The next day it was Odo's turn to be confronted with strange and uncomfortable feelings about where he stood with certain people. Much to his surprise Quark had shown up in the infirmary to present him with something he couldn't say no to. A baby changeling was in Quark's possession, no doubt, because of one of his many shady deals.

At first neither he, Doctor Bashir, or Sisko knew what to make of the situation.

"Are you sure it poses no danger to us, Constable?" Sisko asked with both amazement and weight as he and Odo discussed the situation with Julian following along.

Odo found himself instantly alarmed by the question. "When I was first discovered, I didn't know what I was. I had no memory of where I was from. I didn't even know I had the ability to mimic other forms."

"Why would the Founders send such helpless creatures out into space?" The thought seemed cruel to Sisko.

"To find out if the species they encountered posed any threat. What better way to gauge another race than to see how it treats the weak and vulnerable?" Odo offered.

"I see your point," Sisko remarked as he allowed himself to consider the matter for a few seconds before going on. "How long before it can take humanoid form?"

At this question, Odo's anxiety swelled slightly. "Several months. Why?"

"Well, there's still a lot we don't know about your people. The Changelings could provide Starfleet with invaluable information about the Dominion." Sisko pointed out.

"With that being the case, I like to be allowed to work with it—to teach it how to shapeshift," Odo said hastily.

"Oh, I can't think of anyone better qualified." Sisko agreed, though there was a quiver of hesitation in his tone. "You might just want a little help. Maybe you should contact Dr. Mora."

Odo's eyes widened at the suggestion which had caught him off guard. "Mora? Why?"

"Well, he managed to find a way to communicate with you. He obviously knows what he's doing." Sisko observed.

Odo wasn't so sold on the matter, knowing the doctor better than the Captain did. "Maybe so, but…I prefer to do this alone."

"It's your call," Sisko replied, accepting the other man's resistance on the matter. Of course, he wasn't about to just leave it at that, and before he left Odo alone, the Captain turned at the last minute to leave a parting remark. "But, huh, it's always nice to have someone around to help change the diapers."

I'll…keep that in mind." Odo said with genuine consideration.

While he knew the Captain was right, deep down he wondered if Sisko understood what he was asking and the underlying threat Odo sensed was on the horizon if the sick changeling lived. He certainly needed help, but Dr. Mora wasn't the first choice that came into his mind.

"The purge was almost one hundred percent effective. The concentration of isotopes is nearly negligible." Dr. Bashir explained gently sometime later as he and Odo hovered over the container that contained the infant changeling's sickly natural form.

"Well, it certainly looks healthier," Odo observed appraisingly.

"Well, I'd better go check on Kira. Did you hear? She's in labor?" Bashir asked, realizing rather quickly that Odo's attention couldn't be swayed just then from anything other than his unexpected arrival. "I guess you have your own baby to think about."

This last word did manage to penetrate as Odo straightened. Was it true he was indeed acting like an anxious father? Odo didn't have time just then to consider the deeper meaning within the possibility.

"There is still a small degree of instability in its morphogenic matrix. But I'm hoping it'll level out. I've set the computer to monitor for biomimetic fluctuations just in case." Julian reassured him as he prepared to leave.

Once alone, Odo began to converse with the changeling despite knowing it probably couldn't understand him yet. Old hurt had swelled in him as memories of his painful beginning surfaced and a deep sense of protective hopefulness came over him with such strength, he had no choice other than to embrace it.

"No. I'm not going to make the same mistakes with you that were made with me." Odo found himself promising.

At that moment Odo gave himself over to the irrational love and connection he felt. Things were indeed going to be different this time. He would make sure of it.

"Come on." He said almost breathlessly. "I want to show you something."

Later after Odo had taken the changeling around to some of his favorite places, telling it about the station and promising that it could live there forever if it wanted, he returned to the med lab to give it more room.

Alone again with the changeling, Odo couldn't help but regale it with awe and pride about what it was and what it could be someday. His love for it and the excitement of raising it to be everything it could be despite his deficiencies was gaining rapid momentum in the Constable's mind. The more he felt and thought about it, the more he was determined to help and teach the changeling on his own without the interference of Mora or anyone else who might have possessed ulterior motives.

