Chapter Six
"You've got to be kidding me!"
Dax's gaze hardened. Sisko knew that he had to say
something before Dax said something she'd regret.
"You heard me, Major," he said firmly. "I
understand how you feel about Doctor Bashir, but that is
no excuse for so casually dismissing him. He's young,
yes, but he's also a senior officer and a damn fine
doctor. I won't tolerate anymore belittling of his
abilities."
Major Kira Nerys stared at him in shock, then looked
at Dax. "You're serious," she said. "The both of you.
Look, if Julian can't take a few criticisms-."
"A few criticisms?" Dax echoed. "Have you ever
stopped to think that your 'criticisms' are telling him
he's a burden, an annoyance, and that you would rather
not ever see his face for the rest of your life if you
could help it?"
"Dax," Sisko said, a warning in his voice.
Dax backed down.
Kira was still unconvinced. "I've never said those
things."
Dax looked ready to speak again, but Sisko raised
his hand for silence. "Major, I'm sure you never
intended to sound that way. Nevertheless, that is how it
has been coming out. I know, I've heard you myself. I
too am guilty of making him feel that way, but we have to
stop and consider the consequences. We are seriously
damaging our doctor's confidence, and that is something
we cannot afford. No more rude remarks. Am I clear?"
Kira stiffened. "Yes, sir."
Sisko nodded. "Good. Send O'Brien in. Dismissed."
~~*~~
Kira exited the turbolift on the Promenade. She
made her way through the crowd, heading for the
Infirmary, when she saw Bashir head there himself. From
the looks of his stride, he was in a hurry to get there.
She arrived just as Bashir was telling Jabarra that
he would be in his office until his shift was over. Kira
cleared her throat.
Bashir turned to look at her. A mask devoid of
emotion slid into place. "What can I do for you, Major?"
Kira was startled by the abrupt tone he took with
her. "I wanted to talk about this morning."
The mask didn't budge, but Bashir seemed to pale.
"I'm sorry, but there's nothing to talk about. If you
don't mind, I'm rather busy."
Kira looked about the empty room. "With what? You
don't have any patients. You can talk to me."
The mask slipped, and anger took its place. "Being
a doctor is not entirely about treating patients," he
snapped. "There is more to my job than that. Maybe it's
not as important as running the station, but it's
important to me. Now if you'll excuse me, Major, I have
work to do."
He spun on his heel and stormed angrily into his
office. Kira could only stare after him in shock.
Bashir had never lost his temper with her before.
Something was indeed wrong.
She turned to ask Jabarra about it, but the nurse's
expression was cold. "I'll have to ask you to leave,
Major."
Kira couldn't have been more stunned. "What?"
"Unless you have some sort of medical situation,
you're going to have to leave," Jabarra told her.
"Doctor Bashir is the only doctor on this station of over
a thousand people, and I will not have you, or anyone
else, jeopardize his state of mind. Good day, Major."
"But-," Kira tried to protest.
"Good day."
Slightly angry but largely confused, Kira turned and
left the Infirmary.
She made her way over to Quark's bar, passing a
small group of plainly clothed men. She found an empty
table, ordered a Raktajino, and began to mull over what
had just happened.
O'Brien joined her ten minutes later. "I take it
Jabarra read you the riot act?"
"Actually," Kira said, "it was Julian."
O'Brien raised his eyebrows. "You saw him? How was
he?"
"Angry," Kira replied. "And distant. Like he
didn't trust me."
"According to Dax and Captain Sisko, he's got no
reason to trust us," O'Brien said. "I just wish Julian
would tell us why he's acting this way."
Quark approached their table in time to hear
O'Brien's last comment. "Can you blame him for not
telling you?" he asked as he set a glass down in front of
O'Brien. "He probably thought you wouldn't even listen
to him."
"Quark, what do you know about this?" Kira asked
tiredly.
"A lot more than you think," Quark said mysteriously
before walking away.
"He's right, you know," O'Brien said.
"Who, Quark?" Kira asked, incredulous.
"We probably wouldn't have believed Julian," O'Brien
continued. "But how are we going to fix this when we
can't get anywhere near him?"
"I guess we wait," Kira told him.
~~*~~
Ferat looked over his faithful colleagues and
smiled. "Our Ryku will join us in completing our
celebration tomorrow at midday!"
The crowd cheered, but fell silent quickly at
Ferat's raised hand.
