"Constable, I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with Bashir.

Are you really planning on discontinuing our training sessions?"

Taya's words were thin and breathy after having to not only find Odo but also to catch up with him as well.

"I have no intention of discontinuing anything, Ensign.

I just said that so he'd stop pestering me."

"I thought so.

It almost sounded like Bashir was threatening you".

"I nearly thought for a moment that he was actually trying to threaten me, yet that boyish face, those huge eyelashes and that ever encouraging chipper voice of his, I knew better.

He was merely warning me as a Friend yet still he gave me a ultimatum and that's something I Don't appreciate and it definitely is something I don't agree with either.

People don't give me ultimatums, not even old friends like Julian Bashir.

I practically run this entire station, so I'm curious by what authority gives him the right to order me about?

What authority does he think he has to keep me in line by giving me sick, simple minded ultimatums?

He has no authority over me, Taya, which gives him no right to present me with any kind ultimatum in the first place.

Sisko can't even legally give me orders what makes him think he has the right to do so?

I'm enlisted personel, I only answer to the laws of Bajor, only the laws of Bajor bind me, not Starfleet and certainly not the Federation.

Bashir may be a good man, but he is also a foolish one.

Brave yes but there is a fine line between Bravery and just plain stupidity.

Bashir is impulsive and he often doesn't know when he needs to throw in the towel.

I will not be intimidated by a skinny, nosy, whippersnapping Star Fleet Doctor.

I'm sorry I'm rambling.

Ignore me.

I'm in a mood".

"No, I think you're right. I think Bashir was pretty out of line for giving you that ultimatum.

I'm sure if you explained to Sisko the situation and the circumstances that he would understand.

I mean I could explain it to him myself and he'd most likely believe my side of the story.

So you really have nothing to fear from Bashir.

Bashir is all talk and not enough action.

He'd never inform the Bajoran Authorities and he probably will never discuss this situation with Benjamin.

If we talk with him before Bashir does, I'm sure we can sort this all out".

"That's not a bad idea but still what would be the point?

Sisko isn't the one that's in charge, I am."

"Well that's just the tricky part, Bashir has a point, Benjamin may take this situation more seriously than he would and when he does he's bound to tell someone about it, someone important.

He knows important people and that is a risk I doubt you're willing to take."

"You sure make a lot of sense, Ensign.

I'll talk with him, perhaps tomorrow yet since this is your idea, you will be there with me."

"You could probably catch him after the award ceremony tomorrow".

"Perfect planning.

Will you be doing most of the talking or will I?"

"I'll do most of the talking, Constable since it was my idea after all".

"I appreciate... your... efforts to keep me on this station".

"It's the least I can do after your own efforts to do the same for me."

"Speaking of efforts how are you holding up after our training session?"

"I'm holding up just fine.

The Hypospray took care of all the bruises, as you know, there were no broken bones, so no harm done".

"That's not what Bashir was implying today in sickbay but then again he tends to over exaggerate."

"Well some of the bruises were actually pretty nasty I have to admit. You did slam me pretty hard into that wall and that lock you put my blade in, left my arms pretty sore, yet over all it's nothing compared to my training on Cardassia.

Klingons are pretty relentless when it comes to combat and Cardassians are absolutely ruthless in Battle and

then there's the torture tactics and you know all about that.

So in all honesty, the training you put me through today isn't much different from what I've already experienced on Cardassia.

What you subjected me to in that Holodeck isn't really that unfamiliar to me, in fact it's very similar to the vigorous training I'm used to.

I guess what I'm saying is that the training wasn't that intrusive and I'd hardly call it abusive like Bashir thinks it it is.

I know abuse and after 15 horrible years on Cardassia I doubt there is anything in any training session that you can put me through that could be any worse than what I experienced on that miserable planet, so don't be hard on yourself.

I like a good challenge and it sort of reminds me of those eventful and glorious days when I trained

with Vardax O'Shaam

Those were good times for me, they were painful but I remember thinking myself fortunate to suffer at the hands of a Klingon Warrior rather than at the hands of a Cardassian.

Klingons leave only temporary marks while Cardassians leave you with permanent tattoos of all they put you through.

Scars aren't always skin deep as you know".

"Yes I know, I'm well aware of that. You astound me Ensign, you astound me how you can have such forgiveness and present me with such loyalty even after all that I've done to you and after all that I've subjected you to.