His conviction was just settling on the matter when the doors of the isolation room opened, and a familiar voice sliced through all Odo's lofty visions of what was to come.

"Odo!" Doctor Mora called in greeting as he intruded into the room.

"Dr. Mora. What are you doing here?" Odo demanded hardly believing his eyes.

Surprised by is tone, Dr. Mora approached him. "Well, I heard about the changeling. I came to help."

After a short and testy conversation between the men about their specific intentions, both saw it wise to leave the medical room for a while. Odo was deeply upset. Upset about everything and he wasn't sure who to turn to with Dr. Bashir and Kira being occupied. With most of his most important allies unavailable, something finally occurred to him again that had crossed his mind earlier. Dr. Mora wasn't the only one on the station outside of himself intimately familiar with the changelings. There was Gaven. Odo knew from past observations that Gaven would understand his position and feelings. He had to talk to him.

He had to talk to someone.

Gaven was in his quarters getting ready to drop in on Kira who had extended an invitation to assist Dr. Bashir during the delivery. He was surprised when his door rang, and a disgruntled Odo was let into his living quarters.

"Odo…What is it?" Gaven could tell something was wrong.

"If that man thinks…Of all the people. I just can't believe this is happening." Odo fumed.

"Odo, what?" Gaven was deeply concerned.

"What, haven't you heard? Quark acquired a baby Changeling. It's sick. It has been in the infirmary most of the day under the care of Dr. Bashir." Odo explained.

Gaven looked about as stunned as Odo had in the beginning. "A baby changeling…Was Dr. Bashir able to stabilize its condition? What are they going to do with it?"

"Yes. It's not completely out of the woods yet, but the Doctor was able to remove the radiation isotopes that had sickened it. And what do you think they're going to do?" Odo asked.

"Well given my experience with Starfleet and their feelings on the Dominion, I'd say they're going to do everything they can to exploit this opportunity," Gaven said tensely.

"Not if I have anything to say about it, Doctor. I'm not about to let anyone poke and experiment on it like I was. To abuse it and treat it like a science experiment instead of the sentient life that it is. Dominion or not, this is just a baby. An infant. Barely aware of anything happening to it. Captain Sisko agreed to allow me to handle the situation as I saw fit and mark me when I say I still plan to do just that. But somehow the presence of the changeling has gotten back to someone I'd rather stayed the Hell out of it." Odo explained.

"Who?" Gaven was doing his level best to stay calm and impartial.

"A Dr. Mora. Mora was the Bajoran scientist who discovered me. He's here on the station thinking he is going to be involved in this. But the truth is I don't want him anywhere near the changeling. I can't tolerate the thought he might try one of his…tactics. Do you know he actually suggested that I wasn't fit to teach the changeling? He likes to go around pretending he was a father when he was nothing but a too eager scientist back in the old days. He actually tried to manipulate the situation, dangling access to his knowledge about changeling development in front of me in exchange for his involvement all because he thinks he's the only one that knows." Odo fumed nearly on the verge of hysterics.

"I'm sorry he hurt you, Odo." Gaven placed his hand upon the other man's shoulder in support.

"What happened to me is…Irrelevant. His tests. I can teach the changeling to shapeshift without such a measure. Do you know that after all these years Dr. Mora isn't even sorry?" Odo asked rhetorically.

"I'm sure that's not completely true, but I believe he'd not think twice about making you believe it was. What can I do to help you?" Gaven asked.

"Your knowledge about the changelings is extensive, is it not?" Odo inquired with a tinge of hope.

"Yes." Gaven pulled away and crossed his arms. "As you know my people hold the changeling species in highest regards. All of those of my culture are brought up with a basic understanding of them, and they are one of the few off-world species I was permitted to study at length."

"Would you be willing to help me help the changeling in whatever way it needs?" Odo asked.

Gaven's face flushed slightly. "It would be my pleasure to help you Odo in whatever way I can. Though it's important I do not draw too much attention to myself. Kira has invited me to attend the birth of the O'Brien's baby. I'm going there now but after I'll make sure to check on the changeling and share my thoughts. I…I'm very happy for you, Mr. Odo. Congratulations."

At that Gaven unexpectedly moved forward and gave Odo a brief hug before shaking his fists in his hand in a congratulatory gesture.

