Title: In Sunshine or In Shadow - Chapter 2
Name: Creek Johnson & Nance Hurt
Disclaimer: Paramount owns what it owns. We own what we own. No infringement intended - hopefully, none taken.
Colonel Kira Nerys had committed blasphemy for at least the twelfth time that day by once again roundly cursing one Benjamin Sisko for leaving her here to have to deal with the bureaucratic nightmare that was Starfleet.
"Is something wrong, Colonel?" asked Admiral Ross. He was smiling, knowing full well her aversion to any and all of the Federations reporting requirements.
"No, nothing," she lied sweetly. Well, she thought, if I'm going to hell in a hand basket it might as be a large and comfortable one.
"Don't worry, we're almost done," Ross assured her. "Unfortunately, what we need to cover next is not going to be pleasant."
"As long as it doesn't involve another statistical survey or poly-dimensional graph, I'll be happy."
"I'm not so sure about that. Here, I want you to take a look at this."
He pointed to the display at the far end of the ward room. At his command an image came into view. It showed a hallway. At the far end, two figures rounded the corner and approached the camera. One a Romulan the other a tall, thin Founder dressed in what looked to be a Bajoran uniform dyed black. They were arguing. The audio was faint, due to some interference. Kira felt her heart stop as the two figures came into better focus. The Founder was Odo.
She fought back her physical reaction at the unexpected sight of the man she loved and forced her mind to focus. The two were arguing. After a moment, the argument became more heated. As the Romulan reached out to place a hand on Odo, the audio suddenly crackled into coherence.
"You're a fool if you think that," said the Romulan. "We should have let you all die."
With a barely human growl, Odo grabbed the Romulan and slung him against the wall. Then single handed, he wrapped his fingers around the neck of the Romulan and lifted him off the ground.
"The combined forces of the Obsidian Order and the Tal'Shiar tried once before and failed miserably. Do you really believe the Dominion will allow you a second chance? Mark my words, what happened to Cardassia was just an example of what will happen to…"
The audio cut out again. Kira watched with growing anxiety as Odo spoke for a second or two more, then released his hold. The Romulan dropped to the floor struggling for breath. Odo continued to speak. Turning his back to the man on the floor, he faced the camera, his face brought sharply into focus, he appeared to be saying something to the camera and then turned back to the Romulan. The Romulan appeared to spit out words in anger as he reached for his weapon, but Odo was too quick. To her horror, Kira watched as, Odo grabbed hold of the Romulans gun hand, deflecting the energy charge harmlessly into the wall. However, rather than disarm his opponent, Odo turned the Romulans wrist until the phaser was pressed up against his chest. From the angle of the camera it was impossible to determine who pulled the trigger. All that could be seen was the flash of phaser fire, the shocked look on the face of the Romulan, and Odo standing erect and walking away down the corridor.
"Right then," said Kira to her assembled senior staff. It was the following morning and the officers assembled were viewing the video for the first time. "Commander Marshall?" She motioned for him to continue the briefing.
"Starfleet intelligence picked this up through routine subspace monitoring," he volunteered, "The Romulans, of course, deny any and all knowledge of the incident."
"For once, I believe them," said Bashir. "Do we even know if the recording is genuine?"
"Excellent point, Doctor," countered Marshall. "Intelligence has been able to determine it is not a forgery, nor has it been pieced together from other recordings. In that respect it is genuine."
"But, it can't be," said Ezri. "Odo's on the Founders home world, surely Doctor Gevrik would have given some indication in his reports if Odo had been absent."
"I've read every report sent," said Bashir. "One thing I'll say for Gevrik, he's a meticulous record keeper, and there's been absolutely no indication that Odo has been away for more than a few hours.. "
"I've thought of that, Doctor," said Marshall, "and in light of other reports I have received, through unofficial channels, the only conclusion I can come to is that we have to entertain the possibility of two Odos."
"But, why?" asked Ezri. "What could possibly be gained?"
