"Oh STOP IT, Garak! If you were doing it correctly we would have a signal by now!"

Dukat snapped at his hand with a furious smack as he attempted to adjust the remote to the the neural disrupter.

"Sir You are very unreasonable and you are only making it worse. Now allow me to adjust the device and I assure you we will have a signal in no time".

Garak very slowly and complacently explained to Dukat.

" No I will adjust it myself. You've done enough damage as it is.

You know I'm really beginning to think that you are absolutely useless, not just to me but to the entire Cardassian Empire."

Garak grinned and gestured gracefully to him with both hands to express to him that he should go ahead without him.

" Thank you! Finally! Now, do you know if the neural disruptor is still active?"

" No, It is not still active That is why There is a remote that goes with it so that we can switch it on and off from offline to online. I explained this to you many times and I am absolutely astounded that you still don't have a firm grasp on the concept.

I also firmly recommended you shouldn't use that remote.

Even is that device is online, Even if we are successful in activating the neural disruptor that is currently inside of her brain, She will most likely reject it and when she finds out that we were to blame and when I say we I mean you, She will most likey react very negatively. maybe even result to violence. Believe me, I know what she is capable of when shes angry. The last time we activated that neural disruptor, My whole interrogation crew was detained in sick bay for 3 months straight. You must understand if she knows that we are to blame she won't strike out on the people on DS9 she will strike out on us."

"Oh Garak you worry too much. loosen up a little bit, won't you.

Have a little fun. You're playing a little game,that's all, You mustn't take these kinds of things so seriously, as soon as it's active I don't mind we can turn it on and she'll be perfectly fine.

She's not that destructive and she as soon as I talk to her face to face shouldn't be overcome, giveness and compassion for me. so follows my own when I shall carry her away, completely victorious and then I shall rule Cardassia once more."

"If only it were that easy sir".

"Don't be rude. Aw we're being hailed. Be a dear will you and and open a channel for me".

"Yes Sir". He grimaced as he opened a channel for the incoming hailing signal.

The intercom screen came to life with an image that not even Garak himself could prepare himself for.

"KIRA?!!"

Garak's eyes blew up to the size of medallions.

"Quiet! Garak! Don't interrupt. Kira is trying to speak!

Forgive my associate's rudeness, he has poor social skills.

You were saying?"

Dukat smilled charmingly.

"I am hailing you to let you know that I will be in position in a couple of hours. The target is secure."

Kira spoke robotically.

"And you are certain she is on board?"

"Yes I am absolutely positive. The Security Footage is a dead give away unlike me."

"HA... Yes no one will ever suspect you, not even that insufferable Gargoyle, Odo. Last I heard He was quite smitten with you.

Does he still bare an old flame for you, Nerys?"

Garak despised that wickedly smug smirk Dukat had on his face.

"As far as I know his feelings for me haven't changed sir."

"Good... exactly what I want to hear. Now as soon as you get within range of Deep Space 9 hail the good Constable and inform him of your arrival. I'll be right behind you".

"Understood sir. Kira Out".

Meanwhile Odo was actually stumbling slightly because of how fast Taya was walking across the Promenade and he was desperately trying to keep up with her swift strides.

"Taya! Would you slow down?!

Taya! Stop right this instant and talk to me! That's an order Ensign!"

Taya stopped and then threw herself around by spinning a 180 on her heels which startled Odo tremendously.

"Look there is so much I have to tell you right now that I don't even know where to begin. I know when I came here I wasn't perfectly honest with you. but I'm going to try to be better. I'm going to more than try. I am going to be honest with you. There is a logical and reasonable explanation for why Dukat is coming here to this station and none of these are good reasons or good explanations but I'm going to tell you them anyway. That's why I am in such a rush. I'm trying to head to your security office so that we can discuss this in private".

"Since when is Dukat coming here? Did I miss a memo somewhere? I'm sorry I must have missed that update. Would you care to enlighten me?"

" Yes, I will when I get to your office".

She spoke flippantly to him.

"Don't take that tone with me, Ensign.

You are going to tell me exactly what is going on and you are going to tell me now!"

Odo grappled onto her

her left shoulder to prevent her from going any further.

"So you want me to tell you sensitive information right in the middle of the promenade?"

"Would you rather tell me behind a stasis field in the brig?"

Odo's eyes brimmed with cruel amusement but his jaw tightened suspiciously.

"I can't believe you're threatening to take me in for questioning. I really thought you could do better than that!"

Taya then proceeded to keep walking at the same swift pace.

Odo Gripped onto her shoulder now more forcefully and swiftly he drove her backward, spun her around and glared at her with such intensity for a moment she actually believed he would throw her into the brig.

"Oh I can do much better than that Taya, I can assure you!

I could contact Bajoran Magistrates, bring in the authorities and even have you tried for treason against Bajor!

Don't test me, Taya! Just tell me what you know and I will do in all my power to ensure your safety".

"Why don't you threaten me some more, Bashir!"

"Oh very amusing Ensign. Very clever. I'd almost give you a round of applause but we are not at Quark's, we aren't in the Holodeck, we aren't palling around in Sisko's office and we aren't bantering back and forth with Bashir. We are in the here and now. If you make one more move in attempt to escape, you will be going to my office and you will be confined for further questioning. Is that Understood?"

