Taya was heavily engaged in a conversation with Morn which was one of Quark's most loyal customers.

however, during the entire conversation she couldn't help but over hear Odo's hollering outside and now she could pick up tiny details from their hushed voices as they sat next to her in the bar. She wished with every iota of her being that Odo wasn't so keen on gaining her approval.

Kira clearly despised her from the beginning, but perhaps her overly emotional behavior was merely just her jealousy at play.

Taya avoided his gaze for nearly the whole evening, She had wanted to leave many times, but the strings of her heart kept being tugged at the seams almost to the point that it was impossible for her to leave, especially since her loyalty to him was far too strong.

She wanted to impress him but she also wanted to be a good friend so She gave them space,lots of space in fact and she continued to converse with Morn as Kira and Odo reminisced over the times they had had together on the station.

It was a painful experience for her but every once and awhile Kira would look over at Taya with the same pain in her eyes as if she were telling her "I'm dying inside too".

Kira then looked over at Taya. curiously but not unkindly.

"Look I'm Sorry about before with the Interrogation stuff. Odo was right I did overstep my bounds and It was super insensitive of me to question you like that without any consideration for your feelings. So I suppose this wasn't how you imagined meeting your hero the first time."

Taya stareed at her drink intensely.

"Its alright. I understand."

"Do you?"

Kira Smiled in amused incredulity.

"Oh yes, I imagine it must be hard seeing him after all this time especially since you two had a relationship...at one time and it's only natural that you'd be a little jealous."

Kira looked over at Odo who was arguing some trivial matter with Quark.

"Alright you got me there. I admit I was jealous but just between the two of us, You're not involved with him, you know romantically?"

Kira tried to remain casual but there was something chilling about that question, the question left her with a dark ominous feeling that made her stomach lurch and grumble quietly.

"I know its a personal question. Don't sweat it, really you don't have to answer it."

Kira used reverse psychology which unfortunately for Taya worked.

"No, he's just my boss. He's a childhood friend. He helped my family on Yandera before it was destroyed. He left quite an impression on me. I've always admired him and I'm really grateful for him giving me safe asylum on this station. It is an honor and privilege to serve under him".

There was a hint of horror, her eyes shifted to a disturbed curiosity.

"You know you look familiar".

Kira narrowed her eyes in suspicion.

"Do I?"

"That scar especially. Where did you get that from by the way? That is if you don't mind me asking you".

She laughed feigning her casual nature.

"I got this from an interrogaton session on Cardassia".

Taya told her coldly with a robotic expression on her face.

The horrified curiosity then burst into horrified recognized.

"No! I don't believe it! It's impossible! You were really telling the truth about being a comfort woman for Dukat. I remember now you were one at one point weren't you? He dragged you out in the middle of the night. I remember hearing your alarm when Damar and the rest of that Cardassian trash hauled you to Dukat's quarters.

You weren't just a comfort woman you were his one and only weren't you?"

the corners of Kira's mouth turned up in a wicked smirk.

"I beg your pardon. I think you must be mistaking me for someone else perhaps".

Taya shot up from her barstool in disgust as if she intended to walk out of the bar right then and there.

"No, I don't forget a face. You have one that is unmistakable especially now with that scar. Interrogation session. Is that what you tell everybody or is that of what you tell yourself every night? I know how you got that scar. Dukat gave that to you!"

"No! Dukat never gave me any scars I can assure you! Gul Madred gave this to me not Dukat! Now can we please change the subject?"

" Wow! He must have really done a number on you if you don't even remember how you got that scar.

Don't tell me you don't remember that night when you came into that bunker leaving a trail of blood all the way from Dukat's Quarters?"

"Whaaaat?!

No Who do you think I am, Kira?"

"You were my Bunkmate during the Occupation of course. I knew that name sounded familiar when Odo said it. I recognize the name but I didn't think that it was the same person. Obviously you've grown up a bit. You still look like you're Nothing more than a child. You've aged rather well if not at all."

" like I said You must be mistaking me for someone else. There is no possible way I could have been your bunk mate. The occupation was long before my time. in other words, I wasn't born yet".

