THE AGREEMENT
By The Collaborators
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CHAPTER FOUR
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She was unpredictable. Perhaps that was the biggest appeal of Major Kira Nerys. Dukat never knew quite what to expect. She needled him. From her broad smile and the triumphant glimmer in her eyes, he suspected she rather enjoyed insulting him, twisting his words to suit her case.
He was, of course, usually one step ahead of her. He supposed if she had a proper education, her wit would be deadlier than his own. Still, despite the lack of education, she was able to score a few points against him now and again. Tonight's meal had been one of them. The soup... a sharp reminder of times past where he did not have the option to refuse the food simply because it was the only thing being offered to him. He had revealed a part of himself this evening, an odd moment of his life he thought he had overcome, and for whatever reason, the major relented in her campaign to irritate him and had actually sounded... sympathetic. She had almost become the same woman who fought by his side first on the freighter and then on the Klingon Bird of Prey. The version of Kira Nerys which had made him admit to himself just how smitten he was by her and why.
Dukat sat on the edge of the sofa, wondering just when Kira would deign to arrive. She wasn't one to usually keep him waiting. These dinners... he laughed to himself... They had been another surprise.
"I'll sleep with you."
Her announcement had struck him cold. At first, he thought she mocked him, taking a cruel twist on his words "Everything I have lost, I will regain."
He could never hope to have everything back as it had been during the height of his career; Naprem was dead and Ziyal... he had disowned Ziyal.
But as he stepped forward and touched her smooth skin with his fingers, he saw the look in her eyes. She wasn't doing this as a way to ridicule him. It had nothing to do with him at all. Kira's loyalty was with Benjamin Sisko and had extended to Sisko's son. No desire. No wanting. No passion. She was determined to do whatever it took to save Sisko's offspring. Dukat couldn't allow Jake Sisko to simply go free. He had had enough knives in his back over the past year, all stemming from after he had proudly presented Ziyal to the society on Prime. He could not afford to simply snap his fingers and let a Terran who had committed espionage go free. There were too many ties, too many ways for it to be misconstrued and used against him in his moment of weakness. He did the only thing he could do: keep Sisko on the station.
"I'll sleep with you."
How often had those particular words echoed in his mind? Enough so that when Kira spoke them, they chilled him.
She had said them for three simple reasons: Loyalty. Duty. Faith.
She was offering him the one thing he could not force her to do: willingly be with him in that manner.
Loyalty. Duty. Faith.
He understood those concepts. They were ideals he himself lived by, although his faith was not in the Prophets but in the strength of his people. The Vorta. The Jem'Hadar. They were loyal to the Founders because they were programmed to be so. They were dutiful to the Founders for the same reasons. Faith? Those two peoples thought of the Founders as gods, yet it was not a voluntary belief but one bred into them. They were a soulless, passionless group of conquerers. There was no thrill of victory when they took over control of the station; Weyoun had coldly informed him of the costs of this offensive. Weyoun didn't understand. Kira did. She knew all too well.
"I'll sleep with you."
No. He had dealt with enough soulless beings in these past months. If he had wanted to possess the body of Kira Nerys, he was sure Quark had an appropriate program. It wouldn't be the same. She knew that as well.
Loyalty. Duty. Faith.
Kira Nerys understood him. And that, perhaps, was the greatest appeal of them all and perhaps the sole reason he could not accept her offer. He wanted her completely. It was that simple.
---
Kira never went to Dukat's quarters that night. For all her resolve, Odo had got to her.
What was she really up to? Would it really help Jake, or was Dukat simply toying with them both? She fully expected him to be back for her, in which case she would not be able to refuse him, she was well aware of that. Yet she did not leave her quarters. She needed time to think, and she was not really up to facing other people right now. Least of all Odo...
In his quarters, Dukat waited until he was certain Kira would not show up tonight. She could have been delayed on station business, but somehow he did not think so, and he did not bother to check. Something -- someone -- had changed her mind. Well, perhaps he could sway her again... there had been something so -- forlorn about her attempt at revenge earlier; perhaps she needed reassurance. And well, he was still hungry...
---
Jake Sisko scrambled to his feet as Gul Dukat approached the forcefield securing the entrance to the cell. So. This was it. His transfer to Cardassia Prime was shortly to become fact, not some threat for the Dominion to hold over his father's head. Jake's heart began to pound, as he bravely faced the man who would shortly be escorting him to the docking bay and his execution.
