Break Free - Station Deep Space Nine, Episode 12

by HumanMawile

Quark's bar, and all other major businesses are closed by a Federation representative and he must take his concerns to the Nagus. Meanwhile, Ezri Dax must attempt to negotiate for the continuation of profit on the station, something she never though she would want. Julian Bashir must seek help for Tuvok's treatment from unexpected places, and in doing so becomes embroiled in a scan

Station Deep Space Nine

Episode 12

Break Free

Starring:

Quark

Zee Tigan

Lusara Belli

Vic Fontaine

Tuvok

Lieutenant Nog

Commander Harry Kim

Captain Ezri Dax

Captain Kira Nerys

Grand Nagus Rom

Srya Leeta

Stardate 56842.3 and counting…

Chapter One – Tug of War

Part 1

As told by Ezri Dax

After Data's funeral, I actually had a chance to relax, and life died down a bit. It was a welcome reprieve really. But it wasn't long before I was felt a little restless. We had a month of shore leave, and I wanted my crew to have to chance to see those they loved on the station. Selfishly, I also wanted that chance.

Nerys and I were spending some time in the holosuites. She had been teaching me springball, her favorite sport. I was never much one for sports, but I had been feeling more and more active lately. We had already been climbing and hiking on Bajor many times, but she needed to keep watch in the station so she couldn't take too long a of a leave. I had a lot of pent-up energy after the grief settled and Nerys thought this would be a perfect way of blowing off that steam…. She was right… I was pretty bad at it compared to her.

But this time, I was doing good, actually keeping up, and I was hungry for a win. Jadzia's competitive streak was coming out of me in full swing and it surprised me… but it was welcome. Nerys certainly seemed to enjoy it….

I scored with a quick dash over to the left, hitting the ball right on target. It pounced over to Nerys who hit it back for a score of her own.

I huffed as I smiled, "Damnit…"

She breathed evenly, "You're getting better, if you can keep me from scoring again, you could win. Or if you get another point, you could win." The timer counted down.

We volleyed a few more times as I started sweating… I was a little nervous… but excited. I had never had this much fun playing any sport. I felt myself grinning, something adventurous awakening in me like when I finally tested my piloting skills in this life.

We hit the ball back and forth, no scores… no scores… If I could hit it so she misfired… she could lose a point. I stepped closer… feeling the heat. I needed to be closer to her… As the ball bounced off my racket, I tipped it in just the right way that it might be impossible for Nerys to get back to it.

But I was wrong. She was still better than me. Before I could even see what was happening, Nerys spun around to my left and hit the ball just right that it hit the goal. That was it…

I took my helmet off just as Nerys did, "Damnit!" I huffed.

I stepped over to her and instantly got lost in her eyes, "You're just too good at this… I just wish I could beat you once!" My anger subsided into a smile of pride for her.

She huffed, "I've been playing this since the Occupation, don't take it too hard."

I put my arm around her waist, the other one holding, "Oh don't worry, I won't." She smiled at me as I moved in for a kiss. I made it long and amorous, still feeling the adrenaline from the game. I was feeling confident, and a little cocky. As she leaned into the kiss, moaning slightly… I took my hand off he waist quickly, grabbing the ball in her hand and hit it with my racket blind. As I kept kissing her, I heard the ball score on the wall. The computer knew the game was over, but it still made a triumphant sound.

I stopped kissing Nerys so she could react. Before she even stopped kissing me, she started laughing loudly. The energy from the match flooded her, I could tell. She almost doubled over laughing. Her joy loud and beautiful. I bit my lip, it was funny to think of it now of all times but I could only think of one thing.

As she staggered back laughing she was getting close to the wall… I walked over and completed her journey to it with my body, pressing her against it. It was very unusual for me, but I was feeling brave. With her against the wall, I was still biting my lip, looking her up and down.

She stopped laughing, drawn in too. She smiled, "Hi…"

"Hi…" I said with a wide smile and flushed face. I grabbed her collar. "Want to fool around a bit?"

She stared at me, blank, "Here?"

"Why not?" I said, looking her in the eye, "The cameras are off, it's soundproof… the door is locked…" I looked at her, putting on a slightly innocent face, "And I can't get you off my mind."

Nerys seemed almost embarrassed, but she smiled, almost surprising me, "Well I guess we aren't done with our workout just yet."

I giggled suggestively as she pulled my cheeks in for a kiss…

"Computer." I mumbled through our kissing, "Can you make the floor a bit softer?"

The floor turned from hard metal to fairly soft workout mats….

"Thinking ahead?" Nerys said, melting into me.

"Always…" My mind turned to the little item I had bought a week ago.

Not yet Ezri… not for awhile…

I listened to my thoughts, and focused on that time right there… with her…

Part 2

As told by Quark

The Captains Kira and Dax had been in the holosuite for quite some time. Quark knelt with his Ferengi ears near the holosuite doors, trying to drown out the sounds of Vic Fontaine and the Moon Walkers performing in the bar below. He sat a small hearing device against the wall. It was cylindrical with many buttons shining like gems and a turn nob. Most likely he had bought it from a professional thief for an exorbitant sum.

As Quark turned the nob, the sounds from inside the holosuite started to emerge. Though he groaned as the newest "Moon Walker" Tuvok, sang out in duet with the deceptively deep voice of Vic Fontaine.

"~This thing!~"

"~This thing!~"

"~Called love!~"

"~It cries~"

"~Like a baby!~"

"~In the cradle all night.~"

"~It swings~"

"~Woo-ooo~"

"~It jives~"

"~Woo-ooo!~"

And together now

"~It shakes all over like a jelly fish! Kinda like it!~"

"~Crazy little thing called love…~"

No no focus… Quark insisted to himself

Quark turned the nob higher, so high he could hear the faint bussing of the lights in the holosuite. He had sound proofing, but Quark always found a way around it. After all he was the proprietor, he had certain rights.

"What are you doing, Cork?"

The sniping of Zee's icy voice made Quark's head throb… especially using that stupid nickname she had started calling him.

"I'm busy!" He growled.

"Uh-huh… busy spying on your loyal customers?" She grinned, letting Quark's guard down.

"Well… I wouldn't call it spying…"

Quark's face changed as he though he caught his ear on something titillating. He gasped lightly. Feeling less pressure, he asked Zee, "And what are you doing? I thought you'd been avoiding Tuvok."

She leaned against the holosuite door, "I'm not afraid of him." But her discomfort was real. Was she masking her fear? Or her empathy for the disabled man? Quark was never very good at telling.

Quark's face lit up at the sounds he discovered, then he smiled deviously, "Oh hoh hoooo, definitely worth the effort."

Quark was so enticed that he didn't see the disgusted look on Zee's face, nor did he feel the intense waves of deception coming from her powers. All he heard instead was the sexual encounter he was eavesdropping on suddenly seem to fade into the buzzing lights of the old Cardassian station. His face stopped…. He concluded he had misheard the sounds.

He hissed at the absent thief, "aaah, that lobeless… he sold me a defective product!"

Zee smiled in victory, "Well I could take it off your hands for you."

He looked at her, then back down to the device… instead he tried again to hear the sounds he wanted to hear, "You'd just use it to try and fix that piece of junk."

Zee stared at Quark like the fool he was, "I'm going to repair my ship with a sound amplifier?"

"'Ship? Garbage scow is more like it…" Quark dismissed her. She just rolled her eyes.

Sighing, Zee started to say something, "Anyway, you know those Starfleet guys?"

Quark did not see her gesturing to an approaching pair of Starfleet officers who had dodged past Vic and his band, he simply dismissed her again, "All sorts of Starfleet officers are here, you'll have to be more specific…" He focused instead on hearing the desirable sounds from before, but he was soon stopped by an over two-meter-tall security officer, a webbed fingered Zaldan known for their confrontational culture. Quark instantly stopped and stood up in fear.

"Ah! My good friends! What can Quark do for you today?" He pleaded as he twiddled his thumbs.

Zee cringed as the Zaldan's jaw clinched… knowing that Quark had no experience… somehow… with their culture….

But a short man, human, and barely over a meter and a half, with silver streaks of hair in his receding hair line held his hand in front of the Zaldan.

"I'll handle this Yoldrin …"

The Zaldan, Yoldrin, respected the show of strength and crossed his arms at Quark.

The human man took Quark's hand in a handshake, "You're Quark? The proprietor of this establishment?"

Stunned Quark shook his hand, blinking to make sure he was truly at eye level with a human. Doing so he noticed that the man's uniform was not standard. He wore security colors, but his outfit was a tad more formal and yet a tad more festive than he expected. The man almost appeared like a watered down, Starfleet version of a member Ferengi Commerce Authority. That is when that department still eld that name or purpose…

"I'm Commander Gerald Szymanski, Chief Inspector of the Starfleet Resource Review Board. My colleague here is Lieutenant Yoldrin Zaldara, one of the Board's most respected officers.

It was at this point that Quark spotted the webbed hands…. His eyes fixated a moment, noticing them… his mind raced. He remembered something about people with webbed hands….

Commander Szymanski looked down at a padd and away from Quark, "Are you aware, Mister Quark, that your establishment is in violation of no less than nineteen rules under the Federation's Commitment to Resource Equity?"

Quark looked genuinely aghast, "I was not…" His eye glanced up at the Zaldan… He scowling at him… pushing…

"But how does Federation dictate policy in my bar?" Quark challenged. Without the presence of a man whose culture rejects politeness… Quark may have smooth talked his way out….

Szymanski looked Quark in the eye, almost smirking in victory, "You are aware that since 2377, the year that Bajor's integration into the Federation was fully finalized, Deep Space Station Nine has been officially a Federation space station and port, yes?"

Quark almost growled, "Yes…"

Quark was about to speak further when Szymanski interrupted officially, "Then you know that all civilian facilities on this station must abide by those rules given they are now under Federation jurisdiction, yes?"

Quark jumped ahead, guessing at what he was implying. He dropped all pretense… "The station is Federation, but this is a Ferengi establishment." Quark was insulted.

Szymanski blinked, "I'm sorry, is this station subject to Ferengi laws and jurisdictions?" He seemed prepared, as if he expected this exact response and had a speech ready.

Quark grumbled, "Technically not…"

"Then, it may have a Ferengi in charge and showcase Ferengi culture, but it is not a Ferengi establishment. The point of the Federation, Mister Quark, is unity. Each culture may be asked to make sacrifices to allow that unity. Now…"

Quark stood open mouthed as Szymanski continued, "And due to your repeated and numerous violations… I'm afraid that unless you can agree to these rules," Szymanski handed hi ma padd where he was to sign and he continued, "and show regular proof that you are abiding by them… this establishment will have to be replaced by one that follows the Review Board's specifications."

Quark growled just as the holosuite doors opened and a sweaty and huffing Kira Nerys and Ezri Dax emerged, arm in arm.

"You're saying that unless this becomes a Federation establishment you'll close it down?! That's an insult to Ferengi culture! And to me!" Quark's yelling drew the wide eyes of the two captains who quickly let go of one another, as well those of the crowd below.

Szymanski blinked, "No that isn't what I'm saying precisely, though it is partially true."

"No! No it's all true! When I stayed here on this station, Captain Sisko assured me I would retain control of my business without Federation interference!"

"That was before this station was officially Federation, Mister Quark." He continued, but then was quickly interrupted by the angry Ferengi entrepreneur.

"I helped grow this station after the Cardassians left! I knew the Federation would eventually push its agenda here… I'm not signing anything!" He practically pushed the padd back into the man's hands.

Kira spoke loudly as she adjusted her spring ball outfit, "What's going on here?"

"Ah!" Gerald Szymanski turned to Kira, "It's good you're here, I need to speak with you in your office…." He eyed her outfit disapprovingly…. "When you're available of course…."

"If you're trying to throw Quark off the station, I will definitely have objections." Kira said firmly, placing her hands behind her back not unlike her companion often did.

Szymanski scoffed and jotted down several notes with heavy judgment on his face.

"I shall meet you in your office then Miss… That is Captain Kira…" He then eyed Ezri strangely at that moment, and Quark felt even more Ferengi rage.

Szymanski passed down the stairs, passing right through the band singing

"~It ain't easy to get your helpin' when you're goin' down…~"

He announced, "In the meantime! This establishment is being closed effective immediately, by the authority of the Federation Resource Review Board." He stamped a notice on the right side of the door. "This will remain in effect while we conduct a full review of the establishment's compliance to Federation law."

As he passed through the band they stopped playing, and as he and his lieutenant left, Tuvok turned to Vic, his light suppressing shades on, and asked Vic, "What's going on?"

Vic looked horrified, "I don't know kid… but it ain't good.

Quark called out after and Kira chased the inspector out the door, "The Ferengi government will hear about this!... You'll have a lot more to worry about than the integrity of just one station!"

Quietly, where only Zee and Ezri could hear, he said, "If that idiot will even listen…

Chapter Two – For the Good of All

As told by Quark

The Captains Dax and Kira sat in Kira's office. Kira spoke alone to Szymanski, surprisingly defending Quark, as Ezri sat quietly, and Quark paced the office angrily.

"This is ridiculous!" Kira said. "Quark, despite all his faults, is a valued member of the community. You can't just close his bar down an expect the community to take damage."

Szymanski didn't budge, fidgeting with the baseball on her desk, "I would argue that mister Quark's behavior itself does damage to the community." He looked at padd he had carried in, "27 infractions upon workers' rights, 91 incidents of sexual exploitation, two separate incidents involving worker strike, and over 100 criminal reports filed regarding illegal sales and commerce including a number of times that put the entire station in danger, not to mention…!"

He stopped, looking over to Quark, who looked away in genuine shame.

"Need I go on?" the Inspector said, sounding almost exhausted.

Kira sat down in the chair in front of him, Ezri at her side eyeing everyone with skepticism, "Look," Kira said, "I'll be the first to admit that Quark has his problems, but most of those happened during the occupation, and Quark continues to show growth. He's even helped save the station a few times and set aside profit when the time calls for it."

"Thank you." Quark said sincerely, though with excessive pride.

She leaned in closer, challenging Szymanski's understanding, "I know Starfleet likes to think it knows what's best for everyone, but DS9 isn't just your normal Federation Station. We have a complex history, and it isn't your place to come in and make sweeping changes."

Szymanski leaned in closer as well, putting his hands together, fingers intertwined officially, "That is just what I would expect from you Captain Kira."

He sniped Captain at her, as if to remind her of her place. This put fire in Kira's eyes, but she let him continue, "You assume that Bajor and its affiliates on this station are somehow special, that you deserve special treatment, yet you chose to wear that uniform because on some level you realize that the Federation is good for your people. But the Federation must take the concerns of all citizens into account, not just those who happen to be in the immediate area. Otherwise, we have no unity, there is no Federation, nor the benefits that come with it."