Though surprised by this Odo could almost feel how genuinely happy the other man was for him. It appeared that he'd come to the right person.

By the time Gaven parted with Odo and made his way to the birthing area that had been set up for Kira most of the excitement had already come and gone. It looked as if Kira wasn't going to deliver that day at all. Gaven arrived just as the Bajoran midwife was on her way out.

"Well, I hope I haven't missed the excitement," Gaven said, announcing himself to the assembly.

Kira's face lit up when she saw him. "Oh, I almost forgot you were coming. Please come in, Dr. Ore. I want to introduce you to some people. I don't know if you've formally met Keiko O'Brien and this is Shaakar Edom the first Minister of Bajor."

"A pleasure to meet everyone. And what seems to be the trouble here? I was expecting to meet someone important today." Gaven approached them coming up alongside Kira to hug her and acknowledge the unborn child still in her womb.

"We hit a snag." Kira chuckled despite the situation.

"Traditional Bajoran births require the mothers to be completely relaxed in order to induce dilation fully," Bashir explained as he finished putting away his tools.

"I see. May I?" Gaven requested indicating he wanted to see for himself the state of the child's wellbeing.

"Of course." Kira eagerly allowed him to press gently upon her swollen stomach knowing he could link directly to the child.

Seeing this seemingly intimate act, Shaakar Edom cleared his throat slightly.

"Well, the baby is happy even if the rest of you aren't. I anticipate at least another week or two." Gaven remarked.

"God, that's what the midwife said." Keiko blurted trying to cover up her apprehensions with supportive positivity. "We're all very excited."

"Of course. This is just for-shadowing for happy days to come." Gaven agreed.

Before they could converse further, Shaakar Odom gently excused himself. "I still need to go re-arrange those plans. I'll check in on you later if I can."

"Oh OK," Kira said allowing Shaakar to kiss her on the temple.

"Well, if you don't need us, I think we're going to go back to our quarters. I'm sure you'll join us later Kira?" Keiko said.

"What? Are we already going? But I was just starting to get the hang of this cymbal-" When Kira wasn't looking Keiko kicked Miles lightly in the shin signaling him to follow her. "I mean, I suppose I could use a little more practice. We'll see you later."

When everyone had gone except Kira and Gaven, Kira sighed heavily. "Why do I get the impression everyone is suddenly mad at me?"

"Not mad, just disappointed. Come on. I'll help you off that bed. I take it that Bajorans don't believe in bed rails." Gaven quipped.

"Har Har. It's not like I want to be pregnant any longer than I have to be. None of this was my idea. You know? I mean I never imagined myself having my own children, and now I'm completely responsible for the wellbeing of someone else's. Have you ever thought about having children, Dr. Ore?" Kira got the rest of the way to her feet and leaned heavily on Gaven for temporary support.

"Yes, as a matter of fact. I did plan to have children." Gaven hesitated. "My counterpart on Oum and I were in the final planning stages."

"Oh no. Please. I'm not being insensitive, am I?" Kira asked a little taken back.

It was the first time she'd ever heard Gaven talk about his personal life in this way.

"No Major, it's fine. It's in the past. Clearly, my life went in an unexpected direction." Gaven shrugged and began to walk her out. "But yes, once upon a time having a child was very important to me."

"Well for the record. I think you would have made for a wonderful parent." Kira wobbled to the door along with Gaven. "What am I going to do? I have to go back there and face the O'Brien's."

"They do understand, Kira. But I tell you what; I have a surprise for you and Keiko that might make you both feel better." Gaven hinted.

When they got back to the O'Brien's quarters it was clear in spite her best efforts to cover it up that Keiko had been crying, no doubt overwhelmed with deep disappointment she hadn't wanted to take out on Kira.

"Mr. And Mrs. O'Brien, do you mind if I come in for just a second?" Gaven asked after he'd released Kira from his arm.

"Huh, of course, Doctor Ore. We were about to put supper on." The chief looked almost grateful to see Gaven maybe because the presence of the other man made him feel less outnumbered after such an emotional ordeal.

"Oh yes please eat with us, Doctor." Keiko insisted, ever the gracious host.

