"I must confess, N'iv, I find myself quite intrigued by your travels. Might you have a tale or two up your sleeve, perhaps a thrilling escapade or an exotic encounter?"

N'iv cradled her bowl of Plomeek broth, taking a sip. "Oh, you know how it is. The life of an explorer is always riddled with surprises and trials. But as for specifics, some stories are like favorite pieces of clothing—best kept close."

Garak chuckled appreciatively at her analogy. "Ah, a woman of mystery, after my own heart. But surely, there must be one curious encounter or fascinating artifact that you'd dare to share with a humble tailor?"

With a conspiratorial glance, she lowered her voice. "Well, there was this one time on Risa. I unearthed a hidden cave adorned with ancient glyphs. The locals whispered it was cursed, but I suppose I've never been one to resist a tantalizing mystery."

Garak leaned in closer, his gaze sharp. She was lying. Nothing could be more obvious, but he chose to play along. "A cursed cave on Risa? Enthralling. And what treasures did it yield?"

She shrugged nonchalantly. "Oh, the usual assortment of ancient relics one stumbles upon in such places. But the real gem, Garak, was the experience, the electric thrill of the unknown."

Garak nodded, indulging her. He toyed with his bread, breaking off a piece. "Ah, yes, the thrill of the unknown. Now, surely on your extensive travels, you must have come across a character, a being so captivating they left an indelible imprint?"

"Now, Garak, it sounds as though you're fishing for more than just stories. I may have crossed paths with some intriguing individuals, but giving away all my secrets would only spoil the allure."

"Guilty as charged," Garak confessed, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "But can you blame me? Enigmatic personalities such as yours are like the Maelstrom Nebula—irresistibly inviting exploration."

N'iv reclined, crossing one leg over the other. "You ask a lot of questions for a simple tailor."

Garak maintained his charming smile, but he could sense her earlier suspicions creeping back in. It was time to change tactics. "My apologies if I seem overly curious. It's in my nature to unpick the seams of mysteries, much like a Bolian moth drawn to a flame."

She laughed lightly, her eyes sparkling. "A Bolian moth? I won't hold your curiosity against you, if you don't hold my secrets against me. As they say, the charm is in the chase, no?"

"Indeed," Garak replied, raising his glass in a mock toast. "In this vast universe of ours, secrets are both a currency and a burden."

N'iv looked appreciative of his understanding. Deciding to redirect the conversation, she asked, "Well then, any tidbits from your own vault you care to divulge? How about your travels?"

He considered the question, swirling the drink in his glass. "Ah, interstellar exploration. Regrettably my excursions aren't as numerous or exciting as yours."

"Garak, your modesty becomes you. I've known you all of two hours, but even I can see there's much more to your story." She shrugged, remembering the line she'd just given him. "But I respect your discretion."

The conversation shifted to Garak's experiences on the station and his relationship to its occupants, particularly Doctor Bashir.

She appraised him with a knowing look. "You speak of him with such admiration. Am I correct in sensing there may be more to your relationship with Doctor Bashir than mere friendship?"

"Ah, N'iv, a true explorer of not just planets, but hearts as well! As fascinating as speculation might be, some enigmas are best left undisturbed. Let's just say, he is a cherished friend, and our exchanges invariably enlightening."

"Fair enough," she relented. She carved out another piece from her plate of sticky-sweet uttaberry crepes. As she looked up, she recognized the approaching figure. "Speaking of the Doctor…" she left the sentence unfinished.

Julian approached their table, looking a bit weary but surprised. "Pardon the intrusion. I wanted to apologize for missing our meeting, Garak. I only just realized the hour. Though it appears you haven't had any issues finding a substitute in my absence."

"Oh not to worry, dear Doctor. Our guest and I were simply indulging in some light interrogation. Unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos and all that."

"Indeed. Your friend Garak here has proven to be a most inquisitive companion. Do join us, Doctor. We're certainly not short on food," N'ivryn added with a gesture towards the spread before them.

Julian slid into a chair, eyeing the buffet of half-eaten dishes with amusement. "I see. Whose eyes were larger than their stomach, I wonder?" His gaze slid toward Garak with playful accusation.

Unfazed, Garak merely took a leisurely sip from his kanar.

"Actually, I'll take the blame for this one," N'ivryn admitted, drawing Julian's surprised glance. "I suppose my enthusiasm to sample the station's culinary delights got the better of me."

Julian took in the crowded table of plates once more, unsure what to say in response. "Well I'm glad to see you both hit it off. I hope you find Garak's tales as entertaining as I do." He reached across and retrieved a slice of Larish pie.

"Oh, indeed I do. He has quite the way with words. But, Doctor, I have to admit I'm eager to hear more about Kallim."

"Of course," Julian answered sympathetically. "Kallim is stable for now, and we've managed to keep him comfortable. But the case is still puzzling. We've ruled out a few possibilities, but it's as if there's a hidden layer we can't quite access yet."

"I appreciate the update, Doctor. I hope I don't seem overly intrusive. He's just grown rather dear to me, and I feel responsible for his welfare. I trust you understand."

"I do. And rest assured, we're leaving no stone unturned to provide him the best care. Your support means a lot to him, I assure you."

Garak, with genuine interest, added, "It seems young Kallim has quite the ally in you, N'iv. Your compassion is evident."

"Thank you, Garak. He might be young, but he's brave. Doctor, what are the next steps in his treatment? Is there anything I can do to?"

"We're continuing to keep a close watch on his condition, and we're conducting more tests to garner more data points. This is proving to be a complex case, so any recent information about his activities might prove helpful."

"I suppose I could compile a list if that would help?"

Julian appreciated the offer. "Every bit of information is helpful." He took a hearty bite of his Larish pie, savoring the sweetness.

When he went in for another bite, N'ivryn piped up. "You actually enjoy that?"

Julian paused mid-chew, looking concerned. "Why, is there something wrong with it?"

"No, it's not that–Garak said it tastes like it usually does–I'm just surprised you like it."

"What's not to like? I actually think it's really good today. Quark must've brought the real thing instead of replicated."

"I noticed that too," Garak noted. "A bit of an extra sweetness in the berries. Too rich for me, though. For lunch, anyway."

Feeling mildly judged, Julian set the pie aside, seeking out an alternative dish. "Here I was, oblivious to the fact that I was dining with such culinary connoisseurs."

"Don't let us sway your preferences, Doctor," Garak intervened. "You wouldn't believe how we've been debating over various dishes for the past hour. Would you believe that out of all this spread, our guest here still prefers cold Plomeek soup over everything else?It's like dining with you. I can't comprehend the allure of that murky puddle water."

N'ivryn feigned offense, causing Julian to chuckle. "Is that root beer?" he asked, gesturing at her drink.

She held it protectively close. "I'm not required to defend my tastes."

"Oh I'm not judging. I mean, I wouldn't have ever thought to pair it with Plomeek soup, but there's nothing wrong with a nice cold root beer. Wouldn't you agree, Garak?"

Garak recoiled and sent disgusted looks at both of them.