Kira didn't seem to know what to say, she looked over to Ezri as if pleading for assistance, but Ezri simply looked away, looking deeply unsure…

"On that note, as the Starfleet Commander of this station, I could easily hold you to account for allowing this to go on, but I will be generous and leave the disciplinary actions to the individual facilities with violations, of which there are many."

"Wait…" Quark jeered, "You mean it's not just my bar? You're closing down everyone?!"

"Not at all mister Quark," Szymanski looked offended, as if he had been interrupted, though he had not been, "Only those which refuse to comply with the rules."

"Now… I'm afraid I have to ask everyone but the Station commander and I to leave now." He said.

Ezri looked nervous to be leaving her lover to this man's mercy, but Quark was furious, "This is offensive, I assure you the Federation will be hearing from the Grand Nagus himself! This is too far, even for him!"

Ezri stood up and patted Quark's shoulder, "c'mon Quark…"

Quark continued to yell as they left the room, but as they exited the scene, they saw the Zaldan, Lieutenant Zaldara. He eyed Ezri with disgust…

Not long after, Ezri and Quark sat outside the bar, talking. Mostly it was Quark talking, and Ezri listened, as she was so good at doing.

"I stayed with this station because Sisko made me stay, and I was sure that he was wrong… that this place would go under, and this is why… I knew that Starfleet would eventually refuse to allow Ferengi commerce on their station… and I knew that the Bajorans wouldn't last without them… And I wasn't wrong… I had thought that I was… It just took nine years… but here we are… finally. All because I'm a Ferengi…."

Ezri sighed softly, non-judgmentally, "Quark… are you sure that's the reason? Maybe Starfleet is just… concerned?"

"No… it's because I'm Ferengi!" Quark assured her. "Business and profit is part of the Ferengi way."

Ezri sighed again, "What about Rom? Or Lusara? They're both Ferengi, but they don't pursue profit…"

Quark scoffed, "They're the exception…" He looked away at the scrambling shopkeepers on the Promenade., all running to buy their last few things from closing stores.

Ezri set a hand on his leg, "Quark…" She became almost starry eyed. "Haven't you ever sat down and wondered what your life would be like if you could pursue your dreams instead of latinum? What would you do if you didn't look for money?"

"Latium is my dream. You know that." Quark rolled his eyes, as if the question itself were propaganda.

"Okay… then…" Ezri contemplated, "Let's say that you get all the latinum you could ever hope for? What would you do after that? What if you were the Grand Nagus, swimming in latinum, all the luxuries you could possibly have, all the things that money can buy… would that make you happy? Would you finally be satisfied?"

Quark blinked, feeling almost… afraid? "What do you mean?"

She smiled, "I think you know what I mean." She leaned a bit closer, "Maybe it's time to change your outlook. Money isn't all there is. What about when you make a customer happy? Don't you enjoy that? Why else would you do it so easily?"

"Well of course I enjoy it…" He said.

"Right!" Ezri was almost excited, "It's why you're a bartender and other Ferengi… oh I don't know, sell spaceships… or do secretary work. They're good at it! But if they stick with it a long time… like you have… they must like more than just the money. It's fulfilling. I'm sure Commander Szymanski would let you stay if you just changed your formula a bit. You could have everything you need to entertain, to feed people…" She leaned in a bit, "I bet you could even keep some of those holosuite programs." She laughed nervously, "Starfleet just… needs to know that it's not about the money… because when it's about money…."

But Quark had turned away, distracted by something happening in the distance. Lieutenant Zaldana was dragging Lusara out of her shop as Szymanski sealed the shop. Lu was yelling as she stood back up, "Can't we just talk about this? I don't even do it for profit…"

Quark could hear something else that Ezri couldn't and then turned to Ezri and said, "It IS about being Ferengi!" And then walked away in anger… Ezri was shocked and stared at the scene…. Before standing and walking towards it…

Later there was a gathering in Sick Bay. Vic and the Moon Walkers were deciding what to do and visiting a Tuvok what was very distressed. The others affected by 'the Inspection' were there too, including Lusara, Zee, and Lysia Arlin, the Bolian the lady who currently sold the Jumja Sticks were all there. Even Nog was there at Quark's request…

Tuvok paced, groaning with distress, as Harry Kim gave Vic the bad news, "I'm sorry Vic… I can't leave Starfleet, if the bad is leaving the station that means you'll need someone to replace me."

Tuvok whined, almost juvenile, "Harry, we have to stay together. We're family right?"

Kim looked longingly at his old mentor, reduced to childish whining. Not less than a year ago… it was he who looked up to Tuvok…

"Tuvok… I'm sorry… But I can't, and you can't either… you're in no position to travel…"

Tuvok stomped over to the corner as Doctor Bashir eyed him, a sedative hidden behind his back.

"Then we have to stay." Tuvok turned to Quark, "Please let us stay! Just do what that man said!"

"I can't."Quark said. "I have to take a stand. I'm going to Ferenginar…"

Tuvok panicked, lashing out, "No you can't! You have to stay. I need my music!"

He charged at Quark and Bashir held him back. His genetic engineering was barely enough to allow him to sedate the Vulcan before being overpowered. Zee stared at the sedated Tuvok, a memory overcoming her…

Harry gasped, "There must be something we can do for him… get him back to normal…"

Doctor Bashir sighed, "Commander… I'm sorry… but no one can help him now…. He'll have to find a new outlet besides the band…"

Vic spoke up, "Y'know Julian… We could take him with us… He's far out but we've learned a lot about him… right?" He looked over to the other band members. "Huh?" He proposed that question to the group.

They looked skeptical at his iconic confidence. Joel Barak spoke, "Vic… I have my career in Starfleet too… and only Doctor Bashir knows how to help him… I think it would be better to split up…

Vic looked over at the other band members, "Breaking up already…. Guess we'll have to have a farewell…

Jiwul Terunda, the keyboardist and guitarist gave Vic a pat on the back, "Hey it won't be the end! We'll still see each other."

Vic stood in careful thought, his newly spiked silver hair glistening in the light and his shades lifted to his forehead. "Well, the I'll take my emitter and head on over to Ferenginar, too. It'll be good to see Rom and his girl."

Nog spoke firmly, "Well that does it then, I'm going too. I've got a few days of leave… the only problem is I can't use a Starfleet ship… that would make it look like Starfleet sanctioned it."

Quark grumbled, "Of course we can't… They impounded my ship… they say they found 'evidence' that it was 'illegally obtained.'" Quark used his fingers in quoes but everyone knew it was likely stolen somewhere along the line.

Zee piped up, "Well I've got a ship. We can use mine."

Quark whined, "We're NOT going in that piece of junk…"

Zee stood up confidently, "Looks like you don't have a lot of other choices…" She smirked at him… knowing she was telling the truth… Quark just sighed…

Chapter Three – Break Free

As told by Ezri Dax

After all the excitement of the day I was feeling more than a little conflicted. A large swath of the market district was leaving tonight, including Quark, Lu, Zee, the Jumja Stick workers. Nerys and I went to a sermon today that was a little dark… revisiting the pain of the Occupation. This was hardly the same thing though, right? I actually saw Quark start to grow from his profiteering ways for the first time in nine years… But they kicked Lu out 'for associating with a suspected criminal.' The criminal was Zee… it was funny they called her that and I knew it was as true for her as it was for Quark… but she wasmy sister to me. It hurt… and Lu told Szymanski repeatedly that she would comply with the rules… but it didn't matter… and… it sure looked like it was because she was a Ferengi. I mean so many other people on the station had made deals with Quark and weren't even so much as chastised. Were they punishing her for leaving Starfleet? For sympathizing with the New Maquis? You'd have to arrest the entire station at that point…

Still…. I've thought for a long time that Quark needed to change his ways. For himself, if not for others. They were gracious enough to let Quark have a closeout sale and for the Moon Walkers to have a farewell concert. I was headed there now.

People were gathered all around the bar. Some looked solemn like it was a funeral, others were enjoying the opulence of the whole event. I stood outside the doors, a few people eyeing me oddly, like I had done something wrong. I kept looking for Nerys… but she wasn't there. I hung around awkwardly toward the entrance as Vic materialized from his emitter and the room went dark.

"Hello DS9!" The crowd cheered as Vic appeared and his band stood. They were set up where he bar used to be, but there were still waiters handing out drinks.

"My friends…" Vic got slightly serious, "As you know... things are going on here and my band and I have realized that… the winds they are a-changing… and it's time to move on."

The crowd looked very sad, so suddenly deprived of their time with the new band.

"I'm sorry to say Tuvok couldn't make it today. He wanted to be here, but it just wasn't in the cards," he said. "And this will be farewell to Harry Kim and Joel Barak. Let's hear it for them!"

The crowd clapped, a few people clapped tepidly, while others cheered vigorously.

As the crowd calmed, Vic announced, "As you've been seeing lately, the Moon Walkers and I have been exploring new music. Beyond jazz, and into the music generations ahead of the time I was programmed. And we have the perfect song for you tonight, one we've been practicing for a while and fate… just told us it was time. And just as the original singer had to, we too 'want to break free.'

The crowd cheered. Even I clapped, though I didn't have the energy to cheer.

Olinin Pelu started the electric-tevara to the tune of the old Earth song, flowing in with finality and proclamation. Then Terunda came in with the keyboard and guitar and the crowd cheered again.

Then Vic started singing, lower than original song, bringing his own spin.

~"I want to break free."

"I want to break free!"

"I want to break free from your lies, you're so self-satisfied. I don't need you."

"I've got to break free… God knows… God knows I want to break free."~

The words stung, and I felt a lump in my throat. As the band continued, it was that moment that I noticed Julian come stand by me.

~"I've fallen in love!"~

"Ezri." He said frankly, almost coldly.

"Julian…." I said back. He had been different lately, I had long since accepted that's just who he was now…

~"I've fallen in love for the first time, and this time I know it's for real! I've fallen in love!"~

"The gloves are a nice touch." He said to me. I had taken to wearing black gloves with my uniform after Nerys said she liked them. Plus, they made me feel… different. More professional?

"Oh… thanks…" I said nervously. I felt small again. My confidence, as finicky as it was, seemed a bit lost right now.

~"God knows!"

"God knows I've fallen in love."

Then I started to get lost in the performance.

"It's strange but it's true… I can't get over the way you love me like you do."

"But I have to be sure when I walk out that door."

"Oh, how I want to be free, yeah!"

"Oh, how I want to be free…"

"Oh how I want to break free!"~

My thoughts turned to the sadness… losing Vic and Quark… so much life… over this? Maybe it wasn't right….

"Is Tuvok okay?" I asked Julian nervously.

He looked grave as we watched the band play and Vic swung his hips like a classical rock star.

"He's… I started him on krioxipine…" Julian said.

"Damn… that bad?" I said, remembering that was a very strong drug.

"He's… not dealing with the separation well… I can't blame him. He needs a new 'family' but he's not gonna get one…."

I felt my heart sink further… and guilt rise up… I hadn't done anything… but I couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn't doing enough. That I had a responsibility to fix this. I was part of a Federation that caused this. I pushed it as it happened.

Vic sang again

~"But life still goes on…"~

The crowd began to reverberate emotionally….

~"I can't get used to livin' without, livin' without, livin' without you by my side."

"I don't want to live alone…"~

I felt Julian's gaze turn to me a moment, but I didn't look back… I could feel it drag at my heart…

~"God knows! Got to make it on my own…"

"So baby can't you see, I've got to break free!"~

His gaze left me, but a few people in the crowd were quietly crying

~"I want, I want, I want, I want to breaaaaaak freeeee!"~

Vic put a fade on his voice as the band slowly stopped….

Everyone cheered… except me and Julian… We both stood there… feeling the need to do something.

"I… need to go…" Julian said…

"Me too…" We each left in separate directions. Him to Sick Bay, and myself… to fix this…

Chapter Four – Rattling Chains

Part 1

As told by Julian Bashir

Chief Medical Officer's log, Stardate 56851.2. Tuvok's condition has continued to deteriorate despite the drugs, so I've stopped the drugs and have ordered him to restat a Vulcan mididation routine because of the familiarity. He expressed unwillingness to proceed… yet, so I've decided to risk using the civilian Zee Tigan's powers to help calm him down. Computer, attach Starfleet classified notes on Zee/ Kes to this log. Ms. Tigan is in with him now, being her usual combative self. Yet her compassion for him is unusually high, perhaps due to her being both the cause and the victim of his state of being. It's very clear to me though that this will not be a long-term solution… I will need a another… I can think of none at this time.

It was disconcerting watching her just stand over him, watching him sweat as she loomed over him, a mix of power and pain in her eyes. Tuvok's head turned and turned… I had gotten used to seeing the world through a screen, but I had to see this face to face, so I returned to the room, even though she had requested privacy in the darkness.

She didn't notice me enter, scanning as I went. Their neural patterns fluctuated, but they were still within safety parameters. I hoped that her connection to the Tylittle twins wouldn't be damaged, but it seemed their role in her powers had become increasingly passive.

In just a moment, she stopped, and they both took a moment before Tuvok slipped into unconsciousness.

Zee gasped as she regained her balance, "You didn't stay away…" She said with annoyance… and… something else I didn't understand. It was as if she were totally unsurprised I couldn't leave her alone in the room, like she were expecting it.

"I'm sorry," I started to say, but she turned around sharply, looking up at me uncomfortably close to me. Far closer than I can remember her ever comfortable being. She looked melancholic, "It's difficult to see him like this… he deserved better…"

I resisted her standing close to me, but her eyes plead for comfort, and I had to give it to her. I held her shoulders, "I understand. Thank you for doing this."

She looked up at me strangely, with inviting eyes, "Anything I can do to help. I only wish I could be here to help instead of leaving."

I brushed that aside, knowing it must be a lie, "There's no need, I'll take care of him until you get back. He needs someone to understand him as he is now, not as who he was."

Something about what I said clicked in her mind, and she smiled, "Y'know… you could come with us. I can make room for you." Her words were sickly sweet yet trembled out of her mouth. She smiled, her eyes traveling my body.

I blinked, was she…. Flirting… with me? It seemed impossible. She was only a few centimeters away now and I reflexively pushed back. I felt the pull… she wanted something from me. Was it really what I thought it was? That can't be right.

"I… uhm… that would be highly inappropriate. I can't leave my patient at a time like this. Besides you and I wouldn't get along that well for that long don't you think?" My words were a little harsh, but I was feeling harsh. I put my hands firmly behind my back. This little girl… propositioning me? Who does she think she is? The thought was involuntary.

