"Hello... Constable.

How ya doing?

I was just passing through and I thought you might need my help...it was just a feeling I had I guess.

It was the strangest thing, my lobes starting tingling -"

"Rom, Enough!

I know you weren't just passing through and I know you didn't come here, just because you had a certain feeling.

I don't need any graphic descriptions of how your lobes function or the lack thereof.

What I do need to know is why you were following us all the way to the Habitat Ring?"

"Okay...Okay...There was no tingle...no feelings... but I overheard things.

I saw things too.

I heard you shouting at the staff in sickbay, I saw everyone in a real uproar, screaming about Ghosts.

Then I saw you and Taya walk out together.

I heard you announce to the computer that you were going to the Habitat Ring, so I thought I ought to follow you two.

Thankfully I got here before the lift did and I've been here ever since".

"Oh... you've been here ever since, how perfectly splendid and what were you doing all this time when we were in there, counting all the airlocks one by one?"

Odo's voice took on a sickening sugary tone which Rom took on

"I was listening...listening in but I can't help it.

I hear better than most, it's the ears honestly, Constable.

I hadn't planned to listen in but my brother Quark is right once you listen in it's awfully hard to stop.

Oh I couldn't help myself Constable, I'm sorry and then I overheard that she was in trouble, my first thought was to rush in there but I remembered you were in there so instead I decided to ask first".

"That was awfully decent of you, I must say, I'm surprised at your decency but that still doesn't explain why you were following us Rom. Care to elaborate or are you still too busy counting the airlocks?" Odo growled.

"NOOO, there are no Air locks, Odo cause we are currently in the Habitat Ring!

Besides I like to call them archways."

"THAT is a minor Technicality Rom. Explain yourself or I will be forced to take you in for questioning."

"You know WHAT? You can go ahead. YES Go for it! You know know what's funny Constable, its more ironic than funny bit that's besides the point, anyhow WHAT'S funny is I know FOR a fact that you won't carry me into questioning".

Odo pretended he was unimpressed by his sudden display of bravery.

"Oh Really? Why is that Rom?"

"BECAUSE, you'll need someone to look after her while you're gone and I know you're not just going to leave in there ALONE!

So I dare you to TAKE me questioning Odo".

"You dare me? How cute,Rom. I suppose there is some truth in that Rom. I do have no intention of leaving her alone so it wouldn't be very convenient for me to take you all the way to the Promenade for questioning.

In the meantime don't ever challenge my authority ever again".

"So I Can help then?"

Rom's shiney eyes beamed at the prospect.

"Yes...I Suppose you can but not a word of this to Bashir or to Captain Sisko for the matter.

Better Yet, I think it's best you didn't you talk to anyone about this.

You see I was supposed to be watching her and I have been rather dutifully but I'd appreciate you not tell anyone because it would look very bad on my reports so to speak.

Bashir already hates me enough as it is so he doesn't need anymore encouragement.

You understand don't you Rom?"

"Oh yes sir, I understand perfectly.

I won't even tell Quark and HE'S my only brother.

Mums the word, my lips are sealed, my lips are zipped shut.

You can can count on ME, Constable".

"Good I'm glad to hear it, now come inside before you attract too much attention, Rom.

The last thing we want is your brother marching up to my quarters demanding I keep the noise down to a minimum.

He's so incredibly nosy he'll most likely find out exactly what's going on and then the whole station will know right along with him. I know how your brother's system of gossip works and it spreads like a ariel disease."

"So what's wrong with her again?"

"That's just it Rom, I don't know.

I literally have no idea.

This happened before with Captain Sisko and Now it's happening to me, on my watch!

I can't bother Bashir because he's presently ASLEEP at the moment and I doubt he'd be very happy to see me, considering our little spat not too long ago".

"A Spat? You mean an argument?"

"It's more of a disagreement, a conflict of interests so to speak."

"I still don't understand but alright."

"You don't need to understand Rom, the point is Bashir is out of the picture which just as well because I'm too keen on cooperating with him at the moment anyways."

"So she's unconscious and you don't know. Got ya. You know I'm not as dull as people think I am".

"I'm well aware of that Rom. Now do you have any idea that solve this uncomfortable predicament?"

"Well...uuuuuh...What woke her up before?"

"Well it wasn't medicine I can tell you that.

She apparently refuses to tell me what happened with Sisko's spiritual awakening session that was held in my office.

She claims she had a profoundly spiritual experience in that office and she had no idea how to tell me about.

She also claimed she didn't even understand what exactly happened herself so I decided not to press her in any further on the matter.