"It shall take place right outside his Infirmary,
for all believers and nonbelievers alike to witness," he
continued. "I expect we will run into difficulty with
their security. You all know what must be done in order
to ensure our salvation."
All heads nodded gravely.
"Then so it shall be," Ferat stated. "Let us
continue our prayers to our Goddess for our salvation."
Everyone bowed their heads and joined together in
chanting a prayer to their Supreme leader.
~~*~~
Bashir jumped when he felt a light tap on his
shoulder. Blinking his eyes, he discovered that he had
fallen asleep at his desk. He looked up to meet
Jabarra's disapproving gaze.
"Don't start with me," he warned. "I didn't realize
the time."
Jabarra's gaze softened. "I'll forgive you if you
go change and get some breakfast. It's 1030 hours."
Bashir was startled and checked the chronometer on
his computer. "I had no idea . . ."
"Neither did I," Jabarra replied. "I thought you
were just running late. When the computer told me you
were still here, I guessed you had fallen asleep
working."
Bashir grinned faintly. "Jabarra, I know I've been
a bear lately, and I haven't been the easiest person to
work with . . ."
Jabarra waved her hand dismissively. "Don't mind
it. I don't. Just go and eat. You haven't eaten since
yesterday at breakfast."
As if on cue, Bashir's stomach rumbled. He laughed.
"All right, I know when to give in. I'll be back in half
an hour."
"An hour," corrected Jabarra. "No rush."
"All right then," Bashir amended. "An hour. No
more. I still have a lot of work to do."
Jabarra shooed him out of the Infirmary. As he
walked to the turbolift, his head began to clear. He had
been acting childish over the last few days and . . .
God, had he snapped at Kira? Bashir's face turned
crimson. He had to apologize to her. And to Dax and
Sisko for his behavior. It had been uncalled for.
He quickly showered and changed, then headed back to
the Promenade for a meal. He was surprised at how
famished he was. Had it really been twenty-four hours
since his last meal?
He replicated a generous serving of scones with jam,
English muffins, and a cup of Tarkellian tea, then went
to find a table. He had just started eating when a
shadow fell over him. He turned to see who it was.
And froze.
Kyren, the four Alentari he had been with yesterday,
and one more man were situating themselves around his
table. Bashir moved to stand, but was held in place.
"You will come with us, Ryku," the black-haired man
said.
Bashir looked at him. "I think not." He reached
for his communicator to call for Security when Kyren
snatched the badge off of his chest. Bashir looked about
wildly for someone to help him, but no one was paying any
attention to what was going on.
"What do you want from me?" Bashir demanded.
"Our salvation is at hand," Kyren stated. "You must
come with us to prepare."
Two of the others took his arms and lifted him to
his feet. Holding onto him discreetly, the group led
Bashir to his Infirmary. He hoped Jabarra would be there
to alert Security, but she was nowhere to be found.
Seeing his puzzled look, Kyren explained, "We sent
her to care for a few of our sick. We will not be
disturbed."
Bashir was led to his office where the men begin to
strip him of his uniform. Bashir fought them, but to no
avail. He was soon naked and very afraid.
"Ferat," Kyren said. "Where is his ceremonial
robe?"
The black-haired man stepped forward carrying a long
white robe with gold trim. He forced it over Bashir's
head and let it drop all the way to the floor. Once he
had been clothed, Ferat removed the flask of holy water
and began to anoint him in the same way Kyren had the day
before. Bashir twisted and struggled in his captors'
grips, but they were too strong.
"With this anointment, may we journey to everlasting
life," Ferat murmured.
"Sie tzat," the others said.
"What the hell is this?" Bashir shouted, half-hoping
someone would hear him. "What are you doing?"
"Our Scripts speak of a prophecy of salvation,"
Kyren explained as one of the others began to tie his
hands in front of his body with a shimmering gold cord.
"Our people believe that one day, a Ryku would appear
with the heart of innocence, the soul of determination,
and the intellect of no bias. He would lead our people
to salvation and everlasting life with our Goddess."
"This is insane!" Bashir shouted. "I'm not your
Ryku! I can't lead you to salvation! You're making a
horrible mistake!"
Ferat stepped back. "It is almost time," he stated.
"We will wait for our faithful brothers and sisters, and
we will begin."
"You won't get away with this," Bashir said. "You
think everyone's just going to let you leave here?"
"From what I have seen of your colleagues, they
don't seem overly concerned for your welfare," Ferat told
him.
Bashir flinched as if struck. The statement hurt,
but Ferat was right. Who would come to his rescue? He
had alienated those who might have cared, even in the
slightest.