She suddenly became cold, and even more nervous… angry, "Fine." She said and scoffed at me and walked off. Feeling misunderstood surely.

Misunderstood….

I turned to Tuvok, I spoke aloud to his unconscious body, "Someone to understand you as you are…" Zee had, in her own way, given me an idea… a terrible one… but I was full of those. I decided to contact Starfleet….

"Doctor Bashir…" said the Starfleet medical liaison, "you must know why we cannot authorize that. It is wonderful that you were able to help Sarina, but the other three…" She sighed with empathy and pity, "Jack's narcissism shows no signs of decreasing and in fact it only seems to increase in your proximity…. He sees you as a rival of sorts. And Lauren… she…"

I felt myself feeling angry on the three's behalf, they deserved better than pity, "But Tuvok is essentially in a similar situation. He had an injury rather than an enhancement, but he still has all the faculties and intelligence he used to. He needs people who are like him… with extraordinary talent paired with the extraordinary challenge. Even if just for a few days… and who knows. They may benefit from the presence of a Vulcan. Particularly Patrick, as emotionally sensitive as he is."

The liaison sighed again, almost convinced… but not quite, "You may be right, but as much as I would like to say yes… they've always responded well to you more than other doctors… but their physicians and therapists cannot recommend they move again. It puts far too much stress on them."

"You can't just keep them locked up!" I let my anger out a little bit, but that was a mistake.

The liaison hardened, "They are not 'locked up,' they are well cared for… as you are well aware. The answer is no, Doctor. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a more pressing matter to attend to…" And she terminated the call.

I glanced over to Tuvok's bed. I had restrained him just in case as he writhed in his sleep. Nightmares during difficult events were extremely common for him. It was a massive trauma he underwent. Hopefully not permanent in every way, only few.

Part 2

As told by Quark

Quark stepped aboard Zee's ship. It was a tight fit, but there were just enough quarters for himself, herself and her pet Lusara, as well as Nog. Vic would be there as well, but his mobile emitter was easily stored in a smaller space. The ship smelled of grease and char, as well as various substances, including but not limited to cigarettes and alcohol. The tinny sound of Andorian rage music completed the cheap setting… Quark was disgusted, grumbling to himself on the way in. T him this was a sign of poverty.

Nog had already settled into a working position. Complaining as little as he ever did as this age. Quark recalled how quickly the academy changed him… and shuddered. He would be the only Ferengi with true values on this mission… convincing Rom would be no enviable task.

The sizzling sound of burning metal rang from the front of the ship as Quark saw Zee with a welding mask fixing something. This did not encourage him.

He sneered over the noise, "I thought you had fixed this thing!" to her.

Zee stopped, and lifted up the mask, her unmade face looking greasy, "Don't worry Quark." She smirked, "she's fine, she just needs a little love."

Quark balked at the affection she gave this pile of junk, "I thought you didn't work for the Orion's anymore…"

Zee's face sunk, "I don't…. but I know the design… she's a hybrid though."

"Well can't you at least use a modern welder?" Quark criticized.

Rather than answering Zee went back to welding and Nog answered for her, yelling over the noise, "These old Orion ships are made from materials resistant to the modern Federation or Ferengi tech. Besides…. Welding like this is sturdier than you'd think."

Nog spoke with pride and it disgusted Quark even more.

Zee's welding finished as Quark stared at her, wondering why he ever found her attractive after seeing her like this. "There we go, girl!" Zee exclaimed motheringly.

"Couldn't you have at least cleaned the ship before you had guests? It's FILTHY in here." Quark chirped. He left into the adjoining hallway where he stopped upon seeing Lusara, who was looking sheepish, bothered by the noise.

Lusara looked up from her knitting as they each overheard Zee sweetly talking to her ship, "He didn't mean that, baby, it's okay." Playfully perhaps, but Lusara looked almost jealous.

"I can't believe you and I are the only two people left with any sense on this trip." Quark said.

Lu shrugged, but challenged him, "I don't know, you could do with a day or two living a less luxe life…. Might learn how the rest of us felt our entire lives."

She referred to the life of poverty she was confined to on Ferenginar before Nagus Zek's original "reforms." Though Quark would maintain that she still chose that life. As far as he was concerned anyway… And yet… the story hung in his head… for tales of difficult fathers was something he could sympathize with on a personal level.

Quark took his many bags to his quarters, cramped and unfortunate though they were.

Part 3

As told by Ezri Dax

Nerys and I were talking in her quarters about what happened. She had been huffing a bit, angry.

"I just can't believe Starfleet would do this to him… after all he did!" Nerys said. She looked out at the stars, contemplating something deeper.

Despite my practice as a counselor, I wasn't sure what to say.

I stepped up to her and put my arm around her waist, "… I'm sure he'll come back, maybe it will be good for him. Maybe he'll change his ways."

But Nerys looked at me a moment, smirking almost derisively, "I don't agree with everything he's done… but the Federation has…" She stopped. "We have no right to step in and change him or any other person on this station…"

I blinked, feeling a bit lost. Everything in my training and experience was telling me this was harsh, but necessary… but Nerys didn't agree. I wanted to understand but, in the end… there was nothing I could do… was there?

Nerys then looked at me and said something I hadn't realized, "It's things like this that make me… until the Emissary returns… It's makes me question if Starfleet and I are really compatible. I thought they were different from the Cardassians." She stared out the window again, becoming fierce in her vulnerability, "but when push comes to shove, the Federation will push its own power despite what it says it stands for."

'When push comes to shove,' I thought. A human phrase…

I blinked… I was mesmerized by her. I almost couldn't think. She was taking stand as she always does. I felt butterflies rise in my stomach, and Dax coiled slightly.

I couldn't help it, I squeezed around her waist and smiled. I wanted to make her happy and this was what I knew I could do. I couldn't agree or dsaigree, lest I challenge her point of view. A point of view I totally agreed with… I thought.

I smiled amorously and stared at her face, "You're so beautiful." I squeezed her waist flirtatiously, my eyes offering comfort.

But Nerys wasn't impressed, she chuckled slightly, "There you go again…"

My smile faded immediately, "What do you mean?" I felt a little hurt… closely observed in a way that I could already feel digging into my soul.

She looked at me, almost looking down to me and I felt myself shrink. I couldn't decide if I liked it or not. She kissed my forehead like I was a child.

"What do you mean, 'again?'" I asked genuinely. I wanted to know that she thought I was doing. As far as I knew I wasn't doing anything.

"Oh… it's just." She walked off a bit, letting go of my hands as I listened diligently. "Sometimes, I'll talk about what I'm feeling and it's like I hit a wall. Like you don't understand. And when you don't you lean into the affection. Like you're running away from my feelings."

She turned at smiled at me, somewhat dishonestly as I just watched her, "It's not a big deal… I just sometimes wonder if you really take this… us…. Seriously."

I stepped towards her, feeling misunderstood, "Oh Nerys, of course I do." I took her hand.

She looked up and out the window before looking back at me, as if she didn't believe me, "I'm not sure. I'm sure you believe it… but that just makes me think that… that this is all you really want." As she said 'this' she held my hand tighter before loosening her grip.

Suddenly it was starting to make more sense. Nerys had always told me… years ago now while she was with Odo, that she felt an almost spiritual connection to him. That despite their issues, she felt he understood her on a fundamental level. She's missing that with me… No… I'm avoiding that… even still… she was right. It was there, I just couldn't grasp it firmly like she could.

I think she saw the wheels in my head turning. I felt my heart well up and just as it did, she let go of my hand and held my shoulders a moment.

"Look" she said, "I have a meeting with the Admiral in a few minutes. I need to try and salvage this situation…. We can talk more about this later, okay?"

She kissed my cheek and left I stared after… feeling incomplete…. And that feeling scared me more than anything… Memories of romantic failures in all of Dax's lives filled my eyes. But I pushed them down. Ridiculous… childish memories. I left the room… taking a walk to clear my head.

Unfortunately, the walk did not lend itself to escape. On the Promenade, shops were closing across the station. The Bajoran station goers were eyeing the Federation personnel strangely, with fear. It was like going back in time to the early station. There was even a fight that Ro's security force had to break up. Many Bajoran shop owners were closing down… a few other species. Even the Tellerite barber was closing her doors, and she was a Federation citizen.

The promenade felt lonely and awful… the culture was flying away….

I took a deep breath, feeling in my heart how Nerys probably felt the minute this started…

"Admiral Janeway isn't going to listen…"

I hit my communicator, "Captain Dax to Commander Kim…"

"Yeah?" Harry said, a little bleary sounding, "I've got a mission for us."

"You do?" Harry said. He sounded eager.

"Yep…" I said. "Find all the senior staff, see if they want to help… I know they're on shore leave…"

"I think they'll probably help. The fun has died down here." He said.

"What happened to the USS Saratoga, the one that took Szymanski here?" I asked.

"Ops report said they left this morning, on course to Earth. Why?" Harry asked.

"Looks like we're going to Earth, Commander." I said to him.

I could almost hear him smile, "Yes, Captain!"

Chapter Five – Something Real

As told by Lusara Belli

So, the ride to Ferenginar was long and rickety. Zeezee's ship (she calls her the "pole dancer" sometimes which is a little weird…) hummed and sometimes the plates vibrated during warp speed turns… plus it was dirty, but I was getting used to it. In truth, I was anxious. Nagus Rom was the reason I was even able to leave that awful place, but would he really listen to me now? He is a Ferengi man, right? And I wasn't even all together sure that the Federation was wrong. I didn't do what I did for money, even though a lot of people would tip me latinum for my pieces. Ferenginar has never cared about me as a Ferengi, as far as they were concerned, I was just as bad as any alien… no, even worse. At least aliens can be profitable sometimes. I was useless to them.

"Hey kid, what's crackin'?" Vic turned the corner and talked to me. He was walking freely in the ship which surprised me. But even more surprising was the weird phrase he just said.

I cringed, "Not sure about that one Vic." I kept kitting with my hands but to tell the truth I wasn't making anything specific; it was just a distraction.

Vic laughed quietly and ignored my disdain, then he pointed up and smiled, "Holoprojectors, Zee has 'em all over the ship. Who'd've thought?"

I smirked, "Wanna guess what she uses them for?"

Vic's smile faded slightly, "Well… maybe it's better not to know then…"

I chuckled but I couldn't maintain my amusement for long.

"What's eating you, kid?" He sat down in a chair next to me.

I shrugged, and started nervously knitting, I made a mistake but just kept going.

"C'mon, I know that look. I've seen enough of you know when you're unhappy… and you've been unhappy for a while…" Vic said.

I felt myself growing a little tense, but I couldn't figure out why.

"…Nervous about the trip?" He asked.

"Yeah… it's been a long time since I've been to Ferenginar. Don't really wanna go again…" I replied.

His response felt empty, "Not really your scene?"

I sighed, "I guess…" And kept knitting.

Vic then got a little serious, "look… kid… I didn't wanna say anything but… you've been unhappy for a while… you've lost your spark lately. I guess there isn't much time to talk on the station but… you can always talk to me, okay? We have the chance now, though. Anything else on your mind?"

I didn't really understand what he was asking, "Not really? I guess it's kind dirty and cramped here but…" I paused… that really was bothering me now that I thought of it, but it seemed a silly thing to talk about.

"Well… you know where to find me if you need." He started to get up when Zee arrived at the entrance to the room, and he looked at her with a strange suspicion while she leaned against the doorway.

"Do you mind?" she asked passive aggressively. Her face smirked, but she really wanted Vic to leave me long for some reason. That made no sense, they were friends, why would she care?

Vic didn't say anything and just left. Were they fighting?

Zee then turned to a smile and came to sit right next to me as I kept kitting. The conflict made me just want to start knitting more. Zee was pretending like the conflict with Vic wasn't there and that made me feel worse.

"I thought you were flying the ship." I tried to smile, but I failed.

She looked briefly hurt, but then she deflected like she always does.

"Well, I had Nog take over for a bit, he's taken a liking to the Dancer."

Then she started petting my ears and I instantly tensed up.

She whispered amorously, "Giving me time to take a liking to you."

This was the third time in recent memory she tried this…

"I don't know if I want to… I just… I'm so nervous about this trip. I'd rather just talk."

She didn't listen, "Oh come on… relax, girl… if you're so nervous maybe what you need is something extra to help you relax" She leaned in close and stared rubbing my ears harder. I hated how good it felt…

I couldn't take it anymore, "Will you just…" I knocked her hands away gently, "why do you always do that?"

She looked immediately defensive, "What did I do?"

"You…" I stood up, "The oo-mox…" I lowered my voice, "You hold it… like a reward… You try to be sexual to avoid anything real. I wanted to talk about how I felt but you wouldn't let me. Just so you could get what you want."

She scoffed, "I'm sorry, I thought you liked that."

"It's not that I…" I stopped… "I don't want it like that… it's the kind of thing Ferengi women to do for Ferengi men. They're expected to comfort their men like that… but I'm not…" I stopped, realizing how much it really did feel like that's how she saw me… after all this time…

Her reaction made it worse, "That's what this is about?" She said derisively.

"I… No!" I reacted. "You just keep dangling it over my head like a treat, like if you rub my ears then the food will come out… I just… don't we have anything more real than that?"

The Zee stood up, genuinely angry, "Well I'm sorry that I wanted to make you feel good?!"

"No, you didn't…" I sat down in a chair further away with my knitting and kept going. I wasn't going to talk anymore.

She yelled after a second, "Aren't you going to say anything?!"

Maybe I shouldn't have, but I ignored her, even as my heartbeat rapidly in my chest.

She gave up though but not before kicking the doorframe and sending a metallic echo throughout the ship. She went back to pilot the Dancer and I swear I heard her say to Nog, "Get out of that chair!" Like he had done something to her.

The worst part was I caught a glimpse of Vic watching from the other room, he looked at me with this look of complete pity… I ignored that too…

Ferenginar wasn't soon after. I didn't miss the rain… it was far too much. I used to make umbrellas that were considered quite the little prestige in the underclasses of the planet. That is if you were a girl like me, or a woman who wanted more power, a man who wanted to be feminine. Immediately upon stepping off the ship I felt both too naked and not naked enough. I had a cropped outfit as always and a shiny rain poncho, nice purple pants, but I felt like everyone's eyes were on me the entire time.

They're all staring at Vic's mobile emitter, not me. I told myself as I carried the cube that projected him.

Vic was amazed at everything, "Wow… it's really something being able to see all this. He turned to Nog, "You sure this thing is waterproof?"

Nog proudly claimed, "Absolutely! There's no doubts."

