Chapter 4
„Have you found out who had erased the files yet?"
Alina Nechayev was located in her living room, alone, her eyes fixed on the screen before her, where Captain Chakotay's firm face was displayed. That firmness was the only thing that made her halt at completely revealing her emotions and firing all the questions she had at him. It was the cause to her features not being twisted by curiosity.
Yes, she was a gossip. Or at least she had become one over the years. Before, she'd used to be a composed, strict woman who never showed a lot of emotions, not even with her own husband. He'd always complained about that…but the irony was that she'd changed only after his death, which had occurred five years ago. Nechayev had kept true to the saying: If not honored in life, they are honored in death. She had honored her husbands wishes when he was no longer there to see it and enjoy it.
„No, Admiral Nechayev. Miss Sparks is working very hard on it, but as I've said, whoever did this is a master at their job." Chakotay tried to remain patient. Not that he wasn't used to Nechayev's behaviour-as a matter of fact, he was the most well-informed person in Starfleet when it came to that matter. He was the only person she confided in completely.
But he had not yet called Kathryn today, and he felt guilty about turning down her advice last night. He also felt guilty because he knew she was worried, and he missed her a lot. He couldn't wait to contact her, to see her lovely face, and to tell her that everything was all right.
„Have you thought of Admiral Bashir?" Nechayev mused, pressing her forefinger at her chin.
Chakotay was, this time, taken aback by her straightforwardness. Not because she usually was not the one to state her opinions so openly…But because he had thought of Admiral Bashir, and had been attempting to suppress that very thought since the moment Sparks had informed him of the missing files. Now, it was brought out to the surface…and he didn't like it.
„I fail to see what possible motive Admiral Bashir could have." He was addressing both Nechayev and himself. True, there was no motive. But her behaviour, the fact that she was in the position to cover her tracks so well-it seemed very obvious to a part of him.
„Think of it, Chakotay." She'd dropped the formalities the moment the conversation had been initiated, „Her obvious emotional response at the mention of Gul Dukat. Her similliarities with him…I don't know about you, but from what I've heard and seen, he was very well trained in the art of deception."
Chakotay couldn't help but nod.
„All of this is valid…but it still doesn't explain why she'd go to such lengths only to prove three trespassers innocent."
Nechayev frowned deeply. The Captain felt relieved-if he had convinced her to consider changing an opinion that could lead to a juicy story, then his arguments were most certainly strong enough.
„You're right." Finally, the woman spoke, „But that doesn't change the fact she would not hesitate in actually doing something like that."
Chakotay chose to remain silent, not wishing to discuss this matter any further. Admiral Bashir was not a criminal in his eyes, he kept repeating to himself. Nechayev was an old woman that had seen to many holonovels. He wasn't going to let her stir doubts within him. Not when he needed to keep his cool.
„I better get going, ma'am." After she hadn't said anything for a few seconds, he decided to end the discussion. His ears were aching for Kathy's voice, „There's a lot of work to be done tomorrow."
„Chakotay." She shook her head, „You are trying to stall. But I won't let you. Not until you tell me what I want to know."
Embarassed, Chakotay pursed his lips, nodding his head. Somehow, Nechayev had gotten to know him better than he wanted her to.
„Now." She went on, clearly pleased with herself, „How did she act when she first spoke to the Kai?"
„As I've said, „ He made sure to emphasize that part, „She appeared tense at first, but as soon as those…neogtiations…of hers started, it seemed as if she was…back home. After turning off the comm-channel, I'd say she was pleased." He felt a need to justify her, „She was probably pleased to have some more action."
Nechayev laughed, „Or she merely hates Bajorans' guts."
„Or that." Chakotay replied silently.
„Then…" Alina pondered, „The Fire Caves…?"
„Admiral Bashir went in with Catherine LeRose. The rest of us waited outside, and then Sparks and Martin went inside…when the Vedeks warned us we'd overextended our welcome." He caught his breath, „They found them in the Caves, taking the final scans. Then we all returned to the ship."