"Then you might as well just arrest me now!"

Taya gave him a dark and challenging look.

"Taya, you know I don't want to take you in for questioning and you know I don't want to arrest you. I just want the truth... alright... just the truth and if you are honest enough with me, I'll even give you the rest of the evening off".

"Is that supposed to entice me? I don't want vacation time, I just want privacy!"

"What are you so embarrassed about, Taya? I simply cannot fathom Why you are being so stubborn right now!

I am almost at a loss for words right now Because I am so lost right now. Look I gave you space and I gave you privacy in that holodeck, I didn't interfere, I didn't rush in there to help you like some hopelessly romantic hero, I didn't even question you You know why? because I trust you and and your behavior right now is very suspicious, almost to the point where I may be having second thoughts about your trustworthiness.

So now would be a good time to tell me exactly what is going on."

Taya's neck and shoulders relaxed as she let out a exhale.

"That program in the holodeck It was designed by Madred, not to hinder me or bring me but to tell me the truth about my past. The truth is I wasn't dishonest with you because I was a storyteller or some compulsive liar, I was dishonest with you because I didn't remember What happened to me when you exactly what I was capable of. Now I know what I'm capable of. I still don't remember everything

about my past but all I can tell you is Dukat is coming here, he's coming straight for us, He's not just coming here to satisfy his revenge He's coming here for me.

This isn't a reunion for him, he's not doing any of this because he feels sentimental or attached to me, He's doing this because he wants to control me.

Dukat is absolutely crazy and he's looking for anything he can that can help him seize power over Cardassia again. If there's anything I know for sure about Dukat, this whole scheme isn't just about claiming Cardassia again, This is about domination over planets, nations, possibly even entire galaxies and when he finally gets here He won't care who he has to destroy to get to me so if he has to destroy this entire station just So he can get his way,he will do so and without even so much as a second thought."

"Now as much as I would hate to disappoint Dukat's hopes for absolute domination, I am not willing to have him dominate this station, not again and I can assure you as long as I remain on this station, he will not succeed in destroying this station.

Taya I promise you that whatever he has planned for you, I will do everything in my power to make sure you are safe.

I promise you, he will not harm you. I will protect you by all means necessary and no matter the cost.

I mean it Taya, you can count on me and all you have to do is trust me, Alright. Now Taya do you trust me?"

Odo's eyes were so bright with compassion she almost couldn't look him in the eyes.

"Yes Odo, I trust you".

"What did I tell, Taya? Look me in the eyes when you address me.

Don't look away or look down, look at me. I need to see that sincerity in your eyes, Taya".

"I trust you Odo".

She said while guiltily gazing at him.

"Good. Now I know you're telling the truth. Now You can come to my office and you can tell me the rest when we get there".

When they finally arrived to the security office, Odo offered her a chair.

"You're probably wondering why Dukat wants me so badly".

"Well yes I was going to ask you about that but I didn't want to pressure you."

"Do you know what essokinesis is, Odo?"

"Yes, Taya, I am familiar with it."

"Yeah well apparently I have that and that's why Dukat is after me". she spoke haltingly.

"Wait, let me get this straight. you possess the ability to control reality?"

"Yes apparently I do".

She gave him a weak smile which Odo couldn't deny was very endearing to him.

"Did you just find this out?"

"Yes... apparently Dukat had a neural disrupter placed inside my brain but it didn't work on me for some reason. It was a means to control but how do you control someone that can control anything in the universe?"

"I see your point. Well My first recommendation would be that you head to Sickbay immediately So Bashir can have that removed".

" I don't even know if it's still there."

"It doesn't matter, I want you to head straight to sick Bay, without a single question and I do not expect to see you in my office until you have been completely cleared by Dr. Bashir. is that understood?"

"Yes sir".

She hung her head down rather mournfully.

Odo stood up and from his usual chair, he placed his fingertips underneath her chin and tilted her head gently upwards.

"Taya none of this is your fault, I hope you know that and I don't blame you for any of this either. The only reason I'm being so firm and adamant about you going to Sickbay is because I care about you and I care about what happens to you. Remember that".

"I will Odo".

Taya gingerly got up from her seat so she could consult Dr. Bashir.

Odo then turned his focus to his Tablet.

He continued reading another one of Taya's encrypted entries.

Dukat noticed her shapely form as she walked away from him and he couldn't deny that she was unlike any other woman he had ever met.

He couldn't help but notice that she was no longer a girl.

Odo stopped for a moment and stared at the security doors in visible disgust.

"I really wish I didn't have to hear this in Dukat's perspective. Ugh".

Odo propped his head into one hand and sighed rather dismally.

His tablet screen began to flicker and to his horrified astonishment the letters on each sporadic flicker jumbled all the words until the flicker disappeared entirely.

Taya couldn't help but take notice of Dukat's muscler form, intimidating and forbidding but even then sight of his shadow made her heart rage, she felt her inner thighs become strangely warm, her palms sweaty her feet chilly and her face flushed as if she were in a fever.

She wondered if he knew.

The way he smiled at her proved to her that he knew exactly how she felt but he said nothing to her of this new knowledge.

Taya felt discouragement lump up in her throat.

The discouragement could only be released from her by one single thing: A kiss from Dukat.

