Interlude: Terok Nor; July 2368

The lower still I fall, only supreme
in misery; such joy ambition finds.

Milton, Paradise Lost

The chief of security of Terok Nor glanced up at the Cardassian sitting silently across from him. He had walked into Odo's office two hours earlier and, despite his civilian clothes, had produced a maximum security clearance pass and requested to be taken to see the Prefect immediately. Odo informed him Dukat was off the station but was expected back later in the day. The man had said that he would wait and simply shook his head at Odo's suggestion that perhaps he, as chief of security, could help. He had been mildly irritated when it became apparent that Odo was going to stay with him, but under no circumstances could Odo allow someone to wait for Dukat unattended. He had no intention of allowing another attempt on the Prefect's life.

Odo had tried briefly to engage the stranger in conversation, hoping to probe for information, but the man had deflected him expertly, withholding even his name, and increasing Odo's suspicions that here was a member of Cardassian intelligence. Now they sat in silence, as they had done for more than an hour. Throughout this time the stranger had been almost motionless, except for a relentless, circular twisting of his thumbs.

Odo cleared his throat. The man's head jolted up, clear blue eyes glinting at him. 'Dukat may well be a while yet,' Odo said. 'Are you sure that I can't help you?'

'Quite sure. This is a purely internal matter.' The man's tones were measured and his smile smooth, but Odo could sense that beneath the cool there was an underlying disquiet. Odo thought briefly about arguing the point that he was also internal security then sighed and leaned back in the chair, arms folded. Fifteen minutes passed, during which time the Cardassian, in turn, sighed deeply, closed his eyes and rested his head in his hands.

The door opened. Odo watched in astonishment at the speed with which the Cardassian leapt to his feet, regained his poise, and pulled the same smile onto his face.

The Prefect of Bajor entered the room. He saw the visitor and his face dissolved into pure hate. 'What are you doing here?' He took a menacing step forwards.

The other man continued smiling. 'I have good news for you, Dukat.' Then the Prefect and his chief of security watched open-mouthed as the man started to empty his jacket pockets onto Dukat's desk. Two knives. Security passes. Identification chip. A disruptor. The ritual complete, the man raised an eye ridge. 'I believe you're meant to be placing me under arrest,' he prompted helpfully.

Dukat's mouth opened even further. 'What?'

The stranger looked exasperated. 'For pity's sake, Dukat - do you really have no idea what's happening on your own station? You are quite pathetically incompetent.'

The Prefect looked as if he were on the verge of committing murder. Then the communicator on the desk made a sudden noise. Dukat jumped. 'What is it?' he yelled.

A nervous voice came through the channel. 'Sir, we're receiving a priority communication from Cardassia Prime. It's Legate Tain, sir. He's demanding to speak to you immediately.'

Dukat turned to Odo. 'Get out,' he said.

Odo began to protest. 'If this concerns station security...'

Dukat's eyes blazed. 'I told you to get out!'

Odo gazed back blankly for a moment, then nodded. The last thing he saw as he left the room was the face of the stranger, blue eyes wide and filled with what could only be described as dread.