"That's what Admiral Ross is hoping we will find out," said Kira.
"Us?" asked Captain Vonda Lek, the new Chief of Station Engineering.
"Us," said Kira. "Look, this may or may not have something to do with the growing tensions over the proposed science station. It may or may not be simply a matter of some criminal element trying to discredit Odo now he's not in a position to defend himself. That's what Starfleet wants us to determine."
"And," ventured Lieutenant Rozko, Science Officer, "As you and Dr. Bashir are the closest thing we have to Odo experts in the Alpha Quadrant..."
"It's up to us," concluded Bryan Landis, DS9's new first officer. "Wonderful."
Even after eight months on the Founders home world, their knowledge of it's inhabitants was still somewhat lacking. And now their one and only volunteer was ill and there was nothing they could do to help him. Doctor Gevrik softly shook his head and looked at the padd again.
"Are these reading correct?" he asked his assistant.
"Yes. They were taken this morning."
"This is not encouraging," said the short Vulcan. "Dr. Bahirs notes?"
"Nothing, Doctor. Dr. Moras notes are just as unforthcoming."
"The Vorta?"
"No reply."
"Very well. If his own people will not respond to a request for assistance, then we must consider seeking assistance elsewhere." Gevrik, glanced at the data again. "Have we been able to contact any Federation ship within hailing distance on their way back to the Alpha Quadrant?"
"No Sir."
A most inefficient circumstance, thought Gevrik. "Where is he?" he asked.
"In his office."
"Any change in his emotional state?"
"None."
"Very well, I will be there if you need me."
He walked down the short corridor leading to the room that had been reserved, out of deference, for the exclusive use of the one changeling Starfleet trusted. Gevrik stood for a moment outside watching the figure within pacing back and forth like a caged animal.
"Good morning, Odo," he said as he entered. He watched as Odo stopped his pacing and stared hard at him.
"Good morning," replied Odo, and after a short pause, "Doctor." He immediately resumed his pacing.
"Are you trying to come to a decision about something?"
"I'm sorry?"
"You are pacing. Pacing indicates a state of mind in conflict."
"Am I?" asked Odo.
"Yes."
"Sorry." He sat for a moment and then abruptly stood and resumed pacing. Gevriks combadge chirped to life.
"Doctor," announced the voice of his assistant, "We have contact with an Idanian exploration vessel."
"Acknowledged. I am on my way."
Knowing that neither his presence, nor his absence, would register in Odos mind, he silently stood and left the room. Outside, Gevrik turned and glanced back - inside the office the endless pacing continued.
Kira Nerys sat in the Ward Room and stared into space. The idea that Odo was out there somewhere and perhaps needed her help had been haunting her for some time now. Looking out the window at the vastness of space just enforced the feeling of helplessness she felt growing inside her. Two Odos, she thought. One on the safety of the Founders home world, one out there somewhere. And somewhere covered a lot of territory these days.
Safety of the Founders home world, she chided herself, that was a laugh. She should have never allowed him to stay. She should have insisted he stayed just long enough to give them what they needed to cure themselves, left them with an understanding of races other than their own and gotten the hell out of there. Oh, she understood why he wanted to stay. They were his people, and good or bad, he wanted to help them. He wanted to save lives by ending the war and the threat of the Dominion once and for all, not by further bloodshed but by understanding. She never loved him more than at that moment, when she was able to transcend the shock of his decision to leave, and understand the full measure of his sacrifice.
Their sacrifice. They were in this together, and she would watch his back as best she could. Looking back, she recognized that was the way it had always been and always would be. Together or apart, friends or lovers, the two of them were bound by fate. She couldn't shake him even if she wanted to. And right now what she wanted was for him to be back here where she could keep an eye on him. To be honest, she had to admit to herself it was the not knowing that disturbed her most. Once she knew he was safe, she could regain her balance and together they could face calamity itself.
