The conference room on the station was set up with two tables facing each other across the middle of the room. The Federation, Klingon, and Alliance delegations sat together with the Dominion and Cardassians at the other table. Jem'Hadar and armed Cardassian guards stood behind the one table while Bajoran and Starfleet personnel stood around the other. Robert stood to the side with Richmond and Odo as part of the security contingent, although the Aurora security and Marine personnel were mostly outside of the room.

Whatever optimism Robert had about the talks quickly started to bleed away as the opening statements made clear the chilliness in the relations of the two sides. Weyoun took the main speaking role for the other delegation and quickly went into the continuing issue of the convoys. "The Dominion is well within its rights to maintain its current convoys into Cardassian space," he said. "Your own agreements with the Cardassian government, and others in this quadrant, have established the principle of innocent passage. Our convoys do not in any way violate this principle."

"A principle the Dominion has not extended to our governments," T'Latrek pointed out. "You cannot claim the protection of a principle you do not hold yourself."

"That was before the Cardassian Union elected to join the Dominion, and be our local representative to the people of the Alpha Quadrant," Weyoun answered. "We are prepared to assume full responsibility for the treaties signed by Cardassia. But we insist on the convoys being permitted through. You may, of course, scan the vessels to your leisure, to affirm their cargos…"

"There are ways to fool such scans," Senator Talam said. "That is why my government insists on direct inspection."

"Under the innocent passage agreements signed regarding access to the wormhole, you have no such right," Weyoun said. "And the Dominion will resist any attempt to compel direct inspection."

"Then we are at an impasse," T'Latrek said. "We have information that your convoys are bearing war materials that are turning Cardassia into a massive armed depot, one capable of sustaining a Dominion war effort against this quadrant."

"Any information you have received is clearly in error, Madame Councilwoman," Dukat said, speaking up. "The Dominion is primarily providing civilian goods and supplies to restore the Cardassian economy. The only military goods sent so far have been to rebuild our defensive perimeter after our war with your own allies, the Klingons." He gave a pointed look to General Martok and Councillor Porag.

"A war your own new allies helped to provoke when they replaced me," Martok retorted.

"From what I am aware, it took very little effort on their part to prompt it," Dukat said coldly. "And if you think we will let the Klingons or any other power steal our rightful territory again…"

"We did not come to exchange threats of war," Pensley began. "We are here to figure out an amicable…"

As Pensley spoke, naturally playing himself up as the peace-loving mediator, Robert considered his feeling that there was something else the Dominion was interested in. The convoys were not the central core of their concerns, as much as they swore otherwise. But as he listened, he could find no indication of what it was.

Pensley's attempt to restore calm to the conference worked, mostly, with Weyoun thanking him and stating the Dominion's commitment to a peaceful resolution. A few more points of contention were raised, the border skirmishes being done so delicately, until the decision was made to end the session so both sides could consider one another's positions. The conference would resume in three hours' time.

As everyone filed out, Sisko and Martok approached Robert and Odo. "You seem distracted," Sisko said to Robert. "What did you make of them?"

"There's something else on their minds," Robert said. "Something they're more concerned about than the convoys or the borders. But they're not ready to bring it up."

"What else is there to consider?" Martok asked, frustration in his voice. It was eerie that he sounded exactly like the imposter Martok Robert met on the last mission to DS9, although this Martok was missing an eye.

"Whatever it is, the sense I got was it was something that they're almost afraid of," Robert said. "Maybe I'll get a better feel for it at the next meeting."

"In the meantime, we should join the others," said Sisko. "We have a lot to discuss."

With Kaveri and Meridina off for the talks on DS9, Jarod was left as the senior officer aboard. It was a familiar responsibility, if still not entirely welcome, and it necessitated that even his off-watch lunch be a working lunch so he could survey the status reports. Master Chief Rohm already had a ship-wide drill scheduled with Kaveri's signature, requiring Jarod to set up the details.

So far his worries about how Kaveri would command the ship had not materialized. She was very much acting the caretaker for Julia, letting Meridina and Jarod maintain the command regimen Julia had established with little variation, save more consultations with Master Chief Rohm and his subordinates. A bemused thought came to mind. Maybe this time we'll actually keep a Master Chief longer than six months, as he thought about the rotating position before. Stasia would probably have preferred things this way. I wonder how she's doing on the Huáscar, wherever they've gone off to…

He noted the shadow on the table and looked up in time to see Gina come to a stop at the other side of the table. Gina was wearing an assemblage of Gersallian clothing, suitable given she was a civilian (albeit a civilian member of Robert's Operations Team, so she was permitted to be armed, as evidenced by the lightsaber on her belt). "Commander Jarod, I didn't want to disturb you, but I could use some help." She held up a digital reader and some scraps of handwritten paper that, previously, she had been holding close to her chest.