"Oh brother. What utter nonsense. Seriously Taya do you expect me to believe that all your problems are going be solved by a single kiss? Don't tell me you're attracted to snakes?"

The screen of his tablet increased in brightness by almost 10 times the average capacity of any Tabb screen and then the screen went completely black.

"Taya, Turn my tablet back oooon!"

I must really be losing my mind if I'm sitting here talking to my tablet like it can hear me.

The tablet miraculously Began powering on and promptly taking him to the home page.

"Thank you... I think. Oh dear what you done to my tablet now. I guess I'll just have to find out".

Odo returned to the chapter he had been reading previously.

When Taya arrived to Terok Nor she saw a ghostly pale figure shrouded in black, a deep brow, bedazzling bedroom eyes, a long inquisitive nose and a gruff suspicious voice.

He was so formidable and intimidating just like Dukat but this one was different, he wasn't cruel, he was kind and thankfully he was not Cardassian.

She didn't know what he was but whatever he was, he was beautiful.

He didn't see her thank goodness when the Cardassian Guards threw her down the bunker, her clothes were horribly dirty and terribly torn and her hair embraced her face like a veil.

"So you're the new recruit huh?"

There was a burgundy haired woman, with a mischievously curved smile and five tiny ridges on her nose.

"I'm not a recruit I am a slave."

Taya's tone was tragically melancholy and although those words started in her chest as she lifted her head, her words became clearer and far more confident.

She then unveiled her face from her unkempt head of hair and the whole bunker softly gasped.

"Wow... you must not be from around here and you're not Bajoran which is refreshing. We have enough Bajorans on the station as it is. So where you from?"

The Bajoran girl quirkily twisted her jaw to the side as she continued nibbling on what looked to be a piece of toast.

"Yandera Prime."

"Really? Huh... I've never heard of it... Of Course there's a lot of places I haven't heard about but just because I don't know about them doesn't mean that they don't exist. So you planning on heading back there anytime soon?"

"I wish I could but my home planet was destroyed".

Taya spits the words out bitterly.

"By Cardassians right? I know the story. It's a story that happens all too often unfortunately. Now, don't misunderstand me It's not that your story isn't important, every story is individually important in their own way.

In fact, I'd love to hear yours when you're ready that is, you don't have to tell me the whole story now. maybe later you know.

Anyway, if nobody has told you this yet welcome to Terok Nor, I'm Nerys, Nerys Kiras but most people around here call me Kira."

"I'm Taya, Taya Nollo. I don't have any cute pet names, at least none that are worth repeating".

Kira laughed at this her entire face illuminated by her luminous smile as she did so.

"You're funny. So where did you head in from?"

"Cardassia."

"Ooooh that's not a fun place. What were you doing in Cardassia?"

" Let's just say I wasn't there soaking up the scenery."

"HA. Cardassia is a desert and it's practically 200 degrees, So I doubt you were there to take in any of the scenery. "

She smacked her hands together to get the crumbs off her fingers from the toast she had just finished off.

"Prisoner of war?"

Kira gave her a spunky side glance as she grimaced.

"Something like that yes."

" You don't talk much for a newcomer. I practically have to pry the words right out of you but hey I like a challenge."

"Oh I'm a challenge all right That's why I was sent here They stated that because of my unruly behavior, disciplinary action must be taken."

" You don't look that unruly. So what did you do that was so terrible?"

Kira sounded amused but Taya was so emotionally broken that She couldn't match her enthusiasm.

"Have you ever heard a individuality and independence? Well I'm guilty of that, I'm guilty of wanting to be my own individual, think for myself independently and be my own person at the same time. It's a radical concept I know, but it's something that I think is worth fighting for but Cardassia thought differently So I ended up here".

" So the newcomer does know how to speak and eloquently as well. You're just full of surprises aren't you? Not that that's a bad thing,it's a good thing, I like it, a little spontaneity, a little originality and heck we could have a party in here!"

"Yes I'm sure. Everyone looks so enthusiastic. Why they can hardly contain their excitement." Taya said blankly and blandly.

" I know right.Haha you know I like you, I don't know why I do, but I like you, in a good way, Not in a weird way, You know what I'm saying right?"

" I understand what you're trying to say perfectly".

Taya complacently acknowledges her.

"Oh So you're smart too. I knew you would be. So do you have any skills to pay the bills so to speak?"

Kira nearly sung those last few lines as she rocked her head from side to side like a sassy teenager challenging their parents over being out too late yet again.

" Yes, I do. actually I'm an engineer by trade. I don't really do it professionally, but I was trained to be an engineer."

"first job I get it. It can be nerve-racking I know but Cardassians aren't quite as unreasonable as you might think They are logical, tactical, analytical and for the most part very orderly yet you probably already know that Since you grew up on Cardassia. All I'm saying is if you mess up don't be too hard on yourself. I find that no matter how horrible Cardassians can be here,there is no one who is a harsher judge than yourself. Often our own judgment is swifter than any Cardassian justice out there.

Don't make the mistake and judge yourself too harshly and most importantly, don't judge the people you call your friends. Don't even judge your family because even the people that you love the most, they tend to make mistakes,They make errors, Sometimes they even fail but the things that people do in their past doesn't define who they are today. remember that Taya".

" You're very wise".

Taya spoke as she sat down on the bottom of the worn down bunk bed.