„Good." She nodded her head slowly, „Good, Captain. Well done."
Expecting to be dismissed, Chakotay forced a smile himself, but he was disappointed.
„Chakotay, there's some secret, some mystery to that woman. Find it out. Is that clear?"
„Yes, Admiral Nechayev." He said quickly.
„And keep me informed. Contact me again the day after tomorrow."
„Yes, ma'am."
„Dismissed, Captain. And give my regards to Kathryn. Nechayev out."
Finally. Finally. Finally.
Chakotay let out a sigh of relief as the screen turned pitch black. Today, her really wasn't in the mood to argue with anyone, but he also was not in the mood to talk. Except for talking to Kathryn.
But before doing that, he intended to cool down a bit. Kathryn could have read him like a book, and he didn't want to give her any reason for further worry. Taking a deep breath, he began to think of a calm way to soften what was going on here. Not that it was expecially hard as it was. Still, by speaking the softer version of it, he was going to find it easier to believe it himself.
The day had been rather busy, he thought as he closed his eyes for a second. As soon as he'd left Admiral Bashir's office, he had gone down to the Computer Core, where Sparks was analysing the data. The Admiral's latest words had been ringing in his head…No one can be trusted.
Sparks had had access to the data first…and she was a specialist. She could've erased the files…and then brought attention to it not to be doubted. She was the most obvious suspect. If that assumption was true, she could've already destroyed all traces of evidence.
As he'd entered the Core, he'd begun his close supervision of her. No suspicious move had been made by the Lieutenant.
Determined to get to the bottom of this, Chakotay had initiated an analysis himself. He'd finished it, and was no smarter than he'd been before. Sparks had not lied to him at all. She'd displayed everything to him with outmost precision.
Subtly, he'd questioned her, and found out she'd been working with a certain Ensign O'Connor on the data upon the return from Bajor. Conversing with the man, he had discovered she hadn't done anything out of order.
Unless he was her accomplice and was lying to cover up for her. But that was a theory too far-fetched. There was no reason at all for him to had aided her or changed the data himself-he'd only transferred to the Victoria five days ago. He'd checked his record and his personal files-there'd been no connection between him and Helen Sparks.
Chakotay had asked him whether he could've missed her doing something, but he was certain that he hadn't been absent for a second, and that she couldn't have done anything without him noticing it.
His next move had been to interrogate Catherine LeRose. He'd found her in the brig, where she was still confined with her…friends? Fellow mercenaries? Colleagues? When he found out that, Chakotay was certain he'd have solved the case.
„Miss LeRose." He'd asked her-he couldn't have detected any emotion on her, „Two data files have been erased from the scans you and the Admiral had taken on Bajor. What do you know of that?"
„Nothing." LeRose said, almost too emotionlessly, as if she was purposefully putting aside her feelings, „Nothing. It's the first time I hear of it."
He frowned, „Miss LeRose, describe to me what happened in the Cave and after you left it."
„The Admiral was doing all the scans. And she never let me touch the tricoder." LeRose said quickly, „You can ask her!"
He'd chosen to conclude the interrogation there. The Admiral had confirmed LeRose's words, but had still(to his relief) insisted it could've had to do with the three prisoners. This had helped those doubts he'd had about her involvement.
Those that Admiral Nechayev had just brought back.
What possible reason could the Admiral have had to erase two files? To annoy the Bajorans, perhaps? If she wanted to do that, she would've simply ordered those files not to be divulged. That would've been her style. Or she would've denied their value in the Bajorans' faces and gone back to Earth.
And she insisted on the possibility of the prisoners being guilty.
Admiral Bashir, he said to himself as he leaned over to contact Kathryn, was not guilty.
„I don't know." He should've epxected this, „There's something damned suspicious about her."
Chakotay shook his head; „Kathryn, she didn't do it. I've already given you all the facts that go against your assumptions."
