In sync with 'You Are Cordially Invited.'

April 2374

At the end of the week, everyone on the station and a few visiting guests, including the off-duty crew of the Spokane, came together for Worf and Jadzia's wedding ceremony in Quark's. Just mere hours before the ceremony, however, Julian was in the infirmary with Ricky, who was wrapped in a blanket, resting in his arms. Thanks to the medication he was now on, Julian was beginning to have a clearer head when it came to finding balance in what was now his life.

Contrary to what everyone else believed, Julian was perfectly aware of the rumors that Starfleet's top brass thought him a nutcase and had been aware of their opinion since Sisko had stuck his oar in and temporarily transferred him to Starbase 375 a few months back. Instead of lashing out about it, however, Julian had silently deferred to his Captain's judgement about the situation.

And also contrary to popular belief, Julian had no desire to attend the wedding himself and was perfectly content to spend the day with Ricky while everyone else celebrated. He was tired of advice, having food shoved in his face, and questions about if people could come see his baby.

Ricky suddenly cooed, bringing Julian out of his thoughts and prompting him to look down at his now week-old son, "Hey there," Julian spoke softly. "I'm glad you're awake…"

Footsteps suddenly entered the infirmary, "Julian, I was wondering if you were coming to the wedding?" Jadzia asked in a kind voice. "I have to go get dressed soon, but I thought…"

"No, I think I'll just stay here with Ricky so he doesn't have to be alone while everyone else on the station celebrates," Julian replied softly. "Besides, someone has to hand out hangover cures to all those who will be getting knackered on bloodwine and other alcohol at the reception."

Silence filled the room and Julian looked up to see that Jadzia wasn't alone; Dr. Grayson, Worf, and Dr. Girani were with her, "Oh, he's so cute!" Jadzia exclaimed, smiling at Ricky.

"Doctor Bashir, I am sorry for our earlier conflict," Worf spoke quietly, his expression as serious as it ever was. "I did not mean to imply that you were incapable. I was merely concerned for your health and since the explosion, I have felt…guilty. I have come to seek your forgiveness."

Julian looked surprised, "Julian, do you think I could hold him?" Jadzia asked eagerly, her expression excited. "I know he can't be around too many yet, but even just for a moment…"

"I suppose a moment wouldn't hurt," Julian conceded as he rose. "Have a seat."

Jadzia did and Julian passed Ricky to her, unaware that Dr. Girani had snuck a photo of the two of them cooing over Ricky and didn't see her take another. After a moment, Jadzia returned Ricky to Julian and got up, "Thank you," she replied calmly. "I…I should go get ready."

Julian sat back down as Jadzia left, "There's nothing to forgive, Commander Worf," he replied in a calm voice, gazing up at the Klingon. "You best hurry so you won't be late for your own…"

"I would like it very much if you came and bore a Ma'Staka," Worf replied calmly. "You were not able to participate in the Kal'Hyah, but I still do consider you a friend. Please accept."

Julian sighed, "If I can get someone to watch Ricky in his chamber…" he began softly.

"I can," Dr. Grayson replied in a reassuring voice. "It's time he got some rest now anyway."

Nodding, Julian gently kissed Ricky's forehead before returning him to the chamber, "If you'll come with me, Doctor Bashir, I had some appropriate attire made up for you," Worf said calmly.

Sighing, Julian reluctantly followed Worf from the infirmary, "I can round a up a nurse for you, Doctor Grayson, if you wanted to come," Dr. Girani spoke calmly. "You should come…"

"I'm not one for weddings, but thank you," Dr. Grayson replied calmly. "Enjoy yourself."

Dr. Girani nodded and left in a hurry so to have time to get a good seat at the ceremony. A moment later, Garak stepped out of the shadows, "I thought they'd never leave," he spoke in a mock annoyed voice. "I booked a room for the shower because Quark's was booked solid…"

"Go and get things set up," Dr. Grayson replied. "We'll be along after I do a final checkup."

An impish smile filled Garak's face as he nodded and quietly slipped out of the infirmary.

Swinging the Ma'Stakas at Worf and Jadzia had been fun and good physical exercise, but Julian quickly grew tired and sat at a table while the Klingon wedding reception proceeded according to how Worf had planned it. Everyone was dancing, laughing, talking eating, and drinking…everyone but Julian. However, Julian was fine with just sitting and watching the party.

The medication had eased his paranoia and depression considerably, but his mind was focused entirely on his son…his son was in the neonatal chamber without a clear picture of when he'd ever see anything else. As much fun as a wedding reception was supposed to be, it wasn't for him and he wanted to leave as soon as he felt it polite. Without warning, his combadge beeped.

"Yes?" Julian asked as he tapped his combadge. "This is Doctor Bashir."