He smiled and stared up at the rain flowing at his holographic eyes, "far out…"

After crossing a few streets and paying a fee for our ship to stay as Quark grumbled, we came upon the Tower of Commerce.

"So that's where The Man lives, huh?" Vic asked.

"Oh please, he's barely even a Ferengi." Quark shuddered.

The longer Rom had been Nagus, the more jealous and bitter Quark became…

As we entered the Tower, I saw sights I never thought I'd see again. Gold… vending machines… Ferengi busts though most of them had dried tube grubs which I would never have again in my life… Strangely though the busts were of many different Naguses and historical figures which shocked me. Usually, each Nagus has them all replaced with him… But not Rom… that's good…

We approached he desk where a Ferengi was helping out a few people with some paperwork. Just as they finished, they turned to look at us and…

"Pel?!" Quark and I both yelled, then we each turned to each other and said in unison again, "You know, Pel?!" We each had disgust in our voice.

She looked at us in her masculine Ferengi outfit, "Quark? Lulu?" She seemed enticed by Quark but confused when she saw me. She was one of my regulars. When she was essentially confined to the Undergrowth on Ferenginar after being caught 'pretending' to be a man, she talked to me. Everyone knew I was born 'a man' because of my ears at the time.

That's why she's so confused! I realized. My ears were different, so she had to squint to see my face. I got excited.

Sure, enough she commented, "Your ears look great, honey…" She smiled heartfully. Pel was good at that… at just being blindly supportive, even when she didn't fully get it. Gender, to her, was a power obstacle, and I don't think she understood what I had to do, but she supported me anyway…

"Wait…" I looked over at Quark and then leaned closer to the overly tall desk, "Is he…'The Guy'?"

She whispered to me, "Yes…"

I looked over to Quark with my mouth open, then I just scowled at him.

"What?!" He said.

Looked back at her with encouragement, "You deserve better."

She whispered back, "Oh he's not so bad…" She hesitated though and I rolled my eyes. He'd sell her soul in a second. How could anyone be with someone like that?

I knew I was fighting a losing battle, so I let it go.

Quark shook his head, "so they're letting females work as secretaries now…

She huffed, "I am the financial coordinator for the whole of Ferenginar actually. Handpicked by the Nagus himself."

Quark scoffed, "He must have remembered how good you were."

"Yes. Yes, he did." She said with triumph. "Now, how can I help… your strange…" She eyed Zee, Vic, and Nog, "your strange little group here?"

Quark interrupted with great annoyance, "We're here to see my brother."

"Your brother?" Pel said.

Quark's hands twitched in frustration, "You remember him, don't you?"

"I do." Pel said, expecting Quark to volunteer more information anyway, and enjoying every moment of it.

"Can we still petition the Nagus? Or has Ferengi society completely collapsed?!" Quark sharply accused.

"Ah." Pel said, pretending she finally understood, "Petitioning the Nagus is possible, but his schedule is quite full at this time, He should be able to see you in…." She looked at her computer console, "Seven months."

"Seven MONTHS?" Quark exclaimed. "Ridiculous! No Nagus has ever had a waiting period that long.

"Rom is a generous one." Pel said with admiration.

Quark was unamused, "Tell that idiot brother of mine that Quark is here to visit him."

Pel glared at him before giving in. She hit a button for intercom, "Rom?" She said.

Quark turned to Zee and whispered, "She calls him Rom? Not Grand Nagus? Sir, even?"

Zee rolled her eyes, "They don't call you 'mister bartender, sir.'"

Quark rolled his eyes back and ignored her.

Rom spoke up over the intercom, "Wwwwhat is it, Pel?" His low vacant tone was unrecognizable. It was strange for me to hear so close and real; I had never met the Nagus, only seen his speeches. Most of Ferenginar found him woefully inadequate as a speaker though.

"Quark is here to see you." Pel said with slight excitement in her voice.

"Quark?! My brother is here?" Rom said with great energy.

A feminine voice could be heard, one that Quark seemed to recognize her, "Quark is here?" She asked over the intercom.

Pel smirked, "Shall I clear your evening?"

"Yes please!" Rom said.

"I'll send them up shortly." She said.

"Wait!" Rom said with unnecessary panic, "Who else is there?"

Pel eyed us, "An old friend of mine, a trill woman, and… a very well dressed human… hologram?"

"Vic?!" Rom cheered. "Send them up!"

"Right away." Pel said

"If you'll take the elevator to the 200th floor, Rom will be there shortly." Pel said

We were handed a key and as we entered the elevator Pel yelled, "Be respectful Quark!"

The elevator ride was quiet, a bit tense really. The only person smiling was Nog, clearly excited to see his father, the Nagus.

As we exited the elevator Nog took the lead. We saw Nagus Rom himself, dressed far more humbly than his predecessors.

Nog announced with his arms wide, "How's it goin', Dad!" And he laughed is characteristic laugh as they embraced.

A Bajoran woman was by Rom's side and Rom and her both expressed their joy at seeing Nog.

I caught a glance at Zee, and she was eyeing the Bajoran woman with a thirsty gaze and seemed hundred kilometers away.

The woman squeaked as she embraced Nog, "How are you?"

Nog posed proudly, "Chief Engineer on the Aventine!"

Rom's face was painted with a toothy grin, "That's amazing!"

Nog returned the compliment, "That staff looks good on you. Hahhaa. Dressing humble today though?" He glanced at Rom's fairly typical outfit for himself.

Quark interrupted here, "Of course. Wouldn't want anyone taking him 'too seriously'."

Rather than confront the direct insult, Rom, in his basic orange Ferengi formalwear, approached and embraced him, "Hello brother," he said smiling while speaking in a hushed tone.

Quark did smile slightly, "Hello to you, too, you idiot."

The Bajoran woman was nodding at Nog, but then her eyes averted over to Zee, "Ezri?" She asked with shock, but a smile on her face.

Zee smiled amorously, "Not quite."

Quark stepped in, "This is the Ezri from the other universe. She's been going by Zee now."

Zee glared over at Quark, "I can speak for myself, Quark." I loved the fire…

Rom backed away, "Errrr what are you doing here?" Rom took a defensive posture.

Zee sighed, frustrated, "Hold your horses, I'm not here to betray anyone." Zee was taking it personally that Rom reacted to her that way… but there was a twinge of guilt in her eyes. Yet… I couldn't help but look over to Vic, he was looking at me too. The second person today to react to her in such a way… This time it was someone I didn't even know.

After a moment Zee continued, "Actually, believe it or not I've been living on the station now."

Rom seemed confused, "Uhhhh, which one?"

Zee huffed, "your station, Rom." Then she looked away, "I'm done with that universe."

Quark looked offended as well, "Rom… haven't you been receiving my holo-letters? They explained all of this."

Rom looked only vaguely guilty, "ehhhh, sorry brother, being the Nagus is a busy job, I haven't had time."

Quark looked disbelieving, "You haven't had time? In four years?"

"Sorry brother, it's been very busy. The Nagus has a lot of important jobs." Rom said. He said 'the Nagus' as if it weren't him, even thought it was.

Quark scoffed, "The Nagus is in charge of how he spends his time! You could be on Risa right now if you really needed a break. Are you telling me you haven't taken a break in four years?"

The Bajoran woman came to his side, fawning praise, "Rom is concerned about meeting all the people's needs where he can." She set her arms on his shoulders and as soon as she did Zee's face sunk. I don't know if I saw it right… but I'd swear she looked at me in disgust…

Nagus Rom continued, "Leeta has been helping too!"

Ah so that's her name.

"She's really good with the new Ferengi who like what I'm doing. Great people skills." Rom praised her, his voice got low and gentle. Almost suggestive, but in an open and cheerful way. Just grateful for her presence. The example struck my heart… and I glanced over to Zee… my face must have looked more longing than intended, because I caught a sad glance from Vic.

Quark was upset, "You let a Bajoran female have a voice in Ferengi politics?"

Leeta looked offended, but unsurprised, "It's not like I'm trying to turn this place into Bajor…"

Quark was totally unbelieving, he expected everyone to be as dishonest as him, but still he said, "Well that's good to hear."

Vic stepped in, "Guess I should make my entrance, now."

"Vic!" Rom was excited. "You're here!"

Nog bragged proudly like any Ferengi man was prone to do, "I helped make him a specialized mobile emitter! Now he can go anywhere the emitter is."

Vic smiled, "it's been great to see the sights, oh uh beautiful planet by the way."

I finally said something, "to each their own." Zee actually smiled at me for that which gave me a rush…

Vic smiled back, "well for a hologram who only ever saw holographic rain, REAL rain is quite a sight, haha!"

Nog looked out a nearby window, "Well, if I'm not mistaken it's actually trinkalling out there."

When Vic looked confused, Leeta assisted him, "Ferengi have close to two hundred words for rain. Different thicknesses, amount of hail in the storm, density, eve-"

Quark interrupted by yelling, "The Federation closed my bar!"

We all stood silent as Quark's impatient man mouth took the floor.

"All of us are here because we need your help… 'Mister Nagus.'"

We all looked at Rom with a pleading face, though slightly guilty. The reunion was touching… but we were here for business… I couldn't express how much I wished I didn't have to be.

Then Nagus Rom, uncharacteristic to his nature up to now, became serious, "Let's take a walk, brother." And he motioned Quark to follow him to the rainview.

Rom turned to Leeta, "Leeta, can youuuu…"

Leeta interrupted his stuttering and took his hand, "Of course, Rom, you go on." And she kissed his cheek.

Quark was dumbfounded at being ordered by his brother, but as everyone stared at him, Rom motioned him over, "Come on, brother. We'll talk." And Quark did so, looking back… barely willing to leave the safety of the group…

Chapter Six – Rain View

Part 1

As told by Quark

The rainview, where the Nagus looks down on all his people. It's like a balcony but sealed against the elements.

Quark had spent the better part of an hour explaining everything that happened. Focusing on his bar since that was, of course, the most important facility affected by the Federation's cruelty.

"So, you can see how we need the Nagus, right? This is a crisis for the whole of Ferenginar!"

Rom looked away from his brother and out to the flooding aqueducts below. The streets of Ferenginar were remarkable. The rain was carefully collected at key dams, sewer systems, and rising aqueducts. It was a poorer region, or formerly so. Now it had full funding, and the people were prosperous.

Rom uttered the phrase, "'As I look down at the city from this Tower, I see the people who struggle. I remember that they struggle so I can prosper and those who I care for. Their sacrifice will be honored by that continued prosperity'"

Quark looked over at Rom, shocked, "Grand Nagus Trocktor… 'The Philosopher' they called him."

Rom turned with surprising fervor, "But aren't you tired of its brother? The justifications? Every last reason for why we can't prosper too?"

Quark shuddered, looking at the formerly poor district, "What do you mean we?"

Rom almost grumbled, Quark couldn't believe his ears as Rom finished, "Look! Those people! They're just like us."

"No, they're lazy good-for-nothings who couldn't store their latinum so they beg for handouts!" Quark firmly stated. "It's been proven."

Rom sighed, growing more serious, "Do you remember when Father had to close his business?" He asked.

Quark rolled his eyes, "You'll have to be more specific than that. Which time?"

"The last time…" Rom said with a grave tone.

"The time he got killed. Yes, I remember." Quark said, annoyed that Rom would bring it up.

"And you refused to go to the funeral?" Rom continued, pressing Quark despite his annoyed state.

"You know why I refused to go!" Quark said, looking out on the town.

Rom calmed down slightly, "Yyyouuu said that he was 'an idiot with his finances and that he deserved what he got.' The only reason Moogie ever forgave you was because she agreed with you."

Quark sighed, "What's your point…?" Beginning to see the fine print.

As Nagus, I've had a chance to see his financial records… his finances were perfectly fine… but he wasn't rich enough… and people took advantage of him because he was soft. Like me."

"Then he should have been tougher!" Quark said. "We've been through this all before." Quark began to turn around, but Rom wouldn't allow it.

"How many times did the Cardassians almost shut us down because we weren't making enough money to pay their fees?" He yelled at him. And Quark stopped, feeling the sting of past mistreatment.

Rom reapproached him, "How many times did you have to cut ourrrr wages because you couldn't bear the shame of making less in a year than anyone else on the station?" Rom's tone was challenging, forcing Quark to look in the mirror.

"What's your point?" Quark demanded, turning back to his brother.

Rom made it very clearly with his finger, pointing it out to the formerly poor town, "They are us!" He pointed to Quark and himself.

"You watched Father fail time and time again because he was a man who cared about his family more than just himself, and people hurt him for that. We… got hurt! And you looked at me and you saw him in me. You were ten times harder to me after he died because of who killed him. Other Ferengi. Rich Ferengi! Ferengi like Trocktor… who think they're entitled to everything around them! Well, they were wrong… they hurt us. We wouldn't hurt ourselves." Then Rom pointed to the sea of water and buildings below. "And neither did they. They don't deserve to have to live like this. We don't either."

Quark couldn't believe his lobes. What was Rom turning Ferengi society into? People who couldn't think for themselves if their lives depended on it?

"You're not going to help me… are you?" Quark said gravely.

"Sorry brother." Rom replied frankly. "I can't jeopardize our relationship to the Federation. They've been key to all of this."

"I'd feel more secure with an alliance with Klingons, or even the Romulans." Quark scoffed.

Rom pointed to the people again, "What these people went through… what we went through? That happens in those empires. It doesn't happen in the Federation."

Quark began to turn away again, to leave this time, but Nog was there.

"What are you doing?" Quark asked.

"I came here to see my father, and I couldn't help but overhear…" Nog said reluctantly. "I need to say… being in the Federation is the happiest I've ever been. Chasing profit has never made me happy. As soon as I stopped and learned… everything got better. I never told you, Uncle, but that was the reason I joined Starfleet. I knew profit was a dead end, always was."

Rom then continued as Quark looked out on the raining town again, "As long as I've known you, you've been chasing profit, too, brother… So did I. But if there wasn't profit… who would you be?"

Quark didn't answer, seeing that his brother had found his answer, but he had not. Quark's mind twisted and turned. It wasn't unlike what Ezri had told him…

"Well… what about Lusara? Vic?" Quark relented. "They don't deserve this. They don't chase profit."

Rom looked over, and smirked a bit, "I've already submitted a complaint to the Federation for how they treated Lusara."

Quark looked over to Rom, shocked, "You knew about all of this ahead of time?"

Nog chuckled, "He's a good Nagus!"

Rom smiled a bit, "I still wwwwanted to see my brother. By the time I contacted you, you were already gone…." Rom said. "There's only so much I can do, but after leaving… I realized I needed to be free of all the profit… And now I am… mostly!"