" That's why I was saying it was impossible, your age and the fact that you knew Odo When you were a child It just doesn't add up. Something is a little wonky with that story, Not just a little wonky but very wonky.

So how did you manage to miraculously appear in an era in which you weren't born in?"

"I have no idea."

Taya refused to make eye contact with Kira.

" You can avoid me, Taya, You can avoid looking at me and being around me in general but I'm going to figure you out eventually.

You know I thought it was rather sad when you got dragged too Dukat's quarters and I was angry at Odo for weeks yet then you disappeared, out of nowhere.

Then you return to the bunker a shivering pool of blood just about. Then you don't talk to anybody, you don't even talk to me and I thought I was your best friend.Then Odo shows up, he must have heard your weeping and he carried you away. I never knew what happened after that because after that I never saw you again. All I know is I was making a breakthrough with him. I thought I was actually getting somewhere but when you disappeared he didn't want anything to do with me and still to this day, I don't think he truly loved me. I think the truth was that he was still in love with you."

"Are you delusional?"

" Am I delusional? No I had my instincts I needed instincts in order to survive the occupation and my instincts told me that when you left with him that night with that hideous scar, I think you somehow seduced him!"

"Whaat? No! I would have never done that. I would have never done that to you.Look Kira, I might not remember what happened or what we had during that time, but if I Was your friend I would have never hurt you like that."

"Oh Pleeese! You had Him eating out of your hand and on top of it you had Dukat every night!

You have the entire station at your disposal, those were powerful men and I think you knew what you were doing and I think you hid behind your naive innocence."

Taya began to remember and finally horrified recognition came upon her.

"Wait I remember now.

I remember the trail of Blood but I also remember how I got this scar. Damar was pushing you around so I intervened and I gave him quite a nasty wound right on his forehead. Dukat had me summoned to his office, He told me he had spoiled and pampered me for far too long and then it was time that I'd be disciplined. He told me to get on my knees to which he fired a phaser right under my eye. So I'm sorry if I wasn't there for you the way that you wanted me to be but I literally I got punished for your hotheadedness."

"So you think I pity you because you took a phaser for me? Tsk. Look as hideous as that scar maybe Believe me, I've seen a lot worse. Oh so you were a slave, So was I for most of my life. so believe me you won't get any tears from me. I think I know why you're here; you want to finish what you started with Odo. I get it but I'm going to warn you, He will push you away and he will push you away hard. The sad thing is I sort of broke him myself as well, So unfortunately he'll probably be too broken to ever love you. So now that I know who you are, yeah you don't have a chance with him, you never will and you know what?

I am kind of glad. I'm so glad that you're not going to get your hooks into that man."

Kira was speaking softly her elbows on the counter and she leaning in whispering these evil obscenities to her. Taya was devastated and this wasn't the usual devastation. this was the kind of devastation that you would feel if a black hole had appeared right under your feet and sucked you under.

" I'll have you know I was a child. You were in your 20s. I was 17 years old and not once did I consent to being his comfort woman. I wasn't even a woman yet. I was torn by my family by both The Dominion and the Cardassian Empire, When I was 10 years old and because of that I didn't even have a childhood. I had no say in my life, I had no freedom, no voice,no will, No happiness of my own. So how dare you say that I planned any of that. I was a slave. I don't expect your tears. I don't expect your pity, your empathy, you're sympathy or anything that has to do with demanding genuine emotions from you but before I leave I want to ask where were you when Dukat put a phaser to my face?

I don't remember you seeing you there but why would you then you'd have to blow your cover Just like you're almost doing right now.

Oh by the way, if you want Odo that badly you can have him. If you want to rekindle a romance with him, I won't stop you. I will stay out of your way and I will avoid you if that's what you want me to do. You know why? Because I happen to respect both of you tremendously and I would never want to destroy your happiness or his. So I'm sorry for crashing your party here, I'll get out of your hair and I hope you enjoy your evening alone with Odo. I'm sure he enjoys your company more than mine anyway. You two Have a lot of catching up to do and I wouldn't want to be in the middle of it. It was nice meeting you Kira. Now if you excuse me I have go, I have an early morning tomorrow and I'd like to get some rest before then".