The bruises, the tears, the insults and my foul attitude, why are you so quick to forgive it all?"

"A wise man once said never to measure a person by their past.

You are not your past but even in your past, you were wise, kind giving and compassionate towards me.

When I was held captive by the Cardassians, I'd think of you often and in all my thoughts I considered you to be one of my heroes.

I thought if I could only be like you, I'd survive every obstacle I went through, I'd conquer all my fears and I'd defeat all my inner demons.

You served as a great inspiration to me in my time of captivity.

Even though you weren't there to come rescue me, you saved me in a way, you were my hidden strength and my secret confidence in those dark times.

Maybe I'm just holding onto a dream but coming to this station and seeing you again has been a dream that has kept me afloat for all these years.

So forgiveness comes naturally and Loyalty comes even more easily to me."

Odo nodded in recognition.

Odo hardly could soak in all that information but when he returned to his office that day, he absorbed all her sentiments and once he fully understood her words he found himself rather touched.

She's so incredibly loyal to me.

She looks to me as some sort of hero.

She sees me as a hero.

How could I be so cruel to her? I thought I had agreed not to be too hard on her but then I'm just as impulse as Bashir.

I was just another slave driver to her and that's the last thing she needs right now especially after being freed from 15 years of slavery on Cardassia.

I still have no intention of stopping these training sessions.

I feel it wouldn't be right to discontinue them.

She did say the training reminded her of certain fond memories, she's had in the past, so why stop now?

Odo prepared his desk, straightening the chair that was in front, placing a midnight blue coffee cup in such a way so the handle faced the right side. He placed the various phasers in a neat row and he carefully positioned Taya's Tablet until it perfectly fit in with all the other object on his desk.

Odo fashioned a strange sentimental smile as Taya walked in which made her a bit nervous because she wasn't used to seeing him smile very often.

Taya noticed the peculiar feng shui that had been established on his desk.

"What's the mug for?"

She looked seriously worried as she knew he never drank any sort of liquids.

"It's a rather nice decoration, I think it adds a certain lovely touch to my desk don't you?"

"Yes it is lovely.

Why are you smiling like that?"

"Am I not allowed to smile when my newly assigned Ensign walks through the door?

For your information that is a mug, not a cup and it just so happens to be for you.

I do have a replicator installed in this room despite my inability to eat or drink.

You never know, I might have a guest arrive to the station, maybe even a new comer or a new Ensign for the matter.

Anything else you'd like to point out?"

"No, nothing at all, just curious that's all.

You really understand the lost art of Feng Shui, I like that, it's very neat, clean and orderly.

Everything is in it's place, it's pleasing to the eye, Constable."

"I'm glad you appreciate and approve of my eye for detail.

Now we have a ceremony to attend that we mustn't be late to".

The Wardroom was bustling with life when they arrived.

"I'm still talking with him aren't I?"

Taya whispered to Odo over the Din.

"Yes you will but that comes later, after the ceremony Taya.

Please try not to get ahead of yourself."

"I'm trying not to but I can't help but worry about it.

What if he doesn't believe me?"

"He will.

You've read his son's book, you share the same interests and he likes your stories remember.

Don't overthink it, Taya.

It will come naturally to you I'm sure".

"If you say so".

"Oh Gods of the Gamma Quadrant.

He's going to make a speech.

Why does he always have to do a speech?"

Taya looked in the direction that Odo was glaring at and he saw Sisko grabbing a tall champagne glass and he was gathering people together for the ceremony.

He cleared his throat and announced to the small crowd that there was to be a award ceremony very soon.

"We are gathered together here for this auspicious occasion to commemorate and celebrate the promotion of the once newcomer Taya Nollo."

"Here he goes, I better butt in before he gets too carried away.

Excuse me".

Odo grumbled as he strode over to Sisko as casually as he could.

Odo then interjected by making a small speech himself.

"Taya Nollo arrived here as a newcomer, all the way from Cardassia, she was uncertain and rather afraid since she wasn't sure what to expect here on this station.

I'm sure all of you know she has remarkable story, a story that I have to admit I barely believed myself.

Now it's not my place to tell her story but it is my place to announce that after 3 weeks of exceptionally hard week she has completed the necessary requirements for her training to serve as my Security Deputy on this station.