Jarod took the offerings while she spoke further. "The translations don't seem to make sense," she said. "I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong."

"The syntax of the old High Gersallian can be tricky," Jarod said. "They hadn't yet absorbed influences from the regional languages." He glanced over the work. As he looked it over he found himself puzzled as well. The results seemed accurate, but they didn't mean anything. He handed it back to her. "I'm going to be busy until 1900 hours, but afterward I can come by and check some of your work. Will that be fine?"

Gina nodded. "It will." She sat down and sighed. "I've learned a lot about Gersallian over the past few years, but it's hard doing this without the others. And they're busy on the station with these talks, so I'm alone on this."

"I understand, I do," Jarod said. "And I know how important this is, so I'll be there when I can. In the meantime, you look like you could use a good lunch." He gestured toward Albert. "So let me get you one."

In the ready office beside the bridge, Kaveri finished listening to Robert's report on the summit. Technically speaking she wasn't involved, as Tranu Talam was keeping the Alliance delegation as strictly civilian outside of the protective detail (likely as a sop to Pensley, who as always was suspicious of the Alliance military). But Robert was keeping her appraised anyway as a precautionary measure given the Dominion's history of deceptive behavior.

If anything it was clear the Dominion couldn't be underestimated. Their arguments were, if self-serving, still accurate as to treaty rights. Kaveri wondered what they hoped to gain by offering to cease their own attacks on Alpha Quadrant ships that entered the Gamma Quadrant. Opening the way to unfettered reinforcements to Cardassia couldn't be the only thing they were after.

The door chime sounded. Kaveri looked up, already certain of the new arrival. "Come in, Commander," she called out.

The door slid open and Caterina entered. She was in her uniform, wearing the knee-length uniform skirt with the jacket and boots. She stood at attention. Kaveri was now used to the lack of a salute, even if it still grated instinctively given her long Earthforce service. "Captain, you wanted to see me, sir?" Cat inquired. Kaveri guessed she was not long returned from her shore liberty on the station.

"Yes." Kaveri gestured to the chair in front of her. "At ease, and please, sit down, Commander."

Cat did so quietly. She gave Kaveri a patient look once she was settled into the chair.

Kaveri brought up the performance evaluations she'd reviewed with Chief Rohm and Commander Meridina. "Commander, I would like to discuss how things are going in the ship's Science Department."

Caterina nodded. "Okay. Are there any projects you're wondering about?"

"I see something here about Lab 3 taking up a greater allotment of computer processing time than they're usually permitted?"

Cat nodded. "Doctor Ke'mani'pala and Lieutenant Patani are running simulations for the Layom Station Multispecies Disease Prevention Office."

"What kind of simulation?"

"It's a virus reported from the S2C3 universe. A government there…" Cat was clearly checking her memories before speaking again. "...the Umojans, they forwarded some samples of a highly dangerous biological agent connected to some species in their sector. 'Zarg' or something."

"Presumably not the same zargs from my home universe?"

"Actually, no, I think it's 'zerg'," Caterina corrected herself. She immediately added, "We don't have any samples aboard, of course. We're only running simulations based on the data they've provided us. I can get the reports if you want to know more."

"That will be fine." Kaveri settled her hands on the desk. "Commander, how are the other projects in your department going?"

"Well, fine, I guess." The young science officer seemed a little confused. "Nothing really of concern, Captain? We're still doing our share of analysis of that Ancient city-ship in N1C4, and the Darglan data found there. Lab 3 wants to see if that 'kohltou' stuff can be replicated, it outperforms medigel in terms of treating critical injuries. Lab 2 is examining reports we have on the shielding technology in A5R0 being based on quantum stasis principles. Tra'dur's astronomical research on pulsars is coming along, if you're worried about her work." Cat frowned. "But it can't be that, is it? I mean, I know she's Operations, but she's a scientist at heart and she's only using Lab resources on her off-time and I've signed off on it all…"

Kaveri shook her head, smiling softly. "No, I am not worried about Lieutenant Tra'dur. It is you I am worried about, Commander."

"Huh?" Cat's expression betrayed her confusion. "Why? What's wrong? Everything's going well…"

"No, it is not." Kaveri shook her head. "Oh, your department is meeting its standards. On any other ship, under any other Chief Science Officer, I would have nothing to concern myself with. But you are not any other Chief Science Officer, Commander Delgado. You are the one who typically leads the fleet in project productivity and scientific papers produced."