„I'm not making any assumptions, Chakotay." Kathryn pursed her lips, „I'm merely saying there's something suspicious about her. That doesn't mean I'm sure of the fact she's tampered with those scans."
„As I've repeated for countessl times," Both to you and myself, he thought, „She had no motive, no reason whatsoever."
Again Kathryn's curls danced on her shoulders. They hadn't, he noticed, yet gone completely grey.
„You are right, she didn't. But there's always my hunch…I have decided not to let go of that." The last part had been spoken almost accusingly. Bitterly, Chakotay exhaled.
„Kathy, please, let us not talk of business. I'm tired…no, more among the lines of exhausted, and I have no desire whatsoever to engage in any conflicts."
„You're right." Kathryn frowned, „I'm sorry. I just want you back here safe and sound…and as soon as possible."
„You'll have me…I want the same thing, trust me." Chakotay caressed the screen again, „I love you, Kathy. Don't forget that."
She said nothing, but the look in her eyes told him she wouldn't. Not ever.
„Our next move should be to see whom we can trust." Chakotay said, turning to face the Admiral. They were once again located in the ready room, but this time she was turned away from the window overlooking Deep Space Nine. He was standing in front of a viewscreen, as if holding a briefing. In a way, he was. He was representing her with the reuslts of his investigation.
Elizabeth's face didn't say whether she was pleased or not, but she got up from her chair and moved closer to him.
„Well, Captain, looks like you've done quite a job. But I've given it some thought, and after seeing your…evidence, I believe that we could also consider the files were erased by accident."
His eyebrows shut up arduously.
„Excuse me?" He nearly coughed, „Ma'am…I don't understand…you've proposed the investigation…and.---„
„Captain." She said slowly, „The best of my people couldn't have discovered anything…and they themselves, just like anyone on board, had no reason to help the three prisoners conceal any information. It has been three days."
She certainly had a point, Chakotay spotted. But what did she want to do now? Give up the investigation? Take some more scans? Contact the Bajorans? The idea of trying to explain all this to Nechayev made his head hurt.
„What would you suggest as our next move?" He finally spoke.
Admiral Bashir walked to the window, where she stood for a few seconds, and then faced him again. There was a look of determination on her face.
„I believe that we've tried our best to prove ourselves wrong and the Bajorans right. Now its time we switched to the right side again." Her eyes bolted his, „I'll contact the Bajorans and arrange another visit to the Fire Caves. I'm sure all the files will be there then."
„Aye, ma'am." He began to see the logic of her words. Besides, it was going to get them home sooner, „What should I do?"
She scanned him for a moment before voicing, „Take some time off, Captain. You've been up day and night during the investigation." This was true-the last three days had been hard on him. Not even he could have explained to himself why had he worked so hard because of two missing files, „You can take the shuttle and visit the station…relax a bit. Tell the rest of the crew they can do the same."
„Yes, Admiral." Chakotay was sure the crew would be very pleased. All crews liked shore leaves. Now, it was not a shore leave but a…station leave, but still. Some people appreciated even being allowed an hour off duty.
He himself was not among them-he preferred working when there was something going on, and when there was even little work to be done. Right now, though, something told him he was better off not saying to to the Admiral's offer. Something on her face told him she wouldn't have taken it as an answer.
Now that he gave it a better look…he did notice something out of the order on her face. It was well-concealed, behind a carefully designed mask, but he could have seen it, or even more felt it.
It was very close to cocnern, but not fully concern. More like the said feeling mixed with anger, irritation and raw will.
She's up to something. His inner voice sounded.
But he quickly dismissed it, as he'd learned to do with many things during this mission. Perhaps it was bad news from home, perhaps she was annoyed by how long this mission was taking, perhaps she was having a bad day. The only answer certainly wasn't that she was up to something.
„You are dismissed, Captain." The Admiral smiled at him, „Have fun."