"Who me? Nah! I've just had experience. I see things I observe I learn. You kind of have to in a place like this. if you don't you might end up like that last chief of security".

" What happened to the last chief of security?"

Taya was now disturbingly concerned.

" Oh he was found stuffed in a Jeffrey's tube. Let's just say he wasn't looking too good, In fact, he didn't appear to be in working order if you know what I mean."

" So he was dead".

" That's what the medical examiner said but I wouldn't take their word for it I mean the doctors, the nurses and the whole medical staff are no doubt too terrified to say anything different".

" Why would they be too terrified to say anything?"

" It's not, that they're too terrified to say anything,they are too terrified to say anything contrary to Dukat.

Dukat rules things around here and he might be charming but when he doesn't get his way He turns into a oversized toddler, He throws fits, he has a tantrum and if he's in a really bad mood he'll order everyone to be questioned thoroughly in a interrogation room which we all know has nothing to do with questioning or getting any useful information, It's always about torture."

"Are you saying Dukat Actually tortures people?"

" Of course he's a Cardassian. What did you expect him to do? give people thank you baskets? You seems so surprised".

" I'm sorry it's just that all of this is quite new to me. I'm not experienced like you."

Taya bashfully avoided making eye contact with Kira as she didn't want her to see the wisdom that was hidden in her eyes.

" You'll adjust and if you're a smart as you seem to be, I bet you'll learn fairly quickly. You look like a quick learner and if you're a quick learner, you'll most likely be able to stay alive. Cardassians aren't patient people, to be honest, they're a bunch of hot heads".

" What do you expect, 200 is considered a breeze where they come from? By the feel of it I would think that the temperature in here isn't anything more than an even 63."

" It's actually 73 but you were close haha. Still its a little too chilly for those cold blooded miscreants out there. Don't tell me that you're cold are you?"

"No I'm not cold at the moment."

There was a loud echoing mechanical bang as the slotted green doors slid open and 3 Cardassians appeared with a tall figure leading them.

It was the same deathly figure that she had seen before, the one with the dark brow, the prominent neck and the inquisitivly blue hawk like eyes.

"You there, on the bottom bunk, you're coming with me".

The voice was gruff and commandeering, dominate and snarling.

Kira was on the bottom bunk but on the bed right beside Taya's.

"Who me?"

Kira was feigning a coy expression.

"Hmph...No not you Kira. I don't need another riot on my hands. You will remain here to look after the rest of the recruits. You'll stay out of trouble that way and stay far from harm's way which is more than I can say for this one".

The Interrogator grimaced in amusement.

"Whatever you can say to her you can say to me, Odo!"

Kira rose to her feet, her head held up high to challenge him yet apparently in comparison to Odo's intimidating form, She was quite tiny. Possibly even tinier than Taya herself.

" Oh so you're defending her already. Very interesting. Kira, you can stand down now."

" And why should I do that, Interrogator?" Kira snarled back with far more venom than anyone in that bunker had anticipated.

" Because I have no intention of taking her in for questioning.

I'm not here on interrogation business, I am here to implement the workload."

" So you're a slave driver as well as an interrogator? You must be sooo proud".

She sneered at Odo as he wasn't even fit to lick her boots.

" Proud is an interesting way of putting it. This is just business, this is not pleasure, I can assure you".

"Business for who? Dukat?"

"Dukat doesn't reinforce the work load, I do, Kira and he also doesn't implement justice and order where it is needed So that's why I'm here. Now would you please stop interfering and allow me to continue about my business?"

" What do you know of justice and order? There can be no justice and no order just as long as our freedom is taken away from us, as long as there are slaves There can be no room for justice and as long as there are people like you that implement mandatory work loads There will be no order. So even if I remain here, rest assured there will be consequences and there will be more riots. You'll see that there is no life in victory and there is no victory in obedience. Life is freedom and you should know this".

"I'm not looking for victory, Kira.

I'm looking for an engineer. Please don't make this any harder than it needs to be."

Odo pretended to be charming by smoothing out his gruff voice with a slightly softer whisper.

"Taya is an engineer but that's up to her if she wants to help you".

" Oh excellent! she is her own person, I thought for a moment that you were her beneficiary."

"HA... and what could I give her that would gain her any profit?"

"You know for a moment there you sounded like someone very familiar. Aw yes, you sounded just like that funky little Ferengi that owns that bar overlooking the upper levels of the promenade. Quark isn't it? He's all about profit doesn't seem to know how to make profit very well but I suppose a man can dream". Odo's eyes lit up like two blue super novas.

Odo motioned his neck towards Taya to signal the Cardassian guards to move forward and claim her.

"Odo... don't you dare hurt her".

Kira warned him as she witnessed the Cardassian Guards pluck her up from the bed and lug her forward beyond the bunker doors.

" I have no intention of hurting her nor do I intend to harm her. She will be under my supervision. She will be in good hands, I promise you, Kira."

" How do I know that I have your word?"

Her usually peppy and cheerful voice dropped down to three octaves.

"Simple. I will crush the snake underneath my heel".

Odo spoke sharply.

"And he will Succumb to you". Kira said those words as if she were in a trance.

"That's right. Don't worry Kira, I will look after her. I will watch her like a hawk in fact if that makes you happy."

" Since when does my happiness matter to you, Odo?"