An explosion shook the station with such force that,
if Bashir hadn't been held so tightly, he would have
fallen. "What in the bloody hell . . ."
He didn't get the chance to wonder as he was led out
of the office and out onto the Promenade. Those closest
to him saw his plight and paused, unsure of whether or
not to help. Before anyone could do anything, all of the
Alentari appeared and formed a giant circle around the
group. Bashir was forced onto his knees at Ferat's feet
and held there by two strong hands on his shoulders.
Kyren and the other Alentari went to join the circle.
"Brothers and sisters of life!" Ferat shouted. "We
call upon you to witness a miracle of life today! Our
salvation has finally come at the hands of our Ryku!
With his sacrifice, we may find our way to the Goddess'
side!"
Bashir was humiliated at everyone staring at him,
but fear soon took over as Ferat unsheathed a long dagger
with a golden hilt studded with rubies. Bashir tried
once more to free himself, but the restraining grips on
his shoulders kept him still. He looked up into Ferat's
eyes and was shocked to see peacefulness and . . . was
that gratitude?
"We shall soon be with our Goddess," he said. He
was no longer shouting, but his voice carried over the
now silent crowd. When realization struck, the people
started to fight against the barricade of Alentari to
help Bashir. Bashir never noticed. His eyes were wide,
fixed on the blade as it was raised high into the air.
"Don't do this," Bashir whispered. "You will not
find your salvation this way."
Ferat ignored him and began to swing the dagger down
towards Bashir's heart. Bashir closed his eyes, waiting
for the pain to pierce his chest, and cried out as he
felt the blade sink into the flesh and bone of his
shoulder. He screamed in pain and writhed away from the
two hands holding him down. He was surprised as he felt
their weight being lifted away, and fell sideways.
Someone caught him and cradled him in their arms.
Bashir forced his eyes open and saw the Alentari,
either immobile on the ground or being led away by
Security. He looked up and saw that it was Sisko holding
onto him. Dax was sitting by his side, her hand on his
arm. Jabarra was on his other side, examining his wound.
"Relax, Julian," Dax soothed. "Everything's going
to be all right."
Bashir nodded once and closed his eyes.
Darkness welcomed him.
End Chapter Six
"You've got to be kidding me!"
Dax's gaze hardened. Sisko knew that he had to say
something before Dax said something she'd regret.
"You heard me, Major," he said firmly. "I
understand how you feel about Doctor Bashir, but that is
no excuse for so casually dismissing him. He's young,
yes, but he's also a senior officer and a damn fine
doctor. I won't tolerate anymore belittling of his
abilities."
Major Kira Nerys stared at him in shock, then looked
at Dax. "You're serious," she said. "The both of you.
Look, if Julian can't take a few criticisms-."
"A few criticisms?" Dax echoed. "Have you ever
stopped to think that your 'criticisms' are telling him
he's a burden, an annoyance, and that you would rather
not ever see his face for the rest of your life if you
could help it?"
"Dax," Sisko said, a warning in his voice.
Dax backed down.
Kira was still unconvinced. "I've never said those
things."
Dax looked ready to speak again, but Sisko raised
his hand for silence. "Major, I'm sure you never
intended to sound that way. Nevertheless, that is how it
has been coming out. I know, I've heard you myself. I
too am guilty of making him feel that way, but we have to
stop and consider the consequences. We are seriously
damaging our doctor's confidence, and that is something
we cannot afford. No more rude remarks. Am I clear?"
Kira stiffened. "Yes, sir."
Sisko nodded. "Good. Send O'Brien in. Dismissed."
~~*~~
Kira exited the turbolift on the Promenade. She
made her way through the crowd, heading for the
Infirmary, when she saw Bashir head there himself. From
the looks of his stride, he was in a hurry to get there.
She arrived just as Bashir was telling Jabarra that
he would be in his office until his shift was over. Kira
cleared her throat.
Bashir turned to look at her. A mask devoid of
emotion slid into place. "What can I do for you, Major?"
Kira was startled by the abrupt tone he took with
her. "I wanted to talk about this morning."
The mask didn't budge, but Bashir seemed to pale.
"I'm sorry, but there's nothing to talk about. If you
don't mind, I'm rather busy."
Kira looked about the empty room. "With what? You
don't have any patients. You can talk to me."
The mask slipped, and anger took its place. "Being
a doctor is not entirely about treating patients," he
snapped. "There is more to my job than that. Maybe it's
not as important as running the station, but it's
important to me. Now if you'll excuse me, Major, I have
work to do."