However her official Bajoran title by rank shall be Ensign and she shall be addressed as Ensign Nollo from this day forward that is until I see fit to give her yet another promotion."

Odo eloquently beckoned her to come forward.

He then unclippled her Alliance Intercom badge and he places a gold pin, that appeared to be half a oval with arrow extending down to a tiny a gold circle.

One was placed on her right collar lapel and then another badge which was very similar except it was a bit bigger from the other one, this one was placed right above her chest, on the left side.

She thought it strange that the collar badge was placed horizontally rather than upright like her new Bajoran Communicator Badge yet she decided not to worry herself about it.

It felt wonderful to be presented with such a honor by her long time hero Odo Ital.

Everyone clapped, Bashir let out a hooting hollar and Sisko gave her a warm smile and he clapped with the rest of the crowd clearly proud of her for making it all the way to Ensign.

Everyone shook her hand and when the congratulations were over it seemed everyone wanted to speak with her and ask her about her story of success.

Odo just leaned against an abandoned table that was on the far side of the room and observed everything taking place.

Sisko however insisted that she tell the crowd one of her well crafted stories which was rather intrusive since she felt she had already told her story to more than a dozen people that day.

Everyone seemed to beam at her fondly and ever since that day everyone knew her name and they treated her kindly whenever they saw her.

It was like having a family, it was the first experience she'd ever had where she truly felt loved and accepted still it was greatly overwhelming.

The lights, the voices, the clinking of champagne glasses and the overall busyness and bustle was giving her a massive headache.

"Ensign are you alright?"

Odo was suddenly at her side with a expression of great concern.

"I'm just a bit dizzy.

I have a slight headache.

It's nothing serious.

I'm sure I'll be alright in a few minutes".

"Have you had anything to drink?"

"No I don't drink.

I think it's just... because there is so many people here.

I love all of them, I really do and it's wonderful to be with all these people but it's just a little overwhelming that's all".

"I see what you mean. I don't do very well during these get togethers either if you want to know.

The small talk, the drunken clamor, the hoots and hollars, the endless speeches and the over exaggerated stories.

I mean if I want any of that I might as well head over to Quark's.

It's all very overrated, all this hubbub and pandemonium over one single promotion, it is important I admit but the price of having to stand here, smile and pretend I care is degrading and rather disgusting if you ask me.

Don't take that the wrong way. I'm not saying I don't care about you or your promotion, It's just a overwhelming experience like you said."

"I didn't think you were implying that. Oooh I don't feel well."

Odo noticed her skin pigmentation had altered considerably to the point she appeared quite lifeless.

"You don't look well.

Oh no how quaint Bashir is intoxicated... again

Fantastic.

Look I think what you are experiencing is a something that's called a sensory headache.

If this sensory headache turns into a migraine it can become quite a serious matter.

Bright lights and loud noises can trigger this.

Now I think you really ought to lie down and rest."

"Lie down at a party?

I can't just lie down while everybody crowds around me".

"Then sit down, if that's more convenient for all your new fans.

I hate to be the mother hen in this situation but have you eaten anything recently by any chance?"

Taya weakly nodded as she sat down.

"No not since yesterday".

"That may be be a contributing factor.

Don't move I'll be right back."

Sisko then walked right up to her where she was sitting and started shaking her hand and jabbering at her yet again; grabbing her shoulder in friendly fashion and then somehow he managed to drag her away which kind of left Taya with a panicked expression.

"Why don't you tell us a story Taya?

Tell them of your travels or how you arrived on this station, I'm sure everyone would love to hear the story of how you escaped Cardassia?"

Taya mouthed the words "Odo Help Me".

Odo slowly approached behind Benjamin.

"Commander, I don't believe she's at all feeling well...at the moment."

"Really? What from?"

"It's just a minor headache".

"It's an oncoming sensory migraine brought on by lack of sleep and low blood sugar if you must know."

Odo plainly announced to Sisko.

"You should really take better care of yourself Ensign.

Security is a fairly demanding job and you'll need your health so you can remain on your toes at all times since this station is full of the unexpected."

"Indeed.

Now if you don't mind I think she needs to be escorted back to her quarters."

"Now Odo does she have to go...soo soon? Can't she stay a little while longer?"

Sisko made a fake pouty face.

"For what reason?

If you say it's to entertain any of these people, I will personally shut this place down for disorderly misconduct."

"One Story, Taya, only one.