A sigh filled the combadge, "Doctor Bashir, I was wondering if I could see you in my office?" Captain Sisko's calm voice suddenly filled the combadge. "I'd like to have a chat with you."

Figuring that Captain Sisko wanted to do a mental health check, which he was perfectly allowed to do for any officer under his command, Julian sighed, "On my way, sir," he replied softly.

As Julian got up and made his way over to the exit, he was unaware that Miles had seen him get up and was now following him from a distance. The party had suddenly quieted, but Julian didn't even notice because he was out in the corridor, on his way to the Bridge and Sisko's office.

Just as Julian was near the end of the Promenade, Sisko suddenly stepped off of a lift and walked over to him, "Doctor, how are you?" he asked in a kind voice. "I thought I'd come meet you."

"I suppose this is a mental health check?" Julian asked softly. "To see if my meds are working?"

Captain Sisko shook his head, "No, actually, I wanted to let you know that I've found replacement quarters for you if you're getting tired of staying with Chief O'Brien," he explained in a calm voice. "You seem to be doing a lot better emotionally and physically…"

"That's something I have to think about, I guess, since his family will probably come back soon and I don't want to be an imposition," Julian replied softly. "I've got to have room for two…"

Thoughts of the recent Orb vision suddenly clouded Julian's thoughts and he sank slightly, but Captain Sisko grabbed hold of him, "Doctor?" Captain Sisko asked in a concerned voice.

"A few days ago, I was in the Bajoran Temple for a quiet moment and the Orb there threw me into another reality," Julian explained softly, his expression haunted. "I was so confused..."

Nodding, Captain Sisko studied him calmly, "And you want to tell me about it?" he asked softly.

Julian nodded, "I was alone near the airlock of the station and having the feeling that I had just said goodbye to someone," he explained in a quiet voice. "I was in uniform and nobody was around; not even Ricky was with me. I walked through the Promenade and nobody was around; nobody responded when I called out for help. A cold wind suddenly blew through the Promenade and it made me feel uneasy. I could feel distress in the air the sound of people crying filled my ears. All of a sudden, I felt a pop and I was bleeding. My hand got stained in my blood."

A concerned expression crossed Captain Sisko's face, as he had felt something disturbing that day and hadn't known what it was. Now that he did know, however, he wanted to help. He had a sense that Julian's disturbing vision surrounded things yet to come for him and for everyone.

For a moment, Captain Sisko was silent and then sighed, "I'll ponder it," he replied in a reassuring voice, offering a smile. "Would you like to see your new family quarters now?"

Nodding, Julian swallowed hard, "Yes sir," he replied softly, feeling very unsettled.

The journey to the Habitat Ring was slow, as Sisko wanted to make sure Julian took it as physically easy as possible, but they eventually made it. It was a set of quarters not far from his old ones and close to the O'Brien family quarters in case he needed any help with anything.

When Captain Sisko led Julian into the quarters, it was strangely dark, "Computer, lights," the older man spoke kindly, a smile on his face as light filled the room, revealing station personnel including Odo, Quark, Kira, Rom, Leeta, Nog, Jake, Kasidy, Miles, Worf, Jadzia, Sirella, Martok, Garak, and a pile of wrapped, various sized packages that sat on the floor.

"What…what is all this?" Julian asked in a confused voice, frowning. "Worf, Jadzia…your…"

Jadzia, who was still wearing her Klingon wedding attire, came over and promptly gave Julian a hug, "We decided to end the reception early and give you a surprise baby shower," she explained in a warm voice, smiling at him. "You've been through a lot lately and we wanted to help you."

"Oh, well, thank you," Julian replied politely even though he truly hated surprise parties.

Noise filled the room as Miles dragged Julian over to the couch and had him sit in front of the biggest of the gifts in the pile, "Start with this one," Miles spoke in an excited voice. "Please?"

Julian nodded and his jaw dropped when he unwrapped the package, revealing a handmade wooden rolling crib complete with furnishings and a small mobile of planets hanging above it, "Miles, this is amazing!" he replied in an astonished voice. "Did you make all of this yourself?"

"Um, actually Garak sewed the softer parts," Miles replied, smirking. "I'm glad you like it."

Julian gingerly touched the crib before a brief sadness hit him, as he had no idea when Ricky would be well enough to try it out, "Doctor, I suggest you open my gift next," Garak spoke, noticing the forlorn expression on Julian's face as he dumped a large package in his lap.

Nodding, Julian opened the package and was stunned to see several handmade, very warm looking outfits meant for Human babies as well as a few colorful blankets, bibs, socks, hats, and burping towels. Garak had obviously put a great deal of work into everything that was there.