"Since I met you, Kira. Now please don't embarrass me right now, Nerys. I'm just trying to do my job. I'm not trying to cause any trouble. I am only doing my duty. you understand what duty means, don't you Kira?

"Yes I do. Very well carry on but if anything happens to her, I am holding you personally responsible."

" If You are referring to Dukat Then yes, he says he loves you too".

"Don't make jokes, Odo. I could never love such a beast as Dukat And I certainly don't love you either. So don't flatter yourself".

" Oh that wasn't a joke, that was the truth, Kira. Dukat misses you and I thought I ought to let you know".

" Well you didn't need to bother. I don't need to know anything about that snake in the grass".

"Suit yourself. I'm not wanting to pressure you. in fact, I could well care less about who you spend your time with. Your personal life is none of my business and it holds very little interest to me."

" Good and I hope you keep it that way. Oh Just out of curiosity, where are you taking her?"

"To the mines but but don't worry, she'll be back. You won't be alone for long".

Odo's eyes danced with delight as he spun around towards the door.

" No, you can't be serious! people die down there every day! You'll kill her! No, please Odo, don't take her down there! Take me instead. I've been down there before, I've survived it, just take me, I'll even do extra shifts for you if necessary. Please Odo, She's practically a child, look at her, she's innocent, She's done nothing to you, You don't need to punish her. You're not a weapon, Odo. You are a person."

" Oh Please quit your foolishness! I have never said that I was a weapon and I'm not punishing her, I'm not punishing anyone, I am attempting to make a difference and you are interfering with it. I know very well that she is innocent, I know all of you are innocent, I'm doing this to spare her not to punish her.

Please, Kira, don't make a fuss about this, I don't want another riot on my hands. I'm not a clean up crew, I'm a Cardassian Officer,a officer that was enlisted to maintain order on this station."

" So you're saying that this is all about order?!"

"NO... this is about justice and I hoped You would be pleased with my decision. Now please step aside Kira. I really don't want to hurt you".

Odo's voice was tragically hushed and Kira unhanded Odo, then stepped aside absolutely stunned.

Meanwhile the Cardassian Guards lugged her down a hidden set of stairs which Odo also used in a exceptionally graceful fashion Right after the guards descended down to the mines.

"I can take it from here, you are dismissed. GO!"

Odo barked at the guards, they trembled slightly and then fled from the mines by way of the stairs almost in a terrified fashion.

Taya looked over at the mines and all she could see was a desolate inferno that smelled of blood, sweat and fear.

Taya wanted to die. She didn't want to live any longer not if it meant that every moment of her existence was one torture after another.

Taya felt angry tears escape the corner of her eyes and the tears subsided slightly when Odo approached her.

Her eyes were being choked by the smoke but still she gazed up at him, her hazel eyes shifted to a harsh amber, the gold intensity burned into Odo's contemplative blue eyes.

Odo however ignored the sudden shift of her eye color, he just crossed his arms as if this was all just another routine for him.

"Now that those pesky guards are gone, I have a job for you. I am in need of an engineer as you know and I would very much appreciate if you could help with that."

"What do you need to have fixed?"

Taya was no longer angry but fearfully uncertain.

"I was hoping you could help me fix with one of the ore processing units, you see it has this strange tendency to... explode at rather inconvenient moments. Do you think you can fix it?"

" Yes, I probably can but I'd have to take a look at it first".

Taya was hesitant but still willing to work on the ore processing unit.

"Of course right this way".

Odo gestured towards the long tubed structure that had several rectangular compartment in between the thick tubing.

Taya examined behind the paneling of the troubled compartment and then stared at the couplings which appeared to be frayed and some were even stabilized by a few pieces of chewing gum.

"Well what seems to be the problem?".

" First of all, the couplings are an absolute disaster. This whole compartment is being held together by duct tape, a table utensil and what appears to be flavorless chewing gum."

"That just so happens to be electrical tape, industrial putty and a fork".

Odo corrected her.

" You took inventory of this?"

Taya stared at him sternly astounded.

"Yes I took inventory of this issue, I was the one that created it."

" Why would you take inventory of your own mistake?"

"Because it wasn't a mistake".

" So you caused this on purpose?

Why would you compromise the ore processing unit and then make a report about it?"

"The report I made was a false one And if you look around, there's hardly any recruits left to fix this thing.

I intended it to be that way because if there are less recruits, there are less casualties, So I made this particular unit a liability. This liability has decreased the ore intake as well as decreased the number of prisoners that have been assigned to this department.

Pretty soon ore processing will become obsolete and I have high hopes that will happen soon. I'm just helping the process move along...faster"

" Then you're part of the resistance."

"Yes... I'm part of a lot of things as are you Taya Nollo".

" I'm not part of anything that I shouldn't be".

Odo leaned up against another part of the ore processor.

"I know that's what you're resume says, but what do you say about all this?".

" I am a slave. what I have to say and what I think does not matter. I have no say in this matter or any other matter that is on this station.

I am voiceless, I am faceless, I am nothing more than a shadow, a shadow that rests behind the Cardassian Empire. I have no voice, no choice, no will and absolutely no power within this quadrant or in any other for the matter. I am just another cog within the wheels of the universe, I don't fight. I don't struggle. I don't beg. I just obey. So if you don't mind please state your orders so I can go about my business just like you were trying to do before Kira interfered".