Quark looked out over the sea of rain… the people… like his father. What would he do now? Return to DS9 and provide without profit? Become a Federation lackey? No… that was too much… but where else were there so many people he cared for?

Part 2

As told by Lusara Belli

As Nog left for the rainview, that left me, Zee, Vic, and Leeta. Vic and Leeta had been catching up on stories while Zee and I sat there quietly. The tension of our last conversation hung in the air.

As Vic finished telling a story about a silly prank that Harry Kim pulled on Ezri, Leeta looked over to me.

She walked up to me very confidently. Her power was infectiously sweet, and I couldn't help but melt a little bit in her presence.

"You're Lusara, right?" Leeta asked, giving me the customary Ferengi hand greeting.

I returned that greeting with a Bajoran one, "Just Lu, please."

She smiled and said my name, "Lu, sweet and simple."

She sat down next to me which caused Zee to stand up abruptly, as if she wanted Leeta's attention… or maybe mine? No that couldn't be right… But she seemed jealous…

"You were in the Federation, right?" She asked.

"Yeah. Soon as the Grand Nagus passed that law that allowed people like me to leave the planet, I saved up money and applied to the Academy." It was strange to look back on.

"I imagine you've gotten close with Nog, then? Another Ferengi in the Federation?" She asked with genuine curiosity.

"Well…" I said bleakly. "I actually don't get along well with… most Ferengi." My eyes scanned the door to the deck, but they turned over to Zee as she examined some potted plants. Vic started to talk to her, but she barely participated.

Leeta noticed my distraction and hesitation, so she leaned into it, "Living here was hard then, wasn't it?"

A few things flashed in my mind. Being mistreated on the streets, assaulted, heckled…

"Yeah…" I said.

Leeta sat with my feelings a moment, which I really appreciated, but then she said, "You know… things have gotten better here. We still have some things to fix… and not everyone is happy about all the changes… but life is better on the streets…. And you wouldn't have to live on them anymore."

"Well, I don't know… people here still…"

But Leeta grew excited, "But you could change people's minds, and there's anti-discrimination policies! You wouldn't be left without a way to fight back."

"Are you? Offering me a job?" I asked… knowing a deal when I hear one.

I saw Zee's eyes dart over quickly, then back. Then she pretended to talk to Vic in a way that appeared sincere to others... but not to me. I knew her tricks... or self-deceptions.

"Well… yes!" Leeta said cheerfully. "The Nagus and I are prepared to offer you a job as the interior designer. We want to bring a more feminine edge to the Tower of Commerce to reflect our modern values… plus I personally love your clothing line…"

"I've never really done interior design before…" I said.

Leeta went to bat for me though, "You know about Ferengi sensibilities, but also those of other cultures, and you have unique style and perspective. Seems like a perfect job description to me!"

"That's… I'll have to think about that…" I said, stunned, suddenly reevaluating my life. Then I realized something.

"You know what happened to me on DS9… don't you?" I asked frankly.

"Well…" She hesitated. "Yes. Rom is doing what he can about that… but we want you to know we don't leave our people behind. Well, his people… you know." She chuckled.

"We're all people." I declared quietly. My eyes watched Zee… I wanted to know what she thought… but she didn't look at me.

She must be thinking that she'll still have Yelina and Diala…. I thought. I was certain she would just move on.

"Well, you can always contact us. If you decide to go back to DS9, I'm sure things will improve, but if for some reason they don't…"

"Thanks…" I said.

"In the meantime, you're welcome to stay in our guest rooms for a little while. I'm sure we'll be catching up for a bit of time.

I felt the urge to be alone. To retreat. Usually, I was quite a people person… but today wasn't the day, "Where would those be at?" I asked.

"Oh, I can show you!" Leeta happily stood, as if a balloon were on her foot and she would slip off of it if she didn't hold herself up starkly upright. She led out of the room. I caught a glimpse of Zee looking back at me while Vic looked at her. He said something to her… I don't know what…

The guest room was immaculate. Gold pressed walls, the softest double bed in the other room, and lavish furniture of orange and purple and green in a fascinating pattern. Fancy lighting, computer consoles, a replicator, all disguised in the most overtly opulent décor. It was marvelous, but also almost disturbing.

"What do you think?" Leeta asked. Her eyes didn't ask me for praise, but for a professional opinion. And for a moment… I left my shell.

I cleared my throat, "Well it's quite gauche really, but in the way that all of Ferenginar is, so I suppose it's to be expected." I wandered the room, looking especially at the overly designed drapery around the windows. "There is an aesthetic quality that I do enjoy, but it seems almost better for looking at than living in."

"So?" Leeta was encouraged by how quickly I analyzed the décor. "Maybe I should be a bit more…" She did a slight shimmy, as if she were settling into a comfortable seat while standing, "Homey?" And she smiled. I already adored her.

I smiled back, it was a wider smile than I intended, probably like the toothy smiles she was used to, "Yeah. I guess so."

"Well… She said after a moment of pause, "I better get going, see what I can do for your other friends. Just hit the intercom if you need anything!"

As she left, I felt lonely again. Leeta carried herself so openly. I used to do that… what happened?

I looked out the window at the rain for a long time. It had diminished, a glimpse of the sky could be seen. This was rare on this planet, and when it happened, I used to look up. It was a moment of pause in the Ferengi life. As if the Divine Treasury had opened to remind us that there were greater things. To me though, in my youth here, it was a reminder of the world we inhabited. I often wondered if Ferengi could often see the stars and our sun like they do on Earth so regularly… perhaps we would be more concerned about the whole of the world. But from up here today, the sunset was all you could see. All the people stopping to watch were too small. No wonder the Naguses lived up so high. Closer to the treasures of our lore, further from the plight of the common people.

My door opened, shocking me out of my head.

It was Zee… and she was upset. Again.

She huffed, fighting something, some feeling. So, she was angry. She tried to hold it in for a moment, but she couldn't. She turned to a chair and knocked it over. The one by the little end table. An unnecessarily tall plant fell over and onto the ground, and she just ignored it as dirt went everywhere.

The chair was not enough for her rage, so she turned to the patterned loveseat and pushed it out of its position. When Zee got like this you just had to let her get it out. You couldn't stop her, it wasn't healthy. You just waited, open for her.

So, I just watched. It made me sad really. She was upset about something, and this was all she could do. Is it all she would ever be able to do?

She sat down in the loveseat and looked away from me in shame.

You had to ask her what was wrong. She begged for attention but giving it to her was usually not wise. And… I was feeling very snarky in that moment. I was tired, so I said something that maybe I shouldn't have.

"Did you get it out of your system?"

But she surprised me by not lashing out, she just gritted her teeth and said, "No… It won't go away."

"Why did you come here?" I asked. "I mean I'm hardly a-"

But she interrupted me, "Because you were right!"

I blinked. I had never heard her say anything like that before…

"I…" She huffed again, "I don't know how to deal with feelings, so I go straight to the sex."

It was very blunt. She wouldn't look at me but a quick glance. I had never seen her look so… ashamed. I didn't think she ever felt ashamed.

She sounded almost desperate, but she was animated, standing up and pacing, "It's this stupid Kes girl" She held her hand up to her mind, "She… won't let me let go of stupid feelings. I don't even know where she begins, and I end anymore."

A walked up to her about halfway, still keeping my distance, "I don't think they're stupid feelings."

She looked over to me. Her mouth was shocked, hung open, as if I were a fool. And yet… her eyes were glistening with tears welling. Had anyone told her that before?

But she got upset and walked up to me, finger wagging like a nagging mother, "No no no." She stood right in front of me, a few inches taller in her platforms. She was close enough I could smell the mint in her breath, and the cologne she wore. I couldn't help but breathe it in. But still I was afraid. She had never hit me before (without my permission), but would she?

"Don't you dare say shit like that…" She was grumbling, but she began to choke up, "Because if you…" She had to stop, because her face contorted in the most vulnerable cry I had ever seen. I had never seen her cry like this since the day Kes invaded her body, "Because if you don't mean it…" Her teeth gritted, "I swear I'll…" But she stopped and began to cry again.

It almost sounds awful… but this is everything I wanted. All this time together and she had never really opened up, I started to cry a bit too, I tried to stay strong for her. Like she had always done for me…

I took her hands. I didn't have to say anything. She looked away for a moment, then grabbed my hands. Then she made eye contact with me. She had to struggle at every moment to keep it.

Her lips quivered, "Don't you dare… hurt me. You wouldn't… would you?"

I shook my head no, keeping my eyes open.

She started to reach for my ears, but before she got there, she stopped. She looked desperate, "C-can I? I know you don't." Then her hand retreated but I stopped it. Grabbing it and putting them on my ears. She smiled so widely and let out a snotty laugh. As she started to rub my ear, she…. I think you'd call it a giggle? Even if her tears sort of got in the way. It was shocking but…

"Y'know I… I do do it because I want to. Not just because… I just don't know how"

She started to look away so I took her cheek in my hand gently and faced her back to me, "Yes you do." I didn't have to finish it, my eyes said the rest

You're doing it right now

She laughed again. Her laugh reminded me Ezri herself actually. It was odd to see, but I knew I was seeing so much more of the real her, lost behind those years of pain.

I pulled her in for a kiss… something I never really did… It was the most passionate kiss of my life. A little weird because I could taste the tear which had fallen down to her lips, but that wouldn't stop me now.

"I… love you." She said. And she meant it.

That's when I lost control. I moaned slightly into her lips. I didn't realize how long I had been waiting to hear the words… said like that… No pretense, only a passion.

I dug my nails into her waist, and she drew me in closer. Then there was that sexy hunger in her eyes. She pushed me into the bedroom with a look on her face that was a total mix of love and desire. The way no one had looked at me before. And it was a wonderful night. I wasn't leaving her now.

Chapter Seven – Lights and Shadows

As told by Julian Bashir

The station was quiet and was beginning to feel unfamiliar. I looked to my patient. He had regained consciousness but was refusing to speak to me. He was unable to understand why these things were happening to him, and he blamed the one with power who was around him… Me. Of course, I didn't blame him for that… I only pitied him… a great man brought down by illness and the assault of his own mind. He wore his light limiting lenses, huffing. He wanted to be free, but he was far too unstable. He had already injured one of my nurses in a fit. He did apologize later. He needed an outlet, but logic had failed him, and music had been unjustly kept from his reach. The shades he worse over his eyes seemed like the same shades that rest of the world used to avoid seeing his plight, and that of everyone else the Federation Inspector dismissed.

"Keep an eye on him," I said to the Bajoran nurse. "Wake me if he shows any sign of improvement or deterioration."

She nodded dutifully at me.

I returned to my quarters with a strange haste, despite knowing it was unlikely I would get any sleep, I would stay up with padds about my various feelers in the galaxy, getting no further in either avenue.

Opening the door, the lights were out. Odd, I had left them on… a waste of power perhaps but it was a habit I couldn't shake. I remembered director Sloan and my blood pressure shot up.

He couldn't be alive…

"Computer?" I said firmly, letting the derision in my voice be clearly known, "Lights."

In the center of the room was not Director Sloan, but Jack, Patrick, and Lauren. The genetically enhanced patients I had helped (minus the cured Sarina) from the Institute run by Doctor Loews. Again, they had escaped their confinement to the wider galaxy. I was almost relieved it was not something worse.

The trio turned, and each said hello in their own way.

Jack, "Hah! He's here! He's here!" He said with rapidity, claiming victory that his assumption of my arrival was correct… that made him smart.

Lauren, "Well hello, Doctor," she said lustrously though with no real intent to pursue me.

Patrick however simply waved rapidly with his left arm, an excited grin on his face…

I sighed…

"What are you doing here?" I asked them harshly.

"What?!" Jack exclaimed, "You wanted us here! Why are your mad, hm, hm?" He got in my face with his hand twitching over his goatee.

Is sighed, "I tried… but I was denied."

Patrick interjected, scanning me curiously, squinting as if his eyes deceived him, "You're different!"

I smirked, "Well yes… the beard."

"No!" Patrick said. "You've changed! More confident."

Lauren interjected as well, "Lonelier." Her body squirmed with sexual energy, which repulsed me slightly.

As Jack returned to the group, Lauren continued, "He's had his heart broken. Still pining after Sarina?"

"No no, of course not!" I said, feeling extra angry.

Patrick kept squinting, looking at me from different angles, "Someone else then? Two people? A father and a lover?"

"Would you stop…" I relaxed my anger, "analyzing me please… and tell me why you're here."

Jack was indignant, "Well isn't it obvious? We're here to help your patient! Just like you asked! And…"

Jack hobbled closer to me, whispering, "And… whatever else you might have… going on."

I rolled my eyes, "there's nothing else going on, Jack."

"Hah!" He flipped his body over my table, just barely tapping a vase with his toe without knocking it over, "You're lying. You're not the type of man who puts things aside, hm, hm? They eat away at you… You're a fixer!"

Patrick nodded victoriously, amused at the callout, "He's got you, Doctor!"

I sighed, "Well how am I supposed to tell Starfleet what happened?"

Jack jittered triumphantly, "You don't have to! Hm, hm. They don't know we left!"

Patrick then smiled childishly, "I tricked the life support systems to still read our biosigns!"

I was skeptical, "But surely they check in on you."

Then the trio became sullen…. Especially Patrick.

"Actually…. They stopped coming to check on us… home is… a little darker than it used to be…" Patrick sunk quickly into a depressed state.

"We're smart but too unstable! Not worth keeping around!" Jack accused, pacing my quarters angrily.

"Jack that isn't true." I said.

"Yes, it is! Doctor Loews got reassigned! They've been releasing or relocating patients! Things are changing… Starfleet is become more about the Fleet and less about the stars! Mhm!"

I could scarcely believe it… Surely the Federation wouldn't do such a thing…. I looked up the records…. Which I… had access to.

"Access code JB87632108, code reset enable."

My console opened up to my secret networks.

Jack cheered, "I knew it! You're a man of secrets! You're just like us! I can help you!" Jack ingratiated himself to me, which was quite unusual, but he did so only for his own sake.

The records came up… and sure enough… the Institute had slowly lost resource allocation… redirected towards as yet unknown efforts. The unknown frustrated me.

"You're right… they have been ignoring you."

My fists clinched, my teeth grinded. It angered me greatly that they would do this to these three. That explained why it wasn't Doctor Loews herself that answered.

Patrick was still eyeing me, "You really have changed, like there's another person… living inside of you."

"Not exactly… it's a long story." I relaxed slightly, turning to announce, "I can talk to the new station Commander. You might remember her, Sarina met her."