Cat lowered her eyes.

Kaveri saw the discomfort on her face and continued. "Tra'dur would write home to her mother about you, how much she admired your devotion to scientific study and endeavor," Kaveri continued. "And your record bears that out. Last year you were even invited to attend a symposium at the Vulcan Science Academy as a guest speaker. From what I have read, you were the only speaker there who did not have a doctorate or more."

"I… it was a subspace subject, one I've got a lot of practical experience and experimentation with," Cat answered.

"But now I hear you are going to turn down the invitation for their next meeting," Kaveri said. "You were supposed to speak on these 'T'Vral Distortions' you found in the Fracture of S0T5. The invitation is clear that they want to hear from you."

"Yeah. It's just… I'm not sure I have the time now, I'd have to take a leave from the ship and with everything going on…" Cat let her wording trail off. "I mean, what if there's another SS attack?"

Kaveri pursed her lips. "Commander, while I applaud your concern for such an event, I am not going to let you deflect the matter. For the last three months your performance has declined. You used to be at the top of the fleet, now you are just meeting the fleet baseline. The entire Science Department on this ship is no longer meeting its old standard. And I want to know why."

Cat swallowed. "It's just… I've had to make some adjustments lately. Personal adjustments."

"Your girlfriend is on the Huáscar now. I know." Kaveri shook her head. "And that is all? She is not around anymore so you are… what, giving up on things? Going through the motions?" Her tone was hard but not harsh as she spoke those words.

"I…" Cat stopped before staying more, as if her words were caught in her throat. "It's a l-lot of th-things, Captain. I'l t-try to im-improve…"

Even as Cat stammered through the sentence, Kaveri looked at the pain in the young woman's hazel eyes. She was haunted by something, something that was weighing on her, and Kaveri was bringing it out. She interlaced her fingers together on the desk and leaned toward Cat. "Commander Delgado…" Kaveri reconsidered that and went for another direction, as her tone notably softened. "I am not trying to find fault with you. When I say I am worried, it is not about your performance review or the ship's productivity rates. It is because I see a brilliant young woman who is a star in her field suddenly losing her light. I want to help you through this, whatever it is. I want you to be as brilliant as I know you can be."

Caterina closed her eyes and nodded. "I'm… I'm working through something," she admitted. "Something I saw. Something I've had to live with recently."

Kaveri's voice was softer, although not soft, when she asked, "Would you like to talk about it?"

Immediately she could see Cat was interested in that. Cat bit into her lip for a moment before she asked, "Can you let me think about it?"

"I can. Just do not keep me waiting too long, please," Kaveri asked kindly.

"I won't," Cat promised. "Permission to be dismissed?"

"Granted." Kaveri kept her pose as Cat stood, nodded in respect, and departed the office. Tra'dur said she once put herself in front of a charging, blood-raged Krogan. What could have given her such fear?

With another practice session ended, Julia was on her way back to her room in one of the palace's many guest suites. She took that time to examine, and admire, the various works of art displayed on the walls of each hall. Portraits and tapestries going back centuries depicted the events of the Fire Nation's history.

Outside of her room Julia stopped to give a closer look to one of the tapestries. It reminded her of textbook pictures of pre-industrial Japanese art, in this case depicting two dragons blowing multi-colored flames into a swirling vortex alive with colors.

"You have an appreciation of our art?"

Julia turned her head. Near her door, the aged leader of the Fire Sages was waiting, hunched over slightly but otherwise looking fine. "I'm not really an art critic," Julia said. "But this does look lovely. Does this species actually exist on your world?"

"Yes. The dragons taught our ancestors how to wield fire, and the most worthy Firebenders go on pilgrimages to see them."

"Including Avatars?"

"Eventually."

Julia noted the look on his face. "You're here to talk me into quitting, aren't you?"

The old man nodded. "I do not doubt your sincerity, Captain Andreys. Perhaps if you were born on our world, you might have been a bender yourself, and I would have no objection. But it seems these arts are unique to this world's people." The Sage bowed his head. "The Avatar must master all four elements to be in balance within. You can teach your style to Miko, yes, but without having Waterbending of your own, I fear you lack the understanding to teach her properly."

Julia didn't argue that point. It was her own concern after all. "You're right that I can't teach the metaphysical side of whatever this is, only the style as I know it. And I talked to Miko about it. But she made her choice anyway, and I owe her the opportunity." Julia shook her head. "If Miko changes her mind, that's fine, I'll quit. I won't wish her any ill will. But that's in her hands, not mine."