I just hope this so called life changing experience isn't the cause of all this.

I suppose what really bothers me deep down, Rom is that somehow I'm the cause of all this. I mean what if I'm the problem?"

"You aren't the problem, Odo. I can feel it in my lobes.

She's going to be okay, don't you worry Constable.

Now what did you say woke her up again, Odo?"

"I didn't tell you. I was avoiding the question to be honest."

"So...you mean to tell me that you were actually avoiding me?"

Rom guffawed goofily.

"NO, Rom, I was avoiding the actual answering of your question".

"Why?"

"Becaaause it's rather embarrassing".

"Wow. I never knew you to be embarrassed before Constable, not that I didn't think you were capable of it.

I mean everybody gets embarrassed. Take me, I get embarrassed all the time, there's nothing to be ashamed of.

It takes real courage to admit that you are though".

"You know you surprise me how perceptive you are."

"Well I have my moments or so I've heard.

Now are you gonna tell me or are you keep going on being embarrassed".

Odo sneered visibly at him but he confessed to Rom what he had done Anyway.

"I'm sure you've noticed she has a scar right there under her left eye. I suppose I was curious and so I reached out and touched it.

Then She woke up in the ICU observation room.

Now she keeps encouraging me to touch that scar and I don't think that's very appropriate considering she's my employee and I'm her Superior Officer.

It just doesn't seem right because there is nothing between us.

We are just friends".

"I understand, I understand perfectly. You know she reminds me of Leeta, my late wife.

I think it's those bright eyes of hers.

You see I have a little confession of my own to make...You see the reason I was following you two... well I was following her..

I sort of wanted to ask her on...a date".

Odo eyes were ablaze with horror.

"I didn't know it was quite the serious and I had no idea Leeta had died Rom.

I was wondering why you gave up your nice cushy lifestyle on Fereginar but I suppose I never bothered to ask.

I've been preoccupied and rather busy with all my security duties.

I'm sorry for your loss, Rom.

I really am."

"Oh it's okay, Odo, I've gotten used to it, me being my own man you know but then I saw Taya and well I had second thoughts you know.

Do you think she'll say yes, Odo?"

"I don't know if I'm the right person to consult on that matter Rom.

I'm not a love expert and Taya is highly unpredictable, so I have no way of knowing what she'll say to you, Rom.

I'm not very well versed in the throes of love, Rom, I never have been. I find I don't express myself very well yet no doubt you know how that is".

"Yes I do but that never stopped me from screaming after Leeta when she was about to take off with Dr. Zimmerman.

I screamed to her that I loved her for everybody to hear, I overcame my fear and my overall nervousness, maybe one day you will too".

"I can only hope, thankfully I don't have any trouble with that any longer, Nerys is gone and now I can move on with my life without worrying about admitting my feelings all the time. Weren't you worried about how loud and obnoxious you were being, you know when you admitted your undying love to Leeta?".

"No after awhile it just came out naturally. Eventually those words don't get caught in your throat anymore. You just say it, you don't think about, you just dive in and do it.

That's the best way to get anything done.

If something works don't try to fix it".

"It's not that I don't appreciate your advice Rom but what do you suggest I do to help her?".

Odo's gruff voice was worn thin from irritation.

"Weren't you listening? You already have the solution that's why I said If something works then don't fix it."

Odo's mouth winced slightly at this remark.

"Okay. I get it. I do it, even though I'm not going to be very happy about it".

Odo strode over the aqua marine couch and hesitantly he stretched out his hand so he touch her scar once more.

The guilt made his throat ripple like a stone across a once still pond.

Nothing happened at least not at first.

"Maybe I am the problem after all."

Odo's face was forlorn and he tilted his head downward to hide the shame that was shining in his eyes.

Then There was a great burst of air that was released from her lungs, the strained gasp was elongated by panic and horror. She sounded as if she had taken a deep dive into the ocean and she had just emerged back to the surface for air.

Odo swiftly made sure he was right by her side so that she wouldn't be without comfort.

Odo's eyes darted back and forth like a caged animal as he observed her awaken; compassionate and concern intermingled with panic were blazing in his blue eyes now.

"Are you alright?"

Taya had never heard Odo sound so unsure of himself, his voice was no longer gruff but fluid and hushed.

When eyes finally opened and her vision came into focus, she saw Odo huddled over her with that sincere compassion and worry in his eyes.

"I think so.

I don't know what happened. I felt this tiny pinch of pain in my head and then that pain intensified to a great wave and then I found myself in the caves of the Pah Wraithes."