Taya was quiet and sweet at the end Which totally confused her as she thought originally that she was the villain. but now with that classy and sophisticated response that Taya gave her she was beginning to think that perhaps she was the real villain and not Taya herself.

Odo caught notice of her departure, he crossed his arms and marched up to Kira, there was raging suspicion in his eyes.

"What did you say to her now, Kira?"

Odo voice was angry with a sharp annoyed edge.

"It's actually a funny story Odo, You see we were reminiscing And it turns out we know each other. it got sort of emotional and you know how old memories are, they're quite sensitive. I apologized but she decided to head in early apparently she has a early morning ahead of her.

So I wouldn't be too worried about her. She's is a strong girl, I'm sure she'll manage just fine on her own".

Kira had the charm of a sleazy salesman. not only that, but Kira was also a terrible actor so Odo Saw right through her elaborate flourishing.

"Oh I'm sure Kira. You know it's been so lovely catching up with you but I must excuse myself, I've had a rather exhausting day and I'm in dire need to regenerate. Goodnight Kira".

Odo had a sickeningly sophisticated eloquence that Was obviously forced especially when he snarled "Good night Kira" at the end.

Kira ran after Odo desperately trying to keep up with his swift strides.

"Odo I can explain! Please Odo!

Odo Talk to me! Really Odo I'm Sorry".

Odo spun around with a rage so intense on his face Kira almost feared for her life for a few moments.

"Oh What was that? You must forgive me. I think the over stimulation of Quark's Bar Must have impaired my hearing somewhat. Did You say you were sorry? What are you sorry for Kira? No really. I'm curious. what are you sorry about and are you even capable of being sorry at all?"

"Odo of course I am, That's such a silly question. I care about you and what happens to you."

" Then where were you in the last 43 years hmmm?

You don't have to answer that, no, That would mean that we would have to actually communicate And we wouldn't want that would we?

Oh No, of course not, That would be too easy for you Kira."

"Odo please let's Not do this now".

" Oh I'm going to do this. I think now is a good time as any. I've waited all evening for it in fact. I've been civil, polite, friendly and even funny. I made a few jokes, which is something I don't normally do, especially in public. I went through the whole social gathering thing for you. So I want you to tell me and I want you to tell me the truth. I don't want any fancy flourishes or over exaggerated dramatic descriptions I just need a plain and simple answer.

In fact I will simplify it to the point what you don't even have to describe anything at all; just say yes or no.

Did you or did you not love me?"

"Of course I did Odo".

" No, I don't need any of course Odo, Just give me a straight answer Kira. It's really that simple.

I'm going easy on you right now Nerys.

Did you love me Kira?"

"Yes When we were together I did".

"No, no, no, no. You Do not understand the assignment. I asked for a simple yes or no answer. No flourishes, just look into my eyes and say it honestly; That's all I'm asking you to do. It's a very simple task okay. Just tell me... please Kira".

Odo Suddenly had the face of a child, his blue eyes dewed with tragedy and that gaze made Kira's heart break into a million pieces.

Kira looked down as if she were a child that was being reprimanded, her eyes welling up with angry tears.

She nodded her head to side as if to tell him no.

"Say it Kira. Just say it".

"No, No Odo I never did."

"That wasn't so hard now I can move on with my life and I can stop and living under your shadow."

"Odo I think you should know."

"Yes Kira?"

"I'm sorry Odo. honestly I'm so sorry".

"No you're not Kira. I know you hid behind your ignorance,an ignorance you never had. You Knew didn't you? You knew all long".

"I could never pull one on you could I? Yes, I knew. I had my suspicions the moment we met and I knew that eventually it would lead somewhere."

"Then If you never loved me Why did you Make me believe that we were in a committed relationship?"

"Because I felt sorry for you Odo And I didn't want to hurt you by telling you the truth. I know you had been hurt too many times to count and honestly it hurt me when I saw that you were hurting. I wanted to spare you so I avoided you, and I kept back the truth from you and now that decision still haunts me. I know this is probably going to hurt you more than anything else that I've done to you and for that I am so sorry Odo".

