Disclaimer: CBS/Paramount owns Star Trek, only the original characters and story are mine.

"Confirmed," T'Phir was reporting to Captain Ezri Dax. "All aliens have vacated Cold Station 12. They have withdrawn to their separate ships which are still at station keeping. No sign of deviation of position or withdrawal from the area."

Ezri looked at the viewscreen where two alien ships were in proximity to medical research outpost Cold Station 12.

In an attempt to break the tension on the bridge, Todd asked, "So…what are the odds they'll all just pack up and go away?"

With his typical dry manner Icheb answered the CMO, "I wouldn't bet on it."

Todd let a mischievous grin split his face, "Well, there goes my career as a bookmaker."

Icheb was completely confused, "What does the making of books have to do with betting?"

Todd started to explain, "You see, bookmaking is a term used in the past…"

Ezri cut in, "Alright boys, could we get back to work here?" She paused for a moment to make sure her CMO and First Officer were done, then continued, "T'Phir, are you positive there are no aliens in the room with Dr. Bashir?"

If the Science Officer had been human or another more emotional species, the Captain's question may very well have been met with exacerbation at having to answer the same question again. T'Phir worked her console again before answering, "Yes sir, the only beings in the room are Dr. Bashir and the EMH."

Ezri was out of her chair, "I'm going to my ready room to have a private conversation with my husband. Icheb, try and figure out why all the aliens have evacuated CS12, please."

Icheb hadn't finished replying, "Aye, sir" before Ezri disappeared into her ready room.

She sat at her desk and immediately entered the commands to open a secure channel to the compartment in which her husband and CS12's EMH currently were staying. When the viewscreen showed the interior of that room, she was heartened to see her husband was conscious and sitting up on his own. "Excuse me, Doctor, could I have a moment with Dr. Bashir."

The EMH smiled, "Of course, computer, deactivate EMH." The man disappeared instantly.

"Julian, how are you?"

Julian could tell his wife was concerned, "I'm better, not well, but better. How are you holding up?"

Her face split with one of her most dazzling smiles, a smile which always made Dr. Bashir happy. "I'm much better seeing you conscious."

"I love you, you know that right?"

If possible, Dax' smile became more dazzling yet. "I do know that, and I love you as well. Now, down to business; CS12 is currently free from the aliens," and with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, she continued, "both species."

Julian let his confusion show, "Excuse me, am I hallucinating, or did you just say there are two species of aliens here on CS12? Are they working in concert?"

"You're not hallucinating, that is what I said. As far as we can tell, they don't seem to be working together. In fact they may be completely oblivious of each other, but I wouldn't count on that."

Dr. Bashir let out a small whistle, "Great, are these other aliens using me for a guinea pig as well?"

"No, they seem to be concentrating on the beings in the main part of CS12, but I could be wrong, it happened once before, you know…me being wrong that is."

In their quarters, Ensigns Naomi Wildman and Mary Melody were speculating about what may or may not be going on between the Lindbergh's bridge, Cold Station 12 and the aliens. Mary went to the replicator, "Hey, dead girl, do you want something to drink?"

Naomi sighed, she could tell that Mary was only getting started teasing her about the fact that she was from a parallel reality. "Some papala juice would be great, thanks."

Mary addressed the replicator, "One hot red tea and one large papala juice for the dead girl please."

Naomi watched her roommate retrieve their beverages from the replicator with an air of resignation. She knew Mary was going to become more insufferable with her references to Naomi's 'death' before they would diminish in frequency. In a blatant attempt to change the subject, Naomi asked, "What do you suppose is going on? You know, on the bridge and the station."

Mary answered as she handed Naomi her glass of papala juice, "No idea. I am just…well…"

This hesitancy on Mary's part startled Naomi since her roommate was usually very outspoken. "What, what is it?"

"Well, I've been wondering, do you think the aliens are going to start experimenting on us? Or have they already started?"

Naomi's eyes widened, "That hadn't occurred to me."