He spun on his heel and stormed angrily into his
office. Kira could only stare after him in shock.
Bashir had never lost his temper with her before.
Something was indeed wrong.
She turned to ask Jabarra about it, but the nurse's
expression was cold. "I'll have to ask you to leave,
Major."
Kira couldn't have been more stunned. "What?"
"Unless you have some sort of medical situation,
you're going to have to leave," Jabarra told her.
"Doctor Bashir is the only doctor on this station of over
a thousand people, and I will not have you, or anyone
else, jeopardize his state of mind. Good day, Major."
"But-," Kira tried to protest.
"Good day."
Slightly angry but largely confused, Kira turned and
left the Infirmary.
She made her way over to Quark's bar, passing a
small group of plainly clothed men. She found an empty
table, ordered a Raktajino, and began to mull over what
had just happened.
O'Brien joined her ten minutes later. "I take it
Jabarra read you the riot act?"
"Actually," Kira said, "it was Julian."
O'Brien raised his eyebrows. "You saw him? How was
he?"
"Angry," Kira replied. "And distant. Like he
didn't trust me."
"According to Dax and Captain Sisko, he's got no
reason to trust us," O'Brien said. "I just wish Julian
would tell us why he's acting this way."
Quark approached their table in time to hear
O'Brien's last comment. "Can you blame him for not
telling you?" he asked as he set a glass down in front of
O'Brien. "He probably thought you wouldn't even listen
to him."
"Quark, what do you know about this?" Kira asked
tiredly.
"A lot more than you think," Quark said mysteriously
before walking away.
"He's right, you know," O'Brien said.
"Who, Quark?" Kira asked, incredulous.
"We probably wouldn't have believed Julian," O'Brien
continued. "But how are we going to fix this when we
can't get anywhere near him?"
"I guess we wait," Kira told him.
~~*~~
Ferat looked over his faithful colleagues and
smiled. "Our Ryku will join us in completing our
celebration tomorrow at midday!"
The crowd cheered, but fell silent quickly at
Ferat's raised hand.
"It shall take place right outside his Infirmary,
for all believers and nonbelievers alike to witness," he
continued. "I expect we will run into difficulty with
their security. You all know what must be done in order
to ensure our salvation."
All heads nodded gravely.
"Then so it shall be," Ferat stated. "Let us
continue our prayers to our Goddess for our salvation."
Everyone bowed their heads and joined together in
chanting a prayer to their Supreme leader.
~~*~~
Bashir jumped when he felt a light tap on his
shoulder. Blinking his eyes, he discovered that he had
fallen asleep at his desk. He looked up to meet
Jabarra's disapproving gaze.
"Don't start with me," he warned. "I didn't realize
the time."
Jabarra's gaze softened. "I'll forgive you if you
go change and get some breakfast. It's 1030 hours."
Bashir was startled and checked the chronometer on
his computer. "I had no idea . . ."
"Neither did I," Jabarra replied. "I thought you
were just running late. When the computer told me you
were still here, I guessed you had fallen asleep
working."
Bashir grinned faintly. "Jabarra, I know I've been
a bear lately, and I haven't been the easiest person to
work with . . ."
Jabarra waved her hand dismissively. "Don't mind
it. I don't. Just go and eat. You haven't eaten since
yesterday at breakfast."
As if on cue, Bashir's stomach rumbled. He laughed.
"All right, I know when to give in. I'll be back in half
an hour."
"An hour," corrected Jabarra. "No rush."
"All right then," Bashir amended. "An hour. No
more. I still have a lot of work to do."
Jabarra shooed him out of the Infirmary. As he
walked to the turbolift, his head began to clear. He had
been acting childish over the last few days and . . .
God, had he snapped at Kira? Bashir's face turned
crimson. He had to apologize to her. And to Dax and
Sisko for his behavior. It had been uncalled for.
He quickly showered and changed, then headed back to
the Promenade for a meal. He was surprised at how
famished he was. Had it really been twenty-four hours
since his last meal?
He replicated a generous serving of scones with jam,
English muffins, and a cup of Tarkellian tea, then went
to find a table. He had just started eating when a
shadow fell over him. He turned to see who it was.
And froze.
Kyren, the four Alentari he had been with yesterday,
and one more man were situating themselves around his
table. Bashir moved to stand, but was held in place.
"You will come with us, Ryku," the black-haired man
said.