Once you're done I promise you can have Odo here, whisk you away."

"Alright, Benjamin, I'll tell one story before I go."

Odo gave Taya a severely questioning expression.

"Oh thank you, Taya I promise I'll owe you one."

"You are insufferable".

Odo softly barked at Sisko after Taya was well out of ear shot.

"She's not just a cute little plaything or a toy you can put on display for all to see.

She is a person, Commander!

She needs rest not clinking champagne glasses, Bright hologen lights Bashir singing ancient Klingon Ballads off key and Quark peddling his disgusting side dishes.

She is my Ensign and my Deputy, not an Entertainer."

Odo shouted at Sisko.

Quark overheard the commotion .

"Oh Odo of you keep going on like this I think you may be all the entertainment we need for the rest of the afternoon".

Quark cruelly chimed in.

"Quark, get lost and take those horrendous desserts with you."

Sisko softly told him off.

"What's gotten into you?

You've never told Quark off like that before".

Odo looked at Sisko in astoundment.

"I'd like to ask you the same question, Constable.

Why are you so territorial all of a sudden?"

"I'm not being territorial, I'm far from territorial, Commander, I'm just looking out for her, she's come a long ways and I'd hate for something unfortunate to happen to her especially on my watch.

Her life means something Commander, it means something to me and I thought you felt the same way."

"Getting attached are we?

Yes Odo, of course I care, we all do, how can we not care for someone like her?

She emanates innocence, hope, resilience and unconditional kindness and compassion.

She has a personality and warmth about her that just draws flocks of people straight to her.

She is a beacon to this station and she may very well be a beacon for you as well.

Rest assured, Odo, she will be well taken care of."

Odo didn't answer him, he only nodded in response while gazing down at the floor.

"Gather around my friends, Taya Nollo would like to honor us with a story and from what I hear she is quite adequately skilled at the art of storytelling.

Bashir quiet down over there, It's not Klingon Karaoke Night".

Sisko's witty remark for a moment seemed to sober Bashir up a bit but then he grinned goofily, acknowledging that Sisko was only joking and that he appreciated the joke itself.

"The Sky was Bleeding tears of Red that day..."

The story went on as if had many times before and Odo relaxed as he watched the crowd became captively spellbound by her enchanting voice, that seemed to be far more mature and contralto in quality.

"Gul Dukat emerged from the smoke and his very presence seemed to the clear the skies of blood and smoke by the light that followed behind him."

Taya continued the same story that Odo had heard numerous times not only the first day she arrived but many times after that during her training and the other Security work she assisted him with.

It was tiresome but soothing to him, he then soon got lost in the warm and serene rhythm of her voice even though he appeared bothered by the whole Social occasion.

"Then Elim Garak secured me a ship to the Beta Quadrant and that's how I found myself on this station"

Odo didn't like this particular ending but he said nothing to her about it, not even when he escorted her back to her quarters.

"That was exquisite".

Bashir slurred out his words drunkenly as he complimented her on the story.

Sisko put his hand on Bashir's chest so that he wouldn't lean in so close to Taya.

"Yes, yet again another beautifully breathtaking story.

Thank you Taya, it means so much to the crew and I, that you were able to bestow us with such a marvelous recounting of your journey to this station".

"Yes and it is a journey that is coming to an end, unfortunately for you.

She needs her rest, Commander, you know this, we discussed it."

Sisko smiled in acknowledgement.

"Alright Odo, That was the agreement, just as long Taya agrees with it, I'll be just fine with it."

"Yes the Constable is right, I should get some rest.

I've been working myself too hard for far too long."

"So the Constable tells me.

Oh by the way, did either of you wish to speak with me about something?

You both seem to be rather on edge like you're both anticipating some great thing."

"Well now that you mention yes we do. Perhaps you'd like to start, Taya".

"Recently I went to sick bay after a training session on the holodeck with Constable Odo and came in rather beat up.

No broken bones, just bruises and Bashir thought this was horrible.

I was a little sore afterwards since it was a rather vigorous training program but its exactly what I'm used to on Cardassia.

I used to train with a former Klingon Soldier so countless bruises was the norm.

Bashir thought this was disturbing, I didn't exactly explain it to him, anyway, he saw this so disturbing that he claimed he might get Bajoran authorities involved.

Then he changed his mind and told Odo that he'd never do that but if he told you about it he said you would get the Bajoran authorities involved instead.