As he left the ready room, Chakotay could've sworn he'd seen something sinister in that smile.
„I'm really looking forward to seeing it," Ensign Edmer spoke eagerly, a wide grin plastered upon his face, „I've heard plenty of stories about all that's happened there during the Dominion War."
Chakotay, who sat opposite of him in the shuttle, returned the beam politely, nodding his head. As the head of the Academy, and a former Instructor there, he couldn't help but like eager young people. Edmer definitely belonged to that group. He had graduated from the Academy a year ago, and this assignment on the Victoria was also his first one. He was a very jolly man, keen on satsifying his curoisity about all matters.
„I've heard that Admiral Bashir used to be stationed there during the War." Selena Marson, an Engineer, cut in, „Strange that she isn't coming with us."
Edmer frowned and nodded his head. Had he not known better, Chakotay would've expected the crew to start gossiping and recounting all the reasons for the Admiral not to have been able to come along. Instead, he was ready for what they were going to do.
„She's busy with this mission." Edmer continued, „The Bajorans must be giving her a hard time."
„Yes," Marson concluded, „But not as hard of a time she is giving them."
They all laughed, and Chakotay had to join them. It was funny, actually, how the crew was loyal to Admiral Bashir. He was sure that, in spite of his rank, had he said something ill about her, he would most likely not get back from this short trip without a bruise or two. She must've earned their respect through a lot of things. He didn't know whether there were people, his students perhaps, who regarded him in such a manner and respected him so. He certainly hoped so.
„Five more minutes and we're there!" The pilot, Lt. Commander Nerlene, announced. A murmur of agreement went through the passengers.
„I can't wait to see Quark's." Eileen Waston, the Ship's Counselor, said, „Admiral Bashir told us that the Ferengi is one of the smartest but most cowardly she'd ever dealt with." Everyone giggled, and she added, „But it's hard to get him to lower his prices! I've been hoping to do so since I've first heard of him."
„Sometimes it's hard to…out-Ferengi the Ferengi, Miss Waston," Chakotay finally said something, which caused all to quiet down immiediately, „I've tried it once, in the Delta Quadrant, and I must say it was quite of a job."
„How did it end up, sir?" Edmer dared to ask.
„Well…with one of my crewmates and the two Ferengi tied up in the middle of the fire, as a matter of fact." Chakotay chuckled, „Luckily, we managed to get our transporters online and we rescued them."
„So you've out-Ferengied them." Marson noted.
„You might say so, but it didn't really end just like that. For the entire they, we'd been working on a way back to the Alpha Quadrant…we were forcing a wormhole open near the planet where the Ferengi incident had happened. But just as we managed to do it right, the Ferengi escaped from us, took their ship and entered the wormhole. So we felt quite out-Ferengied ourselves."
If there had been any tension between Chakotay and the crew of the Victoria, it was all gone now. After a good time of laughing, everybody began to discuss what they were going to do once aboard the station.
They were welcomed by the Chief of Security, who greeted thim in a friendly manner and gave them a short speech about the rules of the station. Since they weren't here officially, they weren't allowed to bring any weapons onboard. Those who had any were supposed to leave them in his care, as he expressed himself. No fighting on the Promenade, no stealing, no cheating…the usual. It took about seven minutes for him to finish, and then they were free to explore.
Everybody dispersed in their own direction, and it took Chakotay little time to realize he was on his own. He must've been the only person that hadn't really thought of what he'd do on DS9. He'd thought it would have come to him eventually. Now that it didn't, he had to do whatever he was going to alone.
Shrugging and sighing, he set off.
It took him but a few steps to appear on the Promenade. There, he stopped, taken aback by all the traffic there. It was vast, strecthing from one side of the station to another, filled with all kinds of people. There were Bajorans, humans, Klingons, Vulcans, even a few Andorians in the corner…even though they hardly looked like the friendly type. Surprisingly, Chakotay noticed even quite a number of Cardassians. Sometimes, it was hard ofr him to remember they were in an alliance with them now.