Kira whimpered as he remembered there was a time but when she made that pouty face and she made her lips tremble like that he would comfort her; he'd put his arm around her shoulder and tell her to firmly calm down. Yet now instead of seeing an innocent child like the one he had seen on Terok Nor, He saw a grown woman, a grown woman Who purposefully hurt him for 7 long years.

Now he no longer saw her as just a woman whom he loved and adored but as a monster.

He had had his suspicions for a long time but he had ignored them and now they had been confirmed, the rage slipped out of the floodgates as he marched to the habitat ring with fury in his steps and even creator fury in his eyes.

Kira just stood there on the lower decks of the Promenade with a cluelessly frozen look of Angry Arrogance.

Odo slammed the Turbo Lift Console that was located on the outside wall of the Lift.

His anger was boiling and overflowing but he composed himself as he knew he would have to speak with Taya at some point and he hoped to do so soon; in fact, he hoped to do so right after the turbo lift doors opened.

The Turbolift doors fastidiously rushed open and he strode out onto the habitat ring hallways like he was a important diplomat arriving with Urgent news of great peace and justice.

Taya heard the sound of boots right outside her quarters and then a the high pitched mechanical whine of the intercom system informing her that there was a incoming message from the outside world.

"Who is it?"

Taya inquired with a voice that was strained and hoarse from speaking with Kira.

Odo sighed as he knew he was probably not someone she wanted to see at this time.

"Its just me. I was just checking up on you. I was wondering...if you wanted to...talk about what happened. You don't have to but if you need someone to listen I am right across the way. Taya you don't have to manage this all on your own but if it is what you wish and you wish to be alone. I understand and I will respect your boundaries".

Taya was moved by this so she requested the hatch to her quarters to be opened so Odo could enter.

"So what brings you here?"

Taya pretended that she was hopeful and positive Even though Odo knew by merely observing her at this moment that she was heartbroken by something.

" Well I thought that would be extremely obvious since I clearly stated what I was here for at the door. I'm here to talk Taya. I came here to speak with you. I was concerned especially after seeing you take off so swiftly. I knew something was wrong and yes I know She was the one that was in the wrong. I know none of this was your fault. So I'm not here to accuse you of anything. I'm Just here to talk and to listen."

" So did she ever Tell you the truth that you've been seeking all this time?"

Taya had a vacant tone and her expression was abysmally lost and apathetic.

"Yes she did... finally. I really wish you had been there but that's not your fault, Kira hit her mark like she always does. She aimed, she fired and she removed the threat from her territory.

She needs to learn that she's not fighting a war anymore. The only war that's going on is in her head.

I wish she would see that not everyone is a enemy or a rival.

The universe isn't black and white, It is lively and vivid, It has life and diversity. There is controversy and conflict but beyond the spoils of war, There is peace, justice and equality. she's just has to find it but she was never open-minded and patient enough to find what she truly sought after.

Now I know what she said to me but what did she say to you Taya?"

" She told me many things much of which is not worth repeating".

"That may be the case, but do you think you could repeat them to me?"

Taya saw how gentle and endearing he was being towards, his acceptance and understanding was so clear to her now that she could feel her words being drawn out into the open.

" She told me about my past, a part of my past that I was made to forget for a long time. I denied it at first because I didn't remember but then the more she went on the more I realized what she was saying was true.

I don't know how this is possible but I think somehow I may have traveled back in time at some point because I wasn't even born yet when the occupation was taking place.

so interdimensional time exploration is the only explanation.

Kira knew me, I was her bunk mate and for a while I was your best friend, She treated me like a sister, She treated me like I was part of her family and it was wonderful for a time but then Dukat ruined it. He ruined my image and he made her think that I was the villain.

Yes she spoke the truth but her truth was warped and all twisted up, She saw me as a seductress, one that not only Stole her man but also stole Dukat from her."

" Why would she care if you stole Dukat away from her? She despises him,in fact she hates him with a vengeance. She literally wants nothing to do with him Not after all he's done."