I know it's confusing-".

"You've said enough Taya, thank you.

Let me take over now.

Bashir was under the impression that I was pushing her too hard and when he saw the bruises he jumped to conclusions and he saw this as some sort of abuse.

I do not abuse my cadets at least not if I can help it.

I only have been challenging her more than the average cadet in the past because I know she likes to be challenged.

I don't think I'm that out of bounds but Bashir thought differently.

He didn't want me continuing any more extra training, doctors orders, he said.

He thought it wasn't fair on her to put her through such challenging training, I disagree as you can see it's quite a predicament, one that Bashir thought was worth losing my job.

You understand I'd much perfer the opposite."

"I'd perfer the opposite as well and from what I can tell, it sounds like Bashir was the one that was out of bounds, not you.

There is one factor that we chose not to consider yet is how does Taya feel about the extra challenging training with Constable Odo?".

Odo tightened his jaw as he started at Taya intensely.

"I enjoy my extra challenging training and would like for them to continue, if possible".

Taya spoke haltingly.

"It is possible just as long as you trust Odo and you believe are safe with him.

Are you safe under his direction?

Do you feel you're in any danger when you are with him?"

"No not at all, in fact when ever I'm with him I always feel safe and well protected somehow.

I never feel as if I'm in any sort danger as long as I'm with him."

"So if training results in a few bruises then you don't mind correct?"

"It wouldn't matter if I ended up with broken bones Commander, I still would trust him."

Odo was taken aback by this but he discouraged the truth by thinking it was just her telling Sisko what she thought he wanted to hear.

"Well there you have it. I will speak with Bashir when he's sobered up a bit more and we will discuss the training sessions."

"Oh and just what will you tell him?"

Odo gruffly challenged the commander.

"I'll tell him that the battle was won but not by the Terrans and the twist is the Founders won or at least one of the founders won.

Who would have thought?

A changeling won over a Terran."

Odo smiled rather grimly at that comment.

"Yes who would have thought."

Odo shifted his eyes down rather sadly.

"Anyways On a good note I'll tell him that the extra training sessions will continue without any interference or delays.

He'll just have to accept it, It is your decision after all Taya and it is a agreement between you and the Constable which is none of Bashir's business.

It was not his place to discourage you from training your cadets.

He has no right to tell you how to train your staff.

I'll be telling him that as well.

So don't you two worry, he's only being hyper vigilant, thinking there is a damsel in distress, you know how he is.

I'm sure he thought he was helping, he really does have the best intentions but ordering you about is not something he has the jurisdiction to do.

So if he grumbles or whines about it later, just ignore him.

You know what's best for you Taya, not me, not Odo and definitely not Bashir.

You are your own person, don't let anybody tell you otherwise.

I hope you rest well Ensign and I hope you look after her for me Odo".

"Of course, Commander, you know I'll do my best."

"Oh I know you will do better than your best, you'll go above and beyond like always".

"Yes like always Commander".

"Music to my ears, Odo".

Sisko chuckled at this as Odo followed Taya out the door of the Wardroom.

"You know you didn't have to do that...for me".

Odo spoke in a severely chiding tone.

"Do what for you?"

"All that you said back there about trusting me and believing in me.

I mean that you didn't need to say all that for my sake. It really wasn't necessary".

"Oh So you thought I was sucking up to authority again did you?"

Odo was worried now that he had perhaps said the wrong thing because he saw her peer down at the floor rather nervously.

"Well no not exactly, I just thought you were putting your little flourish on things".

"No I wasn't, what I said in there was true".

"So you meant it when you said you always felt safe around me?"

Odo gazed off incredulously as if what he heard had to be some sort of misunderstanding.

"Yes I meant that and I also meant that I'd trust you no matter what happens in that holodeck".

"You trust me?"

"Why wouldn't I trust you?"

"I'm a shape shifter, I'm constantly shifting from one shape to another, I'm shifty; I hide all your broken phasers in drawers and I pretty much have made your life miserable the moment you got here. Take your pick".

"I'm not picking any of those to measure my trust in you.

I'm better than that, I can do better than that.

All Those things happened in the past, we are here now, so let's stick to the present shall we".

"Yes that's probably the better option.

I don't feel too keen on reliving my past right now anyways."

"Oh believe me, you don't want to, I've had to relive my past so many times today it isn't even funny.