Some of the people were merely walking around, laughing, chatting, while the others were attracted to the shops. Yes, there were all sorts of shops, galleries, workshops, restaurants…Klingon, Bolian, Bajoran…his eye was even caught by a Native American one.
All the tension disappeared from his face and was replaced by a smile. This sight couldn't have left anyone indefferent-why should he have been an exception? This was his time off, and he was going to have some fun. Inhaling deeply, feeling a lot better and renewed, he entered the first shop to his left.
It was also among the most quiet ones, for it was a bookstore. Nobody was ever loud in bookstores, for some reason. Chakotay gathered it was an ancient tradition-books evoked respect within people, and just so within him.
He began to browse those displayed on the nearest shelf, when a voice greeted him.
„Welcome to Sandra's Bookstore! Is there anything I can help you with?"
He turned around to see the voice belonged to a short, dark skinned woman with a pleasant face and full lips. She must have been the propreitor. Right away, she stroke him as an energetic person, full of enthusiasm and energy.
„No, thank you." He smiled, „I'm just looking around." He felt an introduction was necessary, „I'm Captain Chakotay…of the Starfleet Academy."
Her face lit up suddenly as she shook his hand.
„Oh, I've heard so much about you! My son keeps mentioning you and the Academy to me…he hopes to end up there one day, you know!" She exclaimed, „I'm Sandra. Sandra Sisko, the proproietor of this shop. I'm so glad to have met you!"
His look of nicety was instantly replaced by one of numb shock and surprise.
„Sisko?" He spoke, as their hands parted, „Are…are you by chance related to---„
„Jake Sisko, the writer? Yes, I'm his wife." She said, matter-of-factly, but pride was evident in her demeanour, „Unfortunately, he's attending a conference on Earth and won't be back for the next week."
Chakotay slowly nodded, drawing back. He had intended to ask whether she was related to Benjamin Sisko, but he'd gotten his answer one way or another. Jake Sisko truly was an accomplished writer. He had published a couple of biographie of his father, and plenty of other works about the Dominion War, DS9 and the Maquis, too. He owned quite a few of those.
So he had a son…possibly even more children. Chakotay could not and would not have pretended he was not interested. Not so much because of Jake himself, but more because of the elder Sisko.
„So, you have a son?" He addressed Sandra, as she showed him around the shop.
„Yes," She bobbed her head vigorously, „Benjamin Joseph. He's going to be twelve next month. And we're going to have another baby soon." She placed her hand against her stomach, „A girl. We'll probably name her Jennifer…after Jake's mother, and Dana, after my Grandmother."
The young woman was very talkative, Chakotay noticed. He considered this encounter rather remarkable-fifteen years ago, Benjamin Sisko was alive, living and breathing, leading this station. Now, his descendants lived here, their line continuing. This did not fascinate him solely because he was usually entranced by life and ancestry, but also because he had always greatly admired Benjamin Sisko.
Another thought hit him; Admiral Bashir had served under him fifteen years ago., as she'd said on that conference at the Academy. She didn't share his opinions; she'd stated she believed Sisko to had made crucial mistakes during the War.
Leaving that be, he shifted his attention back to Sandra.
„Congratulations." He said nicely, „Unfortunately, I've never had children of my own."
True. He and Kathy had never found the time for it. At first they had wanted children, but then they'd begun to fear they wouldn't be able to give them proper parent care. Now, it was already too late.
„You don't know what you've missed." Sandra went on, leaing against the counter, „Little ones can be such a joy…but also a nuisance. When Benny was five, I had to go to the holodeck with him every day to play simulations with his Grandfather Sisko as the main character."
Chakotay laughed.
„Well, I'd have probably wanted the same…had I had holo-technology during my childhood, and had I had such a famous Grandfather."
Sandra shook her head, grinning.
