Chapter 4

Arriving on Deep Space Nine Kira and Dukat were informed that a Cardassian ship was on route but it wouldn't arrive for another day. Dukat frowned, offended that a ship wasn't already hovering around the space station. Kira laughed as she saw Dukat's chest fall.

"What is the meaning of this?" Dukat questioned.

"Your guess is as good as ours," Sisko intoned.

"Perhaps they didn't notice you were missing," Kira offered.

Dukat shot her an unimpressed glance, "There must be some mistake."

"Oh, there's no mistake. Clearly, there is no Cardassian ship here," Sisko continued explaining as he took his post.

Regardless of the humorous situation Kira was shocked, it seemed strange that the Cardassian military apparently had taken no action. Even knowing that it was a faction of the Bajoran resistance, Kira felt a little shiver of cold dread knowing what they had accomplished. Normally she would be beyond excited that Bajor had been able to kidnap Gul Dukat and hold him hostage without Cardassia being the wiser, but she was also wise enough to know that someone should have had some information regarding his whereabouts, and the fact that they didn't filled her with a certain anxiety. Kira was torn between bringing her concerns to Sisko's attention and her loyalty to Bajor.

"Now... since everything is settled, Odo would you please escort Gul Dukat to some quarters. It appears that he will be staying for a while," Sisko grinned.

Kira watched as Dukat was taken to the lift and Odo commanded its location. Dukat glanced up once he had taken his stance and caught Kira's eyes. She had her hand against her mouth, deep in thought. Dukat continued to watch until her until his form vanished beneath the floor.

She was startled out of her thoughts by Sisko's commanding voice.

"Kira, I need to see you in my office!"

Kira sighed, she had hoped that Sisko wouldn't want to talk to her quite yet but apparently it was not to be. She followed behind him feeling very much like a naughty child on its way to the principal's office. She wondered if he could feel her tension.

As soon as they had entered the office Sisko picked up his baseball and turned around to face Kira.

"Kira. I need to know something," Sisko shook the baseball, punctuating his words.

"Yes, Captain," Kira answered in perfect military fashion.

"How did you end up on Bajor with Dukat? Please tell me that he was visiting an old friend," Sisko pleaded.

Even though she knew this had been coming, it didn't make it any easier.

She swallowed, "I got word from an old resistance group colleague that Dukat was in their custody. Before you ask, I don't know how they got ahold of him. I went down to see if it was true. I then demanded his release and we returned."

"You were down there for more than 24 hours," Sisko stated, "I think I need more information than that. Surely if it is as you say then you should have returned yesterday. Also, Dukat was looking pretty roughed up, yet regardless of his appearance he seemed like he couldn't have been happier! Now tell me Major, how does someone get kidnapped by their worst enemy and then are returned in happier spirits than when they left?"

Kira could feel the sweat starting on her forehead. She didn't want to lie to the captain, but she also couldn't very well tell him the truth. He would never understand, hell she wasn't a hundred percent sure she understood.

Kira took a deep breath, she started slowly, "When I arrived I talked to my contact, Batho, and we spent some time catching up. I had to convince him of my stance on the matter. He refused to let me see Dukat if I was simply going to let him walk. I informed him that I understood what the group was doing but that they were playing a very dangerous game and that by kidnapping the head of the military they would be asking for a war. I finally convinced him that I would do my best in the situation to make everyone happy. He seemed appeased by that. Then he took me to the group. We all talked, they told me their plans with Dukat, how they planned to make him pay. I convinced them to let me help and finally they assented."

Sisko rubbed his chin, contemplating Kira's story. Kira could feel the words coming but her brain was starting to feel fuzzy.

"Then I was taken to Dukat. They had already...roughed him up a little."

"You mean tortured him?" Sisko asked.

"I think, but I can't really say. I wasn't there for any of it and there was nothing after I arrived."

Sisko nodded his understanding, allowing her to continue.

"We fought for a bit," Kira could feel her face starting to flush, she tried her best to force it down, "Then I released him. I took him to the quarters where I was staying and gave him some food and water."

"And no one stopped you?" Sisko asked confused.

"They had put their faith in me. They assumed I knew what I was doing."

"Ahhh..." Sisko nodded in understanding. "So, they thought you were going to... use other methods to, perhaps extract information."

"Exactly sir."

"Please continue."

Kira could feel nervous butterflies in her stomach, but she pressed on, "We talked for a while."

"Just talked?" Sisko inquired.

Kira swallowed. In her head, she knew what Sisko was asking, if she had in anyway tortured Dukat, but she felt like he could see right through her. That he knew what they had done, "Just talked."