Interesting that Dukat himself should come to take him from Odo's custody. It didn't seem the sort of thing the supreme ruler of Cardassia would do -- Jake was certain some immovable underling of Dukat's would be sent for him; he hardly even dared to hope that Weyoun would be the one. But that thread of hope had kept him plotting for days. Weyoun was no friend of Cardassia. Delivering the son of a prominent Federation captain to his killers would do nothing to aid the Dominion in its efforts to win the Alpha Quadrant -- it would only strengthen the resolve of their opponents. So if he could only talk to Weyoun, reason with him, perhaps play on any suspicions of Dukat that the Vorta would be almost certain to have... But it was not to be.
Dukat himself stood at the entrance to the cell, looking in. "How are you this evening, Mr. Sisko?"
Jake gulped. He had been expecting a theatrical resignation in Dukat's manner, or perhaps a hostile sneer, an 'I don't want to do this, but you realize you've broken our laws' as he had been hearing over and over again from Damar and the other officers assigned to his questioning. He was not expecting Dukat's calm, almost friendly demeanor.
He was definitely not expecting his next question. "Have you had dinner?"
"I... I..." He stopped. He was beginning to stammer, and had no wish to communicate any of his nervousness to Dukat. No, he would confront his fate as a man, not the boy he knew Dukat must feel he was.
He began again. "I'm not hungry. And I'm ready to go with you, sir."
"Go with me? Where?" Dukat smiled, neither a pleasant nor an unpleasant smile.
Jake had so little experience interpreting Cardassian moods in any case. Garak was always so pleasant, so polite to him. Dukat was -- what did Dukat think of him?
Jake involuntarily began twisting a corner of his tunic in his fingers. It was unnerving, being stared at in this manner. It was more than unnerving -- it was frightening. How would he feel when he was surrounded by Cardassians, perhaps even tortured by them? What would it be like?
He unconsciously took a step backward, and Dukat smiled again. "Ah. I see. You believe I'm here to see you escorted onto a Cardassian ship. No, Mr. Sisko... Jake. You'll remain here, under my protection and that of the Dominion. We feel that sending you to Cardassia Prime at this time of hostility between our people would subject you to unnecessary danger -- your own father might fire upon your ship. But here, on Terok Nor, you're safe as long as the Federation sees fit to let Cardassian territory remain Cardassian."
Jake let out a breath that he hadn't even realized he was holding. He forced his hands to remain motionless at his sides, and faced Dukat with what he hoped was an expression of confidence. "No one is safe here, sir."
"Please... you may call me Dukat. And you're right, Jake. No one is safe. But here, as our 'guest,' shall we say, you're as safe as I am. Surely that must mean something."
He smiled again, an odd, reptilian sort of grin as he beckoned to Odo.
"I want Jake released and returned to his quarters."
"And then what?" Odo's voice held the undercurrent of a sneer. "This station is swarming with Cardassian soldiers who all believe Jake here is guilty of transmitting your 'secrets' to the Federation. What do you suppose they'll do to him?"
"They'll protect him, of course. They'll do whatever I command them to do -- you're back on Terok Nor, Odo, where an order is an order, to be obeyed. Surely you can still recall those days."
"Hmph." Odo stepped forward and cancelled the forcefield; Jake hovered in the doorway, uncertain.
Dukat moved as if to take his arm, then stopped. "Join me for dinner in my quarters, Jake. I wish to talk with you. Then you'll be escorted back to your own quarters, where, for your safety, I will assign guards to you. Oh, and I've had to disable all communications devices in your room. Surely you understand my reasons."
Jake didn't answer, but woodenly moved forward and, after a backward glance at Odo, walked down the corridor toward the habitat ring, Dukat at his side. He noted with some surprise that the Cardassian was actually shorter than he himself was now; he could recall the days, on the few occasions he had been anywhere near him, when Dukat towered over him in a truly intimidating way. Yet he was still intimidating, still menacing, although his self-satisfied smile was undoubtedly supposed to project an illusion of friendly concern. Jake hesitated at the door of Dukat's... no, his father's room.
"I'm... I'm really not very hungry. I had supper just before you arrived."
"Join me for a drink, then. I would like to talk with you. You're still in a great deal of trouble, Jake, and I want to make sure you understand that."
The door slid open and he strode forward and pulled Jake inside.
A voice out of the shadows caused Dukat to drop his hold and stare in furious amazement. "I had heard you had the boy released to your custody. I had also heard he is going to be kept here on the station."
"I didn't realize I had to clear all my decisions with you, Weyoun."
"Not with me. With the Dominion. The boy is a threat to station security; his presence here will only undermine our attempts to regain control of the wormhole."
"This boy is going to single-handedly stop us from regaining the wormhole?" Dukat laughed. "Weyoun, the station is practically destroyed, Sisko's first officer and the chief of security have chosen to remain behind, and yet you feel that Jake Sisko himself poses some kind of special threat. Please, it's late, and I'm too tired for this nonsense."
