Chapter Five

"I hope she didn't notice what those boys said about me being genetically altered," Julian said quietly. He took a sip of his drink and glanced around the bar.

"Even if she did, I don't think she would mind." Major Kira smiled softly. "I think she's half way in love with you."

"Do you mean that?" Julian leaned back in his chair, frowning thoughtfully.

"Yes! Anyone with eyes can see." Kira shook her head. "I don't know why, but she's fallen hard for you. I don't think anything in the world could change that right now."

"I think it's romantic," Dax said with a smile. She reached to squeeze her husband's hand. "Wouldn't you agree, Worf?"

"Actually, I would," the Klingon replied. "She is an excellent choice for a mate, doctor. From what I have heard about her expeditions in the holo-suite, she is a strong and brave warrior."

Miles chuckled. "If you can get it through her head who she's supposed to fight, she's a formidable foe."

Julian was quiet, staring into his drink. "She looked into my mind," he said quietly. "And I saw a part of hers. It was like nothing that has ever happened to me…" He looked around at his friends. "Am I going crazy? Or am I falling for her, too?"

Miles eyed his friend with concern. There was sadness in the young doctor's soulful eyes, and a touch of worry. "Julian… don't you want to fall for her?"

Julian linked his fingers on the table. "Yes. I believe I do. But… It scares me. I mean, she's this--this amazing person and--and I don't--"

"Sisko to Bashir."

Julian sighed and tapped his communicator. "Yes, Captain?"

"I think you need to come to my office. There's something you need to see."

"Is something the matter?"

"Constable Odo is with me. Is the major there?"

"Yes, Kira's here."

"Then have her come with you. It's serious."

(LINE)

"Intelligence reports just picked this up." Sisko hit a button and a picture and words appeared on the view screen. The picture was of Marina.

Julian sat up straight in his seat. "What--what's going on?"

"This information was found on Cardassia, and in other areas of the Dominion," Sisko explained. "It appears that the Dominion has been watching Lt. Richardson very closely. They even have discovered, somehow, that she is here aboard this station."

Julian sat back, rubbing his jaw. "She's in danger," he said quietly. "We have to do something."

"And there is obviously a spy aboard this station, as well," Odo said grimly, pacing.

"Why would the Dominion monitor Mari--Lt. Richardson?" Kira asked, frowning.

There was a moment of silence, then Julian spoke up. "Isn't it obvious?" He stared at nothing, his eyes narrowed, his voice cold. "Her mind powers. They want her because she has psychogenotrosis."

"Want her?" Odo stopped pacing.

"Yes. They would love to get their hands on someone like her." Julian looked at Sisko. "Wouldn't they?"

Sisko sighed and sat in his chair. "Yes. That would seem so."

"Well, we can't let them have her. That's for sure," Kira said.

"No, no," Julian agreed quickly. "She must be protected."

"She will be," Sisko declared firmly. "And that will be up to you three."

"Us?" Kira asked.

"Yes. I want the three of you to keep a sharp eye on Lt. Richardson until there are further developments." He smiled slowly, glancing at the doctor. "I don't think that will be any trouble for you, doctor."

"Of course not. I'll have no trouble keeping two sharp eyes on her." He smiled.

Kira muttered something under her breath.

"What?" Julian asked her.

She cleared her throat. "Nothing."

"The three of you are dismissed," said Sisko.

"Wait," Odo spoke up. "What are we to do about the possibility of a spy, Captain?"

"Odo, I want you to be on the lookout for any suspicious behavior involving Lt. Richardson and report it to me," the captain said. He sighed. "Hopefully we can find a way to cut the Dominion's surveillance of Lt. .Richardson short."

Odo nodded and left.

Kira stood. She nodded to the captain, then glanced at Julian. "I'll go check on the lieutenant right now," she volunteered, then she walked out the door.

Julian stood and started to follow, but was stopped by Sisko's hand on his arm.

"I like that girl, Dr. Bashir," Sisko said quietly. "From what I hear from my son and the constable, and from what I've noticed, she is an excellent officer and a fine woman. I believe that you like her, too."

"Yes," Julian answered fervently. "Very much."

"Just take good care of her, doctor."

"I will, sir."

"Good luck."

"Thank-you, sir." Julian nodded to the captain and walked out into the hallway.

(LINE)

Marina looked up from her work, sensing someone behind her. She could read just a touch of their thoughts. It was someone she liked…

"Lieutenant?"

"Major Kira!" Marina spun around. "I'm almost finished with my report on the station's air purity levels."

"Don't let me rush you. And it's Nerys. Please."

"All right… Nerys." Marina flashed the Bajoran woman a smile, then returned to her typing. She thought her best with her fingers on the letter keys, and it wasn't long at all before she was finished. She spun around in her chair. "How can I help you?"

"Why don't you walk with me to the Promenade? I have some questions I'd like to ask you." Kira gave her a friendly smile.

"All right." Marina sensed that Kira liked her company, but that it was more than just a friendly chat that she wanted. Something was worrying her.

Marina followed Kira into the hallway. "What did you want to talk about, Nerys?" she asked.

"Well, I just wanted to get to know you better. Everyone seems to like you, especially Julian, and you seem to be a very nice girl."

Marina smiled at her. "Thank-you."

"So… have you had any run-ins with the Dominion?" Kira held her breath, hoping the girl would reveal something.

For a moment, Marina was silent. Then she said quietly, "Actually, I have. I was asked to-to defect to the Dominion once."

