Miscellaneous: assigned to Glinn Corat Damar, on board the Terok Nor mining station; 2366. One child: Alexander Sejan; born 2368; father: Corat Damar.

"She's alive?" Kira inquired.

"Damar told me he sent her to Earth when the Occupation ended." Dukat paused thoughtfully. "In fact, he's there now. He is returning to Cardassia soon."

"And, you feel bad, because this... Damar cannot stay with her?" Kira guessed.

Dukat shook his head. "It bears remarkable parallels to my present situation."

"And there I was thinking you had a sense of humility."