„I had never met Benjamin Sisko in person, but I feel like I know him after all those holonovels." Her look wandered for a moment, then focusing back on Chakotay, „You're here visiting?"
He nodded affirmatively, „Yes. I'm onboard the U.S.S. Victoria…Admiral Bashir's ship."
Her head jolted; „Bashir? As in Elizabeth Bashir?"
Again he nodded, „Yes. We're here because of a minor incident of Bajor which involved three citizens of Earth."
He had wondered what her reaction to Admiral Bashir would be. Had her husband told her anything of the Admiral? Had it been positive or negative?
„Hmph. Quite a lady, isn't she?" Sandra's smile seemed to vary between sadness and madness, „She used to serve under Jake's father. Jake knew her when she was a mere Lieutenant.." She paused, as if debating whether to go on or not. In the end, she did, „Never thought any good could come from that one."
The last part had been more murmured to herself than stated to him, but Chakotay had heard it, and it had intrigued if not disturbed him. Had Sandra said this to any of the Admiral's crew, she would've risked a lot. He made a mental note to warn her about that later, for she was to open for her own good. Firstly, though, he wanted to find out the meaning of her words.
„What do you mean?" He asked out sraight.
Sandra opened her mouth, then closed it again. She repeated that action for several times, and then she shook her head, her dark curls bobbing; „I can't say. There was an affair…an affair that shouldn't have been there. Sometimes, I can't help thinking…had she…" She inhaled deeply, „Had she…No. No."
Hurriedly, she bent underneath the counter, emerging with a padd in her hand, „I've already said too much. It was nice meeting you, Captain Chakotay. Now, if you'd excuse me, I have work to do."
Her icy tone warned him against inquiring further, so, with a polite greeting, he left the shop. He had somehow lost his desire to shop for books. The Promenade hadn't quited down a bit, and he was thankful for it. The noise was helping him feel more unnoticed and deal with this experience accordingly.
An affair. What sort of affair? A political affair that had been concealed afterwards? An incident? An affair of the heart? A love affair?
Elizabeth Bashir certainly hadn't had an affair with Benjamin Sisko when she spoke of Gul Dukat with more respect than she spoke of him. What could it have been then?
Millions of possibilites passed through his head, and he decided that he needed a break and a refreshment. He had lost his desire to explore the shops as well…at least not before a nice drink. Just as if on cue, a sign appeared above him; a sign that said 'Quark's'.
He knew that he could encounter Counselor Waston there, and he didn't really mind that. Perhaps it was better if he was distracted from his encounter with Sandra Sisko. With a twitch of his lips, he entered the bar.
It was quite dark and noisy, he spotted, even though it was a different sort of noise from that on the Promenade. It was music, combined with the murmur of the guests. There were quite a few, some sitting at the tables and chatting, some playing a game he supposed was Dabo.
On his way to the counter, he took notice of Waston, sitting at a table with Edmer and a Crewman named Deborah Lee. She waved at him, and he nodded his head.
„I managed to lower the price for a slip!" She shouted to him, and he laughed, turning around to face the owner.
Quark was an aging Ferengi, but he still displayed signs of vigor, and his eyes were as clear and as bright as Chakotay's own, if not more so. He was of the average height for his species, which meant somewhere to Chakotay's chest. That didn't take away from his appearance, though. He was a cunning businessman, one could tell that at first sight.
„How may I serve you?" His voice had a rather nasal sound to it.
„I'll have one glass of Romulan Ale." He said, fully aware the substance was illegal. He wanted to see the barman's reaction.
Quark grinned, as if he'd been prepared for this in advance, „I have it, and I'm going to give it to you. But if you're an inspector, you're going to have to pay two bars of latinum."
Chakotay chortled. It was easy to see the Ferengi knew he was not inspecor right away. Especially after he greeted him; „It's nice to see you here, Captain Chakotay."
„Looks like I'm quite famous around here." He remarked lightly, as Quark handed him the ale, „How much will that cost me?"