"Another time. Thank you. I know this is an exhilarating and stressful time for all of you. Chief, I was wondering if I could borrow Keiko and Kira for a little bit. If it won't delay your meal too long."

"For what? Is something wrong?" Keiko exchanged looks with her husband and Kira.

"I don't know what he's planning, but I suspect it's a good thing," Kira assured her.

"Since I think none of us got what we wanted today, I thought I might offer a present to you ladies since I missed out on the celebration when I left. In my travels and studies of other life forms I've discovered a few talents of my own along the way." Gaven said.

Kira gasped lightly. "I know what this is. Gaven, are you sure?"

Gaven smiled lightly while briefly shutting his eye. "I suspect Keiko can be trusted."

"Just what the Hell are you all going on about?" Miles asked feeling as if he wasn't being let in on a joke.

"Gaven has a particular talent. A telepathic and empathic predisposition. It's one of the reasons he's such a good doctor. I think he wants to help us talk to the baby." Kira offered.

"What? You can do that?" Miles asked in disbelief.

"Something like that. It's more biological than psychic, but now that the baby is farther along it isn't difficult. All three of you already have a biological and emotional link with the child. I can help you open a channel. Come on. Everyone sit down."

Miles and Gaven helped Kira lower herself onto the sofa before Miles and Keiko took a seat on either side of her. Gaven carefully took a position on the coffee table in front of them with his crutch down on the floor.

"Alright. I'm going to open the channel first with Kira and once it's established you both can join in." Gaven explain.

"What do we do?" Miles asked.

"Wait for my word and then rest a hand on the baby. You should feel a rush and then you'll be connected. It may feel uncomfortable for a moment, but I promise the discomfort will subside." Gaven reassured them.

Everyone got in position, and after a few moments with Gaven forming the link he exhaled sharply and nodded. "Now."

Both miles and Keiko gently placed one hand on either side of Gaven's and waited. Sure enough, within seconds Keiko gasped and her eyes went wide and began to well with unshed tears.

"Oh my god. Miles…" Keiko stared at her husband who had a surprised look on his face only not as intensely as his wife had.

'It's happy. I can actually feel what it's feeling." Miles muttered.

"The connection goes both ways. The baby can feel your love for it. It knows who you are and can recognize you." Gaven quietly explained since he had to maintain his focus.

"It's like he's inside me still. It feels so real. I'm so happy to be your mommy." Keiko said to the unborn child.

"Everyone here loves you," Kira said as she tried her best to keep her composure.

"We're going to see you soon my fine boy," Miles promised.

Gaven held the link for several minutes before fatigue forced him to disengage. Miles caught him by the arm to steady him as he pulled away since it seemed as if Gaven was at risk of passing out.

Coming entirely into himself a satisfied smile broke out on his face. "Well, I think my work here is done. Please, carry on everyone and have a good supper. I must be away. I still have another house call to make today."

Carefully Gaven got to his feet only to be instantly seized first by Keiko who thanked him and kissed him on the cheek and then by Miles who gripped his forearm to shake it with sincere gratitude. Kira just laughed at this display as she saw Gaven blush intensely at the shows of appreciation and affection.

"Yes. It was my pleasure. Kira, I'll be sure to be there when it's time." Gaven promised.

"I think it's safe to say you'll be more than welcome." Kira chuckled and encouraged Gaven to bend down so she could give him a parting hug. "Thank you for what you did."

Though tired, Gaven had one more stop to make. He wanted to see the young changeling for himself.

The moment Gaven entered the isolation room he gasped at the sight of the changeling sitting in its container and unexpected tears welled up in his eyes.

Julian had just finished his last surgery for the day and came to check on the changeling as well. He was just in time to see the emotional expression on the other doctor's face.

"Gaven, are you alright?" Julian asked idly trying to pretend he hadn't noticed how moved the other doctor was.

Gaven let out a sigh. He hadn't realized he'd been holding his breath until Julian interrupted him. "All my life I've studied them, doctor. Never once in my wildest dreams, did I ever think I would meet one. And now I've met two. One a newling. Doctor, this may be one of the finest moments of my life."

"You sound like Odo," Julian remarked.

"I'm sure. Speaking of, Odo told me the changeling was sick with radiation exposure." He mused.

