Chapter Twenty-Five: Broken Pieces

The threat to the Founders is gone and Carl has been recovered but, after two more pleading requests for a response go unanswered, Chris' condition remains unknown. The Defiant's sensors suggest he's alive, but critical life-signs and unresponsiveness prove troubling. Kira's frustration boils over.

"Dax!" Kira yells. "Have Eris focus all fire on their starboard shields!"

"Yes, sir."

"Matthews, screw evasive maneuvers; give tactical as much time as possible on our next pass!"

Matthews responds with a wide-eyed nod. "Aye, sir."

"Lieutenant!" Kira points to Nog. "Give it everything she's got!"

"Dax!" Kira turns back to Ezri. "The moment those shields go down, beam him directly to sickbay!"

"Sir… Julian's back on the station."

Kira doesn't even blink. "We better as hell have someone! I'll go down there myself if I have to!"

With an aggressive strafe by the Defiant and additional fire from five Jem'Hadar attack ships, the Cardassian cruiser's starboard shields quickly collapse.

"They got shaken up, sir," Nog states, "but their hull integrity's holding."

"Thank the Prophets." Kira shakes her head in a rare praise of Cardassian ship design.

"Sickbay has him, sir," Ezri reports.

Kira snaps her eyes to the lieutenant. "Status?"

"They didn't say, but… they're working on him, so…" Ezri trails off as she decides not to presume further.

Kira closes her eyes and huffs at the fact that "not dead" is all she's going to get. Her first impulse is to order the swift destruction of the cruiser. She opens her mouth to give the order to fire torpedoes when she recalls Chris' act of mercy. Despite her anger, she can't bring herself to kill the men he deliberately spared.

"Beam the crew to the brig. Tell Eris to blow that thing to hell."

"But, sir," Ezri says. "Our brig can only hold two… maybe three people."

Kira huffs loudly. "Fine! Grab the two nearest Chris' last location. Let the Dominion deal with the rest. If Chris doesn't pull through, I'm going to personally kick the living shit out of whoever we've got."

Kira stands and storms to the door. Almost as an afterthought, she waves her hand at the captain's chair. "She's yours, Dax."

Ezri moves slowly to the captain's chair. She watches after her friend until the bridge door blocks her view. She knows Kira is mad, but she also seems scared. Ezri gets the impression Chris means more to Kira than she wants to admit.

During her sprint, and one painfully slow turbolift trip down one deck, all Kira can think about is how upset she is that Bashir isn't on board. When she bursts into the Defiant's small sickbay, she thanks the Prophets that Julian sent two of his medical staff in his place. The Defiant departed the station in such a hurry, she half expected to find Chris being tended to by another inexperienced ensign.

Chris is lying on the sickbay's single surgical bed. Kira's cursory glances reveal a gash on his forehead, a nasty wound on his left side, and scissor-cut pants that suggest an injury to his right leg. There's a lot of blood, and the sight affects her more than she expected.

"How is he?" Kira asks anxiously.

"We're still assessing his condition, sir. He's unconscious. He's lost a lot of blood."

"Do everything you have to. Get Bashir on subspace if you need help."

"Yes, sir."

Kira puts one hand on her hip and the other on her forehead as she watches intently. She's seen a fair share of battlefield injuries and death in her lifetime, but it doesn't often tear at her heart like what she's witnessing now.

Is it because I've failed the Prophets?

Kira runs her hand through her hair and holds the back of her neck as she looks to the floor.

Did he grow on me that much?

Looking up to see a large piece of metal being pulled from Chris' side, Kira's hand slides forward to cover her gaping mouth as her eyes react to the sight. She quickly looks away, turning to the monitors showing Chris' vitals. She's no doctor, but they don't look good.

Watching frantic activity to close the wound, Kira doesn't hear the door open behind her. A familiar voice catches her off guard.

"Nerys?"

"Odo?" Kira spins around in shock to find Odo standing there. "Odo!" Kira moves quickly to embrace him. After a moment, she takes a half-step back to wipe her eyes. "How… how are you here?"

Odo raises an eyebrow to compliment a pleasant grin. "A Vorta contacted me. She informed me of an unbelievable Cardassian plot against my people. She wanted my opinion of some crazy rescue plan. I thought she'd gone mad… until she told me you were involved. I simply had to come."

"That was you?" Kira smiles at Odo in disbelief. "She didn't tell me she'd spoken to you."

"I explicitly told her not to," Odo smiles. "I didn't want you to be disappointed if I couldn't see you, and… I thought it'd be a pleasant surprise if I could."

