Note: Well it took a bit longer but yes THIS week is the double update! Julian Garak and Julian Garak (I know, what took so long, right?) And of course the games between them must continue because it's more fun that way. Ah, Garak, he'd lie if you asked him what the weather outside was. Anyhoo thanks to everyone reading and C&C is always welcome :)


From Julian Bashir's notes

I think the man that I met today may be one of them. Jadzia, you are the only one other than myself capable of deciphering this so let this be my last testimony should my life come to an unfortunate end in these next few days. I'll try to observe him as best as I can without being noticed but I'm not so naive as to think that I may not succeed. There are still a million questions running through my mind. I don't know how anyone knew that I was in Indigo. I'd never been here a day in my life until leaving Starfleet nor did I know anyone here. The last one who'd come was at least five years past now. And if it's Section 31 then I don't know why they would send a Cardassian this time. I know we'll be ready. We're always ready for them. But that doesn't mean that my nerves won't still be on edge this entire time. This should provide you all the evidence that you need should we fail, should we not make it. Take it to Odo. He has never stood law abiding citizens to be murdered here. This is still the last safe place for me I think. Anywhere else in the Alpha Quadrant as far as I know my life is forfeit so please don't tell yourself I should have run. You know there's nowhere far enough to run where they won't find me. But here I had a chance. Here I lived with your valued friendship, with Miles… let's not rehash that. Especially not now that I'm gone.

Right, totally done being maudlin, let's get started. Today is stardate 46379.1. It's late and I find myself unable to sleep. I can't stop thinking about him. There is something about the way he looks at me, the way he watches me, that is more than just simple curiosity. That's the first thing. That is, there is a predatory air to that look and I know that Jadzia might dismiss it as some suitor or another but I know that expression. I've seen it before. I've seen it the last time that one of them came and as long as it's been I had stupidly begun to think that it was safe. It seems that father was right, it's never safe. It's never going to be safe and I was a fool to believe otherwise. I shouldn't have invited him into my office. It was an impulse. He was bleeding and though I hate to admit it when I first saw him I thought he had the most stunning blue eyes. That was my first mistake and tomorrow morning I'm going to talk to Miles about changing the locks, about changing a lot of things in case he tries to come in like the last one. Some of the security measures have fallen into disrepair but I'm confident so far in my abilities to hear him, to sense him. There are some advantages to being the thing that I am, after all.

But today I stitched up his hand. It was bitten rather badly and that's when I noticed that inconsistency in his story. He claims to be a tailor but when you look at his hands you see none of the necessary callouses. That is, they're not correct. And that's not even considering that there are no Cardassian here or anywhere around this part of Westworld. It makes no sense that he'd come here unless it's hunting me. I didn't let on that I knew. He didn't ask any suspect question but that actually makes me more suspicious. The room where I bandaged him contains any number of oddities. It's deliberate- they spark conversation, sort of put people at ease and yet he never so much as commented on them. It almost seemed that he was looking for something very specific. I don't know what proof they require for the bounties but I do know that there still isn't one set in Central, I made sure that I had Odo look into that. He keeps me updated and up til the last month no one with my name nor description has been added. Of course that's not speaking of the numerous bounties that exist in the rest of thee Alpha Quadrant so perhaps Sloan finally made good on his promise after all. I hate saying things like this but I'd almost hoped the man was dead. It would be very like him to send someone like Garak, someone who seemed that unlikely.

