It had been less than an hour since Bashir had sent Glib and Fall onto their journey into the Alpha quadrant, and the good doctor had already dealt with three calls from Starfleet Medical, and the Klingon Security council over the potential threat posed by theses visitors to the Alpha Quadrant. Sisko's report was buried under a pile of official queries from a number of officials and medical professionals from across the quadrant. Even the Gorn had sent a list of concerns for the safety of their enclave.
Still the doctor remained optimistic.
"If only I had another set of hands." His comm began to beep. " Or a receptionist." He muttered to himself. "Hello"
Kira's face filled the screen and Bashir groaned.
"Please tell me that you don't have another request about our previous visitors for me." Kira smiled.
"Nope." Bashir sighed in relief. "But I do have one about that virus you were studying yesterday." The doctor glared at the monitor and flopped himself back in his seat.
"Let me have it then."
"The Bajorin panel of medical ministers wants a complete report of your analysis and a formula for a vaccine before the end of the day." Bashir was floored.
"The end of the day! Major it's nearly 1400 already! There's no way I could get them all that today." Kira sighed
"I'm sorry doctor but there is nothing I can do."
The screeen went blank and Bashir slammed his ist on the table in frustration. He glanced around and sighed.
"Computer, open a channel to Garak, audio only."
"Opening channel."
"Doctor Bashir, how nice to hear from you. I do hope you were able to get some rest last night." Bashir smiled at the casual care Garak was utilizing.
"A little bit too much, I'm afraid. Listen, Garak, about tonight." He hesitated.
"Yes doctor, I was meaning to talk to you about that. I was wondering what time you were expecting me over." Bashir groaned.
"See that's the thing. I'm sorry Garak but I simply have too much work to do, to be able to get anything together tonight. Please don't take this personally."
"Of course not doctor. I'd never ask you to put me before your work."
"Garak."
"No no, it's quite alright. Perhaps tomorrow night will be better, hmm?" Bashir sighed.
"Perhaps."
"In that case, I wish you the best of luck in completing what I'm sure is a colossal mountain of paperwork. Good day, Julian."
"You too, Garak." The line died and Julian buried his head in his hands. He felt terrible. Garak had seemed almost disappointed by the fact that their data had been canceled, and Julian was more than a little disturbed by that fact.
"Maybe I can still do something." He muttered to himself, as he dove heavily into the work before him.
No sooner did Garak end the call with Julian did he call Dax and let her know that things were going according to plan. He only hoped that the poor doctor would be able to finish his work in time for dinner.