Overcome with emotion at missing Ricky and the beauty of the gift, Julian quietly rose with the package in his hands and excused himself to the lavatory for privacy. There, he started to cry.

A few moments passed and Julian suddenly heard the door open and close, "My dear, I had no idea the clothes would have such an effect on you," Garak's voice suddenly spoke softly.

"Garak, I just miss Ricky so much," Julian spoke shakily, exhaling. "I know he's not far, but…"

The tears continued and Julian suddenly felt himself being held in a gentle hug from behind, "It's been a while and I admit, I missed the concept of hugging," Garak spoke quietly. "Did you?"

"I've been just trying to survive," Julian replied, sighing as he relaxed. "This feels nice…"

Garak rested his head on Julian's shoulder and the two just stood there for a moment, enjoying the quiet togetherness, "We should get back," Julian finally said. "People…will talk."

"Oh, they already are and I told them they could either busy themselves with snacks or just leave," Garak replied in an amused voice, smiling as Julian turned around. "Hello there."

Julian smiled, "You always know how to cheer me up, Garak," he replied softly. "Thank you."

For a moment, Garak sensed that Julian wanted to do nothing more than kiss him and Garak wished he would, but then realized that it would be dreadfully wrong to take advantage of someone as fragile as Julian currently was. Julian, meanwhile, wanted to thank Garak with as much love as had been offered, but he wondered if the man was still grieving over Ziyal and if such an advance would be inappropriate, "We should go back," Julian finally said softly, his expression concerned while his eyes remained full of longing. "The guests will wonder."

Garak nodded and stuck close to Julian as they returned to the party, which was a lot quieter because some had indeed left. Julian settled himself on the couch and set the clothes in the crib as Odo, Quark, Kira, Rom, Leeta, Nog, Jake, Kasidy, Miles, Worf, Jadzia, Sirella, Dr. Girani, the off-duty nurses, and Martok came back over to the couch with food and drink, "I hope these clothes still fit by the time Ricky is released," Julian spoke calmly as if nothing had happened.

Smirking, Garak patted Julian's knee affectionately as the door chime suddenly rang. "You may want to answer that personally," Garak replied, removing his hand. "Might be a late guest."

Frowning, Julian got up and walked over to the door. He pressed the button and froze when he saw Dr. Grayson standing there with Ricky, who was wearing a blue sleeper that looked like it had been made by Garak, laying in a modern stroller with a simple blue blanket over him.

"Ricky," Julian spoke softly, his expression stunned. "I…I didn't know he was allowed to be out of the neonatal chamber and even Sickbay yet. What time do…do I have to take him back?"

Dr. Grayson paused, "He's well enough to be with you in your new family quarters, Doctor Bashir," she explained in a kind voice, smiling at him. "I just had to get him ready."

"Did you want to come join the party?" Julian asked kindly. "You're welcome to."

Dr. Grayson offered a smile, "I have a meeting with Captain Grayson, but I'll try to stop by after," she promised softly, moving the stroller to him. "Save me a slice of cake, will you?"

Nodding, Julian silently moved the stroller into the quarters, "Ricky's home," he said softly.

Quiet, delighted talking filled the room and Julian moved the stroller over to the couch so everyone could look at Ricky, "This is an occasion for a family picture!" Nurse Jabara proclaimed, producing a holo-camera from her pocket. "Doctor Bashir, you sit in the middle with Ricky in your arms and everyone else should sit beside them on the couch or stand…"

Garak remained in place beside where Julian sat with Ricky in his arms and Miles sat on the other side while Sisko, Jadzia, Worf, Odo, Quark, Kira, Rom, Leeta, Nog, Jake, Kasidy, Martok, Sirella, and others who wanted to be in the picture assembled themselves accordingly. Nurse Jabara then took another picture with just Julian, Ricky, Kira, Garak, Sisko, Worf, Jadzia, Odo, Quark, Rom, Leeta, Nog, and Jake before sending them to Julian's computer for downloading.

Ricky suddenly started fussing and so Julian quickly moved the clothes from the crib and set him gently in it, prompting the little one to immediately relax, "I'm just going to move this crib into my bedroom so Ricky can have quiet," Julian said, standing. "He seems to want that right now."

Pleasant conversations and chuckling filled the air as Julian moved the rolling crib into what was his new bedroom, "I'm sorry about that, my sweet son," he spoke softly. "They all just wanted to see you now that you're out of that nasty box. You'll get used to them as you're around them."

Ricky merely drifted back to sleep and cooed in the process. A moment passed before Miles came into the room holding a blanket and a filled bottle, "I found these in the stroller," he spoke in a quiet voice, sighing when he saw that Julian was gazing fondly at the sleeping Ricky.