The elderly man sighed and nodded. "I had hoped you might quit on your own."

"Miko deserves more from me than that," replied Julia.

"I see. I cannot fault you for your loyalty, at least. Be at peace with the spirits, Captain. Good day." The old man walked away.

In their quarters on the station, the white-robed figures sat quietly. Their minds remain linked, as always, allowing them to sense for danger and have a quiet discussion.

We must act, soon. Before the Adversary's minions make their move.

The woman responded with a shake of the head. I do not disagree, but we must be careful in how we approach them. They may not trust us. They know so little about who we are.

Frustration was the reaction. Because we do not come to them, do not explain who we are. If they knew…

Some of them do not trust psions. And they may see us as just another faction of the Fracture. The woman's thoughts, considerations, filled his mind. If we go to one of the Forcefuls, perhaps. They will understand us. But they are all so busy with the summit I fear we would be prevented from meeting them.

We should just present ourselves to them now! He shook his head again. We are too used to the needs of secrecy, if you ask me. We worry too much about the need to hide from the Ministry that we let it influence our decisions.

It is how we have survived for millennia, the woman cast back. She stood. Either way, we should go to the station's commercial area. We may find an opening there.

There was agreement from the man, who stood with her. They stepped to the door. Just as he hit the button to open it, the woman called out No! mentally.

She was a moment too late.

The door slid open, and a woman in dark leather was waiting. Her arm shot forward and pressed a prod against the man's midsection. His clothing was no protection from the device, which caused him such pain that he screamed and doubled over. His compatriot took a step back and reached out with her mind, seeking to grapple the attacker. But her foe's mental defenses were ready. Her attack probes failed before those defenses. Before the absolute certainty within them, the certainty of superiority, of purpose, so like her own.

"Nice try, Magi," the leather-clad woman said simply before lunging forward. She moved with great speed and the white-robed woman barely evaded the strike. Unfortunately, the evasion carried her further into her room, and away from her only escape. She didn't have long; her foe would have backup coming, that she was certain of.

"Go!" screamed her compatriot. Despite the debilitating agony he forced himself up enough to tackle their foe. "Go now!"

There was a moment when she nearly didn't. When she decided to stay, to not abandon her compatriot. But the need of the situation overrode that. If both were captured, their mission would come to naught, and the Adversary would prevail. She rushed for the open door and turned down the hall. When an armed man stepped into her path her mind lashed out, broke through his mental defenses, and seized his motor controls, forcing his legs to give out from under him before he could attack.

Behind her, she heard her comrade scream in agony. He was at their foe's non-existent mercy. And now, she was his only hope.

She had to get help. It was the only way.

Outside of the conference room and its returning delegates, Robert, Lucy, and Talara felt the distant shadow of intense pain. They looked to each other in concern. Each now knew the other sensed it as well. Something terrible was happening.

"The next session is about to begin," Lucy said. "What do you want us to do?"

Given the nebulous feelings he'd been feeling since coming to DS9, Robert quickly made his choice. "Investigate it, both of you," he said. "I'll continue on watch here.

His compatriots nodded and departed.

The Replimat was not a restaurant so much as an open, replicator-served cafe. It was the closest thing the station had to the kind of cozy, romantic cafe one might ordinarily bring a lover to. This is why Angel picked it for the meal she and her lover Tony Zah were having while on liberty. Both were in standard uniforms, much to their regret, as they rather enjoyed showing off the fruits of their physical training regimens (particularly to one another). Before them were replicated meals, tamales and enchiladas respectively. Underneath the table Angel's foot playfully slid around Tony's, and he grinned at her. "You look like you're already looking forward to getting back to your quarters when we beam back," he said.

"Oh, I am, but I like to build anticipation."

"Well, I'm just glad I'm not on the station rotation for this evening. I'm not so lucky tomorrow."

"They'll have you standing watch with the summit?"

"Yeah."

"Well, at least the other dignitaries are staying on their ships," Angel said. 'Given what happened the last time…"

Motion nearby drew their attention to new arrivals. Angel recognized Worf and the Trill science officer of the station, standing together and looking for an open table. "Hey, Worf, you can join us if you want," she called out.

The big Klingon turned to them, as did the Trill lady. Angel recalled that her name was Dax at that point. "Ah. You have my thanks," he said.

"Mine too," added Dax. Each had a plate of Human-style food. "I'm surprised to see it so busy."

"Well, a lot of our crew are taking brief liberty periods to visit DS9," Angel said. "So everyone's somewhere."