Kira smiles and blinks. "A wonderful surprise, I…"

A clanging sound and foul utterance pulls their attention to the surgical bed.

"What happened?!" Kira asks in a panic, suddenly reminded of the frenzied battle taking place nearby.

"Nothing, sir. I just dropped something, sir," one of the women quickly responds.

"Oh, Prophets, I almost…" Kira laments, guilty at how completely Odo had consumed her attention.

Odo looks over the injured man. "Is that Chris?"

"Yes, but…" Kira looks back to Odo. "How'd you know?"

"I linked with… Carl." Odo rolls his eyes at the name. "No changeling native to the Great Link has ever taken a name. He plans to keep it." Odo scoffs.

Kira turns to the man on the table. "I think Chris will be happy to hear that. I think they became friends on that ship."

Knowing her too well, Odo picks up on something in her tone. "What's on your mind, Nerys?"

Kira turns to face Odo, but stares at his chest as she runs her fingers down it. "If you linked with the Founder then… you know how Chris feels about me."

Odo nods. "He cares about you very much."

Kira keeps her chin tucked but looks up with her eyes. "He does… but you know that doesn't mean that I…"

"That you what?" Odo dips his head to the side to better look her in the eye. "That you care about him too?"

"I do, but I don't…" Kira shakes her head. "I love you, Odo. I've missed you so much."

Odo hugs Kira and presses her head to his shoulder. "I miss you too, Nerys. I miss you terribly, but my people still need me. What I'm doing…"

"We're losing him!" one of the medical staff cries out. "Hand me the cardiostimulator!"

Kira pulls her head from Odo's chest to get a better view of what's happening.

"Nerys, I…" Odo says softly into the ear that's turned towards him. "I can't stay."

"What?" Kira turns back to him instantly. "You just got here! We have so much to talk about! We…"

"Nerys," Odo sighs. "We've said our goodbyes. I thought we both understood that, but…"

"I did…" Kira swallows hard, "but at some point it stopped making sense. I just… want you back."

"I've got a pulse again," one of the women says, "but it's weak."

"There's still a great deal of internal bleeding," the other woman says. "Hand me a vascular regenerator."

Kira is having trouble deciding where to look. Odo is reiterating a painful goodbye, and the medical team is struggling to keep Chris alive.

"I'm sorry, Nerys," Odo frowns. "What I'm doing for my people is important. Don't you see? That man, right there, is proof that it's working."

Kira answers without turning from the surgical bed. "I don't understand."

"A solid, Nerys. A solid from the Alpha Quadrant and a Founder from the Great Link… worked together. They became friends. That's… incredible."

"They had to…" Kira looks to Odo in confusion. "That doesn't prove anything."

"I know Carl's thoughts. If this had been months ago… Chris wouldn't have made it this far. Carl would have killed him for his combadge without a second thought."

Kira drops her jaw and wrinkles her brow at Odo's horrifying assertion.

"I can see it, Nerys," Odo grins. "You do care for him."

Kira takes in a sharp breath and widens her eyes. "No! I…"

"It's OK; I'm glad for it. I don't want you to be alone."

"But I don't… It's not like that."

"Isn't it?" Odo tilts his head and smiles. "I happen to know you're not always aware of your own feelings."

Kira furrows her brow and sighs. She doesn't agree with Odo's assessment. With him, they were friends for so long and the change was so gradual—she can't really say when her feelings truly changed or why it took so long for her to realize it. She's only known Chris for two days, but… she doesn't want to argue.

Activity around the surgical bed steals Kira's focus again.

"Dammit," one of the medical staff mutters. "His BP's still not rising. Did we miss something?"

"I'm looking, but I'm not…" the other replies while bent over Chris. "OK, I've got something. I need the vascular regenerator again."

Odo puts his arms around Kira. "I hope you get the chance to find out."

The commotion at the surgical bed derailed Kira's thoughts. "Find out what?"

"Which of us is right, of course," Odo smiles. "And… how much he cares about you. I've never met him but… with what I learned from Carl, I have a feeling he'll do whatever's necessary to make you happy."

"Right now, he just needs to not die. I think you're wrong, but I can't lose you both in this room."

"I should go," Odo closes his eyes and bows his head. "However you feel, your attention belongs over there."

Kira nods. "Can we… keep in touch?"

"I don't think that would be fair to anyone. You know I love you, but I can't be by your side."

Kira purses her lips and nods again. Before Odo can turn to leave, she pulls him close for a kiss.

"I love you Odo. I always will."

"I know, Nerys," Odo steps back before letting go of her hands. "Goodbye, my love."

