AN: there was this whole mix-up, and I wound up posting the same chapter twice, so this is the REAL chapter 4. Sorry!
The Defiant had returned to the station three days before, their attempt failed due to the attempted boycotting. Niela was acting meaner than ever. Perhaps because the moment they had returned to the station, Kira had taken a runabout without permission and went off to rescue Odo. Niela, to say the least, was not pleased.
Ezri, Julian and Miles sat around a circle table at Quarks.
"I can't believe that Niela did that to Ensign Riley. All she did was make a suggestion, and Niela practically sent her to the brig."
"Yeah, Niela is way out of line here. She's treating everyone like dirt."
'Yeah, Kira told me that when she got back with Odo, Niela notified the provisional Government, and they took Kira's side. That's why Niela has been treating all the Bajorans like that."
"I heard that she put in a formal request that Kira be removed from the station."
Julian looked up from his raktijino thoughtfully. "She requested from the Provisional Government or Starfleet? Cause there is no way that the P.G. is going to agree."
"Yeah, I know. She knows it too, that's why she asked Starfleet."
"Oh, they are going to agree. They love her. They worship her."
'We should request that she be removed."
"Yeah, like there is any chance that Starfleet's going to listen to us. "
"C'mon, lets get refills."
Niela stood in the doorway of her office, face red with fury. "Major Kira, come here. Now!"
Kira looked up from her padd and her expression changed to defiant the moment she saw Niela's face.
The other Ops officers looked at Kira sympathetically as she made her way up the steps and into the Captains office,
The door hissed shut behind Kira, and Niela went around the desk to sit.
"Major Kira, what is the meaning of this!"
Kira glanced at the padd in Niela's hand and her face turned a very slight shade of pink. "How did you get a hold of that?"
Niela snorted. "How do you think I get a hold of any requests of my instant dismissal? By asking Starfleet. I can't believe that you filed a formal complaint about me! You told Starfleet my secret plan, and now they are ordering me not to do it! How the hell are we supposed to win this war if you are going to lie to Starfleet?"
Kira opened her mouth and than closed it. She stood up and said, very softly, "How, may I ask, Captain, did I 'lie' to Starfleet?"
Niela smirked. "By telling them about a certain ambush that was planned."
"But that was true!" Kira's voice rose.
"Oh, but that's not what I told Starfleet. They are, at this very moment, urging the Provisional Government to consider my request for your dismissal."
Niela's com badge beeped suddenly. "Captain, a hail for you, from Starfleet."
Niela smiled a slow, evil smile. "That must be them telling me all about how you should be dismissed." She said to Kira as she pressed the button to connect with Starfleet.
The picture of Admiral Ross appeared on the screen. "Ah, Captain Niela. We have considered your request and have come to a conclusion. Major Kira Nerys will be removed from Deep Space Nine, effective immediately. " Niela nodded briskly.
"No." whispered Kira. Her voice grew into a shout. "No!" She leaped forward and raised her right hand, punching into the screen of the padd. The Admirals picture disappeared instantly. Kira stared at the blood that was dripping gently from the slash in her hand onto Niela's smooth desk.
Niela grinned evilly. "You will have that cut cleaned by the doctor, and than you will remove yourself from this station. You have one hour."
"No." Kira said. "I do not have to leave the station. If I'm a civilian, I can still live on the station."
Niela inclined her head, acknowledging Kira's answer. "That is correct. You may stay, but you will switch quarters to civilians. You are dismissed."
Kira walked out of Niela's office, dripping blood, lost in thought. Then, she clicked her combadge. "Kira to Odo, Julian, Ezri, Miles and Worf. Meet me in the Replimat in a half hour. Code Blue.
Five voices answered. "Yes Sir."
Kira winced. "It's…not 'Sir' anymore."
"You mean,-" Julian couldn't finish.
Kira grimaced. "Yes. Remember, half hour. Replimat."
TBC…