" very well if you fix the unit then you can go home and When I say home I mean you can go back to your bunker with Kira and the rest of the recruits."

" If you are the one that broke this unit and made it into the horrible shambles that it is right now, why would you want me to fix it?"

" If you remove the fork The chewing gum and the Scotch tape it should be right as rain".

" The fork is not the problem, Although the metal alloys may serve as a decent electrical conductor. it's not connected to anything. in fact it's not even touching anything as for the chewing gum, that's just restricting the bipolar flow junction.

the tape is functioning just as well as the fork is which means it's just as useless and it is serving no purpose whatsoever."

"Really? Then allow me to remove any impurities for you".

Odo snatched onto to the fork and threw it over his shoulder, so that it dully hit the wall and clattered onto to floor.

"There. Problem solved, Now can we move on?".

Odo attempted to remain stern and serious Even though his grim smirk gave him away.

"Move onto what?"

"Move on from the mines of course. You don't want to stay down here, do you?"

" No sir. I'm just confused about why I'm here If there isn't even a problem to fix in the first place.

Oh no don't tell me that you fancy me and you brought me here to entertain you. I don't entertain people. I can't even effectively entertain myself. I'm an engineer, not a stage performer or a comedian and I'm certainly not a street walker nor am I a cheap Dabo Girl. I'll have you know I'm actually quite respectable sir."

"And I don't doubt you. I'm quite respectable myself So no I will not be requiring those kind of services from you or anybody else. So relax, Take it easy,enjoy yourself, It may be the last time You'll get to do so."

" I'm still very confused."

"Don't be. I'm not your enemy, I'm not Your adversary, I'm technically not even your employer at the moment and I am not involved any sort of illicit slave trading. I've Actually I never owned a slave before, I certainly don't want to make a habit of it".

Taya stood up in disgusted horror.

"And just where do you think you're going?"

Odo stood up so straight that be clearly over towered her by 4 to 5 feet.

"I am your slave. You just admitted it!"

"I admitted nothing and even if I could purchase you, you would still belong to the Cardassian empire."

"Oh so you bought me?! How much?"

" I didn't buy you. I am a modest investigator, I hardly make a salary enough as it is.

In fact most expensive thing I own at the moment is that fork that's presently lying on the floor."

"Then you should probably pick it up before you throw your entire livelihood away".

Taya presented him with the fork and graciously handed it to him.

"That was actually a bit of joke but I think you're sense of humor is far more well developed than my own. You know I can see why Kira likes you. You are certainly unique."

Odo smiled at Taya sentimentally.

" If I'm not your slave and I'm not your engineer then what are you going to do with me?"

" What do you want me to do with you is the real question?"

Odo smilled at her facetiously.

" You could let me go or help me escape."

"Help a slave escape? Why I could get fired if I did such a thing and If I let you go, Well let's just face it, that's really not much fun now is it?" Odo feigned a shocked tone and decorum.

" So you want to have fun with me before you let me go?"

"Well Yes do you have any better ideas of what to do to pass the time?"

" No not really. I'm just curious what you consider to be fun exactly".

" not being here is what I consider to be fun. I don't like the mines, I don't like this station and I certainly don't like Dukat and the rest of those degenerate soldiers he has surrounding him like some sick twisted entourage."

" So where do you want to go?"

Odo craned his neck curiously and examined her closely with uncomfortably keen eyes.

"Before we go anywhere you'll need to get out of those clothes.

They appear to be serving no purpose for you at the moment. Your clothes are So thread bear they are a disgrace, why they hardly even cover you. oh are you cold by the way?"

"No I am not cold and No I am not getting undressed in place like this".

"I don't expect you to. Come with me, I'll provide you with fresh clothes".

"Thank you... I think... wait where are you taking me now?"

"Some place private. Try not to worry about it. You must be hungry. I'll provide that for you as well".

" Why are you doing this?"

"Doing what?"

"Being nice to me?"

" Why?Do you think I have some ulterior motives or something?"

"Yes in a way I do And I just want to know what these ulterior motives are exactly."

"The truth is there are no ulterior motives. I'm Just a bitter and lonely interrogator, that hates Dukat and his entire empire. End of story".

" No, that's not the end of the story and that's not the end of your story either.

You told Kira you were trying to help and that you were trying to implement justice. How is what you're doing right now helping implement justice exactly?"

" I sabotaged an entire ore processing unit, I've nearly made ore processing obsolete in the process and now I am currently trying to help a slave escape her sad, tragic and monotonous life.

I think I'm doing rather well, don't you?"

" I suppose so yet I still don't know what you want with me."

" I want you to be free just like everybody else should be just like I should be. Don't you get it? I'm not free. I'm not a free man; I'm a slave just like you are So it would be absolutely pointless for me to take you as a slave for myself."

Odo was grasping onto her shoulders at this point His voice was thin and flustered and his gaze was unwaveringly accusing.

" That's all good and well but What do you intend to do with me?"

" Why are you making this so difficult? honestly you're just like Kira, so stubborn emotional and ever so plucky. You're complicating things,I Don't appreciate that.

stop complicating things and just relax.

You're not in any danger. you're safe now. Do you understand that?"

" No, I don't understand and you know what I would prefer to be your slave then be kept in this constant suspense as you trolley me around this station."