Garak has spoken enough of the tailoring trade. He's very well up to speed and he claims that he wanted to see the "wild frontier" that they call Westworld with his own eyes. That seems unlikely. The only Cardassians here are the separatists and those former exiles of the dissident movement. I can tell he's very loyal to the Cardassian State. The few statements he made about Cardassia Prime and central Command were the very soul of a loyalist. Of course those may have been part of a cover as well but why use such deceit when speaking to a backwater human doctor? He kept looking at me and I was beginning to find it rather unnerving. He asked me about myself. Nothing unusual, except he seemed very curious about my native born status. I don't know that my name holds much recognition outside the Federation but he seemed not to know it when we first met… But I think a seasoned spy would know better than to let any tells slip. I'll ask Leeta to keep an eye on him. It's impossible to stay here for any amount of time without becoming acquainted with her. She has the experience and her eyes don't miss anything. She also has a knowledge of Cardassians that's unparalleled even by Jadzia thanks to her past. I think she'll be vital in uncovering the truth of why Garak is here. I think I know exactly the tact to take as well should it become necessary...

have gone by. It's been difficult to observe him closely. I've heard whispers of a new bounty at Central on a Cardassian named Aamin Marritza so perhaps they are related. Leeta dismissed that right off and said there was no way possible. She did say though that he stays mostly holed up in his room. She's let me know that he's ventured out a few times but has not asked any suspicious questions. Kira's been watching him more, I think to determine if he really is that man but I'm more inclined to believe Leeta over Kira's prejudices. As for Leeta, she might be the key. Kira once told me that Cardassian men have a weakness for Bajoran women. They view them as weak, as inferior. It supposedly increases their standing amongst their brethren to have a lot of Bajoran servants and slaves. I really don't know if I should believe that or not. Leeta said if anything Garak seems to be overly focused on Quark- not me or even her. I hadn't considered that possibility before. Maybe he was sent here to assassinate Quark. Quark has a cousin Gaila who he's let slip wouldn't mind seeing him out of the way but Jadzia says that's nothing but simple Ferengi posturing. I've spoken with Jadzia- I think it may be necessary for the two of them to meet. I trust her and I trust her assessment of people. She was the one who discovered the last one that came after me even before I could. Miles thinks that I shouldn't take any chances- that I should let Kira believe him to be the bounty target but I cannot kill an innocent man out of my own fear.

Miles agreed with her though I could see he didn't like it. He's done a lot of things over the years that he doesn't like, for my sake. I think that Miles knows better than any all the things I'm afraid of most. I don't really know why he even stays, I told him that he doesn't owe me anything. He's in danger by staying here with me. I don't understand why he would put Keiko in harm's way by remaining in Indigo,how he spent all those years guarding Molly, Yoshi, myself included in that. I suppose now that they're grown he sees no reason to leave now of all times but surely he can see the toll this is taking on... But I cannot dwell on that. While I have his help I have to make use of it. …I'm a doctor, I help people, I save lives… that's what he said to me once. It was a hard lesson he'd learned during the war. A sick thing he called it to have to look back, to have to measure the weight of one man's life against another but in war those are the rules. That's what this is, he said. This is a war the Federation had declared years ago against us. And that… it was… it was more important sometimes for me to live… that I needed to come before those who could not save the lives that I have… Miles I... I hate that. I really… I really hate that… But I will do whatever it takes to survive just like I promised you. I owe your memory that much. Right, not talking about that anymore... Garak, this is talking about Garak. We need to observe him for a few more days… maybe weeks, maybe months so that we know what he's doing here. Jadzia thinks I might be jumping the gun but we can't take any chances. Everyone, no exceptions has to be checked. It's the only way to stay safe. But I do worry. I worry that someday the life of the wrong person may be taken… and I cannot stand that thought. I worry that about Garak in fact that whatever he may be may not warrant a death sentence…