"Tetryon radiation. I've successfully purged it of the isotopes, and it's stable now or nearly so." Julian explained.

"Mm. There could be residual damage the equipment isn't seeing." Gaven remarked.

"How do you propose we test for it? I've done about as much as I can do already." Julian frowned.

"If there's a problem at this stage it'll be on the cellular level. Since radiation damages cell walls and changelings rely on their ability to manipulate their cell structures when shapeshifting we need to develop a treatment in the event something goes awry. Luckily, we have Odo." Gaven remarked.

"Odo can't change form. They've altered something preventing his morphing abilities." Julian reminded him.

Genetically he's still a changeling. Granted it would be much easier if Odo could link with it. We could keep them together long enough for the baby to repair and duplicate its genetics from Odo's genetic framework. Barring that I can develop a therapy to do the same thing if we need it." Gaven explained.

"Well, you are the resident expert at alien genetics. If anyone has a solution, you would." Coming around the table, Julian briefly scanned Gaven's visage. " You seem tired today. Maybe it's wise to put off further doctoring until tomorrow. Just a suggestion."

"I agree. I'll see you later, Doctor." Gaven lingered a moment longer to gaze at the changeling before he took his leave.

Later, Julian had agreed to meet up with Miles for after dinner drinks.

"I'm telling you, Julian. It was incredible. The experience made Keiko's day." Miles discreetly remarked happily having relayed what Gaven had done for them earlier. "He's a strange kind of man. Isn't he?"

"No stranger than any compassionate person with his abilities would be, I imagine. Though sometimes I do think he overcompensates." Julian remarked throwing one of the darts in his hand and making sure it landed well but not too well.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Miles asked.

"I don't know. Gaven just always wants to be so helpful. He is always inserting himself into everyone's situations. Always ready with just the right talent or a bit of knowledge or a kind word. But does he genuinely ever share himself with anyone? No. Has he mentioned to anyone what he did while he was away on Gulba Four? No. He went and came back, and that was that. Sometimes I wonder under all that politeness and accommodating grace if there isn't someone else there." Julian pointed out.

"Well even if that's true, he can't really share much. Can he? Half of everything is shush-shush. The rest is nothing but pain and torment for him it seems. I mean what exactly do you want from the man?" Miles inquired.

"I want him to be…Less perfect." Julian admitted.

"You mean more human." Miles corrected him. "As far as I can tell the man is pretty buttoned up. Except when he's working or paying house calls, I seldom see him out on the promenade or conversing with anyone outside of the senior staff. I mean, he's got no real friends." Miles noted.

"That's not true. I'm Gaven's friend. Kira and Dax adore him and see him every chance they get." Julian protested.

"Look, all I'm saying is there's a right bloody difference between being friendly and available to folks and actually being their friend. That man has got himself over a barrel with Starfleet. If he's not a hundred percent cooperative what do you think would happen?" Miles asked.

"I see your point. Reminds me a lot of Garak." Julian remarked.

"Yeah well, all I know is that he helped smooth over an otherwise incredibly stressful situation today. I don't want to sound ungrateful…" Miles began.

"But this arrangement with the baby and Kira would have never been your first choice. I understand. Kira knows that too. We all need to be as kind as possible to each other about it because once the baby is here none of it will really matter." Julian reassured him.

"At least I'm not the only one having parental problems. What exactly are we going to do with this changeling on board?" Miles inquired.

"Take care of it. Raise it well. I think Odo is warming to the idea of playing the father." Julian replied throwing another dart.

"You really think it's going to be that easy do ya? That the federation is just going to let a changeling grow up here without any interference whatsoever. I'm amazed they haven't already whisked it away by now." Miles pointed out.

"The Changeling is an innocent sentient life form. It hardly knows what it is yet." Julian argued.

"Yes, well that's not always going to be how it is, now is it? Once that thing starts holding shapes and mimicking everything it sees, then what? In times of war, there isn't any such thing as being innocent. One way or another someone or something pulls you into the mix. All I'm saying is that I think you all better be realistic about the consequences of that changeling being here. Sooner or later, it is going to come to a head." Miles warned him.

"I guess we'll have to cross that bridge when we come to it. In the meantime, it's your turn to shoot." Julian said effectively ending the subject for now.