Star Trek; Deep Space Nine
Blood Island

Chapter 2

(Our story continues; one hour after the previous events)

Commander Sisko finishing up his station's log.

"…with the news I have just received from Dax, who is monitoring the situation in the infirmary, I have relieved the quarantine. Doctor Bashir is now confident that the virus that has the little girl in its grip is not contagious by airborne means."

Sisko concluded his log and looked up at Quark, who was standing before Sisko's desk.

Quark spoke with a forced smile. "On behalf of the Promenade Merchant's Association, I thank you Commander."

Sisko nodded. "Oh, don't think I did this for you, Quark," Sisko said with his own forced smile, "I did this because the crisis has passed."

"Whatever you say Commander, whatever you say." Quark replied sarcastically. The Feringi turned and exited Sisko's office.

Sisko wanted to go to the infirmary to check on the fallen Barjoran child, but he had other responsibilities to attend to.

As Bashir tended to the girl, Dax noticed that Kira stood on the far side of the examination room. The young girl's name was Neline, and although she was gravely ill, Dax was confident Bashir could save her. Bashir let the nurse take over for a moment, and came over to consult with Dax. Kira walked over to hear what Bashir had to say as well.

"How bad is it, Julian?" Dax asked.

Bashir spoke softly. "It's just as I said earlier Jadzia," Bashir said. "The girl's immune system is being attacked by some virus, and although I have stabilized her, I don't think she will live beyond a week, maybe two at the most."

Kira seemed un-effected by Bashir's dire prediction. "Well," Kira said, "I have contacted the Bajoran Medical Minister and he has dispatched a ship to take her back to Bajor for further care."

"What?" Bashir asked. "With all due respect Major Kira, she is my patient. Until I have direct orders from Commander Sisko, she isn't going any where."

Kira did not back down. "She is a Bajoran citizen, Doctor Bashir, and she will be cared for on Bajor."

Bashir did not back down either. "I will repeat myself, Major. Until I have orders from Commander Sisko, she isn't going any where."

The anger in Kira's eyes was very visible. "Then I will get you your orders; Doctor!"

Dax cut in. "What is going on here Kira? Why are you doing this?"

Kira looked at Dax, and for a moment softness came back to her eyes, but then the anger came right back, "I feel sorry for the girl," Kira said, "but she will be well treated. Now if you will excuse me," Kira said as she glared back at Bashir, "I need to see the Commander."

"Then I'm going too," Bashir replied as he prepared to follow Kira.

"You're out of line, Doctor. Tend to your patient." Kira ordered.

"Not until you and I both see Commander Sisko." Bashir fired back

Kira stood her ground, but then headed out of the infirmary. Bashir and Dax followed hot on her heels.

Moments later...

Commander Sisko sat at his desk, while Bashir, Dax and Kira stood across form him. He listened intently to the verbal joust between the Doctor and the Major.

Kira wore her emotions on her sleeve. "This is a Bajoran matter, Doctor. You have no jurisdiction to deny the transfer of this little girl to the custody of Minister Jerev and the Bajoran Science department."

"This is a Federation out post Major," Bashir countered. "And under Federation law I am duty bound to see to the care of my patient."

Kira looked to Sisko. "You can order him to release the child Commander. And I hope you respect Bajor's wishes and do so."

Bashir also looked to Sisko. "I must inform you Commander that I have already contacted the Starfleet Surgeon General for a ruling. Please give me the chance to save this little girl's life until we get a decision. That's all I ask."

Kira shook her head in disagreement. "You can't possibly go along with the Doctor on this matter Commander. This is a matter of Bajoran sovereignty."

Sisko thought for a moment, and then directed his comments at Kira. "Major, I can side with the Doctor, and I will. I'm afraid that until the Starfleet Surgeon General makes a decision, I am powerless to intervene."

"What!" Kira replied, "You and I both know that you're hiding behind formality."

"That's not fair Kira," Dax interjected.

Sisko looked to Dax, then to Kira, "No, she's right Jadzia. But its my call, and I am deciding to play it this way. Major Kira, I don't understand why you are against the child getting care here on Deep Space Nine. Why must she be returned to Bajor so quickly?"

Dax spoke next. "It's almost as if you don't want the child to live, Kira; why?"

Kira calmed down as the accusation from Dax sunk in. "I don't want the girl to die," Kira said, "but unfortunately the Prophets have ordained her, and the others like her, to their destiny."

"What are you talking about? Do you mean she isn't the only one with this virus?" Bashir demanded of Kira.

Kira looked to Bashir, then back to Sisko. "Minister Jerev will arrive with in the hour, Commander. Defy his wishes on this matter, and you will threaten our mutual agreement with the Federation." Kira said, coldly. She turned and left Sisko's office.

Dax shook her head in disappointment. "I have never seen her so resolute Benjamin."

Bashir spoke softly. "What did she mean the girl's illness was ordained by the Prophets?" Bashir asked. He looked back to Sisko. "I need to get down to my patient, sir. Thank you for deciding in my favor."

Sisko replied before Bashir could get out the door. "Doctor," Sisko said with a soft urgency, "if the Minister demands we hand over the child, we will. You have one hour, maybe two, to make this work, or it will be out of my hands."

Bashir nodded in acknowledgement and headed out.

Dax looked to Sisko. "You will really hand the girl over?" Dax asked, conveying a since of disappointment.

"If I have to; yes." Sisko admitted. "I can't let everything we have accomplished fall to the wayside over what is essentially a Bajoran matter."

"Then why give Bashir these two hours?" Dax pressed.

"Because maybe," Sisko said to Dax, "just maybe those two hours could be the difference. Go to the infirmary Old-man, and keep me posted on the good doctor's progress."

Dax headed out of Sisko's office. Sisko watched her wind her way through OPS, and to the turbo-lift. Then he rotated his chair and looked out his window and at the majestic view of the stars in the distance. Somehow he knew the situation would get worse; he was right.

Continued…