God help me…

From Garak's notebook #5

When they came for me it was unexpected. Ah, there I go lying already. My apologies, doctor, it seems that I've started with a lie. There is a saying I'm told amongst humans, "once a liar, always a liar". I can quite honestly say that I've been accused of having never told the truth once in my entire life. I've found myself, that those lacking imagination for deceit lack the ability to appreciate the art for what it is. Understand than, that this is difficult for me even now to share with anyone let alone a stranger. However upon reading your words, I came to realize that if there is but one soul on this desolate dying rock who may understand my plight, who would understand my disillusionment and disenchantment, with the world it would be you. I feel remiss in not understanding the significance of your name, in not recognizing you from the outset. I'm afraid that I'm not as familiar with Starfleet's storied roster and indeed, your story seems one that would be a mighty epic. I do not, of course, profess to know everything, but I only hope these humble words find their way into your capable hands amongst the myriad of fanciful tales I've no doubt you've also unearthed. You see, Doctor, I, much like yourself find myself in a peril of sorts, and I would do a great disservice to us both if I were to paint a far less dangerous picture than exists. I too know what it is like to be hunted, to have to look over your shoulder, to wonder when "they" will come for you. Oh that's not to say it is the same "they" of course for the "they" that haunts your deepest dreams is a… horse of a far different color than the ones who haunt mine.

I don't believe them entirely dissimilar in their malice, in their quest to destroy, however. As a matter of fact, it would behoove you to destroy this evidence of my character, of my very existence, and expunge its contents from every sacred space of your heart lest They should ever find you. I trust your code, of course, and even for one… such as myself it proved a daunting task to crack. I was much impressed with your use of metaphor. Yes, if one does have eyes that cannot see the world may seem dark but in fact there is light. But just as I deciphered it without the key- and I imagine you must keep the key close to your heart should one need to read these- those that pursue me are certain to as well. I assure you that your secrets, all of your secrets are safe with me and thus I impart to you mine. But be mindful that you do not keep them long. As that saying goes, the hills have eyes, and even here both you and I know that Indigo is not entirely safe. I shall understand if it is necessary to impart this information to a carefully selected confidante. I have the utmost trust in your empathic abilities.

I fear I must keep this brief, feel free to chide me in failing that duty already. For as much as I would long to regale you with all the all the fanciful tales of a misspent youth, there may be, at any time, no time in spite of the precautions which have already been taken to assure my safety. Please offer Leeta my sincerest apologies for taking advantage of this case of mistaken identity to see to my own safety. Those like ourselves who are exiled and hunted must do what we must to survive, after all. I am as you may have discovered a man who does not exist. You surely have seen by now that all records of my name, my identity have been expunged from my sojourn here and possibly from the very annals of Cardassian history itself. I do not believe that I shall be terribly missed as I leave behind no one to grieve for me. That is, however the sacrifice that I willingly undertook to serve my greatest and deepest love, that being Cardassia herself. (And as a side note should you find yourself able to procure a copy of The Never Ending Sacrifice, it is a read that I highly recommend). I can also sense that should I not act quickly and take the necessary steps to protect myself that it may very well be too late to uphold that oath which I so faithfully swore.

Now I feel that I must warn you, doctor- if in fact you are still reading this far- that knowledge is dangerous. Not just what you know but what your enemies think that you know. I'm sure you can appreciate then that any association with me itself may very well endanger your life. I shall not hold it against you should you decide to continue no further and wash your hands of the entire ordeal. Should we pass each other in the street with nothing more than a tip of the hat and a vaguely impartial smile I would in fact consider it a great wisdom on your part. I myself am not a particularly noble man at times, and I must confess that is the course I may very well undertake were our positions reversed. However if you are still reading, and I applaud your resolve and your laudable human dedication to the pursuit of justice, then know that the information I am about to impart could very well affect the fate of my home world if not the entire Cardassian race itself. I shall not ask your aid, I could not imagine saddling you with an even weightier burden than that which you already bear, but if you will please indulge me your confessor's ear then I shall endeavor to make the most use of it.

There is a traitor in our midst. By "our", perhaps I might take a step back and confess to you now (if you do not already suspect) that I am an operative in the Obsidian Order. This must remain between you and I and can never be made mention of in public. To you, and the rest of the world, I must always remain Garak, the simple tailor or even Aamin Marritza for all the weight that name carries, it does not hold a candle to the… I believe the myth that I studied made mention of Atlas and the Earth which he held upon his shoulders. That is me, and while you may find the declaration to be dramatic, know that I only wish to impart to you the sheer gravity of the situation with which I am faced. As I have stated there is a traitor amongst us and I fear that it is entirely possible that said treachery may ascend to the highest levels of the order. It pains my heart deeply to even consider that possibility but I must. The evidence that I have discovered names several suspects and is the only thing I was able to take with me during my exodus.