Sisko eyed her and contemplated her answer. He wasn't sure he quite believed her but Dukat seemed fine. Didn't even complain about his capture, which for Dukat surprised him. He was sure he wasn't going to hear the end of it and instead Dukat hadn't said a word. In fact, it was Dukat's silence that made Sisko wonder what really happened down on Bajor. For being kidnapped by the people who hated him the most, he sure came back...jolly. He should have been demanding their heads and arguing, Sisko should have had to create some sort of peace agreement between Cardassia and Bajor once again and instead Sisko heard nothing, not a peep.

"So, what happened after you... talked?" Sisko asked.

"I thought it was best to get some rest, before we made our way back to Deep Space Nine," Kira continued, ignoring Sisko's eye raise, "In the morning I talked to my colleague again and we worked everything out. I would take Dukat back and I wouldn't ask any questions regarding how they had managed to kidnap him. In return, I promised to get some information from Dukat about Bajoran prisoners before he returned to Cardassia. They weren't very successful with their own information retrieval."

Sisko nodded. Something had happened down there, he knew it. He could feel it in his entire being, but he was quickly understanding that whatever it was, Kira refused to talk about it. He knew he had to get to the bottom of it, but he wasn't sure he really wanted to know. It would mean talking to Gul Dukat and perhaps some mysteries are better left unsolved. Dukat was after all, still happy, it seemed.

"Do you believe that you can retrieve the information that you promised?" Sisko placed the baseball casually back on the desk, sneaking a glance at Kira.

"I believe so," Kira continued to fight her blush, not wanting to think about how she would probably end up retrieving it.

"I know you promised them that you wouldn't ask questions Major, but if it's possible for a resistance group to kidnap the head of the military, right from underneath their noises, and no one is the wiser. This demands an investigation! I expect you to do what you can Major. Let me know if you require any assistance."

Kira nodded and as the tension hang in the air Sisko continued, "Just one more question. When Dukat returned he seemed rather... happy. You wouldn't happen to know why, would you?"

Kira could feel Sisko's eyes boring into her pagh, she felt raw, "Wouldn't you be happy as well if your enemies were forced to give you back?"

Sisko contemplated this, he supposed it was true, there was always a feeling of victory when your enemies had you in their clutches and at the very last moment you walk away a free man.

"Alright, just remember. You can't just go off and do your own thing. I know you're not Starfleet, but I still expect you to uphold certain values, " Sisko warned.

"I know," Kira dropped her head, her face was flush, she knew he was implying physical violence, but she still felt like he knew.

Sisko eyed her, he wanted to say more but Kira seemed rather silent on the subject, "I expect a full report. You're excused."

Kira took the opportunity to slowly leave until reaching the door and bolting. Sisko huffed behind her.

Kira rubbed her face, that was close. Her head was spinning. Was it enough? What if all this has been for nothing. She pinched the bridge of her nose, sighing she headed to Quarks. She wasn't usually a drinker, but she felt like she could use one tonight. Kira was working her way through her second drink when she spotted Dukat entering the bar. Noticing her he wandered over and took a seat next to her.

"What do you want Dukat?" Kira responded.

"Far be it for me to deny the beauty of this station my company," Dukat continued, catching the unimpressed look on Kira's face, "I didn't want to be cooped up in my quarters like a villain. You're also the only friend I have on this station."

"That's using the term loosely," Kira huffed.

When Quark came around he ordered a Kanar, before returning his gaze to Kira.

Kira sweated for a moment, unable to keep quiet, "Ohhh! It was terrible."

Dukat watched curiously as she buried her head in her hands, "Hmm?"

"Talking to Sisko."

Dukat laughed, Kira fumed.

"Did you tell him everything?" Dukat managed to force out.

"No! Of course not! You know I can't," Kira whispered furiously.

"Oh, come now. Perhaps the captain would be happy for us."

"Not very likely."

Dukat grinned, "And what did you tell him?"

Kira sighed, she had never withheld information from Sisko before, "That we talked."

"Well, we did talk... but not very much..."

"He expects a report," Kira pushed.

"Then I suppose you will have to give him one. Make sure you don't leave out any details," Dukat's eyes glinted.

Kira breathed deeply, "Will you back up my report?"

"Why Major, would that mean I would be required to lie?"

Kira pursed her lips together, refusing to speak.

"Rest assured Major. I will say whatever you want me to say."

Quark arrived with the Kanar and Dukat thanked him. Kira could see the Ferengi had every intention of staying and worming his way into the conversation, but the death glare Kira gave him made him think twice. She watched his retreating form until he was clear across the bar before she turned her attention back to Dukat. Dukat smiled at her warmly and started talking about a fantastic book that he had recently picked up.

Kira watched Dukat and tried to figure him out. He honestly didn't look much different than normal, she wasn't sure what she had expected, but she had hoped to perhaps see him in a new light. She couldn't help the small smile that rose to her lips as she eyed his swollen lip and the bite on his neck ridge. When she finally brought her attention back Dukat was watching her with an amused smile.

"Like what you see?" He asked conspiratorially.

"Very much," Kira responded without thinking.

Dukat chuckled as Kira's face flushed.