Odo takes another glance at Chris with a worried frown, then looks to Kira with an apologetic smile before walking out of sickbay. Kira watches after Odo until the doors close, then stares at the doors a few moments longer. She does her best to compose herself before turning to ask the medical team for an update. When she does, she finds them already waiting to give her a report.

"Sir, we've done all we can with what we have. The Defiant's sickbay was designed for triage; it just isn't equipped to handle this level of trauma. He's very weak, so we've put him in a stasis field to stabilize him. We'll monitor him closely until we're back to the station. Doctor Bashir can take it from there if the patient…"

The sudden fire in Kira's eyes stops the woman short. It's very clear she doesn't want to hear the word "if" right now.

The woman blinks to the floor. "He's… going to be out for a while, sir. I'll send a report to Doctor Bashir so he can be ready to receive him and do what else he can. I'll keep you posted."

"Thank you," Kira says before taking a deep breath.

As the women clear their instruments from the area, Kira approaches the table. She wants to take hold of Chris' hand, to feel warmth and a pulse to counter his lifeless expression, but the shimmer of the stasis field lets her know that's not possible. She settles for the bio-monitor's indication that he's stable.

Kira sniffles and wipes her eyes, upset at Odo's departure. She thinks Odo is silly to think she cares for this man as he cares for her, but right now… she could really use someone to hold. She looks at Chris' face, wondering how it is that he's fallen for her so completely.

I've been a terrible host. I've not even been the most kind. I let… this happen. What is it you see?

Kira scoffs at herself and wipes her eye. She takes a long breath and reminds herself that, whatever she may think or feel, this man saved her life… and helped save Odo's.

"Thank you, Chris. I'll see you soon."

Kira lifts herself up to sit on one of the examination beds to watch over Chris. After a few moments of reflection, Kira taps her combadge.

"Kira to Dax."

"Yes, sir?"

"Take us home."

Standing in the breezeway, Chris stares at the door of his Martin Street apartment. Light from the low, evening sun shines on the brassy characters: 3C. He cocks his head as he reaches out and touches them, amazed at how real they feel.

"Well, go on," Julian says impatiently. "The suspense is killing me!"

Chris turns his head in time to witness Ezri giving Julian a playful elbow to the side, but it's Kira's smile that steals his attention. She's a beautiful woman, and her smile makes her purely breathtaking.

Chris extends a hand to her as he opens the door. He smiles when she accepts it and allows him to lead her inside. Ezri and Julian follow closely behind.

Everyone looks around the small apartment in wonder. As they do, Chris grins as he focuses on the others' expressions—especially Kira's.

"I have to say, it's quite… cozy," Julian says, scrambling for a positive word.

Chris chuckles. "It is cozy, isn't it," he says without the sarcasm he would've used just a week before.

"I think it's perfect," Kira says, looking at Chris with a smile.

"Absolutely charming," Ezri adds.

"Well…" Chris says while rubbing his hands together. "The seating is a bit limited so… how about you two," he gestures to Ezri and Julian, "share the recliner. It's cozy as well. Nerys and I can take the couch."

Julian sits in the plush recliner and smiles as he sinks in. It seems he's found something about Chris' old home that he's fond of. He lets out an 'oomph' as Ezri plops sideways on his lap with a giggle.

Chris leads Kira to the couch and offers her a seat. He holds her hand and looks in her eyes with a poorly contained smile as she accepts. She rolls her eyes and blushes at the purposeful stare.

Releasing her hand, Chris trots to the kitchen counter of the small, open floor plan apartment. He fetches a tray holding two large bowls of popcorn and four sodas—all included in this custom holosuite program. The smell of fresh popcorn has just begun to waft into the rest of the apartment.

"Oh my goodness! That smells wonderful!" Ezri says as her eyes seek the source.

"You just aren't watching a movie if you aren't eating popcorn," Chris says with a smile.

"Popcorn?" Julian raises an eyebrow. "I think Nog's mentioned eating popcorn while watching television with Vic. I've been eager to try it."

Kira looks over at Julian. "You mean to tell me… you've known what television was this whole time?"

"You never asked," Julian replies while Ezri nods.

"You too?!" Kira scoffs at Ezri.

As Chris hands the first bowl of popcorn to Kira, she takes a handful and throws it at the couple in the recliner. They all laugh as the pair is pelted with buttery kernels.

Chris hands out the rest of the refreshments and takes a seat next to Kira. He makes a conscious effort not to sit as close as he'd truly like. He's thrilled she agreed to join him for this 'movie date' at all, so he doesn't want to push his luck. Chris had considered making this date for just the two of them but he worried it would feel too awkward. When he made the mistake of asking Ezri about it, the matter was settled.