Bashir looked at him. "I think not." He reached
for his communicator to call for Security when Kyren
snatched the badge off of his chest. Bashir looked about
wildly for someone to help him, but no one was paying any
attention to what was going on.
"What do you want from me?" Bashir demanded.
"Our salvation is at hand," Kyren stated. "You must
come with us to prepare."
Two of the others took his arms and lifted him to
his feet. Holding onto him discreetly, the group led
Bashir to his Infirmary. He hoped Jabarra would be there
to alert Security, but she was nowhere to be found.
Seeing his puzzled look, Kyren explained, "We sent
her to care for a few of our sick. We will not be
disturbed."
Bashir was led to his office where the men begin to
strip him of his uniform. Bashir fought them, but to no
avail. He was soon naked and very afraid.
"Ferat," Kyren said. "Where is his ceremonial
robe?"
The black-haired man stepped forward carrying a long
white robe with gold trim. He forced it over Bashir's
head and let it drop all the way to the floor. Once he
had been clothed, Ferat removed the flask of holy water
and began to anoint him in the same way Kyren had the day
before. Bashir twisted and struggled in his captors'
grips, but they were too strong.
"With this anointment, may we journey to everlasting
life," Ferat murmured.
"Sie tzat," the others said.
"What the hell is this?" Bashir shouted, half-hoping
someone would hear him. "What are you doing?"
"Our Scripts speak of a prophecy of salvation,"
Kyren explained as one of the others began to tie his
hands in front of his body with a shimmering gold cord.
"Our people believe that one day, a Ryku would appear
with the heart of innocence, the soul of determination,
and the intellect of no bias. He would lead our people
to salvation and everlasting life with our Goddess."
"This is insane!" Bashir shouted. "I'm not your
Ryku! I can't lead you to salvation! You're making a
horrible mistake!"
Ferat stepped back. "It is almost time," he stated.
"We will wait for our faithful brothers and sisters, and
we will begin."
"You won't get away with this," Bashir said. "You
think everyone's just going to let you leave here?"
"From what I have seen of your colleagues, they
don't seem overly concerned for your welfare," Ferat told
him.
Bashir flinched as if struck. The statement hurt,
but Ferat was right. Who would come to his rescue? He
had alienated those who might have cared, even in the
slightest.
An explosion shook the station with such force that,
if Bashir hadn't been held so tightly, he would have
fallen. "What in the bloody hell . . ."
He didn't get the chance to wonder as he was led out
of the office and out onto the Promenade. Those closest
to him saw his plight and paused, unsure of whether or
not to help. Before anyone could do anything, all of the
Alentari appeared and formed a giant circle around the
group. Bashir was forced onto his knees at Ferat's feet
and held there by two strong hands on his shoulders.
Kyren and the other Alentari went to join the circle.
"Brothers and sisters of life!" Ferat shouted. "We
call upon you to witness a miracle of life today! Our
salvation has finally come at the hands of our Ryku!
With his sacrifice, we may find our way to the Goddess'
side!"
Bashir was humiliated at everyone staring at him,
but fear soon took over as Ferat unsheathed a long dagger
with a golden hilt studded with rubies. Bashir tried
once more to free himself, but the restraining grips on
his shoulders kept him still. He looked up into Ferat's
eyes and was shocked to see peacefulness and . . . was
that gratitude?
"We shall soon be with our Goddess," he said. He
was no longer shouting, but his voice carried over the
now silent crowd. When realization struck, the people
started to fight against the barricade of Alentari to
help Bashir. Bashir never noticed. His eyes were wide,
fixed on the blade as it was raised high into the air.
"Don't do this," Bashir whispered. "You will not
find your salvation this way."
Ferat ignored him and began to swing the dagger down
towards Bashir's heart. Bashir closed his eyes, waiting
for the pain to pierce his chest, and cried out as he
felt the blade sink into the flesh and bone of his
shoulder. He screamed in pain and writhed away from the
two hands holding him down. He was surprised as he felt
their weight being lifted away, and fell sideways.
Someone caught him and cradled him in their arms.
Bashir forced his eyes open and saw the Alentari,
either immobile on the ground or being led away by
Security. He looked up and saw that it was Sisko holding
onto him. Dax was sitting by his side, her hand on his
arm. Jabarra was on his other side, examining his wound.
"Relax, Julian," Dax soothed. "Everything's going
to be all right."
Bashir nodded once and closed his eyes.
Darkness welcomed him.
End Chapter Six