"You know you could go to the infirmary for that..." Kira rambled, attempting to cover.

"I rather like it," Dukat smirked.

Dukat took the opportunity to reach across the table and place his hand on Kira's. Kira instinctually removed her hand placing it on her lap. It was true that she had wanted to seduce Dukat, with what she now fully admitted was a terrible plan, but she also felt like it shouldn't have been this easy. Shouldn't he suspect something? She had been cursing his name for years and now suddenly overcome with passion he isn't suspicious? Something didn't seem right. She knew Dukat was playing a game, but she wasn't sure what it was. Perhaps Dukat was hoping to abuse her power at the station while she abused his. The thought caused her to chuckle. Dukat taking her sudden mirth as enjoyment at his story starts to delve into even greater detail.

The night passed companionably enough except that Kira was intimately aware that everyone's attention was fully on them.

"Do you suppose it's because of who I am? Or because you're talking to me?" Dukat inquired taking a sip of his drink, surveying all the curious faces.

"I would guess that it's both," Kira mumbled, unimpressed at the attention she was getting.

She was starting to feel a little hot under the collar. She felt like everyone could see through her. The weight of her choices, her betrayal, suddenly weighing heavily on her. This was never going to work, her mind screamed. How long did she think that she could keep up this charade? 5 months? 5 years?

"Dukat..." She started, her sentence trailing off. What was she going to say? "You know... I think I feel a headache coming on. Perhaps I should head back to my quarters."

As Kira went to move Dukat stood up, Kira couldn't help but notice the action, it sent a shiver of pleasure through her before she schooled her features. Her headache increased as she became aware of the fact that Dukat was clearly following her. They walked down the hallways in absolute silence and for a moment Kira wondered if perhaps Dukat was being considerate. Reaching her quarters, she entered and Dukat followed.

Giving a frustrated sigh Kira turned around, "What do you want Dukat?"

"What is this... thing to you?"

"We don't have a thing," Kira closed her eyes, forcing herself not to look at him.

Kira was many things, but she knew that she wasn't one to sell her body. She thought she could... When she first saw him, all she felt was anger, it boiled over and she took joy in the power that she had stumbled across but now, in the harsh light of day she realized her mistake. She started a game she knew she could never successfully play. No, Dukat was sure to be the winner and she refused to let him win.

She was also terrified, terrified of her desire for him. She refused to acknowledge how her body melded perfectly into his, how the feel of him made her soar. Animal desire alone is not enough to sustain a relationship and that was all they would ever have. What was she thinking? A relationship with Dukat, he wasn't capable of having a true relationship. He was too selfish, he only cared about claiming his prizes, screw the consequences and everyone else. She couldn't in her right mind let this continue. Kira gasped. She hadn't even truly thought about her friends... What if they found out? What would they think of her? Dukat's voice interrupted her musings.

"I wasn't planning on hurting you... much," Dukat smiled coyly.

Kira scoffed, "You haven't even come close."

"Afraid to give me the chance?" Dukat stood with his arms crossed.

Kira stalked towards him, "Dukat, I don't know what sick plan you have in your head but forget about it. What happened between us was a mistake. I was just caught up in my emotions and I let things go too far. I wish I could blame you but well... you weren't exactly able to fight back."

"Not that I would have," Dukat interrupted.

Kira continued, "But there is nothing between us. We aren't lovers, we aren't dating, we aren't in a relationship! We aren't anything!"

"It didn't feel like that this morning in fact... I remember being quite close. It could be like that every morning, but of course you would have to come back to Cardassia. What a prize that would be, the Bajoran liaison officer from Deep Space Nine... warming my bed," Dukat's eyes darkened with lust as he raked them over Kira's body.

"I'm not a prize!" Kira yelled.

"Oh... my dear... You are quite the prize," Dukat whispered hoarsely, stalking towards her, "and I would very much like to continue our new-found relationship."

"It doesn't matter what you want Dukat," Kira protested.

Dukat placed a hand on her cheek. He was close... too close, she could feel his heat and smell his scent. She tried to hold herself back, but her body craved his touch.

"What do you think your friends would do if they found out? Hmm? All the things you've done. Your past and now me... what if... they knew... the real *you*," Dukat breathed, "You can be yourself around me, no more hiding."

He leaned forward capturing Kira's mouth in a kiss.

For a second Kira responded before she pulled back, "Don't."

"Stop me," Dukat smirked leaning in again.

Dukat deepened the kiss, Kira once again responded for a second before she leaned back and held her hand up to Dukat's chest.

"No..." Kira choked out.

"As you wish," Dukat stroked Kira's cheek, kissing it softly before leaving.

Kira fell onto the floor, sobs wracking her body. She let her tears flow freely. Tears she had never cried while she was a resistance fighter. Tears for her family, friends, her choices, and mistakes. Everything that she refused to let go, finally broke.