"And I'm too tired for your games, Dukat. Sisko was to be sent to Cardassia Prime. The mines were to be removed. And Cardassia was to honor the wishes of the Dominion."
"The Dominion's wishes are being disobeyed, if I let a frightened young boy sleep in his own bed? Really, Weyoun, young Sisko here poses no threat to you. I, however--"
"--Just see he's confined to his quarters at all times. Under guard."
Dukat bowed with mock gravity.
"I will be waiting for him outside." Weyoun rose and angrily left the room.
Dukat smiled at Jake in an almost conspiratorial manner as he led him to the table. "Sit down, please, Jake. What would you like to drink?"
"I'm not thirsty--" At Dukat's impatient expression, he said, "A glass of water, please."
Dukat brought the water, and his own kanar, to the table and sat down, then steepled his fingers and stared at Jake through his slightly lowered eyes. Jake shifted uncomfortably, acutely aware of the loud swallowing sounds he made as he sipped the water.
"Now, Jake. I have a favor to ask you first, something you can do for me. Something I'd like to know. It's about your friend, Major Kira."
---
Kira was still in her quarters, preparing to go to bed early. She had not solved anything and was not really expecting to get much sleep. But she was tired of worrying at her dilemma and fully prepared to write the day off as a complete failure. The signal to the door of her quarters chimed.
"Yes? Who is it?" she barked, expecting to hear Dukat's smooth baritone voice.
So -- he had come for her after all, just as she had known he would.
"May I come in, Major?"
"Weyoun?" She was too puzzled to say anything else, as the door slid open.
The Vorta had never directly addressed her in his life. "I have something important to discuss with you. It's about Jake Sisko, your Emissary's son. Gul Dukat has decided to keep him on the station."
Kira offered a heartfelt prayer of thanks as she continued, nearly expressionless, to face Weyoun.
"The rumor seems to be that young Sisko can be made to 'disappear' much more efficiently here, with no need for formal Cardassian involvement."
Kira felt herself collapse into her chair, as Weyoun continued to smile at her ingratiatingly.
---
Kira did not have a restful night. She was worried sick about Jake, and had lain awake for hours trying to comprehend the game Dukat and Weyoun were playing with the boy's life. Cardassians liked to make a big show of 'justice', to make examples of perpetrators of meaningless 'crimes', but what could Dukat possibly gain by having Jake Sisko quietly murdered? As for Weyoun... she certainly didn't trust him, but what possible reason could he have for lying to her? Weyoun was clearly the only thing keeping Dukat from satisfying his lust for the re-conquest of Bajor -- for as long as it suited the Dominion's plans, at least -- but what did any of that have to do with Jake? Maybe Odo would understand. She'd have to find a chance to have a private word with him -- although frankly, speaking privately with Odo wasn't something she found herself looking forward to these days.
Dukat had sent word that he wanted to see her in his office first thing in the morning. Ops, as was usual these days, was crawling with Cardassian engineers desperately trying to repair the computer systems. She had no idea what Chief O'Brien had done, but she was certain there would be no fixing it -- they'd have to rebuild the whole thing from scratch. They could do that of course, but it would take time -- and time, she thought with grim satisfaction, was a commodity these Cardassians simply didn't have much of.
She climbed the steps to what she would always think of as Captain Sisko's office, and squared her shoulders as the doors opened. Dukat sat at the station commander's desk with Weyoun standing behind him and to one side. The tableau was completed by a Jem'Hadar guard on either side, looking like a pair of gargoyle bookends.
Dukat greeted Kira with his usual mocking half-smile, "Major. How good of you to attend me. Do come in."
She remained standing in the doorway. "What do you want, Dukat?"
His smile broadened, but his eyes narrowed. "That would be Gul Dukat to you."
Gone was the jovial familiarity of the evening before. Was he showing off for Weyoun? Or was this change in attitude for her benefit - because she'd stood him up for dinner? Very well, she thought, two can play this game.
She hesitated just long enough for rudeness, dipped her head in acquiescence, and repeated herself, "What do you want, Gul Dukat?"
"Come in Major, sit down, I was just hoping for a friendly little chat."
"In that case, what do you need the thugs for?" She glanced from side to side at the Jem'Hadar.
Dukat dismissed the guards with a nod, and Kira stepped forward, making room for them to exit behind her. Weyoun stayed, evidently not considering himself encompassed by the term 'thug'.
She sat down in the chair opposite Dukat, trying to pretend she was relaxed and comfortable. As if he'd read her mind, Dukat said, "Relax Major, you look a bit warm. Are you feeling unwell?"