"That's rather strange.

What else did you see there?"

"Dukat was there.

I didn't see him but I heard him. He was sobbing and his words were incorrigible from desperation and delirium. I didn't know what to do but I followed the sound of his sobs to the center of the caves and there was a great flame. Dukat was inside the flame.

When I arrived he told me he was trapped and taken captive by the Pah Wraithes.

I always thought they were evil but when I reached into the flame to bring Dukat out of that interdimensional prison, they did nothing to stop me.

They even let me guide him all the way out of the caves.

There was no opposition, no fear, no hate, no objections they just let us leave.

I thought this was just a dream or a some sort of metaphorical prophecy but It wasn't. This wasn't a vision from the Prophets Odo, this was a memory."

"How can you even tell?"

The steel rigidy in his voice was both doubtful and accusing.

"Visons have symbols, random images that represent things that have either happened or will happen in the future. There was nothing random about this, it was just one constant and consistent stream of consciousness. There were no interruptions, no muffled voices, no strange words or faces being thrown about in my head. It was like a clear and complete scene in a movie. There was no cuts, no edits, just one shot all the way through".

Odo felt the chill strike his chest. He'd hadn't felt this kind of chill in a long time.

It was the chill that struck him everytime he saw Nerys laugh with another man. It was the chill of devastation.

There were also surges of anger that coursed through this chill.

Odo's eyes erupted with a sheen of murderous intent.

He wanted to kill Dukat which was strange because he had never had this inclination before.

He felt rage and betrayal bubble up inside him.

Taya sat up from her flat position on the couch and was horrified by the heartbroken and homicidal rage she saw in his eyes.

Rom had a feeling that Odo was not exactly mentally present, so he grabbed onto his sleeve and shook it sporadically.

"Constable! What's the matter with you? Are you in there or are you counting the air locks instead of me this time?!"

Odo tried to dissolve this rage which he succeeded to subdue but only a little bit.

"Fantastic. Just fantastic. Dukat was never dead in the first place and now I learn that YOU are the ONE that freed him!!"

Odo's tone started out cool and casual yet little by little his voice became bellowing and erratic.

He was angry with her but he didn't quite know why.

Why hadn't this rage inside of him subsided yet.

"Oh...I didn't think that was what I did but I suppose considering the evidence my dream had, logically it would appear that I did Indeed free Dukat".

Taya was genuinely stunned by this but she was willing to accept this fact even if it was a painful truth to have to swallow.

Odo spun in the direction of the window and he hunched over as he stared at the rug in incredulous hatred.

This hatred was what betrayed him so he made sure she couldn't see it, that is why he spun around in the opposite direction.

"Odo...you know that memory probably happened a long time ago. I don't know why I'm just remembering it right now but perhaps this memory was meant to serve as your answer, your answer of the truth behind Dukat's death.

I really didn't think it would upset you that much.

I'm sorry if I didn't consider your feelings before I told you this."

Odo's eyes dimmed in intensity but still he wasn't exactly pleased with her just yet.

"Are you being sarcastic or are you actually being genuine?"

"I don't know you tell me Odo. I've been told you can look into the eyes of anyone and you can tell immediately if they speak the truth. So look into my eyes Odo and You'll see that I am truly sincere".

Odo's mouth drooped into a unimpressed sneer but yet again all he was met with was absolute sincerity.

"It was foolish and inconsiderate of me to tell you all this and not expect a reaction from you. Dukat is a extremely evil man, Odo and no doubt he has created some very painful memories for you in the past.

It's only natural that you would feel such intense hatred for him. He's taken many lives, he's destroyed families, he was in charge of enslaving countless of Bajorans, he was a monster and a absolute tyrant Odo.

Now he never harmed me in the past but perhaps he has harmed you in some way or harmed someone else that you cared for, either way I am greatly sorry for any harm he has caused you or the ones that you loved."

"How long ago did you free him?"

He made his face stern and his tone emotionless as possible.

"I don't know, I'm not sure. I just discovered this memory today".

Odo studied her face so fervently that she had to divert her gaze out of discomfort.

"Impressive I must say, how very young you appear. If I didn't know any better I'd say you were no more than 17 years of age, however your profile in the security database claims you are 23, question is how old are you really Taya?"

"Why?" Taya stifled a giggle as she asked this.

"Because something doesn't quite add up, Taya. If you are 23 like you claim to be in that profile of yours, you would have been approximately 3 years old during the event of Dukat's disapreance. So you are how old again?"

Odo was grimly challenging her with a volatile little grin.