Tell us a story, Taya and I always have to tell the one about how I was dragged to Cardassia and then 5 minutes later I have to tell everyone how I made my daring escape but I leave a lot out, like the between bits where I was tortured everyday or the bits where Gul Dukat left me to fend for myself after he was relocated to Clessepia or About what exactly I had to do to please Gul Madred every night.

Those moments weren't the fun bits so I leave those things out but still it triggers me everytime.

I keep remembering the bits I've left out, I see them repeating back like an old tv rerun in my brain.

I was hoping I could escape Cardassia when I came here but it will be almost as if I've never left just as long as I keep telling the story of my captivity".

"Then why don't you tell them a new story, a story that you haven't actually lived.

You know one that is made up.

It might make things easier for you. No one should have to relive abuse over and over again, especially you".

"I know, I'll have to try that next time.

I have a few stories tucked away".

"Something tells me you have more than a few tucked away in that head of yours".

"Oh I have too many to count, Odo.

I'm sure all the books in the whole universe wouldn't hold all the stories I have swirling around in my head, that's why I only have a few tucked away for later."

"Oh I see, you're starting small and than working your way up."

"Yes, Odo, that's exactly what I'm planning to do.

You have to start small in order for you to think big.

That is the way of things".

"It is actually, it is at least for me.

I make little adjustments here and there so I can make bigger changes later on.

Starting off bigger just causes more problems, Believe me I've tried, It never went very well".

"I'm sure you have." She smirked at him as she headed into the Turbo lift.

Odo slipped inside as well and decided to be responsible for the instructing the computer to take them to the Orbital Habitat.

"I'm wondering are you really such a perfectionist like you seem to be?"

"What a question.

Yes I suppose I am.

I am the perfectionist everyone thinks I am.

I find it works perfectly with this line of work".

"Yet do you like perfect people?"

"No, not particularly.

That's why people like Quark think I wouldn't be well suited for a committed relationship because apparently I'd have too many high standards and nothing would ever be good enough for me but that's where he's wrong.

I don't have high expectations of people and I don't set high standards for people that are closest to me like my friends and other individuals of importance in my life.

I generally allow people to express themselves and for the most part to be themselves.

I don't expect perfection, just orderly conduct, civil behavior and a little improvement every once and awhile.

I'm not really a slave driver not like people want to believe anyway".

Odo gave her a clever grin which still unsettled her even though she knew he was only being friendly, there was something about that smile that made her squirm.

Her palms were far too warm, her feet were getting rather nippy and her heart rate was slightly more elevated than normal.

"For instance I've noticed you still have that scar.

I think it suits you."

"Really? Then you don't think it's hideously grotesque?"

"No, not in the slightest, I find it to be rather fascinating.

I've made it my business to study the vast imperfections of solid life forms.

It both amazes me and astounds me that humanoids tend to take comfort in these imperfections rather than to reject them or have them removed.

It's usually a matter of pride but other times it's merely a matter of comfort, it all depends on the person, each person has a unique reason to celebrate these flaws and imperfections.

May I ask why you keep that particular scar right there under your left eye?"

"It is a matter of pride, it's pride in that I survived everything I went through on Cardassia.

I also take comfort in knowing I was strong enough to not only to survive but to escape all my hardship and come here.

This scar is my testimony, it is proof that I was hurt and abused, tortured and discouraged at nearly every turn but I never stood down, I kept going, I kept fighting and I kept on surviving.

It is a reminder that my enemies weren't strong enough to break me that's why I keep this scar".

"If it's that important to you then you should keep it.

I'd never tell you otherwise".

Odo responded softly and thoughtfully.

Odo was a little too fascinated by that scar.

It was almost serving to be a temptation to him.

Even though he wasn't looking at it directly, the scar was for some strange reason was stuck in his memory.

It kept flashing through his thoughts.

"Are you alright, Odo?"

Taya noticed he was fidgeting by straightening up his uniform repetitively and positioning his neck at odd and uncomfortable angles, almost as if he was stretching his neck out in some way.

"I'm fine. Why did I do something that suggested otherwise?"

"You're fidgeting and furiously if I might add."

"I'm sorry, I don't very much care for Turbo Lifts.

I was stuck in one, once.

It was a while back but still it was a unpleasant experience.

So I find taking the Turbo lift to be uncomfortable, stifling and restrictive even.

