Odo had Linked with Laas several times now. It was wonderful to simply be with another of his kind, and unlike the Female Founder, Laas was a novice when it came to interacting with another of their species. Odo found himself in the mentor role but only in this one subject. Laas was the superior Changeling in many ways.
Superior was the wrong word. More experienced, yes, that wording was much better. Even with Gaia Odo's two hundred years of experience added to his own, Laas had him beat. During those two centuries, Odo had focused his efforts on imitating humans better and adapting to the Gaia atmosphere and way of life. Laas had chosen his time to imitate anything and everything else.
The first time the Changelings Linked, he felt overwhelming joy coming from Laas. He had searched far longer for another of his kind than Odo had searched. He hadn't experienced anything like the Link itself. There was only Odo. There was a little envy for that reason but no hostility. Laas was eager for a taste of the Link. He had complete and utter trust in his newfound friend and brother. That's what they were, weren't they? More so than humanoid brothers.
Odo tried to be very careful and not overwhelm Laas or dominate him like the Female Founder had attempted to do to him. Linking wasn't quite like sex, but other species might foolishly compare them. Laas certainly didn't equate it with sex, though he said it was far better and more effective.
Both Changelings had chosen to simulate a male form and both had taken humanoid female mates. Odo's experience with Kira was nothing like this. The strictest definition of sex was exchange of body fluids. But Odo knew that definition was terrible. When a couple kissed, they exchanged a little saliva but was that sex? And what if a parent kissed their child? Or a brother a sister? When a patient received a blood transfusion, was that considered sex somehow even when the donor wasn't present? There were so many such examples where that definition failed. Another definition determined there was no sex unless penetration was achieved, yet there were so many sex acts where penetration was never part of the equation! Entire relationships were pulled off without it!
Sex encompassed so much more as did relationships. When Odo and Kira got off their long shifts, they would cuddle together on her sofa. That wasn't sex, yet it was often the most relaxing and pleasant part of their day. Skin to skin contact both through clothes and bare skin. Sometimes that led to the desire for sex in both of them, but not always. Most couples spent only a fraction of their time together in the bedroom. Far more time was spent talking, eating, and other things such as working or raising children.
Linking was two Changelings reverting to their liquid form and merging physically. Their thoughts and memories became one, and as liquid beings, of course there was exchange of fluids. When you were actual liquid, they had no choice in the matter. Yet were they having sex? They would say they were not. A Founder would laugh and say sex was a biological process meant only for reproduction. Well then, why did so many humanoids engage in it and say they had no desire for children?
Laas was eager to learn from Odo and teach him. He wanted to Link as frequently as possible. It did remind Odo in a way of a teenager discovering sex for the first time. And yet there was no attraction between Odo and Laas. There was a fascination because they were kin, but no desire of that sort.
It was flattering to Odo that Laas wanted to Link until Laas demanded that they Link in the public space of the Promenade.
"You want to Link right now? Right here?" he was astonished.
"Why not?"
Odo suppressed a groan. Why did it seem like he always had to Link with Laas to make him understand the tiniest point? He declared to everyone he found talking dull and ineffective. He preferred body language and other forms of communication. Small wonder he preferred Linking. Laas was as bold and casual about this as he was about shifting which he also insisted on doing in public. Part of Odo admired his lack of shame or embarrassment, but there was a time and place for everything. Surely he understood that and learned that in all his years of experience? Shifting not only frightened and confused the others on the station but the Changelings were incredibly vulnerable when they Linked.
Odo wouldn't start making love to Kira in public either! Yes, he had kissed her in front of nearly everyone, but he didn't start groping her or taking off her clothes! That would have been far too much! The kiss alone had been spoken of for weeks and weeks. Odo wasn't ashamed of his feelings for Kira any more than he was ashamed of being a Changeling, but these things were not for the public. He valued his privacy. Laas seemed determined to disregard aliens and flaunt his skills no matter the circumstances. It reminded Odo of a teenager trying to impress his buddies.
Odo was also irritated that Laas kept reminding him of the fragility and mortality of Kira and his friends. He was dead set on convincing Odo to abandon them. He'd worked so hard to make a life on this station and now that he was finally finding happiness, Laas wanted to yank him from it?
They debated about it as they Linked in private.
Animals often have shorter life spans than humanoids, yet you spend time with them, even seem to prefer them. Why must you keep bringing up age and death? he rippled at Laas.
I am just trying to warn you, he rippled back. I've seen people age and die many times. It's devastating when you form a bond and you can't do anything to extend that person's life. Instead you have to inevitably say goodbye.
I'm not stupid or naive.
I never implied you were.
I have already watched generations live and die as Gaia Odo. Don't talk to me like I was born yesterday.
We were not 'born', Odo.
It's an expression!
Changelings can live forever. We would never have to lose each other. Kira will be gone far sooner than you like.
Then why can't you be patient and wait her out? You've waited a long time to find me, so what's another few decades to you, hm? Why do you hate my friends and lover?
I don't hate them, Odo. I don't have to love them simply because you do.
Changelings can and do perish, by the way, Odo's color grew pale and his vibration low, almost menacing. I've killed one of our kind, Laas.
I saw that before, his response was timid for once.
I killed him and that means nothing to you?
The Link punished you already. I have no right or place to judge you.
Don't avoid the question!
Surely you can sense it disturbs me a little, but you did what you felt you had to do.
That means I could be killed. You can die. We're not immortal or gods. It's dangerous to think we are above other forms of life.
I value all forms of life, Odo.
As do I. But that didn't stop me.
Are you trying to frighten me away, Odo?