She drew her gaze away from the window and turned back to the display. The recording of the attack on the Romulan, frozen at the point where Odo faced the camera. She had spent a sleepless night viewing the recording over and over until she knew each frame by heart. She freely admitted her knowledge of this type of technology was pathetic. But she knew Odo, knew the way his body moved, knew each inflection of his voice, knew that what he lacked in facial expression he made up for in the eloquence of his eyes. She stared hard at the face on the display, if this wasn't Odo, then it was someone who knew him very well, someone who had been inside his head, in which case, it had to be a Founder. But why?
Looking about her, she was struck once again with how many new faces there were among the staff of DS9. She knew they were a good crew, and they worked well together, but they were as of yet untried. What she was asking was not of the same magnitude as a request to work double shifts in order to clear an overcrowded docking schedule. What she was asking was for them to go beyond their loyalty to their jobs. It was a measure of their loyalty to her. It was a moment, she imagined, each person in command dreaded. Not the question of how loyal her crew would be, the uniform demanded that, but would she, in the end, prove herself worthy of that loyalty. Well, she chided herself, we'll soon find out.
She forced her mind back to the matter at hand, as Marshall began going over everything they had learned about the incident on Cardassia as well as the bits of information they had pieced together about the recording.
"Right," she said, as Marshall finished. "The only way this investigation is going to work is if we break up into teams. First, Vonda and Dax, you take the recording."
"Great," said Vonda under her breath.
"Excuse me, Colonel," asked Ezri. "Shouldn't we enlist the aide of Nog once he gets back from Bajor?"
"Yes," agreed Kira. "Next, Mr. Marshall is going to take a trip to Cardassia and find out all he can regarding the Levet incident."
"I will be departing tomorrow, Colonel."
"Good. When you get back, I want you to work with Rozko and Landis on trying to find out all there is to know about our wandering changeling and how we can get our hands on him before he does any more damage. Agreed?"
"Agreed."
"Captain Flato, I want you to find out anything you can regarding the mysterious Nigel Dunlap. It's probably a dead end, but try anyway."
"Yes, sir."
"Finally, Dr. Bahir and I will be leaving on the next available transport for the Gamma Quadrant. While we are away, I want you to coordinate your findings with Mr. Marshall."
It was late at night. A gentle voice sounded in the darkness.
"Julian, I just don't understand why you have to actually go to the Gamma Quadrant."
"Because that's where Odo is, or at least where we think he is. Ezri, I do believe you are worried about me."
"Me? Worried about you? No, not at all, I was just thinking of Miles."
"Miles?"
"Yes. If anything were to happen to you, who would he have to discuss military strategy?"
"Well, that's a relief anyhow. Sweetheart, would you mind moving over just a little bit? My arm's falling asleep."
"Is that better?'
"Yes, thank you."
"It's just that. Well, I'd feel a lot better if you were going on the Defiant."
"So would I, but I doubt the Jem Ha'dar would allow us anywhere near the Founders home world if we went in there in a fully armed vessel. It's not a rescue mission, you know."
"I know. But still."
"Still, Kira and I have it all worked out. We'll go in…."
"I know, you told me. You'll go in posing as two Vulcan scientists, determine if Odo is Odo and be right back out again. You make it sound all so simple."
"It is simple. There's really nothing to worry your pret….Ow."
"Julian, I've warned you about this before. Don't ever tell me not to worry my pretty little head about something again."
"And such a pretty head it is. Now, tell me again how much you're going to miss me."
"Why don't I just show you?"
"Why don't you just."
They all looked alike to him and he couldn't remember their names. He could not even remember if he had ever known their names. They were just there, buzzing around him like to many insects. He didn't swat them, although sometimes he would have liked to, although he new they posed no threat to him. No, all they wanted to do was poke and pry and talk. Oh, how they could talk. Didn't they understand he no longer cared? They were a distraction and he hated distractions.
He felt as though the universe had shrunk in upon itself. His world was limited to the parameters of imagination. An imagination that was merely a matter of light and shadow. He could feel the darkness creeping through his brain. He was vaguely aware of a connection between the men and the light, but each time he attempted to make the connection, thoughts slipped away and disappeared in the shadow.