Jack panicked, "No! Don't tell her! She'll just get us in trouble!"

"You can't hide forever Jack, you're not that powerful." I said.

Jack eyed the floor before returning my gaze, lying to me, he said, "You don't know what I can do." And he flipped around my quarters again as I ignored him.

I went to Captain Kira just as she was getting off shift from Ops, following her into the elevator as she finished another unknown task.

"Well Doctor, far as I'm concerned, they have a right to protest the Federation's neglect." Kira said. I was stunned.

"Really, Captain?" I eyed her… that was not the response I expected. The unpredictability was almost more than I could comprehend. "But… what of Starfleet's response?"

She shrugged with disdain, though directed at the Federation, not myself, "You let me worry about them." She said.

I should have been happy, but instead I couldn't stop thinking of what that would mean for her own career… and she had so far given me plenty of room to operate… if someone new came to run the station I might find myself with a person breathing down my neck who was not a friend… And this station would suffer… And I had just seen a communique from Admiral Janeway and Admiral Fitzpatrick about her that was starting to make sense.

Nerys looked at me, "You don't seem very happy." She looked at me expectantly, confused by my unresponsiveness.

"Oh nothing, Captain. It's just…" I stopped. There was nothing to explain that I could reveal, so I feinted with gratitude. Luckily honest gratitude.

"We're lucky to have you Nerys…" I said it but I couldn't smile. I just kept my grave look.

"Don't mention it, Julian. You've earned my loyalty. This isn't 'frontier medicine' for you anymore." She said with finality.

My spine shuddered in a paradoxical self-disgust and pride, "I had hoped you had forgot about that."

"Oh no I never forgot. But lucky for you, I listen to actions more than words." She said with a smile. I offered a half-smile in return as the turbolift opened and she left… off on some assignment. As the lift closed, I reached for my secret communicator to Ro, but I stopped just as the communicator was a hair away from my lips.

Ro… she might want Nerys to be reassigned, they've never gotten along.

It was a paranoid thought… but this was too important. I had to handle this myself, but I had no contacts like Ro did… But… I did have three soon to be very grateful engineered humans… with great skills.

No Julian. No. I told myself. But once the idea entered my head, I knew I was going to pursue it.

I was time for the trio to meet Tuvok. Nerys had arranged for them to be set up in the cargo bay just as before, though it felt empty without Sarina taking up space. We entered Sick Bay, quiet but unsettling, like a tomb. Tuvok sat in the darkness, two candles on either side, attempting a Vulcan meditation. He attempted to hold them still in the Vulcan logic symbol… His hands were shaking…

"Why's it so dark in here? Hm?" Jack grumbled, nibbling on his finger, and moved to flicker the lights on.

I held Jack back, "Tuvok experiences periods of light sensitivity. The extra stimulation overloads his emotions. He has requested the light level to be lowered when it's not necessary. We can keep it like that."

Zack was annoyed, unable to understand why I was keeping the lights from him, but my opinion mattered to him, "Fine!" He said.

Patrick, ever the empath, was much more receptive, "I can be like that with sound… if it's too loud." He smiled and nodded at Tuvok, who ignored him. Patrick retreated, becoming emotional, "Why is he ignoring me?" He whimpered at me.

I held his shoulder, "Tuvok is meditating, he isn't ignoring you, he's deep in a ritual of awareness and logic." That seemed to satisfy Patrick, who approached slowly, examining his meditation.

Lauren spoke up next, "It's not going well." She smiled. "He misses his friends."

Tuvok's eyes twitched, and Lauren approached him, "And… he's very handsome." She said with a flirtatious smile.

I walked to her a bit, "He's married… and even if he weren't… Vulcan relationships with humans are notoriously… difficult."

She didn't return my gaze, simply admiring her new toy, "That's never stopped me before."

Quietly I pondered what I had been thinking… bringing this group here… Then Jack stepped forward.

"Logic meditation, huh?" He examined Tuvok critically, "I don't meditate and I'm perfectly logical. Hah! What do you say to that?"

Tuvok ignored him… but rage is an old Vulcan companion, just as any other passion… You could feel the tone in the room change…

But Jack was immune somehow… or he saw it as some sort of challenge.

"What's the square root of 912.04? Hm? Answer quickly!"

Tuvok… in his intellectually disoriented space, could not come up with an answer. Not only that but his agitation increased as Jack interrupted his meditation. His fists clenched.

"Ohhh, he's angry…" Lauren rung out suggestively. This gesture caused Tuvok's teeth to clench... and my hand hovered over my communicator badge

"Logic… is more... than mathematics." He uttered venomously.

Jack got quite close to his face, "You're just saying that cause you can't do it! HAH!"

Patrick whimpered, "Jack don't be mean to him…"

But it was too late, Tuvok's eyes grew crazed, and he grabbed Jack's neck. Jack was utterly shocked…

I hit my communicator, "Bashir to security!"

But then Tuvok let go and held up a shaky hand, "WAIT!"

I stopped as Ro spoke on the other line, "Yes? What is it Julian?"

As Tuvok stared at me, he said quietly, "Do not… call security… I will… conquer this…"

I stopped a moment, then carefully told Ro, "It's alright Laren… sorry to bother you."

She was unconvinced by my careful tone, "okay…. If you change your mind."

I looked at Tuvok, and he nodded firmly.

"It's alright, I'll call you at the first sign of trouble…." I said, and closed the communication.

Tuvok sat down carefully, "I am not… violent… I should not have… lashed out at you… I'm sorry."

Jack, who was scared for a moment, grinned in triumph, "Hmph, he's crazy."

Lauren stared at Tuvok, "That only makes him more alluring."

"I…. will see my children again… my wife… I am… married. As soon as I'm… better…"

"I told you." I said to Lauren.

Jack cried out, "This isn't getting anywhere! He's too crazy!"

I turned to him, "If we had given up on you that easily, you might be in a far worse position now than you were at the Institute."

Jack scoffed, dismissing me with a hand wave, and going on one of his tangents in his mind, whispering to himself.

Patrick sat down by Tuvok… and began to mimic his meditation. Lauren wandered around Tuvok, trying to distract him with her wiles. She closed in on his ears, poising herself perfectly. This was not as effective as it would seem, Tuvok was not a man easily motivated by sex, even if he might have repressed sexual feelings.

Patrick whispered to him, "Am I doing it right?"

Tuvok… cracked a small smile…

Perhaps this would work after all, I thought.

Tuvok began guiding Patrick, "First… begin by clearing you mind... as best you can… you will experience thoughts… but imagine your thoughts are collected around the candles before you. They exist in the steady flame… alive. But not urgent. They float further, and further, until eventually, they are the stars themselves."

Patrick closed his eyes and did as Tuvok suggested. And for the first time, he seemed to calm down. This was astounding, as similar meditation techniques were taught to them at the Institute… perhaps it was the teachers… I started to question if they should even return to the Institute at all…

Tuvok himself was also quite strange, he spoke with such excitement, as if the meditation itself produced a happy response… that he was enjoying it for his own sake. That was not normal for a Vulcan… or was it? Perhaps it would be good for him too…

Then Jack pulled me aside, "So… when do we do the real work, hm?" He smirked, and I sighed.

"Well… as it happens… I do have something else we can work on…"

"I knew it!" He cheered.

"Shh…" I said. But Lauren was already upon us, "Oh? Do tell…"

Jack was angry that his private glory was being stolen, "I thought you were more interested in Tuvok, hm?"

She sighed, somewhat unconcerned, "Oh he's more interested in Patrick than me."

We glanced over at the pair, each in deep meditation, and each a small smile on their faces…

I looked over at Lauren and Jack, "Sigh… alright…"

We went to my quarters, the only other place I had protected from security bugs, thanks to Ro.

"Computer, access all files on Kira Nerys, Kathryn Janeway, and Gerald Fitzpatrick, plus all records for the Institute of Abnormal Living."

"Alright," I said to the trio (Tuvok was in Sick Bay, but we would soon gather in the old Cargo Bay). "Kira Nerys, the current station commander, is going to be discharged for a disappointing performance very soon, however, I need her to remain. She gives me a lot of leeway and overlooks things that even Captain Sisko wouldn't have. Couple that with Lieutenant Ro at security and I can do the important work that I have been doing."

Jack sounded confident, "Yes! Let us help with that stuff! You know we're just as good as you."

I held my hand up, "Help with this, then we'll talk about any other help you can provide. So long as you prove you can be discreet… unlike before."

He glanced at me with internal emotional damage, "Fine!" And he began to think.

Lauren and Patrick on the other hand, we're staring at Kira's most recent updated picture.

Lauren said, "She doesn't like that uniform…"

Patrick then said with total revelation, "She doesn't want to be here! We should let them fire her; she would like that. She wants to live a softer life." Patrick held his heart in solidarity with Nerys.

Lauren dispensed even more wisdom, "She's staying for someone else… A lover?"

Patrick disagreed, "No… something much bigger… a mentor…? A… God?"

Sisko? Ezri? The Prophets themselves? I wondered. Any one of them could be a reason.

"She needs to stay… so we have to help her want to stay too…" I said with a pang of surety.

Jack then scoffed, "No look at her face… she's not ready to leave yet. She has too much in that uniform… on this station. If we keep the Admirals from making her leave… she'll stay.

I felt dirty… playing with Kira's career like this… If Nerys wanted to leave, who was I to stop her?

Quietly, I apologized to Nerys, I needed her around awhile longer. She would not be fired for this….

Jack looked over Janeway's file, "She's lost all her friends, mhmm."

Patrick hobbled over, "Her whole family! Tuvok was in her family! We should talk to him about her!"

"No. Not yet... not unless we have to." I said. My head was spinning at the speed of their analysis.

"She's not going to let this slide… someone will have to pay… for something… she's angry… angry at every obstacle in her path." Patrick looked horrified. I stared at the picture… Somehow… as we talked on and on… it became clear… the person who would have to pay would be me…

Chapter Eight - Starman

As told by Julian Bashir

Some hours later in the cargo bay, Tuvok got to know the trio a bit better. They had totally memorized his service record, and they told Tuvok of their plight at the Institute. Tuvok and Patrick were sitting and meditating, Patrick seemed to really take to it in fact. I still struggled to understand how it was so effective now, but it dawned on me that the clinical setting may not be what Patrick needs.

The cargo bay was dark, and Lauren and Jack were huddled in the corner, upset that they were being forced to be quiet. Patrick had never been so calm probably in his life. Never so unconcerned with what others thought.

Jack would sneer and whisper within earshot, "Look at him… he'll start growing points on his ears, hmph!"

Patrick's lip would quiver but, then he would look to Tuvok… and stop, focusing again, and ignore Jack's attempt to get a rise out of him. The real trick would be if he could do it on his own. Silently I wished for Ezri's help… She would know exactly what to do. In fact, it was really a shame she never got to meet them, aside from Sarina. How that was possible, I didn't know, perhaps they were already considered under my care rather than hers? In any event, her ability to relate to her patients would have been the best for these four, yet she was off… to greater things.

I felt a bit angry for that for a moment, but there was no time for anger, for another outburst was about to begin.

Jack turned on some music, trying again to disturb the peace so his precious attention would return to him. He cycled through classical pieces that Patrick must have liked. They were by no artists I knew of and were immensely complex. Patrick didn't move. You could see the thoughts in his mind being put aside into the stars to be observed.

Jack grumbled, unable to understand his own emotional response, he judged Patrick for his 'waste of time', but it bothered him that he was not attending to his own ideas, as the group often did. I contemplated intervening, but that would only give Jack what he needed and reinforce the behavior, so I held back. I checked the clock. Nerys was late. I had asked her to meet me here.

Lauren walked over to Jack, "Play one of Tuvok's songs."

Jack scoffed, "Why? So, you can seduce him? Why should I care about that? Huh?" Jack bit his finger nervously.

Lauren said slowly and confidently, "Just do it…"

"Fine…" Jack complied.

He brought up the band's performances and hit the first one.

Vic's voice run over the intercom, "Okay team, a one, a two, a go."

An electric-jazz rendition of the old rock song 'Starman' began, with Vic as the lead singer. Humming low before singing in his low-voice.

~"Didn't know what time it was, the lights were low-ow-ow.

"I leaned back on my radio-oh-oh.

"Some cat was layin' down some rock and roll, 'lotta soul,' he said."~

You could hear Harry's clarinet and the keyboardist too, and the bass that Tuvok had chosen to play. His voice also hummed alongside Vic's. When he stopped you could still hear his humming, it was coming from Tuvok himself. He hummed the background sound, but he stopped when he realized we were all staring.

Patrick immediately broke his meditation to turn to Tuvok, "Wait, don't stop! It sounded so good!" Patrick was excited and his excitement dragged his voice out like a note. His child-like fascination broke Tuvok's guard a bit.

Tuvok began to hum the part, her focus transmuted to unfocused joy, The whole group began to sing. I remembered Sarina as they enjoyed themselves.

The main chorus came

~"There's a starrrmaaaaan waiting in the sky!

"He'd like to come and meet us, but he thinks he'd blow our minds!

"There's a starrrmaaaan waiting in the sky!

"He's told us not to blow it 'cause be knows its all worthwhile. He told me!

"Let the children lose it

"Let the children use it

"Let all the children boogie."~

Patrick had already begun to dance in a manner that was not meant to be viewed, but simply as an expression of joy.

Tuvok was smiling and laughing. If he weren't a Vulcan, I would be ecstatic to see it. It was slightly unsettling to watch, but I couldn't help but smile. As I did, my beard hairs brushed too close, reminding me it was time for a trim.

As the instruments played, Tuvok laughed and cheered Patrick on, "I like your dancing!"

Jack walked over, "Psh! Don't be ridiculous, he has no choreography!" Then he walked away, analyzing the music mathematically.

Patrick stopped, saddened by the insult, but Tuvok rescued him, "You don't have to look fancy, you're happy. I like it!"

Tuvok's simplicity touched Patrick and he walked over and gave him a hug.

Tuvok laughed very much like a human, though it was also hearty like a Klingon, "You remind me of my friend Neelix!" And in that moment Tuvok grew sad, and slumped.

"Who's Neelix?" Patrick asked curiously.

Lauren knew already, "Neelix was one of his ship mates on Voyager, but he stayed in the Delta Quadrant…"

Tuvok sat on the floor like a preteen, "He always knew how to make me happy when I couldn't be…"

I was fascinated, a Vulcan missing happiness, who used to shun it on principle. Curious.