"It's nice to see the station so busy these days, ever since the Dominion took over in Cardassia the station's been quieter than usual."

"I consider that a good thing," Worf said aloud. He looked to Tony. "Lieutenant."

"Lieutenant Tony Zah, Commander," he answered. "An honor to meet you. Angel showed me that calisthenics program you left her."

Worf glanced to Angel, as did Dax. Angel grinned slightly. "Tony's a good fighter and I wanted extra practice," she answered.

"So you two…"

"...are together? Yeah," she finished for Dax.

"I see." Worf looked back to Tony. "I do not recall you from my time on the Aurora."

"I wasn't assigned until a few months ago," Tony replied. "But I'm aware of what you did for them. A lot of people in the crew remember Gamma Piratus. Those left from then, anyway."

"So, I'm getting a vibe from you two," Angel said, looking from Worf to Dax. "Are you…"

"We are," Worf said simply.

"Oh, nice," Tony said. "So this is becoming a double date."

Worf's reply was immediate. "No, it is not."

Dax chuckled. "Worf's not the type."

Angel's grin was a wry one. "Tell me about it."

Worf ignored that part of the conversation while taking a bite of food. When he was finished he said, "I heard about the attack on the colony you founded. I am pleased to know that you fought the enemy off."

"At cost," Angel said. "But yeah."

"It seems everyone's reeling from what happened," said Dax. "Starfleet's put all of our defensive installations on high alert ever since confirmation of the attacks."

"It's been done across the Multiverse," Angel notes. "I think even people who stayed out of the war are worried the SS will target them too. I guess this is the dark side of our technology. The idea that someone can just pop in out of nowhere and blow you to kingdom come."

"We'll get them in the end," Tony said. "Over something like this, against enemies like that, you don't stop until the job's done."

"Agreed," said Worf.

Everyone turned their attention back to their food, but their enjoyment of their meal barely lasted five seconds. "Pardon me," a female voice said, her English accented finely.

They turned their attention to the source, a red-haired woman wearing a white robe. "Uh, yeah?" Angel asked pointedly.

"I'm sorry for interrupting your meal, but my need is urgent," she said. "My name is Pallina Tormayama. I am a Magi of the Sophia, and your comrades at the summit are in terrible danger."

The next summit session began as the last one ended, with the discussion on the Dominion convoys stuck firmly in the mud. Neither side would give, could give really, and it made Robert's heart ache. We've only had a few months of peace. Now it looks like war's going to break out again.

Pensley was trying again to persuade the Dominion to yield a little, promising extensive aid to Cardassia and the prospect of bilateral arms reductions that made everyone else on his side of the table scowl. "There is no point in conflict between our peoples," he said, looking directly at the Founder. "A peaceful galaxy is an orderly one."

"We see no point in conflict as well, but we have obligations," Weyoun said in reply. As if none of them were worthy of being addressed by the Founder. "Surely your Alliance understands such obligations. You've taken on many worlds to protect in the other universes, you wouldn't allow people to dictate how you protected them, would you?"

Through it all Robert continued to sense an element of deception, from Weyoun and the Founder at least. This was not what they were actually concerned with.

This is going to continue to go nowhere until we get to what they really want, Robert thought. He waited until Weyoun ceased speaking again before looking directly at the Founder and asking, "Founder, I can tell you have something else you're concerned with, not these convoy matters, and you're really worried about it."

"You're out of line, Captain!" Pensley shouted. The anger in his eyes belied the pacific mood he'd shown so far. "You have no place to speak here and I won't have you derailing these negotiations for your own purposes!"

Senator Talam gave Pensley an unkind look, but it was T'Latrek who spoke up. "While Captain Dale's status to speak is questionable, his question is pertinent, and I extend it myself. The principles on which the Dominion is currently standing are not consistent with its previous behavior. That implies a motivation they have as yet refused to divulge."

Robert said nothing, recognizing T'Latrek's point about his not being a recognized delegate, but grateful that she'd still defended what he said. He hoped the Dominion would respond.

The initial response he got was a dark look from the Founder. Then, without a word from Weyoun, the being spoke. "Very well then. The Founders are always skeptical of solids speaking peace, so we were testing your flexibility before getting to the real matter. We have only one term that must be settled to our satisfaction to guarantee peace."

"We are ready to hear you," said Senator Talam.

"The Dominion is aware of your devices meant to detect us and destabilize our forms," the Founder said. "If you want permanent peace, you must eliminate these devices, immediately, and pledge to never build them again."