I shouldn't be writing; I should be studying for final exams, but I REALLY don't want to so I'm gonna write more stories for you guys! I bet you feel so special; I'm sacrificing precious study time for your enjoyment! JK :)

Chapter Nine: Stop Him

Sisko

An understandable but controlled panic wave swept through the whole station as Sisko uttered the famous words, "Hail them."

"Yes, sir," O'Brien complied and soon enough Gul Dukat's face was enlarged on the viewscreen. He did not look happy. "Commander," he said. "I'm afraid these are some unfortunate circumstances that bring us together, wouldn't you say?"

"Agreed," Sisko responded, his expression unchanging. "And what exactly would those circumstances be?"

Dukat looked a trifle uncomfortable as he said, "Let us just say that it is confidential and leave it at that, hmm?"

"You don't expect me to believe you brought a whole fleet to the station to tell me that," Sisko pointed out.

"No, I suppose I don't," Dukat admitted. "However, I would be honored to come aboard your station -- just me -- and discuss the situation with you."

"Unarmed," Sisko insisted.

"Why, of course, Commander," Dukat agreed. "I will beam over immediately." With that, Dukat's image faded from the screen and everyone in Ops turned toward the transporter pad to watch Dukat materialize on one of the circles on the platform.

A security officer stepped up and drew a blood sample from the Gul. Dukat seemed annoyed with this procedure, but he held still. The officer shook the small vial of red blood, which didn't change.

"In my office, then," Sisko said, ushering him in. Sisko took his regular seat in the high-backed chair placed behind his desk, waiting patiently for Dukat to say something.

"Commander, I won't recap the things you already know," Dukat pointed out, "but I won't tell you everything either. First you must understand that." Sisko made no indication that he understood, and Dukat continued.

"I know you have many questions, but I will not hear them. I will tell you what I am willing to tell you, nothing more," Dukat said.

"Which would be. . .?" Sisko hinted forcefully.

Dukat continued, "I will just, how you say, 'cut to the chase'. I am going to tell you that I was never on this station and that what you found was not my blood. However, you can test it as many times as you like and you will get the same results. That is, if you've still got it. Tell me, Commander, when was the last time you checked to see if it was still there? I don't think I will tell you what it really was, though. You'll find out soon enough."

There was a pause. "Is that all you have to say?" Sisko asked.

"I'm afraid so," Dukat said. "However, my ships have more to tell you." With that, Dukat was beamed back aboard his ship and Sisko jumped up, slamming his fists on the desk.

Bashir

Sensing that a battle was on the way, Doctor Bashir had to clear the Infirmary for wounded. Quickly he performed the test on Garak to find nothing medically wrong with his memory. There was no reason to keep him here any longer. Bashir roused the patient and sent him on his way. Then he turned to Kira to find that she was making a rapid recovery. What could be the cause? He reached for the ever-handy tricorder and scanned up and down Kira's motionless body.

Incredible! Her brain seemed to be creating its own stimuli, her neural impulses were growing more frequent, and she was thinking, or at least dreaming. He noticed that her eyes were quickly darting to and fro under her stubbornly shut lids: REM sleep! This was a wonderful sign! He could probably wake her if he really needed to, but it was better to let her come around on her own. At her current rate of recovery, that probably wouldn't take too long!

Bashir put together and issued crisis medkits to each of the medical personnel he could find. Gratefully, more than just Rassi and Omal were available now.

The medical team was prepared to receive and treat casualties in a short time, so they stood around, anxiously awaiting the first fateful blast from the Cardassian ships. During this solemn and intense moment, Doctor Bashir felt cold hand grip his with exceeding force. Startled, he turned to see Major Kira's ghost-white hand clutching him and her eyes half-open.

Instinctively, he reached for the kit at his side. "Doctor," Kira whispered in a hoarse voice.

"Yes?" Bashir asked, scanning her once more. "What is it?"

Kira shook her head and croaked, "Changeling. . . on the station. . . stop him. . ."

"Bashir to Sisko!"

Unknown

"Hey! You, there! What are you doing out here? I'm going to have to ask you to return to your quarters," an eager security officer yelled across the Promenade at what he thought was a "her". However, she couldn't let anyone notice her, so she turned on her heel and smacked him with the hammer she had just changed her hand into.

So? What did you think? Sorry this one was kinda short, but some big things happened, and I promise next time it'll be longer and possibly more action-y! Hope you're excited!