Chapter 7
Rathaus showed every outward sign of being devoted to his wife and her passions. He attended services at the Bajoran Temple, left her small presents in unexpected places, and finally remembered not the fill their quarters with the Bajoran lilacs she so hated. He even paid visits to Ops in order to surprise her, a place he previously avoided. It was on one of these impromptu visits that an incident occurred which would eventually divide the small social group. The day had been relatively quiet with no unusual transports or overly rude captains to deal with. Nog manned his usual station. Julian had come up to give his daily report. Dax had also arrived to give the Colonel her daily report. Rathaus suddenly showed up about two hours before Kira's shift ended. He came bearing his one of his gifts, a box of her favourite chocolates this time. He sat on the sofa in her office tossing out pleasantries as she worked on reports. It was the usual routine of such visits. She always tried to forget her memories of Odo relaxing on that same sofa during the Dominion War. Suddenly, her combadge beeped and Nog explained that her presence was needed. The two stood together. "I can handle this. Don't let it bother you," said Kira as she headed for the door.
"Nonsense. I'd love to see you in action." He approached her and put his arm around her shoulder.
"It's not standard protocol for a civilian to appear in Ops."
"You? Worried about protocol?" he laughed. "I think we can dispense with standard protocol in my case," he said, giving her a quick kiss on the neck.
She gave him a half-smile. "This once, for you. But stay in the background. I'm having enough trouble with Starfleet lately."
"Of course, my dear." They both walked out and stood on the upper level of Ops beside the steps. "On screen, Lt." As the screen flickered to life in front of her, the Colonel began down the short flight of steps. Suddenly, she tripped and fell down the duranium steps right in front of Admiral Colti. Her husband, standing directly behind, did not have the time to so much as reach out for her. Julian Bashir, an odd expression on his face, was the first at her side and whipped out a medical tricorder. "I'm fine, Julian," Kira said.
"I just want to be sure, Colonel." He quickly ran the tricorder over her. "You have a fractured wrist, but otherwise just strained muscles and tendons." Kira's face was dark, "Can I speak with the admiral now?"
"Yes, of course. We can patch you up as soon as this is over."
Kira stood up and greeted the admiral whose face smirked with superiority. During the entire call, while Julian stood close by and watched over her. Rathaus remained calmly on the upper level. Only after it was over, as Julian helped her to the infirmary, did her husband lend a hand.