Kira let out her breath. "Wow. I'm assuming you said no."

"I said no."

"So, why and how did they ask you to join them?"

"It was on my way to the station, actually," Marina explained. "Some Cardassian man hailed our shuttle and wanted to speak with me privately. He asked me if I felt that my talents were being appreciated in Starfleet, then said that the Cardassian government and the Dominion could appreciate me more." She looked at Kira, her green eyes wide. "You aren't… suspicious of me now, are you?"

"No." Kira's answer was firm. "Not at all. I trust you. Go on."

"I told him that it was a lost cause--I would never betray Starfleet. He got angry and told me that I should reconsider, that the Dominion was watching me. Then he ended transmission."

"Marina." Kira stopped walking and grabbed Marina by the shoulders. "Why didn't you tell this to Odo?"

"I did."

Kira groaned and released her. "Then why didn't he say anything?"

"He promised he would only tell the captain."

Kira frowned. "I'm confused." So Sisko already knew that this girl was being watched by the Dominion. Maybe he didn't believe her report and had to back it up by contacting intelligence. And then, when he found out that the Dominion was spying on her, he knew he had to do something. Ahhhhhh. I get it now. And that's why Odo was so quiet the whole time. Not like he would have gotten in a word on Bashir… "Nevermind. Let's talk about something else. Tell me about what you like to do."

Marina breathed a sigh of relief.

(LINE)

There was a beep at the door.

"Come in," Marina called, standing up from unpacking the last of her luggage.

A dark, slender form stood in the doorway.

Marina smiled. Julian. "Hello," she said quietly.

"Hello yourself."

Marina's smile widened. "You're holding roses."

Julian stepped into the light. "Yes. As a matter of fact, I am. I have a delivery for the most beautiful lady on the station. Have I come to the right quarters?"

Marina gave him a mock pouting face. "I'm afraid not. She lives down the hall."

Julian caught his breath. She was not wearing her uniform. Instead, she was draped in a deep violet dress, her slender waist belted in silver. "That can't be. I'm looking at her right now."

The breathlessness in his voice gave her goose bumps. If only I was wearing long sleeves… "Roses?" she managed, embarrassed by the squeakiness of her voice. "For me?"

Julian dropped to one knee and held out the flowers. "I told you already. For the most beautiful woman on Deep Space Nine."

Marina took them slowly. "I don't feel worthy."

"Oh, but you are." Julian stood and gently took the roses back, laying them on her already cluttered desk. They blocked too much of her from his eyes.

"No one's ever given me a dozen red roses before. And I've always wanted someone to." Marina stepped forward, surprised at her own boldness, and touched his face. "I'm especially flattered that they're from the handsomest man on the station."

Julian laughed lightly and grabbed her, pulling her close to him and settling his cheek against her hair.

Marina smiled and wrapped her arms around his slim waist. She closed her eyes and was still, listening to the beat of his heart. "When you were genetically enhanced, they must have made you perfect," she whispered dreamily.

Julian started in surprised, then relaxed in her embrace, smiling. "I meant what I said last night. I really do want a… serious relationship with you."

Marina was quiet, not really sure what to say.

Julian pulled back slightly, so he could see her eyes. "Marina Richardson, would you like to be my girlfriend?" he asked with flair.

"Yes, I would," she whispered.

He kissed her passionately.

"I already like my new position," she said, her forehead against his.

"I'm glad. You suit it most perfectly," he replied. Then he pulled back from her and began looking around her room. "Well. What shall we do this evening?"

"Won't Miles be lonely? He's so used to having you around all the time."

"He and Keiko and the kids are spending quality time tonight."

"Ahhh. Convenient."

Julian smirked.

"Well, let me put these roses--these beautiful roses--in water, then we can discuss this further." Marina motioned to her blue couch. "Sit down."

Julian gave her a knee-weakening smile and sat gracefully on the edge of the couch, his eyes following her as she proceeded to arrange the flowers. Then, he noticed something. "You have two teddy bears."

Marina turned from the vase of roses, surprised. She followed his gaze to her bed. "Yes. I do." She blushed lightly. "Sad thing is, I can't sleep without them."

"I have one myself. My first patient. He's sitting on a shelf in my room. My happiness depends upon his presence."

Marina smiled. "We do have a few things in common. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to touch your mind so well." She moved to settle beside him on the couch.

"Well? What shall we do?"

"We could take a stroll on the Promenade, watch some of my recordings of my holo-suite programs… Whatever you like."

Julian took her hand. "No. Whatever you like."

Marina bit her lip, smiling almost shyly.

"We could do this," Julian said. He leaned forward and kissed her, running his fingers through her hair.

Marina kissed him back. This is what I would like, she thought. She reached with her mind to gently touch his and found that he agreed.

"I'm glad we have the same idea," he whispered.

(LINE)

"Good-night, Marina." Julian kissed her gently. "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good-night." Marina kissed him back.

Julian sighed and bent to plant a soft kiss on her neck.

"No! None of that!" Marina shoved him playfully. Then she sobered. "You start that now and I won't want to stop. And I'm not that kind of girl."

Julian smiled softly at her. "I know. That's why I'm standing in your doorway."

"Yes." Marina returned the smile. "Sweet dreams, doctor."

Julian bowed suavely. "Only if they're of you." And he was gone.

Julian's dreams that night were very sweet, but Marina's were not. She awoke in the middle of the night, a sense of foreboding settling heavy in her stomach. The darkness closed in on her, and the memory of her dream made her feel devastatingly alone…