"Alright, I lied in the so called paperwork I had to fill out in order to complete my security profile. I'm really 33."

"Then you would have been 13 during the Incident. Quit your lying. Would you care to give me the correct answer now?"

"Alright, Alright, I'm actually 43."

"Now that wasn't so hard was it.

Honestly all your lying is getting very tiresome and honestly I don't why you even try to lie to me in the first place especially you know I'll always get to the truth in the end.

I know I said this before and as cliche as it may be, it really would make your life easier if you stopped lying to me and just told me the truth".

"Oh wow! You're that old! I mean you look soo- so-so - so very young just like the Constable said".

"Shut up l, Rom.

Your job is finished here. You can leave now!

So you were being genuine after all. You have actual remorse for me, I can't say very many people on this station have any sort of remorse let alone have compassion and consideration for my feelings.

Most don't even believe I have emotions to begin with because As you know I'm a Founder, so obviously my ego has to outweigh my empathy for any living thing within the universe.

Oh no Odo, doesn't have true feelings, he has thoughts and actions, inclinations and mere impulses that somehow work together to create some grand illusion of sentience.

I'm an illusion to people, do you know that?

Everything you see before you is a mere simulation of what a true humanoid should be and if you want to know the real crazy thing is that isn't even what repels them, what repels people out there on this station is that I am not a solid and I never will be. It's my natural state that doesn't sit well with them, it makes them uncomfortable, ill at ease, disgusted even.

I even have had people recoil from me in fear and repulsion and if that's not what bothers them it is the fact that I am a Founder who's only purpose is to spread fear and paranoia.

I'm curious why is it that you care for my feelings and why do you not despise me and draw back from me in either prejudice or terror?"

"Because I don't see your face Odo, I see past that, I see past that external appearance of yours and I lived in the Gamma Quadrant where the Dominion held no threat to me and my family.

The Vorta and Jem Hadar were our allies so I did not fear the Founders or any of their counterparts that served under them.

I never once had fear for a Founder. I had never even met one until you came along.

I found them to be fascinating and my Grandfather used to tell me fantastic stories about them. I didn't think they were real, I thought they merely the work of myths and legends from authors and storytellers that had been revered greatly by my people.

Then when I saw you beam down to my village, Instantly I was a believer. I instantly trusted you, I looked up to you, I admired you, I idolized you in a way. I hung on your every word, I was willing to follow you wherever you went.

I never once questioned why yet you question me about why I don't recoil from you in fear or prejudice. You already know the answer, Odo.

I was never afraid of you and there was never any prejudice in my heart for you, there was only fascination and compassion for you."

"I'm sorry... I'm very emotional right now for some reason.

I must not be thinking clearly.

Thank you...for your kind words.

I really must be going...I have my rounds to do.

I have to go. Let me know if you need anything".

He had a hushed strain in his sternly confused tone.

Odo rushed out the door and smashed the console to his own quarters and fled inside so he could figure out exactly why he was feeling so many different emotions all at one time.

Taya didn't quite know what to say but she gave Rom a queerly quizzical expression.

"Whoa... What was that ALL about? He's certainly tightly wound up today. He's not usually this emotional.

He seemed really upset.

I'm sorry to be in your quarters like this.

I was helping the Constable cause you were unconscious and all, yet there was something I've been wanting to ask you.

Um... how... would you like... to- would you- would you- would you be interested in- Interested in...coming to Quark's-for-for-for dinner?"

"You mean tonight?"

"Yeeeeas... tonight would be nice.

Could you- Would you...you know be interested in coming?"

"Alright. I'll be there. What time?"

"After your last shift, whenever that is.

I could wait for you on the Promenade when I'm done with my last shift of course, if that wouldn't be too weird. That's not weird to you is it?"

"No, not all. I'll look forward to seeing you out on the Promenade".

Rom was amazed how casually open she was to the idea of going out on a actual date with him.

"Greeeeat! I'll see you then, whenever that is. Goodbye or should I say goodnight".

He gave her a awkward wave right before he trudged out the door.

He was going to march right up to his brother and tell him the news, that he got a date, a date with the most beautiful woman on the station.

Quark you were wrong and you were just jealous. Be grateful you didn't bet actual money on this because yet again your luck has skipped out on you.

I have a girl, I got the last girl and I have more tact and charm with girls than you do and you know it.

Oh I can't wait to see the look on his face when be knows that I have a date.

It will be the first date in 7 years since...since Leeta.

I hope wherever she is, she doesn't mind. I'm sure she'd be happy for me right?