" That is besides the point, The point is she thinks that during the occupation that I was in love with Dukat. I never was and I never even consented to being his so-called comfort woman. I wasn't even a woman back then I was a child. I had no say in my life back then because I was nothing more than a slave. Kira was in her 20's at the time and I was 17 years if age. The crazy thing is, I saved her life, I used all that time I was with Dukat to gather intel for the resistance but she just remembers me disappearing with Dukat and then later disappearing with you. She thinks I robbed her of her happiness When I literally took phaser for her. You see Damar was very drunk one night and he got to be very disorderly to the point where he became violent And I saw the murder in his eyes and I knew he was going to kill her, He was going to kill Kira. I loved her and I cared about her as a friend and as a sister, So I intervened and bloodied up his face quite a bit. Dukat was informed of it immediately and he was absolutely furious. He then Summoned me to his main office, He told me to get on my knees and then he put a phaser to my face and that's how I got this scar. It was never Madred, I think the neural disruptor, must have created that memory somehow or perhaps it was just my brain trying to survive the trauma so it blocked that memory from my mind.

I remember the trail of blood followed me as I left Dukat's quarters. I wouldn't let anyone see the wound and wouldn't let anyone even come near me. I wouldn't even talk to anybody but then you came in and you saw me sobbing and shivering and I let you look at my injury, you whisked me away and you patched me up and treated my wounds.

You were always kind to me but I don't recall ever seducing you."

Odo Brushes the very tips of his fingers gently across her scar.

"Then that would explain why I enjoy taking care of you".

He chuckled dryly.

" Do you remember any of that Odo?"

"No not right now at the moment but there's a lot that I don't remember from that time. I've blocked our a lot of memories from those years of my life. those memories are very painful and they are filled with a lot of guilt and shame. I've developed a strange subconscious sort of amnesia, It's quite common with trauma yet I'm sure eventually I will remember. There is a time at a place for everything and when it is time I will remember and I will remember everything but you're going to have to be patient with me, Alright Taya.

I don't open up to people easily, you know this, So if I don't open up to you right way, it has nothing to do with you and I don't want you to take it personally.

I will open up to you when I am ready alright".

"Yes I understand. There is no rush. I respect your boundaries as well, Odo."

"Thank you Taya. Now can you tell me anything else was about what Kira said?"

" She pretty much accused me of seducing you and Dukat, so I could take over the station. She asked me if I was involved with you romantically and then she told me that there was no way that that would be possible since you were too broken by her and the other unfortunate circumstances does surrounded your relationship with her. She said she was glad about that, that I would never have a chance with you. After she was done accusing me of every crime under the sun;Which sun this was. I have no idea but anyway I gave her my response and I was civil polite and I backed out with Grace. I told her I was sorry that I hadn't been there for her the way she wanted me to be but then I didn't remember her being there when I needed her which I know sounds very harsh. However, I softened my response by telling her that I respected her and you, and then I would never do anything to compromise your happiness or hers in any way. I literally told her that I wasn't the competition and that I would gladly step aside if that's what she wanted. I also told her that I had no choice. no will no voice and no happiness within this setup where Dukat used and abused me. I told her I was a child, a child that was expected to be an adult. What was so absolutely devastating to me is that she told me she would shed no tears over what I suffered. I have experienced so much cruelty in my life but never have experienced cruelty like hers. Of course I will forgive her but like you opening up it's going to take some time".

Taya choked on her tears.

"Oh Taya I cannot believe that she would be so cruel to you. obviously I believe you, It's just than it is very difficult to process how cruel she's being right now. You were right, the Kira out there is not the career that I know and love,she's changed and thankfully so have I. She denied the truth at first but then it all came out after I pressed her further on the matter.

She told me she had never loved me and The only reason she got together with me was because she didn't want to hurt me but with the irony is that her silence cause more damage than her words. There was a time where I thought perhaps she doesn't know. perhaps she doesn't know how I feel, but then I remembered Kira is no idiot. she's smart and that's when I came to the realization that she must have known all along and to me that is unforgivable.