„On the house…" Chakotay's eyebrows raised, „Which means seven strips of latinum."
„Of course." He paid, sipping the drink. It tasted just as well as it had when he had last tried it…which had been almost a year ago.
„So…" Quark leaned against the counter again, „What brings you here to DS9, Captain?"
Putting the glass down, Chakotay answered.
„I'm here with Admiral Elizabeth Bashir of the U.S.S. Victory…due to a minor incident on Bajor." He hoped that line wasn't going to intiate anything uncomfortable once more.
„Bashir?" Quarks ears raised, „Elizabeth?" A look of recognition passed through his pools, „Oh, yes." He went on more softly, „I remember. I remember both her and her late husband. Both my faithful customers. They'd come here whenever they could." He seemed brightened up, „Is she aboard? Elizabeth…the Admiral? On the station?"
Chakotay shooked his head, and watched the disappointment on the Ferengi's face; „No. She had to remain on the ship because of our mission."
„Ah. The three people on Bajor." Quark seemed to be well-informed on everything, for he'd mentioned it casually, „That's a shame. Tell her I'd like to see her again some time."He shook his head, „One of the few clothed females I ever truly respected."
It occured to Chakotay he could easily ask Quark about Elizabeth Bashir's background. But he decided against it. It was not very honorable and decent, asking barmen about your superiors.
„Well, Quark, I'll be on my way." Chakotay picked up his drink, „I'll be sure to give the Admiral your regards---„
„Oy! What do ya think you're doin'?"
Just as he had been turning around, Chakotay had bumped into a man of average height. Apparently, he'd been passing behind and hadn't seen Chakotay. That resulted in Romulan Ale being spilled all over him(the former).
„I'm sorry…" Chakotay began, to be once more cut off by the newcomer's strong, Irish accent.
„You're sorry? Well, tell that to me uniform! Me new uniform!" Alcohol could've been smelled on the man's breath, and it was visible he was drunk-he wasn't wearing any uniform.
„As I've said, I'm sorry. I'm sure I can make up for---„
„No ye can't!" The man raised his voice, „No-you-can-not!"
Chakotay would've certainly felt guilty about striking a drunk man, so he was relieved when Quark came to his rescue.
„Get a grip, Chief, before I have to throw you out of the bar!" He said imperiously. It was obvious the Ferengi enjoyed power greatly…as long as he had ti.
But Chakotay hadn't had the chance to assess the man's features more carefully before. Now that Quark had called him Chief, though, he stepped back and eyed him.
He had a big face one could have described as blotchy. It had dominating ears that stuck out of his appearance. His facial features seemed to have been compressed into one small circle, while the rest of his face surrounded it. His head was covered in curly, grey hair. The small nose, the blue eyes…the man was so familliar to him…
The Chief seemed to have begun to recognize Chakotay as well, for his small mouth formed into an almost regular circle, while his eyes widened. Simultaneously, they shouted!
„Captain Chakotay!"
„Miles O'Brien!"
And under Quark's surprised gaze, the men who'd been fighting only moments ago embraced as old friends.
„Who'd say I'd see you here?" O'Brien exclaimed, obviously sobered.
„I sure as hell wasn't expecting to encounter you!" Chakotay spoke, „Last time I heard from you was when you had a last-minute change of heart and decided not to teach at the Academy." He wasn't about to say he'd thought that decision to have been all wrong. He wasn't of the sort to mendle into other people's business-he'd learned to resepct choices others made, „Then you and your family moved to Bajor and I haven't heard or seen you ever since!"
„Well, sounds like we have a lot to tell each other!" Miles grinned, „Buy me another drink?"
Chakotay smiled reproachfully, „No. I'll buy you coffee. And I'll get myself some more ale." He looked at Quark, who procured the drinks requested immediately. Chakotay paid once more, and the headed to an empty table.