That's why I prefer to walk then take a turbo lift."

"Well we could do that next time if you want".

"Thank you that's very...kind of you".

The moment he said that the turbo lift doors opened.

"So whatever happened in the end with that incident in the turbo lift?"

"It had a somewhat happy ending, I got out alive, much like you I survived.

The uncomfortable part wasn't about the Turbo lift it was the company and the fact I had to revert to my natural state right in front of them."

"Was that embarrassing to you?"

"Yes it was, not only that, it was terrifying.

I don't usually revert back to my natural state in front of anyone, especially in front of someone I don't know very well.

It's shall we say immodest, indecent and improper.

It's the equivalent of you undress ing in front of me or if I I were to accidentally see you in a state of undress, unclothed, exposed vulnerable".

"Yes I think I've got the idea, Odo.

Really, I understand perfectly."

"Somehow I don't doubt you.

You understand a lot that people don't see, don't you?"

"I do, I understand the unseen and even things that people consider invisible.

I have an open mind and a even bigger imagination.

I suppose stories are my only outlet for that."

"Not after tomorrow it won't.

You'll be putting that open mind to the test tomorrow, We have a little mystery to solve.

That Ancient Terran piece of tech you found hooked up to the holodeck, I want to know where it comes from don't you?"

"Yes I suppose I do.

It's most likely just Madred checking up on me."

"Well...That's certainly Worrisome.

Extremely worrisome.

I'll look into it right away now that you've mentioned that

disturbing detail to me.

No wonder you don't sleep well at night".

"What is that supposed to mean?"

She stared at him with an accusingly puzzled expression.

"I am merely reflecting that it must not be very restful for you to have such thoughts on your mind, thoughts that Madred isn't finished with you yet".

"Why do you have to word it that Odo?"

"How else do you want me to word it?

Madred might still be after you, dose that make it sound any better?".

"No, it dose not.

You know you're not usually this socially awkward, are you sure everything is alright?"

"I'll have you know, I am always, socially awkward. I'm not really a people person, I'm not really even a person to begin with, so I don't know what you mean."

"I mean, you're usually a little more eloquent and witty, rather than impulsive and impertinent."

"I'm being impertinent?

I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was being rude.

It must have been that ride on the Turbo lift that has me disoriented.

Just ignore me. I'm not being myself today...it seems."

"It would seem so, yes.

You also seem a bit nervous somehow.

Are you quite sure you're alright, Odo?"

"I already said, I'm fine.

I feel fine.

I just have a lot on my mind."

"Well this is my stop, do let me know if there's too much on your mind, alright.

I wouldn't want you getting overwhelmed like I did".

Taya smiled in a way that unsettled Odo.

It was the kind of smile Lwaxana Troi used to give her whenever she approached him, her head turned down, her smoldering eyes boring into him and that huge wicked smile she'd flash at him when she got too close to him.

I'm sure I'm imagining things.

Then again I don't have much of an imagination.

She's not flirting with me is she?

No that would be preposterous.

Ridiculous even.

She couldn't possibly be interested in me that way.

Then again I've been acting like a nervous wreck around her lately.

I seem to keep saying the wrong things and I never do that.

I'm always in complete control but something is different, something has changed, it's almost if something has been slightly altered in my mind.

Oh no Lwaxana.

She knew how to do things like that with her mind yet funnily enough it never rubbed off on me.

I wonder if she's causing me to act this way.

I doubt if she's doing it on purpose, I'm sure she has no idea she's doing it, much like Lwaxana.

Oh no if she has that kind of power, she's going to become a distraction for me, just like Nerys.

I was breaking furniture, giving out security codes to criminals and not showing up for work, at least not with a clear head.

I wasn't thinking straight.

Maybe this is my own fault, may be I should stop being so nice.

Maybe I gave her the wrong idea when I was being kind to her.

I should just go back to being the same shrewd grouchy slave driving curmudgeon I've always been yet at the same time I don't want to be cruel towards her.

Besides I think she might already be afraid of me, so I don't need to terrify her any further by being all moody and domineering.

It's probably nothing.

Its just stress isn't it?

Yes it has to be.

She's probably stressed out to.

This is just another empathetic episode, that's all this is.

I'm just experiencing some sort of empathy.

It will pass, this is just a phase, I'll get through it, I know I will.

Odo reflected as he headed back to his security post.