Author's Thanks: to Inyri!
• I - I do intend to "keep up the good work." :) I apologize for the late update… chronic illness. I hope you'll keep reading.
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Author's Reminder: don't blaspheme or swear, but do tell me your thoughts & do put a smiley after jokes!
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Author's Note:
Sorry for the late update. Chronic illness
Criticism is greatly appreciated. I'm not ignorant of the time it takes, I assure you.
Enjoy:)
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8: Alterations :8
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Deep Space Nine - - -
Jer wandered the promenade, wondering how many times Odo had traveled these exact same steps. More than he could count or remember, no doubt.
After awhile, she found herself on the second floor before the wide window. She turned around, looking down at the length of the promenade from her vantage point. It was a nice spot…
A Cardassian face amidst the mostly Bajoran crowd below caught her interest. She leaned over the rail, straining for a better look. Had she seen him before?
But his face was lost in the sea. She wondered if he'd ducked his head on purpose to hide from her…
The familiar electric tendrils jolted through her body, immediately enhancing and adding to her senses. She started. "Ow." She hadn't felt that in awhile. Jer frowned slightly. Such a reaction was unwarranted. Good behavior was warranted.
The hair-prickling readiness reluctantly withdrew inwards to her chest…
"Hasan Liasy."
The Cardassian. But why that name? After a pause she turned his way. "Are you looking for someone, sir?"
He glared at her from underneath his hood. "And you thought no one would be interested in the identity of the Protector's new girlfriend, did you, changeling!"
Pain.
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Terok Nor - - -
The last modification completed, she hastily set the transporter, stepped on, and activated it.
In mid-transport she heard the door hiss open, people shout, and buttons pressed. That she was aware of it surprised her.
Deep Space Nine - - -
More shocked exclamations greeted her at her destination. She staggered, off-balance and disoriented.
This universe's Kira Nerys approached her. "Who are you?"
She grinned widely. "You have no idea how great it feels to be in the right universe."
"You're from here?"
She ignored the questioner's skepticism, offering a hand, instead. "Kira Nerys," she warmly greeted. "I'm honored to finally meet you."
Her unborn son began pummelling her ribs. She grimaced.
"Are you all right, Ma'm?" loudly asked a Human male as he entered and came across the Promenade to her. Through her child she received a faint impression of surprise that she resembled his superior so closely.
She assumed a normal smile. "I'm fine. Just a little sore." Her neck had ached all morning.
Her neck…
She unflinchingly reassumed control over her thoughts. "I am grateful for your care of my father."
"Your father?" Kira had no idea of what she was talking about.
"Tekeny Ghemor. I'm Iliana."
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Deep Space Nine - - -
"You have pretty hair."
The dabo girl cast a blind glance his way. "Thank you."
"Is it natural?"
"Are my eyes unnatural?" returned the tall young woman, amused. "Why would it not be?"
Jake Sisko hesitated. "Well… It would be for anyone from this quadrant. Where are you from?"
Her pale lips quirked. "If I won't tell my boss, what makes you think I'll tell a journalist?"
He started. "How'd you…"
"I have my sources. Karjinko."
"Wh…" Jake realized she was speaking to the dabo player. "Well, at least tell me your name."
One pale aqua brow raised at him, her lips still slightly smiling. "Why?"
"What?"
"Why should I tell you my name? Why should I trust you with it? Why should I even speak with you?"
Her rapid questions disoriented him. What was her problem? "It's just your name."
"My name. Yes."
She turned away towards a little boy as he ran up. The spindly alien child cast a glance Jake's way, scowling distrustfully. The dabo girl bent over and let him whisper something in her ear.
She froze a moment, considering whatever he'd told her. Then she sighed, returning to her position at the dabo table. "Take care of her as best you can, then."
The boy's expression turned frightened. "But… But Iadru was stung! If she isn't treated…"
"I know. Alert me when they show signs of hatching; I'll try to contain them."
Jake tried to connect what he was getting of their conversation to any type of sting he was familiar with.
"Dabo. Congratulations, Sir."
The scrawny child was reluctant to leave. "What will it do to her?"
"I don't know," the woman gently replied. "I've never heard of them reaching maturity, before."
"Because they're always treated whenever there's an intrusion. But we don't get treated 'cause we don't matter."
The boy jumped suddenly, looking startled at the blind dabo girl. Her head had just dropped to the side. The young woman lowered herself to his level. "We do matter. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise." She hesitated. "But that doesn't mean, you can't respectfully take it when they tell you that. It's a fine line we walk."
"Like how they cut off Iadru's fingers. They'd do something like that to me if I told them I knew they're lying." At her nod, he asked, "Why do they fear us so? Do they not understand us?"
She replied gently, "No. They envy us. They fear the Quirni."
"But I thought those were…"
"Legends?" She frowned. "No." She turned back to her job, distracted. "No," she repeated. "Not legends."
"But—"
The boy stopped as if interrupted, the dabo girl's head dropping, again. The child watched her and nodded as if listening to her. He ran off.
"Who was that?" asked Jake Sisko.
Her blind eyes somehow looked steadily at him. "I was not born this way."
She refused to acknowledge him for the rest of the night.