"I'm fine, thank you for your concern." Bastard, she thought -- he knew very well that he'd adjusted the temperature for his comfort, which was considerably too hot for hers.
"You're welcome. Would you like some tea? Or perhaps you'd prefer a cool drink -- rocassa juice?"
"I'd prefer a raktajino." He gave a brief snort of laughter in appreciation of her attempt at humor.
"This replicator is no longer programmed to dispense Klingon beverages. I'm afraid tea will have to do."
He got up and ordered her a cup of red leaf tea, placing the cup carefully on the desk in front of her.
"Actually, it's the replicators -- indirectly anyway -- that I wanted to speak to you about."
She opened her mouth to remind him that she knew nothing about replicators, but he put up a hand to silence her.
"First, I have some news for you -- Jake Sisko has been released from his holding cell in security, and placed under house arrest in his quarters. He'll be far more comfortable there, I'm sure."
His smile anticipated her gratitude for this generous move, but with cold fear knotting her stomach, she gaped at him instead.
Seeing her reaction, his expression changed to one of bafflement. "Really Major, I thought you'd be pleased! I can hardly give him the run of the station, now can I? But at least he'll have a bit of privacy and a few creature comforts."
"Yes, of course, thank you." She had to restrain herself from looking at Weyoun. "May I see him?"
"No, I'm sorry -- not at the moment anyway. Perhaps later we can arrange something -- it would have to be a supervised visit, you understand."
She nodded in response. "In any event," he got up and began to stroll around the room as he spoke. "I asked you here to discuss a trip I am planning to make to Bajor..."
She started and her eyes went wide. "...in order to arrange the purchase of certain... supplies."
"You think Bajor is going to provision your troops? We may have a non- aggression pact, but supplying you..."
It was Weyoun who interrupted her, "...with food and medical supplies, is perfectly appropriate under the terms of our agreement with your government."
"Under the circumstances," she scoffed, "food and medical supplies might as well be weapons --every scrap of energy you save in not having to replicate them will be diverted into re-arming the station. It's obvious what you're trying to do. First Minister Shakaar will never agree!"
As he paced, Dukat toyed with the baseball Sisko had left for him. "I hate to break it to you, Major, but the First Minister has already agreed -- in principle anyway -- he was very impressed when we offered to pay in pure gold-pressed latinum."
Weyoun broke in again, "The Bajoran economy is quite cash-poor, and with the Federation out of the picture... Well, trade isn't exactly picking up, is it?"
The Vorta tilted his head and smiled, his eyes glittering with feigned concern for Bajor's poverty, "Let's just say that your old friend is a... practical man."
"I see."
"I thought you would," concluded Dukat. "Now, this will have to be a quick trip, I'm very busy these days..."
He glanced up at Weyoun, who inclined his head and smiled indulgently. "Our people are arranging the details. You, Major, will accompany me, as will Constable Odo..."
Surprised again, she interrupted him, "Why? What does this have to do with Odo? Or me?"
"Security, Major. The First Minister requested that no other Cardassians come to the surface, and a brace of Jem'Hadar would be no less ... provocative, would they?" He grinned broadly at her, clearly appreciating the irony of the situation. "So, we agreed that you and the constable would act as my personal bodyguard -- you'll protect me from zealots and would-be assassins, won't you?"
Kira was too stunned to reply. What was Edon thinking of? Why the hell had she been completely left out of the loop in this decision? Actually, she knew the answer to the second question. He knew exactly what she would think of this whole ill-conceived plan, so there'd been no need to ask her -- or to risk speaking to her over an undoubtedly monitored commlink.
"I thought so," Dukat chuckled. "Quark will be coming along with us as well."
"Quark?! What for?"
"He's brokering this deal -- he's the one who's coming up with the latinum -- it's all a rather complicated trade arrangement."
Kira sat back in her chair, and threw up her hands in utter amazement. "You and Shakaar have both lost your minds. But it seems I have no choice but to come along. At least the temperature is more comfortable on Bajor, and I can get a raktajino when I want one!"
"Yes," he grinned at her, "I knew you'd see reason. You'd best go pack up your things, my shuttle will leave promptly at 1400, station time."
Then something occurred to her which pulled her up sharply. Oh Prophets, she thought, what about Jake? Is this just an excuse to get us off the station so that Jake can have a fatal "accident"? Dukat was capable of being that crude -- she'd never forget his plan to murder Tekeny Ghemor with poisoned kanar.
For the first time since coming into the room, she let her gaze linger directly on Weyoun. The Vorta inclined his head and winked at her, as if to say, "Not to worry, I'll look after him."
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