The song returned

~"I had to phone someone, so I picked on you-oo-oo

"'Hey that's far-out, so you heard him too-oo-oo'

"'Switch on the TV, we may pick him up on Channel 2'"~

Tuvok took in the words and Patrick reach out his hand. Tuvok got a smile again

~"Look out your window I can see his ligh-igh-ight

"If we can sparkle, he may land tonighigh-ight

"Don't tell your Papa or he'll get us locked up in fright!"~

"I don't want to worry so much about logic… not today." Tuvok said.

"Then let's dance!"

Jack cheered, "And sing!" Since that was most important to him. They all joined for the finale.

~"There's a starrrmaaaaan waiting in the sky!

"He'd like to come and meet us, but he thinks he'd blow our minds!

"There's a starrrmaaaan waiting in the sky!

"He's told us not to blow it 'cause he knows it's all worthwhile. He told me!

"Let the children lose it

"Let the children use it

"Let all the children boogie."~

Tuvok seemed to relax, he smiled, his tears flowed. I began to see that this was best for him. All my treatments had failed. Maybe what he really needed was to let go of trying to be who he was. Who he had tried so hard to be again.

Then Nerys entered the doorway and the room silenced. Jack even shut off the music. They seemed afraid of her. She smiled at them nervously and waved. Then Nerys turned to me, "Doctor?"

She was serious, "This will need to be quick; I have a meeting with Admiral Janeway. She showed up unexpectedly."

Tuvok overheard, "Admiral Janeway?"

Nerys turned and spoke up to him, "Yes. She was your old Captain."

"Could… Could I see her?" He asked. He seemed hesitant…

"She has already asked to see you." Nerys said, but she turned back to me, "Doctor she's very upset about them being here. I violated Starfleet code, again, I don't think she will let that slide this time."

"That's ridiculous," I said, knowing full well it was a lie, "They came to see me, I'm responsible."

"Julian, you know that's not true." She seemed to have accepted her fate already as she held my shoulder.

"I should at least be part of the meeting," I offered.

"Alright, but it won't change anything. Let's be honest, Starfleet and I were never the best fit."

I firmed my face up, and it helped that I genuinely believed this, "I disagree, we're lucky to have you. If anything, the incident a few days ago proves that. You stood up for Quark, and for your people. You always do."

Nerys got honest with me for a moment, and she seemed tired, deeply tired, "Julian, I don't know if I can take it much longer."

Damnit, I can't have this. So, I lied again.

"Well… if it's any consolation, I understand wanting to leave… I've been considering it myself."

Everyone stared at me. They must have known I was a lying.

"Really? You?" Nerys said.

My thought simply went on, I had no idea how I was lying so well. Maybe it wasn't a lie?

"It's been... difficult, these past few years. After everything that's happened. I don't feel that I'm growing here in my medicine any longer. I wonder what it might be like… to try something new even a bit."

I turned to Nerys and her eyes were sullen, glistening. I had hit the spot. I had hit the thing she felt. I continued, "I don't want to leave DS9, but I wondered if working for the Bajorans rather than Starfleet might be possible. I could really dive in on the details. It would help my treatment here, too. Most of my patients are Bajoran."

And let me keep on serving Starfleet in secret….

Nerys stood still, taking in my words. I think she believed them, "I… I can certainly understand that…"

And then the doors opened. Admiral Janeway. Her face was intense.

"Captain Kira!" She said firmly. "I've been waiting for our meeting. You were told to expect me."

It was quite clear she was barely a minute late; the Admiral needed an excuse.

"Forgive me, Admiral, I wanted to make sure that everything…"

But Admiral Janeway had already turned to look at the group, "Tuvok…"

She knew he was sick, though she did not know that I assumed it was permanent. I knew right away she would not take the news well.

She walked close to him, "How are you feeling Tuvok?" She was far warmer than she had been to Kira a moment ago. Kira was unfamiliar to her.

Tuvok seemed embarrassed, but his new emotionality was impossible to hide, "I'm… I'm doing good… Captain…" He corrected himself, "Admiral…"

Janeway knew right away Tuvok was different. Her face changed to a pitying one, which worried me.

"The medical reports say you've been healing…" She said.

"I… don't feel the same… but... maybe that's alright… I'm playing music…" He gestured around him, "And I've made friends!" He looked down a moment, then back up, "Some will be back."

"That's good!" Janeway smiled, but then her eyes sank. Something was missing… this was not her long-time friend, wise in all things. This was a child. A frustration boiled to the surface…

"It's good to see you." Tuvok said. "I could play some of my music for you…"

Janeway looked to the floor, then up more professionally, "Another time." She said, then she turned sharply. Tuvok eyed her like she was the alien, examining her every move after that. His eyes were distraught.

"Captain Kira!" The admiral said.

Kira stood at attention, "Admiral." She looked as though she were in great physical pain taking orders from her.

Janeway stood firmly a few inches below Nerys. In fact, Janeway was barely taller than Ezri, but she carried as much force as Nerys.

"You were not within your rights to allow these patients abord this station."

Nerys replied, "With respect Admiral, they dodged all security. When the Doctor notified me, it seemed to me that they had the right to stay. They were not receiving treatment."

"We don't need treatment!" Jack yelled. Tuvok looked at him.

"Jack!" I yelled back.

Janeway continued, "Admiral Fitzpatrick and I have thought for a long time that you simply don't have the Federation's best interest at heart, especially not with how your responded to Federation rules being enforced on this station. But now he and I inexplicably disagree on this issue… Despite you overstepping your authority."

I blinked… then looked over and eyed Lauren and Jack… There was nothing in Fitzpatrick's profile that would suggest he would disagree with Janeway… In fact, I had no idea how someone could change his mind and I had profiles on all Admirals now. But if there was disagreement, then I had one chance to act….

"Sir?" I interrupted.

Janeway turned to me, angered by my use of 'sir,' "Admiral, if you'd please, is there a reason for your interruption Doctor?"

I brought on the anger, another lie.

"With all due respect, Admiral. This is my responsibility. I asked them to come here."

"I'm sorry doctor, you what?" She asked, she was not amused.

"I asked for them in my log, I knew that would draw them here. It did last time, it would again. And the treatment is working."

Janeway was aghast, and her anger simmered over the edge. She pointed over at Tuvok, "He's not healed! He's acting just as he has during his other episodes of brain damage."

I felt the need to retreat but I had to bring on the insubordination, "You're in the command branch, so you may not be aware, but there is only so much mental trauma a person can take, even a Vulcan before he is forever changed! These three are helping him survive that and to find a new life, even while YOUR own officers are coming here and separating the station."

"Your tone is unacceptable, Doctor." She said blankly, starting me right in the eyes. I stared right back. I believed what I said. The way the Federation had treated those with altered genes had always bothered me. The trio had their problems, but the righteous anger I felt was real.

"If you're going to punish anyone, punish me, I take full responsibility. Take my commission if you must."

"Julian…" Nerys reached over. But Janeway stopped her, "very well Doctor. Since it seems that Fitzpatrick agrees with you. I will permit you the dignity of honorable discharge, but if you do not put in your resignation, I shall be forced to take your commission in a court martial. There must be consequences for this issue."

And it was then that Tuvok intervened. He was flabbergasted, angry, "What's wrong with you?!" He asked Janeway.

"Not now Tuvok!" She said to him.

"You're treating everyone around you like they're your tools! Who are you?! You're not the Janeway I remember!"

"Maybe when you're an Admiral you will understand." She chastised like child, then her eyes sank, "If you ever make it back to Starfleet."

"I DON'T WANT TO UNDERSTAND!" Tuvok yelled. And then he stormed off and out of the room.

I quietly said to Janeway as she wanted him to leave, "You'll have my resignation by morning… so long as the patients remain under my charge."

Janeway was fixated on Tuvok's reaction… so much so she agreed unenthusiastically," Very well Doctor…"

Then she left. You could see her looking for him, but he had long disappeared in the corridor… The doors closed; the beginning of her existential crisis faded from view…

All Nerys could do was stare at me; with a respect I had never seen her carry for me. She just nodded and left the room after a moment herself.

I took a deep breath and turned to the trio.

"Who did it?" I asked.

Jack shrugged, "Did what?"

"You know damn well what! We all agreed Fitzpatrick would need to be convinced."

Patrick spoke next, "We looked in your computer."

Lauren finished, "The code wasn't hard to figure out."

Patrick continued, "Information suggested Janeway would be here much sooner than expected."

Jack smirked, "So we forged that other Admiral's orders!"

I walked rapidly to him, angry, "Forged orders? Are you mad! We could be caught!"

Jack simply talked to Lauren instead of me, "See? He's soft! Can't make the harder decisions. 'Risk averse' like his psych profile!"

Lauren rocked her hips, "He'll have to learn sooner or later."

I looked over at Patrick, he just shrugged innocently, "You need us…"

I just looked to all of them. Already they had embedded themselves in the operation… too entrenched… And they were painfully right. Without their help Nerys would be out of a job, and even thought they took my commission, I knew I would still remain on the station. The Bajoran Ministry of Health had repeatedly sought my expertise. I was colleagues with many of their doctors and nurses.

"Fine…" I said. "But you WILL learn discipline!"

Lauren spoke for the group, "Oh I think you'll find we can be… quite disciplined."

Chapter Nine – Pel'grana

As told by Ezri Dax

Captain's personal log Stardate 56883.5. The Aventine has arrived at Earth for an unexpected visit. Call it… elective work. My crew has done the job of getting me to Earth, now I'm meeting with Inspector Szymanski. I'm quite nervous. All I know how to do is plea with him.

I sat outside his office waiting for my allotted timeslot… only ten minutes. The man was quite demanding with his time.

The door opened and his last appointment exited.

"Come in Captain Dax." He said. He was not looking at me, simply at his paper which he was signing on. Some sort of formal contract... It was odd actually… REAL paper. Not exactly Starfleet standard…

I sat down, and before I started speaking, he spoke, again without looking up, "I presume you're here to discuss the situation on Deep Space Nine?"

"Yes, Commander. I wanted to ask you to reconsider what you've been doing. The culture of the station is taking a huge hit. People are packing up and leaving." I said, I was practically begging.

"There is little more I can tell you other than what I said during the meeting."

"Yes, sir." I said. "But if you've looked at my service record you know that I'm not concerned about money here, but is Starfleet really going to support overruling even local Bajoran culture? We're not in the business of disrupting people, we want them to keep their uniqueness." I appealed to his sense of integrity.

Szymanski sighed and put his old-style pen down and put his hands together, his gaze was unmoving and terrifying, "As I explained before, Bajor cannot expect special treatment. As a member of the Federation, it is bound by certain rules, rules we have determined to lead to a better and more unified society. Plus, a freer society. Now because Captain Sisko was this 'Emissary' he managed to dodge these rules for years. Disciplining him too harshly would have put our alliance at risk but now it is written and signed. They are no different than Vulcan, Earth, Tellar, or Andoria. I know your Captain Kira is Bajoran, and that you are… attached to her, but that doesn't change the facts." He returned to his papers.

I pleaded further, I wanted him to see, so I poured my heart out, "But Bajoran culture is rich and beautiful and worth preserving. If you could see the value, it brings to its people…"

His eyes looked up from his paper, he eyed my earring. I remember backing into my chair a bit, feeling ashamed… observed too closely. I wasn't ashamed of the earring, in fact I loved it, it reminded me of so many things. My connection to myself, to Nerys, to Benjamin…

"I can see that you value it," His eyes passed judgement and then looked back at his paperwork, "But whatever your religious beliefs, you still must abide by the rules."

"That's…. I'm not…" I reached for the earring with a light touch "you don't understand this…." I stopped. I knew it was useless to say anything else. He couldn't conceive of my spirituality as anything more than a group identity, something to create oppression. I knew because that's what I used to feel.

There was something, 'my spirituality.' When did that happen?

The doors opened with a whoosh.

It was Yoldrin Zaldana, his Zaldan assistant. He came in handing him a padd of some sort. He looked it over unemotionally, then handed it back, "Very well, Yoldrin, I will see you tomorrow." Yoldrin smiled and nodded firmly. I couldn't understand what he saw in him.

Lieutenant Zaldana eyed me on his way out, a look of disgust, and a shake of his head. Maybe even an eye roll? I must have looked meek, begging… trying to say anything to get him to see the mistake. A Zaldan wouldn't respect that kind of gesture. But for Szymanski he was happy to give him his reports without so much as a thank you…

"Dutiful assistant…." I said, trying poorly to hide my derision.

Lucky for me, he ignored it, "Mister Zaldana is a most useful assistant. Negotiations with offenders have become much smoother with a strong guard with me. We've gotten more done together than we could have apart." Szymanki looked up, feeling a sense of pride, "Plus his presence seems to bring out the true feelings of rule violators. Very useful." He smiled to himself, as if patting his own back for his ingenuity.

It was that smile that made me realize reality. The realization hit me so suddenly I couldn't help but smile and lean ahead as I spoke, "You're exploiting him!"

Then Szymanski's entire face changed, a moment of fear, then anger couched by professionalism. Exactly the kind of dishonest anger his assistant wouldn't respect.

"I most certainly am not." He said, his brows furrowed comically.

"Yes, you are!" I said, still smiling, "When you bring him a long, he's large and intimidating, and personality scares people. And their fear and politeness makes him even more frustrated! So, they get even more scared and comply with whatever rules you set! But if someone is familiar with Zaldanian culture, they know they have to shed all pretense, so show anger at what you're doing, and then you come in looking reasonable and confident while they look hot-headed and unreasonable. All the while your assistant respects you even more… That's really impressive actually." I lifted my head back, looking away, talking him 'up' to see if he responded.

Despite that upbeat tone, Gerald Szymanski knew I was not complimenting him, "The Federation is not in the business of exploitation, Captain."

"It certainly shouldn't be, but… come on Commander, you know that's not as true as we'd like." I said, thinking of Benjamin's skill at negotiation.

Szymanski turned his paper over in an angry motion, "This meeting is over. Escort yourself out."

I smiled and stood, and as I left out the door I just said, "I'll see you tomorrow." He ignored me.

Sometime later, I had managed to locate his assistant off duty at a bar on Starfleet's campus. I knew all I had to do was get Yoldrin to see what was being done to him. How his culture was being disrespected. But I knew he saw me as meek and too polite. I would have to show him honest strength. I quietly thought about Jadzia and Curzon… to channel a bit of them… this was difficult to do over my nerves…

It would turn out that the Zaldanian would do that for me.

He called out to me as I spaced out, "AH! The redoubtable and young Captain Dax!" He had been drinking already and was clearly drunk. "I was just talking about you! What do you say to that?"

I took a breath and put on my best strong face. As I could muster without fear.

I walked over to him and took a seat at the bar, "I would ask if you if you have anything to say to me." I stood my ground.