He was aware that something of great importance lay just on the outer reaches of his memory. It was a thought. A thought that was brilliant, or at least he was left with the impression it was. One crystalline moment of clarity that would have answered all his problems. Occasionally it would glimmer on the edge of light, only to be snatched away again into the shadows. If they would just leave him alone, he was sure the thought would come to light.
One of the men spoke to him. It was the short one with pointy ears. Words, words, words. Why didn't they just shut up and leave him alone? If only he could be left in peace the thought would come back to him and then everything would be as it should be.
"There is it, Gus me lad," said Jack Fellows. "One of the finest sight you are ever likely to see."
"How many times do you reckon we've seen DS Nine, Boss?"
"I dunno, hundreds, hell, maybe thousands."
"Then do you mind telling me why do you keep telling me this is the finest sight I'm ever likely to see?"
"Augustus Saavik Ferguson, have you no poetry in your rotten half breed Vulcan soul?"
"None," replied Gus. "Hailing frequencies open. List, list, methinks I hear them hailing us anon."
"Put it on visual and may I say you are sorriest excuse for an engineer I've ever had the displeasure to serve with."
"I'm sorry to hear that, Captain Fellows," said the voice on the comm. "I hope you won't let that deter you from enjoying your stay here."
"Commander Landis," said Jack somewhat shamefaced. "What a pleasant surprise."
Gus tried, but failed to suppress a short of laughter.
"The surprise is for you Captain," continued Landis. "You are cleared for docking, upper pylon 3."
"Hate to disappoint," said Jack. "But our orders are to head straight on through this trip."
"Were, Captain. You are now ordered to stand down for a routine maintenance check and to pick up two passengers."
"Right, whatever you say." Jack had been in the service long enough to know you never argue orders over an open comm line. "We're on our way. Fellows out."
"I don't know, Gus," he said turning to the engineer. "Does it appear to you that something is up?"
"You mean other than we went through a routine maintenance check just last month and no one on Vulcan said anything about the possibility of additional passengers?"
"Yeah, other than that."
"Then, yes. I would say up something definitely is."
"So, that's the situation, Captain," said Kira. "We were thinking that we would be a lot less conspicuous if we were to arrive with you."
Jack's assumption that something was up had proven to be accurate. As soon as the Indianapolis had docked they were met at the airlock by Vonda Lek with a small contingent of engineering staff. Vonda cheerfully informed them they were to report to the ward room for further orders. There they were met by Kira Nerys who explained the nature of her request for assistance.
"You're right there, it would be less conspicuous. Traffic on the other side of the wormhole is monitored pretty closely by the Jem'Hadar. Just one thing though, all ships are scanned pretty closely as they move from sector to sector. You may get away with using a scan block once or even twice, but not the entire way there and back."
"We've thought of that and we think this will work." She indicated a small triangle of circuitry she wore on the sleeve of her uniform. "It's not pretty, but," She handed him a tricorder. "What does it read?"
Jack turned the tricorder on and aimed it in the direction of Kira. He took a minute to read the display and with a grin handed the tricorder to Gus. Gus scanned the display and then turned the tricorder toward Fellows.
"Neat trick, Colonel," said Gus. "I'd like to meet the person who designed this. I take it, the device on your sleeve generates rather than blocks bioscans?"
"Dr. Bashir would be able to give you a more detailed explanation. All I know is that it takes my normal readings and modifies them to read as another species. And you've already met the designer. As a matter of fact, she's on your ship right now, pretending to do a maintenance check."
"Vonda?" asked Gus "Well, I'll be, good looks and brains too."
"You will notice she's managed to isolate the field so that only the person wearing the generator will have their bioscan altered. Anyone scanning this room at this time would pick up the presence of one Vulcan and two Humans."
"It's a thing of beauty that's for sure," said Jack. "However, what if we get boarded? It's been know to happen when security has been tightened. I doubt that even to the thickest headed Jem'Hadar either you or the good doctor would pass as a Vulcan."