Chris picks up a remote from the coffee table to queue up the movie.

"So, Chris," Julian asks. "What do we have the pleasure of watching this evening?"

"It's called Guardians of the Galaxy. I love this movie."

"What's the synopsis?"

"Let's see… A man is abducted from his home and taken to a fantastic reality filled with spaceships and aliens… where he plays a part in saving the galaxy from an evil plot."

"Hmm, now why on Earth would you select a movie like that?" Julian quips.

"Oh, Julian, I think he's kidding. That sounds too much like…" Ezri's words trail off as Chris slowly shakes his head to indicate he's not kidding.

"Shush, so we can watch this thing," Kira scolds with a smile. "I'm feeling quite deprived around all of you television know-it-alls." She nudges Chris as a signal to get the show started.

Chris looks around the room at his new friends, lingering on a woman he loves immensely.

This is the happiest moment of my life.

As the movie starts, Chris can't wipe the grin from of his face as he watches Kira more than the television. Though she's watching the screen, she takes quick glances out of the corner of her eye and eventually turns to face him directly.

"What's with you and that silly grin?" she asks.

"I love you, Nerys," Chris says matter-of-factly.

The corner of her mouth turns upward as she places a kernel of popcorn in her mouth and turns back to the screen. "I know," she says with a subtle shrug.

She didn't scoff. She didn't roll her eyes. She smiled. Chris smiles wide as he interprets her reaction to mean that perhaps… one day she'll say: "I love you too."

Part-way through the movie, Chris hears Julian appear to lose interest.

"A talking raccoon and bipedal flora? This is absolutely ridiculous."

Out of the corner of his eye, Chris sees Ezri elbow him gently and shush him, pointing to the couch with a jerk of her head.

Chris and Kira have moved closer together. Kira's head is resting on his shoulder, and Chris has an arm behind hers. Both wear contented smiles.

Chris' smile widens as he hears Ezri comment. "Isn't it adorable?"

Julian rolls his eyes and returns his attention to the show.

Chris sets their empty popcorn bowl to the side and cautiously reaches over to take Kira's hand in his. He beams when she squeezes his in return.

After the movie ends and the four leave the holosuite, Chris and Kira say their goodnights to Julian and Ezri. Chris is happy that his quarters are close to Kira's as it means this wonderful experience isn't over just yet.

Not seated beside her anymore, Chris doesn't make an effort to take her hand. To his surprise, she picks up on his glances, halves the distance between them, and takes a hold of his hand. Chris doesn't say a word; he simply looks at her and smiles.

The pair walk quietly through the halls, sharing only smiles and occasional glances. Once they reach Kira's door, she releases Chris' hand to open it and step inside. She turns around to face him.

"Nerys," Chris says timidly. "Thanks for indulging me tonight. I really enjoyed it; I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable."

Kira shakes her head to dismiss the notion. "I had a wonderful time, Chris. We should do it again sometime."

Chris smiles. "Absolutely! There's so much more I'd love to share with you."

Kira smiles and nods. "I'd like that."

Chris takes a deep breath, unsure of what to say next. After an awkward pause, he lets out a pleasant sigh. "Good night, Nerys. I'll see you tomorrow."

Chris turns to walk down the hall.

"Chris?"

Chris stops before taking a full step and turns back to face Nerys. "Yes?"

"Stay with me tonight?"

Chris can't believe his ears. His eyebrows rise and his pulse quickens. He's completely frozen in the hallway.

Kira laughs and takes Chris' hand. "Get in here before I change my mind." She gently pulls him through the doorway.

Still in shock, Chris stares into Kira's vast eyes. The smirk on her face makes his chest swell. He's simultaneously ecstatic and hesitant. He takes a small step forward.

Kira's smile widens as Chris inches closer.

Chris' confidence builds as his advance is met with an eager smile. Soon he stands toe-to-toe with the woman he loves.

Kira says nothing as she searches Chris' eyes.

As the door slides closed, Chris slowly wraps his arms around Nerys to pull her close. He very cautiously leans forward to press his lips to hers.

Much to Chris' pleasure, Nerys returns the embrace… and passionately kisses him back.

THE END

A/N

Cheesy self-indulgence moment: If this were a movie, Evanescence's "Bring me to life" would fade in at the line "Still in shock…" and play through the credits while silhouettes make love in darkened quarters.

I hope you enjoyed the story. Thank you for reading,

Craig