I want you to understand, that's all. Do I disappoint you? You must have expected so much more of another Changeling.
I didn't know what to expect.
We can sicken and die too! Odo pointed out, flexing a tendril. I did my best, but there was no saving that poor infant Changeling.
That is tragic. Maybe it hadn't learned to survive on its own?
There was also the Changeling Sisko came across. That was a mature Changeling worshiped like a god! It sickened and died same as the other! We are obviously more vulnerable than you know!
Then it's more imperative than ever that we find the other hundred that was sent out!
One hundred minus you and I and the two dead Changelings I mentioned. That means there's ninety-six out there. Maybe. It could take eons to find them. What if they are dead? What if you and I are the last outside of the Link?
It's worth searching for them to find out! Those are our brothers!
They are compelled to search for the Link, the Founders told me so. Therefore, staying on this station and close to the wormhole and the Link on the other side of it is more practical than swimming through space!
You will do anything to remain with your precious Kira. She is holding you back. Don't let her do it.
That made Odo flare angry amber and responded, I don't 'let' her do anything! She's my lover and best friend!
Until she's reminded that you are a Changeling and not a man like she wants you to be!
Kira wouldn't do that!
I thought the same about my humanoid lover once.
Odo growled.
I'm trying to protect her as well as you, Odo! Stop accusing me of being selfish, jealous, and hateful! You know your relationship isn't fair to her either!
Odo quieted and simmered on that. He couldn't help but remember Kira apologizing for not being able to Link with him. She was near tears. It must have taken enormous courage for her to admit she felt inadequate. No wonder she allowed him to Link with Laas without a hint of jealousy like another woman might. She must be counting on Laas to give Odo something she never could. But Odo felt the same about not being able to give her children...
Perhaps you are right after all, Laas, he admitted at last. Perhaps I am the one being selfish. Maybe she does deserve... someone more like her...
Laas felt his misery and wasn't without compassion. He rippled around Odo, 'hugging' him.
I don't mean to cause either of you pain. I can understand your feelings for her. I only want what is best for all of us. I want to keep the bigger picture in mind. There is a whole Universe out there, Odo, and the future of our species could be in our hands. If the Link has dissent within it, and if the Founders are as you say they are, it's absolutely vital we find whatever Changelings we can. Think of how confusing and terrifying your first days were in the lab. Now think of our brethren in the same situation.
Yes, it's not fair to leave them in loneliness.
Odo felt he'd had enough Linking for now. He splashed away from Laas and formed himself into his familiar human shape while Laas remained content in his natural form. He didn't want to break Kira's heart because it had been broken so many times before, but was Odo doing her any favors keeping her from someone else now? If her Prophets didn't approve of Shakaar, why would they favor a Changeling?
Within a short time frame, everything changed. Laas killed a Klingon and whether or not he had been justified was up for debate. Odo could hardly believe it when he heard the news. Laas had preached so much about valuing life. He didn't want to believe Laas had been unprovoked. Klingons were notoriously violent, after all. But the Federation seemed determined to put him through a humiliating trial and he had doubts they would be just.
It turned out he needn't worry for his brother. Kira set him free, reported he escaped, and she gave Odo her blessing to flee into space with him. Odo was dumbfounded again. She was selflessly letting him go! She was willing to risk everything if anyone else realized what she had done.
Laas hadn't even been very kind to her. Laas had all but called her an obstacle. He scoffed to himself.
"Holding me back, that's what he said she was doing!" he said to himself. "She's loved me, comforted me, fought with me, encouraged me, and now she's sacrificing for me! This woman has absolutely never held me back! Laas has no clue what he's talking about! Maybe he's not as wise as he thinks he is!"
He realized Linking with Laas and other Changelings was indeed pleasant. There was nothing quite like the peace he had felt in the Link before it rejected him. He wished he could be satisfied with it and be more of a Changeling. Kira wasn't his kind, but that never mattered and made their connection that more meaningful. It was like comparing soup and stew. Linking with his people was like soup. It was quick, easy, and casual. Sex with Kira was like stew. It took time, thought, and work, but for a few brief and glorious moments during climax, they really did feel like one. It didn't feel far off from Linking.
Laas was no Founder. He was an individual like Odo. He had a name and wasn't eager to become a slavish clone like those in the Link seemed to be at times. There was potential in that. Finding others that were the same was even more intriguing. Making their own Small Link and living together as Changelings, free and independent... But even Laas kept demanding sacrifice of Odo. With Changelings, their acceptance and 'love' was not unconditional.
He informed Laas of his decision to remain with Kira, and to his surprise, Laas behaved like a jilted lover. He refused to understand Odo's reasons and he was reminded of the Female Founder again. When Odo reached out a hand to attempt to Link with him one last time or simply shake his hand goodbye, Laas refused.
He's angry with me, Odo was amused. He thinks I'm choosing a lesser, finite being over him. He thinks just because he's a Changeling, I should want to be with him no matter the cost. Maybe, in time, he will learn. Or perhaps he will find an acceptable Changeling companion out there. Maybe he'll live among the animals. At this point, I don't care. He was so insistent we Link before and now, when I offer it, he snubs me? That's something Kira would never do.
Odo smiled at Laas, wished him luck, and he was more convinced than ever that he had made the right decision.
Neither of them realized that Odo had been infected with a deadly illness and passed it onto Laas through all their Linking. They had no idea that if Laas survived long enough to find the other lost one hundred, he would only spread the death sentence to them. And if Odo had left with Laas, a cure would never have been found and the Great Link and all Changelings would have certainly been doomed.