He eyed me a moment, before smirking slightly, "Have a drink with me, as many as you like!"

He poured some sort of exotic drink from the bottle he had been given.

"What is it?" I looked at it, trying hard not to show my disgust.

"It's an Earth drink… Whiskey" He said 'whiskey' in an odd accent. Deliberately mispronouncing it?

"And this!" He reached over the bar while the keeper wasn't looking and grabbed something green, "It's Selabranan, a Vulcan drink!"

Then he gestured to a shot sitting near him as I grew increasingly horrified, "And this is from my home, Pel'grana! Try it!" He scooched it over to me as I looked hesitant.

"Come now! I've heard that you've drank with Klingons! Don't tell me you'll turn your nose up at this!"

I swallowed my fear at the awful smell and took a swig. My face shuddered as the taste burned my tongue and throat. I couldn't disguise my disgust.

"Do you like it?" His face was pure excitement, inviting me to lie, but I knew that was a bad idea, "Umm, no…" I said.

He slammed on the table with his hand and laughed boisterously. He would be at home in a Klingon feasting hall….

He gestured to the bartender, "Bartender! Bring the delicate lady something she would like!" And continued to laugh.

"I wouldn't call myself delicate." I said, genuinely feeling hurt.

He put his arm around me, "it's alright to be delicate sometimes." He whispered it to me like it was some secret. "You'll shoot down hordes of Borg without blinking? Then you're not delicate. But with drink? You are. You don't have to be both."

The bartender got to me just as I was feeling better, in fact I smiled, rather excited to have someone so Klingon-like say something like that to me, "Well… Do you have Urithal?"

"Ah a Bajoran drink! Nothing to sneeze at!" Yoldrin said.

A human phrase….

The bartender nodded with amusement and fatigue.

I wondered why I was so excited to have this drink. Nerys and I had it from time to time. But I had grown a taste for it, and hasperat, and Bajoran tea… I wondered if this was how Benjamin felt, being thrown into the culture without choice and growing to love it…

The bartender got it for me, clearly intimidated by Yoldrin, who was boisterous even for a Zaldan.

"I think I was wrong about you!" He said. "Tell me about that girl of yours! The one you love!"

I blinked and blushed, "Who?"

"Oh, come now! I'm not here to challenge you, tell me about your passion! I don't need details"

I smiled. Feeling really seen by this man. He was so open to exploring other people, other cultures, and far more understanding than I had expected…. Yet he was being exploited by someone so small…

We talked a great deal. I told him about Nerys, he told me about his wife and six children. (I couldn't believe that number.) He loved art, especially alien art, he was big fan of a Trill artist Yennika Drin, the first joined Trill to be a visual artist. At the time that was a big achievement. I always loved his work. He also loved Vulcans, though he found their deliberate annihilation of feelings confusing, but he said he loved them for that very reason. Because he didn't understand. By the time our conversation lulled, and I was a bit tipsy, I knew immediately this man should be a diplomat… not a security officer….

Finally, I asked the question.

"So… why do you work for Szymanski? Do you like him?" I wondered aloud.

He swallowed a swig of Selabranan, "Of course! He is a good man, honest. He doesn't coat things with meaningless ritual. He's trying to build a better Federation."

"You think so?" I asked.

"Well…" He snuck a little closer, "I am not a smart man. But he is. In this great Federation…" He stuck his hand out. He had deep vision. "We all play our part! It's an honest game! An honest world! That's so rare! I know I can't stomach all the papers and math, just as you cannot stomach Pel'grana! Hah!"

I smirked, leaning into his friendly touch.

"But if I can keep watch on his affairs and give those who break rules a little push, then I'm doing my part!" He finished. He admired a simple life… it was really quite a romantic view… refreshing, especially to the part of me that was still Curzon.

"You're an honest man, Yoldrin. That's wonderful." I said to him, "Do you think Szymanski is honest?"

He shrugged, "well he certainly seems honest to me. He tells it like it is."

"How so?" I asked.

"Well…." He stopped a moment, he seemed unsure of how to explain it, "He knows his material, he knows how to guess at people… he…"

Yoldrin leaned back… as if considering something.

"Zaldanians tend to think of directness as honest, but not everyone is like that. Especially humans, in my experience. A lot of humans tell themselves silly things to convince themselves they're honest, but they aren't honest, even to themselves."

I leaned back, "Even a lot of Trill are that way, but if you've been joined nine times… you start to get better at being honest…" My eyes looked to the side, recalling Joran, "more or less."

Yoldrin sat forward, "Well I'm sure that he's just like a Vulcan, pushing his feelings back."

I looked quizzically at him, "If that's true then he wouldn't have yelled at me when I brought you up, he'd have stayed calm."

Yoldrin looked over at me, "What did you say?"

"I just pointed out how your culture benefits him." I said.

"How?" Yoldrin was a bit confrontational, but I knew he was simply very curious.

"He uses your beliefs to trick people. And your demeanor. Most races respect honesty, but most have a system of politeness that you challenge by being so honest." I said.

So far, he was only barely following, "They find that to be intimidating… threatening." I continued. "And even impolite. But when people know your culture, they are more honest and direct, and that allows him to step in and use that honesty against them. The rules of politeness make them look bad because their anger violated those rules… so they look unreasonable just for saying how they really feel. Isn't that awful?"

Yoldrin looked as though he had just made a revelation.

"He is smart Yoldrin. Smart enough to use you without being caught. But I think you're smarter than he is. Because you care… He only cares about his bottom line… Just like my friend Quark…"

Yodlrin blinked several times, "That's…."

He knew I was being honest, and that only helped him realize it more. All I had to do was point it out.

"I will talk to him tomorrow!" He said suddenly and drank his last drink. He stood, so I did too, "I must go home!" He shook my hand vigorously; I simply held his hand with my genuine feeling. He liked that.

He smiled, "You would like my wife."

I didn't know what to make of that.

The next day, I wandered by Szymanksi's office. Waiting… You could hear arguing inside. Shouting…

I paced. Trying not to look too much like I was expecting this as people walked by.

Finally, the door opened, and out in the hall we could all hear Yoldrin's yelling. People turned to see the angry, webbed-finned man, nearly seven-feet-tall, yell at a short older man who seemed… not intimidated, but exposed. Defensive.

"This conversation is over! I refuse to work with a man like you!" He yelled.

"Please! Don't be ridiculous, you are blowing this way out of proportion!" Szymanksi said in response.

He was quickly shut down, "No! No matter what I ask, you refuse to give me a straight answer! It's because you're a liar! I was wrong about you!"

Yoldrin walked out and the door closed behind him, he looked at me… what was it? Was he ashamed? Guilty? That hardly seemed possible… but he gave me that look… then he left.

I turned to the office and entered. I didn't bother to conceal my victory, he was not a man who you could get any kind of respect from unless you showed strength, strength Yodlrin had showed me.

Szymanksi stared at me a moment, then looked down at his papers. They were like his inflated ego, safe, comfortable… and he always returned to them to avoid looking at others.

"It sounds like trouble is brewing for you." I smirked.

He wrote something possibly useless, on his paper, in a ferocious pattern, "What is the point of all this? Revenge? Are you so petty that you wish to get back at me for tarnishing your 'precious station?'"

"Not remotely!" I said in a joyous tone. "In fact, I was just here to solve a problem, but you wouldn't listen to me." I leaned in closer, "Now you and I both know Yoldrin is far too honest of a man to use the systems available to him… but someone who has knowledge of this situation could… say… submit a report to security about an exploitation on Starfleet grounds? They of course would launch an investigation and suspend all your activities." I spoke to him nonchalantly, because any other tone he could use against me.

He scoffed, his face red with fear and embarrassment, "You wouldn't have the grounds for such a complaint…"

"Oh, I think I would… but I don't necessarily have to do that… provided we can reach an accommodation." I called his bluff, smiling.

He looked me directly in the eye, forced to give me respect where he wasn't used to it, his face grimaced, but he seemed much smaller now.

"Talk…" Is all he said.

Chapter Ten – Learning to Fly

Part 1

As told by Quark

Quark sat in the passenger seat, trying to ignore the number of hickies on Zee's neck. She intentionally wore a more top revealing outfit show to show them off. It upset Quark… It made him think of all his romantic failures, especially Pel, whom he has just seen…

But most of all Quark began to think of what he would do. If he reopened the bar… as a free institution, running on Federation supply, he would have to be much more honest…. Zee would dislike that, but she would be okay. But the holosuites would be running, Vic and his band could start up again… truly it would be as it had been when DS9 first realized itself. Quark would take a stand under Federation duress, saying 'no I'm staying' and the people would take that as a sign of future prosperity.

And yet… what else was there for him to do? Where else was he happier? Quark had no idea. In fact, he didn't know who he was at all… Rom was right… profit was everything to him….

Zee whispered, mocking Quark for being distracted by treating him as if he were sleeping, "Oh Quark…We're coming up on the station…"

Zee then took a communicator across the ship, "All right all you idiots… and Lulu," She said 'Lulu with the most insufferable sultry tone' and like a little sheep, Lusara come up behind her and wrapped her arms around her.

"Hi." Lu said, rubbing her ears up against her.

I groaned, "Must you do that?"

Zee turned to me, "Yes, she must."

Vic rematerialized behind us, giving Lusara a pitying look, "Back home…" He said looking at the station.

"Aventine's in dock…" Zee mentioned.

When the group entered the Promenade, the whole area was bustling with activity, just as before. The jumja stick lady was back, and Lusara's shop was open again. It looked as though someone had been keeping it up for her. Lu and Zee ran off in that direction. The only place that was closed was Quark's bar, but nothing had been taken down, or rearranged. Ezri was sitting there looking at him and motioned him over… Vic and Quark walked over, about to get the best news they could get.

Part 2

As told by Kira Nerys

Quark's bar was finally opened, but donation boxes had been gathered around the whole facility And Vic was singing with Tuvok and the whole band,

~"Well, I started out… on a dirty road! Started out! All alone!"

"And the sun went down… as I crossed the hill… and the town lit up! The world got still…"

"I'm learnin' to fly! But I ain't got wings! Comin' down… is the hardest thing!"~

Ezri was sitting at the bar as I eavesdropped a bit. She was ingratiating herself to Quark, "So then I said to him 'can we reach an accommodation?'"

Quark laughed his slightly off-putting laugh. He was impressed, "Ah haw haw… you made a deal… I knew you had it in you!"

"Well, you still can't make any profit." Ezri wagged her finger, 'but a procurement chain there, a minor charge there, donations from the community? You still have something."

Quark lifted his own glass, "Well you might just be a Ferengi at a heart after all! Jadzia would be proud."

Ezri looked down, unsure how to feel about that, "Careful… you might make me regret it…"

Quark shook his head, "Nah!" Then he saw me, and charmingly excused himself.

Ezri seemed a bit nervous when I sat down, "Hey! She turned around to the band. Vic and Tuvok had never been happier…

I shook my head in admiration, and at the way she leaned on the counter. A little Jadzia was showing… but more than a little Ezri as well. It was beautiful to see her grow.

"You really got that smartass guy to listen to you?" I wondered. I sat closer to her than maybe I should have… but that was on old habit…

"Oh no!" Ezri chuckled, "he wouldn't listen to me… but that bodyguard of his… I got him to try Urithal." She drank from her own glass after.

"Didn't you used to hate that stuff?" I asked, I couldn't help but stare at her as she said it. Her beauty still astounded me; it came out in such strange ways when I looked at her. Like a revelation.

"Oh yes! But I got used to it," She smirked with a slight shyness. I took her hand and she looked at my hand like it were a gift from the Prophets, "Might get used to Pel'grana, too, she said, raising her glass in the other hand."

"Do you like it?" I wondered aloud, awaiting with bated breath for a reply.

She replied with visceral disgust as she took another sip, "Oh it's revolting!" She had just finished her glass. "But I think I'll have more. Makes me feel strong, like Yoldrin… It occurs to me… that might be what Jadzia really liked about bloodwine. The test…"

"Test of what?" I rubbed her hand. I could feel the answer but I was eager to hear of it anyway.

"Oh, I don't know, strength, honor, endurance…." She looked at me with a loving smirk, "Faith…"

She took my hand and kissed it, right in the middle of the bar… not that anyone seemed to notice.

I felt a surge of adrenaline, "Should we be doing this here?"

"Yes." Ezri answered my question the moment I stopped asking it, "That is... if you want I just… I don't want to hide anymore. I want you to know I'm serious… very serious." She made direct eye contact with me, her face bright red, but exposed.

Ezri looked at me far more bravely than she had when I last saw her, and she smiled and brought the humor in, "besides, I've heard you might have more job security than we'd expected."

"Yes…. I feel bad for what happened to Julian though…" I replied, "He deserved better."

Ezri assured me, "I'll talk to him… but… it was his choice…"

A moment of silence passed as we each felt the same feeling… the same empathy to Julian, as if we were one… Vic's singing echoed… Tuvok echoing.

~"Now some say life… will beat you down… break your heart… steal your crown…"

"So, I started out… for God knows where… I guess I'll know… when I get there…"

"I'm learnin' to fly… around the clouds! But what goes up… must come down!"~

I couldn't help myself; I took her chin in for a kiss… She didn't resist at all. I felt eyes on us… Vic perhaps… Quark…. it didn't matter.

My Da'jara. I couldn't believe it. But I did.

At some point, I don't know when, Vic and the Moonwalkers played the song they closed with. Their refrain 'I want to break free' echoing with happiness rather than fear.

Part 3

As told by Julian Bashir

Gerald Szymanski came crying to me in my private room over the intercom, I had a Barjoan medical outfit on now… but everything was exactly where it needed to be.

"That Dax… She's a total slave to the Bajoran cause, just like Sisko!" He whined. He was childish… needy.

"At ease Gerald! You do good work in the galaxy… and she didn't get you fired. But you did overstep here. DS9 is a delicate balance in probably still the most important sector of Federation influence. Your ego got the better of you… can we agree?"

He looked to the side, "Yes sir…."

He couldn't see the flaw, but he was not in charge… I was.

"I'm sending you three assets. You're not to discuss their true status with anyone. Can I trust you to do that?" I asked.

"Yes… I'm honored to do this work for the Federation, sir." He submitted.

"Good… the four of you will be working together on projections… things will be happening soon that will shake the foundations of the galaxy, we need to be ready."

I shut off the monitor. My first agent…. No one even knew. He was perfect… perfectly loyal to anyone who served the Federation but also perfectly amenable to drastic measures…. He believed what I told him… that I led a secret group… to help secure he Federation like the Tal'shiar or the Obsidian Order… Section 31… And he ate it up…