„So…how's life been treating you?" Chakotay decided to begin first. He had met Miles during his Maquis career. Miles had been among those who'd considered joining, but later gave up. However, they'd gotten to know each other quite well. Miles had proven to be an honorable and a just man.
„Alright." He shrugged, „Keiko's still teaching on Bajor…she's also working with plants. Kirayoshi's doing fine at school…and Molly's getting married!"
„Married? Congratulations!" Chakotay found himself congratulating someone for the second time today, „Who's the lucky guy?"
„A Bajoran." Miles drank some coffee, „Tanar Nalas. Quite a good bloke. I approve. The ceremony's being held on Bajor, in a month. Want to come?"
„I'd be honored to." Chakotay smiled. Little Molly O'Brien, getting married. Time was going fast.
„What about you, Captain? What brings you here to DS9?"
Chakotay leaned on his elbows, „I'm on a mission…together with an ex crewmate of yours."
„Really?" Miles raised his eyebrows, „Who might that be?"
„Admiral Elizabeth Bashir." Chakotay watched his words settle down.
Miles' face became home to a mixture of surprise, nostalgia, rememberance, sadness and happiness. For a few seconds, he didn't speak, and when he finally did, his voice became rather hoarse.
„Julian's wife…widow?" Chakotay nodded, „Yes…I knew her long ago. And Julian, too. Was my best friend." Silence again. Chakotay allowed him the silence, knowing how he'd felt when his friends had died. When all the Maquis had been destroyed. He could understand O'Brien's grief.
„So how's Elizabeth doing?" He finally managed to ask.
„Fine. She's an Admiral…we're here because of a minor incident on Bajor…three people in the Fire Caves…nothing serious…"
But at the mention of Fire Caves, he saw his friend's face stuepfy immediately. His look sharpened, and his eyes raised to Chakotay's.
„The Fire Caves?" He repeated, „What about the Fire Caves?"
Uncomfortably, Chakotay shifted on his chair, „I am not really supposed to discuss thiss…"
„Chakotay." Miles was now dead serious, „Listen to me. It is important. What is going on in the Fire Caves? And what does Elizabeth Bashir have to do with it?"
Chakotay could do nothing but gape at him for a few seconds. Why had he thought Elizabeth Bashir had anything to do with those three in the Fire Caves? Perhaps, Chakotay tried to be reasonable, he was getting a whole wrong picture of this…because of the alcohol.
„Three people have been captured in the Fire Caves by the Bajorans. Three humans, citizens of Earth. The Bajorans wanted to trial them on Bajor and punish them there, but Admiral Nechayev sent Admiral Bashir to deal with it and return the three home." He tried to be as slow as possible, so Miles would get every bit of it.
The latter laughed; „You think I'm drunk, Chakotay, I can tell. I am, but it isn't affecting my mind. Is there anything else?"
It took him a couple of seconds to debate whether to tell him of the missing files or not. He was afraid to do so because he was afraid of what he might find out…but he also couldn't have elided it.
So he recounted to him the story of the missing files, hoping that Miles was not going to tell him anything disturbing.
Unfortunately, he got the complete opposite.
„Look here, „ O'Brien's voice reduced to a whisper, „It's very important that you trust me on this matter, because I can't divulge all of it to you. Is that clear?"
Chakotay could only have nodded, now yearning to hear what he had to say.
„You may think of Elizabeth Bashir as brilliant. She is. You may also find her fascinating, dominating, born to command and she is all of that too. „ He paused, „But she's also vengeful, Chakotay. Vengeful and determined. And she remembers. Never forgets. That is a trait that makes people dangerous."
„Go on." Chakotay managed to mutter as the Chief grew silent.
„Now, listen. You may think I'm full of prejudices, impulsive, irrational, and you're free to all of that." He leaned closer, „But whatever you do Chakotay, whatever you do, keep Elizabeth Bashir away from the Bajoran Fire Caves." His eyes glowed dangerously;
„Do so even at the cost of your life."