You are quite aware by now that there are those who pursue me. There has already been an elaborate attempt on my life- my destination has been compromised and it is only by the grace of the State and by providence as the religious might say that I happened upon this world, where my whereabouts are that much harder to trace. Even so it might be known that I am here in Indigo but this is far safer than the larger cities- especially those of the main Cardassian territory here. I fled here following a much hastier attempt on my life, I'm quite thankful for the impetuous nature of those behind the attack for if they were the same who attempted to end my life under the name of a dead prisoner, I might not be alive today. And I need this time to review the information that I have, and attempt to uncover the villains still at large. I have managed to arrange to meet with a few contacts who will be arriving in the coming months, and I can only hope for their safe arrival so that I may gather further evidence I need to bring these conspirators- Guls, I am filled with agony at the thought that there are even more than one- to true Cardassian justice.

What follows will doubtless mean nothing to you, but it is the list of those that I suspect to be part of this conspiracy ranked in order from least to most likely. These are the names I have narrowed down upon a myriad of suspects, and none pain me so much as the last. But I do not have the luxury of that which you humans call "ennui". I fear that with my late discovery of this duplicitous plot against the Cardassian State I may already be out of time to prevent a complete disaster. Had I not witnessed with my own eyes the following exchange amongst two of my more austere and upright colleagues I may not have believed it myself. I had understood that it was no longer possible to pretend that I didn't see what was going on. They were afraid of what I had uncovered and it was becoming clear to me that my life was in danger. However by my calculations I should still have 2 years before all the pieces fall into place for those behind the scenes to act. I shall also need a way to secure the data- it is only by the most fortunate of circumstances that the isolinear rods containing my findings so far were not part of my sojourn to this planet. I've already found my PADD inoperable, but I shall use even those advantages to my disadvantage. What matters is that there is knowledge in my head that on this planet cannot be so easily extracted, thanks to the failings of the sophisticated machinery that would be necessary.

Ah but for the beginning I must lay down the last dark days of my life on Cardassia Prime. For it was this time in which I was able to stumble across such a nefarious plot to infiltrate and subvert key members of Central Command. I have even considered the possibility that there are those who have already been compromised- Tekeny Ghemor springs immediately to mind. His daughter Iliana was one of our best operatives deep undercover in the resistance movement and yet I cannot help but suspect strongly that the Legate does not share her loyalty. His access to the and contacts make him a Prime Candidate to bring down Central Command. We had been watching him carefully but discreetly and yet I noticed the changes in his routine that indicated to me that he'd been alerted to our eyes. We had thought the dissident movement quashed but the voles merely burrowed deeper into the shadows, and where the general public lives on in blissful ignorance of the sacrifices made for them, they continue to act with their secret subversions.

It is a failing of so many men to fall into some misguided spirit of dissenting patriotism, and I fear it has ensnared some of my weaker minded colleagues as well. Natima Lang is a very convincing woman- I can feel her hand in this- and yet that is exactly what concerns me. This has the dissident movement written all over it, and this is where my own investigations have led me to something far darker. If there is one lesson I have learned in life it is to always be suspect when answers come too easily. That's been considered a failing of mine at more than one time in my life. And that is why I find myself alone with these findings, unable to turn to anyone else I may have trusted until I unveil the identity of the true would be usurers. It seems I may have lied again to you, doctor. I do find myself in need of your assistance if you are willing. Study the list, study the facts, study all the evidence I have given you doctor and then tell me… can I count on you my trusted secret keeper? You who have kept so many secrets of your own for so long would be a worthy ally. If you are still willing, here are the facts as I have pieced them together to date…