"I should probably think about a rocking chair at some point," Julian mused as he looked at Miles and took the items. "I'll cover Ricky with the blanket, but I'll wait til later…"

Miles nodded and Julian covered Ricky up before setting the bottle aside and returning to the party, most notably to the pile of unopened presents. With everyone watching, Julian returned to opening presents and ended up with a few puzzles appropriate for babies, a few stuffed animals, recipes for alien baby foods that were also good for Human babies, a case of targ milk, data-rods that contained children's literature from various alien cultures, child-friendly holo-films and music, and small toys that were meant to assist with development. Julian's heart was full.

"Thank you all for such lovely gifts," Julian spoke in a kind voice. "We really appreciate them."

Captain Sisko smiled, "As much fun as this is, most of us should get back to duty and Worf and Jadzia should spend some time together," he spoke calmly. "Thanks for having us, Doctor."

Julian nodded and watched as everyone except for Miles quietly excused themselves, "Oh, that was a lot," Julian admitted softly, sighing as he sat on the couch. "Not that I'm not grateful…"

"You just hate surprise parties," Miles finished quietly. "I know, but you needed some things and once people heard about my idea, they wanted to be included. Keiko's got some things of Yoshi's for you too that he doesn't need anymore, but she'll bring them when they come back to DS9."

Julian looked surprised, but exhaled as he sank against the back of the couch, "I may just ask her for babysitting services while I'm on duty," he replied calmly. "That is…if you've no objection?"

"Course I've got no objection," Miles replied calmly. "Do you want me to stay over tonight?"

Julian nodded, "I hope you're not offended that Ricky and I have our own space?" he asked.

"Not at all," Miles reassured him calmly as he walked over to the replicator. "What do you…?"

No response came and Miles turned to see why, ultimately chuckling when he saw that Julian had fallen asleep sitting up. The older man walked back over to Julian and carefully moved him so he was laying on the couch. As Julian slept, Miles chuckled to himself and silently proceeded to go about the room, cleaning up the presents and the mess from the successful baby shower.

Captain Sisko's office was quiet, but it wasn't empty. The Captain had come straight to his office from the baby shower because he had received a text communication on his PADD that he was needed in an important meeting, as was Kira. When they arrived, they were surprised to see Admiral Ross meeting with Captain Grayson and Doctor Grayson via a holo-stream.

"Captain, Major Kira, welcome," Admiral Ross's holo-stream said. "I've just been in conference with Captain and Doctor Grayson about several things. Apparently, Captain Grayson wants Doctor Grayson to transfer from Deep Space Nine and accept the post of Chief Medical Officer."

Captain Sisko nodded and Kira sighed, "We'll be sorry to see you go especially considering your ability to keep people safe and calm during Dukat's reign of terror," she spoke softly, sighing. "Especially what you did for Jake…I don't think those soldiers will walk straight for a while."

It was Sisko's turn to look surprised, "What you did for Jake?" he asked in a confused voice.

"I've decided to grant Doctor Grayson's request to remain on the station until the end of the year," Admiral Ross spoke up calmly. "We'll re-meet and re-assess that request then."

Dr. Grayson nodded and Captain Grayson was unusually quiet as the sisters hugged, "Promise me that you'll at least think about what I said, Mary," Captain Grayson said softly. "Love you."

"I'll think on it," Dr. Grayson promised softly. "I have to get to my duty station. Love you too."

Captain Sisko frowned, but didn't stop Dr. Grayson from leaving and sighed once Admiral Ross's holo-feed vanished shortly thereafter, "I would love some clarification on what Colonel Kira was talking about," Captain Sisko spoke calmly. "From both you and her. What happened?"

"I'm not going to betray Mary's confidence, but Admiral Ross approved her to remain here for the rest of the year under Doctor Bashir based on what we were both told," Captain Grayson spoke in an unusually concerned voice. "Doctor Bashir will get the full details of why she's remaining, but it would be unethical and inappropriate for me to gossip about my sister."

Captain Sisko looked at Kira questioningly, "Would Jake tell me if I asked him?" he asked softly.

"He might," Kira replied softly, sighing. "You might not like what he has to tell you, though."

A sense of dread filled Sisko's heart as Kira and Captain Grayson left the office. He waited a moment before rising and making his way through Ops and down to the Promenade, relieved to find it still very quiet. It wasn't very long into his walk that he saw Garak and Dr. Grayson talking quietly in Garak's Clothiers while looking over what appeared to be a catalogue.

I'll give Dr. Bashir time to look over the notes and let him handle this however he wants to. Captain Sisko thought as he continued down the Promenade to simply make sure everything was running smoothly. If he did need to be told, Dr. Bashir would make sure it happened.