" So you're saying you would rather be my slave than be seen with me in public?"

" I'm not worried about being seen in public with you, I'm worried about you being seen in public with me. that's a big difference".

" Is this about the clothes? I didn't mean that you appeared to be a disgrace. I said your clothes were disgrace. that's a big difference".

" No it isn't about the clothes I could care less about the clothes. What I care about Is the fact that I am dangerous! I'm a dangerous woman okay and I'm afraid if you are seen with me, you'll put yourself in danger in the process".

" You're dangerous? Hahaha. You don't look dangerous. You look...well you look...rather innocent actually just like Kira said."

" You were going to say something else weren't you?"

" No. what gave you that idea?"

" Because you hesitated a lot".

" That's because I don't usually give out compliments and I was trying to say something nice. so excuse me for hesitating".

" Well then you must have had a lot of nice things to say if you hesitated so much".

Taya smiled triumphantly.

" That is a nice way of putting it but what I was going to say is that you look... rather...pretty".

"Pretty? My hair is a mess and I'm wearing rags right now. What about my appearance right now strikes you as even remotely attractive?"

Odo sized her up, he noticed the subtlety voluptuous curves of her waist and bust, peeking through her threadbare uniform.

"I rather like the shape of you, at least from what I can tell right now. Then there's Something about your eyes the ever changing flecks of gold, the soft curve of your face, the delicate way you smile and your skin is so pure and clear. Forgive me if I am so forward I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable".

Odo etched the details of her face and present frame without even touching her and Taya thought this was beautiful especially how his voice became so tenderly soft and compassionate.

" No, you didn't make me feel uncomfortable."

" really? So You're not disgusted by me?"

" No, quite the contrary. I think the way you described me It was beautiful".

"Well to be fair you are beautiful even if you don't see yourself as such."

"I think I'm beginning to understand why you brought me here".

" I think I understand exactly why I bought you here".

Odo clasped onto to her hand and quickly lead her to the nearest turbo lift.

" Why did you bring me to the mines exactly?"

"Dukat will be arriving tomorrow. There will be a great selection tomorrow morning and when Dukat finally comes in to examine All the prisoners down in the bunkers He will choose from the selection of all the eligible available and attractive females that are amongst the recruits."

" So you think Dukat will pick me?"

" Oh he'll definitely pick you. I saw you when the guards threw you down in that bunker I also saw you when you arrived on the loading dock from the last Cardassian freighter vessel.

Look I'm an investigator so I have access to all the security cameras but I really wasn't trying to Snoop a or pry I was just trying to do my job. Please don't think Any less of me".

" No, I don't think any less of you."

"What do you think of me, anyway?"

Odo looked at her longingly.

" I saw you on the way in,just when I was about to be thrown into the bunker, I saw you overlooking the whole station, You appeared to be so very regal, Your face was still as a statue, You're gaze was so pensive and the most bethazzling blue I've ever seen in my life.

You were so intense, so inquisitive and contemplative, I saw you a enshrouded in darkness intimidating forbidding and formidable. You were terrifying but I was far too fascinating to take notice. I suppose what I really want to say is that I thought you were beautiful".

It took Odo awhile to process this but eventually after furrowing his brow he gazed into her eyes searching desperately for her sincerity and there was nothing but sincerity that was there to greet him.

"There is a incoming hail, Constable Odo".

The computer broke through the words that had captivated him for so long.

"Computer trace hailing signal location".

"Signal Traced to Main Loading Deck".

"Really? And just who is awaiting me in the Loading Deck?"

He growled smugly with his arms crossed in incredulous defiance.

"Former Lieutenant Kira".

"Whaaat? Computer you be must joking!"

Odo Almost wanted to laugh but he was too taken aback by confusion and outrage.

"Nerys Kira is presently on board".

"Oh she is, is she? I thought you she was on the loading deck."

"Nerys Kiras has arrived. She is now hailing you via Communicator sir".

"Fiiiine!"

He aggressively tapped his Communicator.

"Odo to Kira. What do you want?"

"This is Kira to Odo. What do mean what do I want? Are you alright Odo? You sound so tense and stressed out".

"Oh? Who me? No not at all. I'm just having trouble with my communications badge that's all. It's malfunctioning and I've had to practically shout at it all day.

Nothing to concern yourself over. Anyhow it's very pleasant to hear your voice again. Are you visiting or just passing through?

I mean are you staying or were you just dropping by?"

"Just passing by but hey I could always drop in if you want me to".

No I'd rather you just drop off in the next Airlock, Kira, but sure come stop by since you clearly think I have nothing better to do.

Wait Oh shit I've been reading this for the last 2 hours, maybe I don't have anything else better to do... unfortunately.

"Well, as long as I'm here you can drop in anytime you'd like".

Odo said warmly over the intercom.

" Then I'll see you soon...Kira Out".

Then it dawned on Odo, He was reading kinky love novels written by one his own Ensigns the same Ensign That could possibly be heading into open surgery with Dr. Bashir...at any moment.

He was actually enjoying these entries,he was captivated by them spellbound even He couldn't even put his tablet down to prepare himself for meeting up with the former Major Kira.

Odo simply had to find out what happened next So he shifted his focus back to his tablet once more.

