Epilogue

Dax grew concerned as she watched Sisko waiting for the security team to return with Digator, wondering if under the influence of a Manthracite's eyes, the commander's feeling of owing Digator an apology would increase until he actually offered the man a pardon. She had no wish to undermine the commander's newly-recovered authority, yet surely it was within her own jurisdiction to suggest precautions be taken. "Dax to Odo," she murmured, tapping her combadge.

"Odo here," he responded. "Something wrong, Lieutenant?"

"No. But please have the Manthracite blindfolded when you beam him over; the species has the power of increasing emotions through eye contact, and I don't want him working it on anyone here — or anyone on your contact team, for that matter."

"Understood, sir," Odo agreed.

"Thank you," Dax responded, tapping her combadge and glancing at Sisko to see if he had noticed; if he had, he wasn't letting on.

And when Dax saw Sisko at last face his nemesis, she knew her fears had been groundless. Digator's threat to Quark had awakened in him a commander's protectiveness of those in his charge, and that rather than his boyhood guilt was his dominant emotion as he stood with arms crossed in front of the Manthracite. "You're under arrest, Digator," the commander said quietly, "on a charge of attempted murder and threats against a resident of my station. Odo, take him to the brig until we can contact a Starfleet vessel to take him to Earth for prosecution."

"You'll probably have to go to Earth to testify," Dax remarked once Odo had led the prisoner away.

Sisko smiled. "I might take Jake along and make a vacation of it."

"You should," Dax agreed. "But I bet Quark won't be as agreeable when he finds out his presence is also needed!"

Passing Quark's on his way to the infirmary for his final checkup with Dr Bashir, Sisko remembered that conversation and smiled ruefully as he shook his head, wondering just what they would have to go through to pry the Ferengi loose from his bar long enough to go to Earth and testify.

oOo

"You're completely cleared for duty with no restrictions," Bashir told the commander, looking up from his tricorder with a smile. "So I don't need to see you in here until your next physical…which is in two months, in case you forgot."

Sisko grimaced. "I was hoping you would. Why can't you just let this count as my physical?"

Bashir shook his head, smiling ruefully. "I'd be happy to, but the officials at Starfleet Medical wouldn't look too kindly on it. And, no, I will not fake a report for them."

Sisko sighed. "Ah, well, it was worth asking," he said in half feigned disappointment. "Thank you…for everything, Julian."

"Not everything," Bashir said soberly. "In some ways I hurt you as deeply as Digator did when I asked you to treat me as your master — and don't try to deny it."

"All right, I won't," Sisko agreed. "But I understand that you were only doing what you had to do — and as masters go, you make a good one. Just don't let that go to your head; I'm not planning on relinquishing command anytime soon."

"N-no, sir, of course not," Julian stammered. "I've never wanted command of anything more than my infirmary."

Sisko looked at him a little oddly, his protest seeming too strong in response to a half jesting comment. But he could not doubt the truth of his words, and merely smiled at the doctor. "Where you do an excellent job."

Bashir grinned. "I know," he said in unashamed arrogance.

Sisko chuckled. "Let's both get back to work then, shall we?"

Bashir nodded. "As you say, sir," he agreed.

"It is as I say, and don't you forget it."

And the look in his eyes and Bashir's answering smile both said far more than words.

THE END

A/N: I'm marking this story as complete, but when I finish writing the outtake Tamuril2 requested, I will be posting it as additional chapters on this story.

The next story I plan to post is a Narnia one, but after that I'll be back to Deep Space Nine with a strange ailment on the station…and Jake is the first not to wake up. Barbie

I proofread all my stories at least once before posting, but if you see any mistakes I might have missed, please let me know!

Please note that I have internet access only once a week, and may not have time to respond to all reviews/messages. If you have questions regarding my Deep Space Nine alternate history, check my profile first to see if they're answered there. Thanks for your understanding! Barbie