Oh don't worry I will forgive her eventually...in time but for now She is no longer to be called a friend of mine. She's nothing more than an acquaintance and I wish for to remain that way."

"Im so sorry. I have a confession to make, I knew the truth about Kira feelings for you. I also knew about your feelings for her. I pretty much knew everything about your relationship with her. There were so many times I wanted to tell you the truth, but I knew it would hurt you."

Taya had an incredibly guilty look of dreaded expectation.

"Yes but you actually respect me, You actually care and you have actual empathy for me, Kira does not and she probably never will, so I thank for your respectful consideration. You knew of the truth would upset me So you remained silent but I don't want you to remain in silence anymore. do you understand Taya? I want you to be honest with me, Alright?"

"Yes I understand, I will do my best to be completely honest with you Odo".

"Good I'm glad we were able to have this discussion. Now if you don't mind I need to retire to my quarters."

"It certainly looks like it". Taya smiled surreptitiously to herself.

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"I can see a bit of moisture right above your brow. It looks like wax that has melted slightly. It looks like the regeneration process is already taking effect".

Odo had originally intended to be crossed with her, but now he was just impressed by her knowledge of shapeshifting anatomy.

"Does that bother you?"

Odo was blatant and forthright at this point.

"No not at all. I was merely making

an observation."

Taya's words trembled with nervous uncertainty.

" You don't sound too sure. I'm curious does my natural liquid state disgust or apall you in any way?"

" Oh I wouldn't know. I've never seen you regenerate before".

Taya blushed and diverted her gaze downwards to her hands.

"Would you like to Taya?"

"Oh...that would be...a very interesting experience but I doubt if I'm the right person to witness that."

"Why is that?"

" Well because regeneration is a private and personal experience and it should only be shared with someone very special".

"What if I were to say that you are very special?"

Odo was being so forward He simply had to smile at his brash boldness that he was displaying in front of her right now.

" So you think I'm special?"

Taya looked almost alarmed by his attention.

"Yes I do. Infact I think you are very special, Taya".

"Odo I understand that you need someone to talk to and someone to support you in this time of emotional distress but please don't allow your grief to determine your actions and your overall decisions."

"So you think that what I'm feeling right now is just my grief talking?"

"I don't know what you're feeling but if you're thinking of getting any closer than you are now, It will be considered a conflict of interests. You are my employer and my boss, So it wouldn't be appropriate for us to pursue anything more intimate."

"You are right, I am overcome by grief. I'm not even sure what I'm feeling either. I do know that I care about you but other than that that may be all there is to it, So yes, I should remain more professional. I'm sorry you I lost myself for a moment there. I apologize If I made you feel uncomfortable. I am not myself right now That's why I was going to retire to my quarters.

Please forget that I said anything. You don't have to forget it,you just don't have to mention it again. I'm very confused right now and it was foolish of me to pursue anything more intimate. I'll show myself out".

"Goodnight Odo".

"Goodnight Taya."

Odo had genuine love in his eyes and Taya knew immediately that he hadn't meant a word that he said about being reserved and professional in his composure.

He however had meant what he had said when he told her he thought she was special and she believed he had every intention in revealing his natural form to her.

It was all so obvious and there could be no denying it, even Odo couldn't deny the raging waterfall of emotions that was cascading from his heart and soul.

I don't know if I love her but I have this overwhelming desire to hold her and comfort her. I just want to take care of her, I want to do what I did with Lwaxana Troi.

I want to feel that peace by felt when I was with her, I want her to snuggle up to me and fall asleep in my arms while I stroke her hair and speak to her softly, whispering to her about how special I think she is.

I am afraid of losing myself in these feelings, I fear that I will lose control if I touch her again. I must compose myself. I must compose myself with all my might. I cannot give into these emotion. I must harden my heart and I must remain silent and reserved. This night never happened. I have to remain professional, I can't just give in to the chaos that lives within me. I must refrain and I must restrain myself.

I cannot love her and she cannot love me. I was never meant for love and love was never meant for me. I must accept this and move on.

I am moving on from love as well as moving on from Kira.

Odo didn't know that this was a big mistake, not just a mistake but it was impossible feat Even for him.