" So you mean it? You actually think... I'm... beautiful. I've never been beautiful before... to anyone ever. That's why I'm so stunned, Because you're the first, the first Who has ever seen me as beautiful."

Odo brushes the his loose knuckles across her cheek as he said this.

Her skin is as smooth as marble but soft as a cloud, he then cupped her face in his both his hands so as to appreciate the full extent of her silky skin.

His hands wandered down to embrace her shoulders then her waist, he grasped onto her partially exposed physique and in one swift movement he drew her closer, he dipped his head towards hers, his lips vigorously dove into her own.

She was so stunned but the way his lips locked so perfectly with her own she almost didn't want to resist him.

"Wow...that was unexpected. I am at a loss for words. I...feel I should do something or say something but nothing seems to come to mind".

"Then don't say anything. Just enjoy this. Don't speak, just lose yourself in this moment".

Odo stared at her in a spellbound daze.

"Better yet, let me speak for you. I know you are inexplicably and inexorably drawn to me. You're obsessed with me, I see your flushed expression, I see you shudder whenever I'm near you, I hear the raging flow of your heartbeat and I can even detect the subtle discrepancies of your temperature. If I weren't so observant, I'd say you were in love with me. So are you?"

Odo peered at her from the side as they awaited for the turbo lift doors to open up to the habitat ring.

"I think so yes I don't really see how it's possible since I just met you today".

" I can assure you stranger things have happened especially on this station."

The lift door crunch forward from side to side to swiftly to reveal the habitat ring.

"Follow me. I just couldn't live with myself if you got yourself lost now".

He smirked knowing full well Taya was not one to be lost very often.

Taya allowed Odo to lead her to his quarters, she was still cautiously awaiting the moment when the Airlock doors of his main living area will seal themselves for good.

The doors whooshed open then resealed themselves the moment they both stepped inside.

Taya's heart rate increases by 10 percent and it was already going over 90 percent even without the extra stress weighing heavily upon her.

"Here put this on".

He handed her a standard Midnight Blue Star Fleet Issues Uniform however Which examined it further she realized it wasn't so much a uniform but a informal dress.

"This was worn by the late Janice Rand, the same Janice Rand that served under Captain Kirk. It was said that she was quite infatuated with him and she was dismissed later on during his overseeing of the USS Enterprise due to her Incomparable beauty and allure.

I believe she must have been quite a distraction for him Because Star Fleet command was the one that issued her resignation.

Do you like it?"

Taya blushed at this brief history lesson and nearly stumbled on the bathroom threshold so she could change into her new uniform in complete privacy.

Taya rose the dress up at a 80 degree angle and let it fall onto her neck and shoulders, while she awkwardly poked her head through the top.

She slid her arms through the pristinely hemmed sleeves and then she tugged at the fringe of the uniform down so the material evenly distributed across her body properly.

The Shoulders were quite loose but the bust tenaciously clung to her chest. The bodice curled around her every curve but still left her with a bit of mystery especially regarding her midriff and waist.

However the dress only fell slightly past her hips her yet still it was comfortable and the material was breathable, so she left the bathroom unaware of what was missing with her outfit.

"Oh my...That is rather revealing. I like it though. Look I'm not one to judge but don't you think you're missing something?."

Odo rested his hand right under his chin in contemplation.

"Com Badge? Shoes? How about you throw in a tiara?"

"Those are some reasonable options yes but the tiara I think would kind of be overdoing it."

Odo carefully examined her outfit as he gestured to her to head into the other room while guiding her with his free hand so she knew exactly where she was going.

Taya thought she was leading her to the bathroom but when she saw the grand King Sized bed that overtaking nearly half of the room she quickly looked for an exit so she could escape.

Odo swiftly blocked her exit.

"Odo please, I don't want to have to hurt you. Just let me go and I'll promise I'll do whatever you want, just let me through, Odo, please".

She sounded stern rather than desperately pleading with him.

" No plea deal this time Taya. You're in my territory now and I'm presently off duty which means I can do whatever I want with you... for now."

Odo grinned contentedly at this.

"Odo, please I'm begging you, don't come any closer".

"Relax I'm not going to hurt you.

I'm only trying to help you.

Just sit down, take it easy, nice and slow... that's it.

Now Look into my eyes".

"No Odo. I'm not doing anything I don't want to. Stop looking at me like that. I'm warning you, I can defend myself, I have sufficient combat training. Oooh why is your hand there right now?"

His hand was on the top part of her thigh and she realized in her horror that it was quite bare.

" You must be quite distracted If you forgot something so...vitally

important.

Don't worry as I said, I don't judge.

In fact I don't mind at all, especially now that I have you in my bedroom".

Odo admired her shapely thighs and he lovingly caressed her legs in circular motion, his hands wandering beyond her hips all the way below where her buttocks remained partially exsposed by a flimsy pair of underwear.

Taya shuddered once more and she smiled sheepishly as she gasped in a sudden cry of ecstasy.

" Constable Odo. Your needed on the Passenger Loading Dock. Kira awaits your arrival".

Odo snapped back to reality as he heard the loud interruption from one of his deputy officers over his com badge.

"Tell her I'll be right there."

Odo already was in a foul mood since you had been so rudely interrupted by one of his lower ranked cadets but now that Kira had arrived He knew his mood was only going to get worse.