"If you agree, Julian and I will both undergo surgery to alter our appearances."
"If it looks like a Vulcan and scans like a Vulcan, must be a Vulcan. Is that it?" volunteered Gus.
"Exactly. So, any other questions, Captain?"
"Nope."
"Any objections?"
"You realize, of course, there's a good possibility that if this doesn't work, we could get ourselves killed."
"I don't doubt it for an instant," agreed Kira.
The door to the airlock rolled open and the shuttle passengers began to spill into the waiting room. It didn't take Ezri long to locate the person she had been waiting for.
"Nog. Welcome back."
"Ezri. If you're waiting for Julian I'm afraid he wasn't on this shuttle."
"Actually, I was waiting for you."
"Me?" asked Nog, puzzled, until a thought occurred to him. "Oh, no. It's about my Father isn't it? The Ferengi Commerce Authority had him killed didn't they?"
"No, Rom's fine," Ezri assured him. "What gave you that idea?"
"Quark then?"
"Quark's fine. Nog, why do you think I'm here about bad news?"
"Well, you are a Counselor aren't you?"
"Yes, but I'm not here to bring bad news. Gosh, I hope everyone I meet doesn't think I'm some…."
"Ezri, forget I said anything, okay? Oh, Jake says to tell you hello."
"How is Jake?"
"Doing fine. Now that the house is completed, he's able to send more time on his novel, although the baby is proving to be a bit of a distraction."
"So, you got a chance to see Kasidy and the baby?"
"Oh, yes. They are both fine, Kasidy sends her regards. But to tell you the truth, Ezri, it's the ugliest baby I've ever seen."
"I know what you mean. Human babies are so, scrawny."
"With little tiny ears."
"And so, plain."
"Still, Jake and Cassidy are very proud of it."
"Yeah, I guess they would be."
"Ezri? You wanted to talk to me about something?"
"What? Oh, yes. I got distracted there for a minute thinking about babies. As soon as you get your gear stowed, I'd like for you to meet me up in Engineering. Vonda and I are working on a project and we could use your help."
On the other side of the station, Flato Rey waited for the airlock doors to open as well.
"Flato," said Marshall as soon as he stepped through the doorway. "I sincerely hope you are here to give me some good news."
"The Colonel and Dr. Bashir got underway yesterday, will that qualify?"
"No, but I suppose it will have to do."
"So, I take it the trip to Cardassia didn't prove to be helpful?"
"You take it correctly. The Jem'Hadar and the Vorta were just recently transferred back to the Gamma Quadrant, not that I expected to get anything of use out of them. I did interview the engineer who was supervising the work detail, but he is as dimwitted as an Arkanian sloth. The Cardassian authorities are apparently, not overly displeased with Mr. Carrin Levet having shuffled off this mortal coil. Nor are they particularly interested in seeing his killer brought to justice. The case, I am assured, will remain open and witnesses or suspects will be interviewed as they come forward. How about you? Any luck while I was away?"
"Not a lot. However, Mr. Nigel Dunlap seems to have made another appearance."
"Appearance in a traceable manner, I hope."
"No. The information comes from Quark as a matter of fact."
"Quark? I should have known he would find some way to stick his nose into this business sooner or later. Very well then, what does the inestimable Mr. Quark have to tell us about Nigel Dunlap?"
"According to Quark, who heard it from a friend of a friend…"
"Of course, I am only too familiar with Quarks network of smoke signals and jungle drums. Pray continue."
"Well, word is the Orion Syndicate was offered a contract on Odos life."
"My dear, Flato, this smell more of myth than matter."
"I thought so too, until I checked a couple of other sources and found the name of Nigel Dunlap connected with the rumors."
"Well, that does lend it an air of verisimilitude does it not? How is Lt. Rozko getting along with his research?"
"He has a theory."
"A Vulcan with a theory, how charming, I cannot wait to hear it."