After Odo was able to regenerate, he returned to his corporeal form and desperately searched his mind for the answers he sought. How have you known her? He had known her for a long time even though the last time they had met was over 20 years ago. The more he read her journal entries, the more he realized that She had been with him his entire life So it was understandable but he felt so inextricably drawn to her but what troubled him Was he had no idea what had happened that evening. The main thing that troubled him was what if something more intimate had occurred? A light layer of guilt came upon him as he reflected on the fact that she was only 17 during this occasion. However, he didn't know really what led up to those events. He was sure though that she had consented to his affection but he was conflicted as he didn't know for certain if what he had done was right or wrong.
It felt wrong but then he had to draw himself back in and realized that there was a possibility that nothing had happened even though he had whisked her away to his quarters. He knew for a fact that she had not seduced him in any shape or form, He knew because she wasn't type, She was no seductress, She was quiet, shy, reserved much like he had been during the occupation and perhaps their energies complimented one another and then lastly perhaps He had learned to love her. He was already learning to love her right now so it was not hard for him to imagine. falling in love with her during such a dark time.
However, he felt it was the right thing to do, to reserve himself from loving her, It was unethical and inappropriate to have any sort of intimacy with someone who was essentially his employee. Although he knew for sure that none of his other crew mates would mind if he had a little romance in his life and he was sure that they probably wouldn't object if She happened to be an employee but such a thing was normally not encouraged, especially by Bajoran and Federation standards.
However, would his desire outweigh his propriety? He definitely felt it would after all he had been reserved for most of his life and expressing emotion was a rarity so sometimes his emotions came out in a explosive torrent that even overwhelmed the most temperate of people.
He heard the dull whine of the door's intercom ring out again.
"Yes Come in!"
Odo announced pleasantly as he expected it to be Taya since she lived right across the way but to his ultimate displeasure it was none other than Kira that walked through his doors.
His whole pleasant demeanor drooped dramatically to a grim and grumpy curmudgeon That was obviously fed up with love.
Odo grimaced at her as if she was the most disgusting individual be had ever laid eyes on It was the same expression that he had wished to give Dukat on many occasions.
"Look I know you don't want me here but I came in... to apologize".
Kira awkwardly swung her arms as she sauntered in like a child her eyes avoiding his gaze nearly the whole time.
Odo returned her reluctance by looking in various directions as he wore a disdainful unimpressed expression.
"I already told you I wasn't interested in your apologies Kira but since you are being so insistent I shall return the favor. I am not interested in your apologies because I know for a fact a deep down in that tiny little heart of yours, there is not an ounce of regret. I know you're not sorry so I don't need to hear your apologies. there is no point and you know it".
"Odo don't be like this. I really want to make it up to you and maybe I can't make it up to you but at least let me talk to you. You always used to let me talk to you".
"That was before I knew you were stringing me along and using me as your fourth wheel. That was before all my hopes were crushed by you. That was before when I actually had hope that you would love me but now that I realize that I had no hope in the first place, it is a comfort to me so you may leave and no, I don't care if I ever lay eyes on you again. If you don't want to return, that's entirely up to you but I would prefer that we do not meet again."
"Why because I finally told you the truth? That wasn't even the whole truth. there was more".
"Kira I don't want to know anymore. You've hurt me enough, must you continue with your abuse?"
"Okay Odo! I came in here hoping I could talk it out with you like adults, civilly and straightforwardly but now you're just making me angry! So I'm just going to tell you without the buffers and without easing you into it. Yes I never loved you, that is true but I never told you why.
Do you remember when the Dominion and the Cardassians took over this station?"
"How could I forget?They were such a fun times".
"Stop you're joking. I know those weren't fun times for you because they certainly weren't fun times for me either. I had to deal with Dukat being all handsy with me and Damar I knew if he was drunk enough he would probably tear me to pieces If he had the chance. It was a difficult time for me as I'm sure it was for you but anyway you met another founder. she happened to be their queen. She was the ruler and you linked with her. You must have enjoyed it because you forgot about all of forgot about me and for a time you lost all concept of reality. You were literally with her all the time. I thought it was being too harsh with you, especially when you were technically designed to link with others of your kind, but now I know why it bothered me so much. It's not you that's the problem,the problem is your natural state, I mean I thought the transitioning that you went through to shift into another shape was beautiful but when you showed me your natural liquid form, I was repulsed by it. I felt so guilty for feeling that way but I realized now that I couldn't help it and just remembering your viscous form it disgusted me to the point It's where I couldn't form an attraction with you."
Odo completely ignored her and continued out the door as if she hadn't spoken a word.
" Well Are you going to say anything?"
" What do you expect me to say , Kira? Am I supposed to say I'm sorry for grossing you out? Oh I get it. I'm supposed to say "Oh no Kira Don't feel guilty. it's only natural to feel the way you do.'
'No, I'm not going to comfort you this time, I'm not going to give you any wise anecdotes or meaningful stories that are going to help you on your spiritual journey. You're probably wondering why because I knew all along Kira.I knew you were disgusted by me. I know my viscous liquid form didn't sit well with you. I could feel it when I touched you. I could feel your tension when I was around you. It did not take a rocket scientist to figure that out but somehow you thought I was the numb emotionless idiot that couldn't possibly understand your level of emotions. So of course I pity you because you will never know the depth of emotions that I have and the depth of emotions that I could have had for you and I don't mean to be arrogant or sound egotistical but hopefully years from now You are reflect on what we could have had together and you will reflect on it when you see that I have found happiness outside of your jurisdiction."
" Are you telling me that you're going to be happy, Happy with her?"
Odo narrowed one of his eyes to slit and thought carefully about his response.
"Oh So you saw that? I'm absolutely astounded that you took notice of somebody's happiness besides your own.
Wow... This is very unlike you. perhaps you really have changed. Yes I will probably be happy with her, You saw me smile and laugh, while she nudges me And I nudge her back, I give her a chummy smile and then she blushes in return. So you know what? Yes she makes me happy. I don't know where this friendship is going to go, but I'm content with whatever comes my way even if it isn't a serious committed relationship. She gives me some sense of peace which is something you would never give me Kira. You made me feel second best, You made me feel as if I wasn't enough for you, You always instilled in me a constant anxiety. You held your head up high as if nothing I did could ever fulfill your high expectations. Now I want to fulfill my own expectations as difficult a concept as that may be for you, I'm doing something for myself. Something is going to keep me happy rather than keeping you happy. Now if you don't mind, I have a duty to perform, a duty to protect this entire station, which I'm sure is much more important than any emotional distress you may be going through right now. I hope you have a wonderful day and I hope that you have it elsewhere, possibly somewhere far away from my office. Take care of yourself Kira".
Kira was absolutely stunned and bewildered by this, especially as she watched him sit down behind his desk and smile at his new Deputy Who was awaiting him in the same chair that she used to occupy.
" You seem cheerful this morning".
" I am. I just stood up to Kira. If you turn around briefly, you'll see her Frozen solid outside on the Promenade. She probably never imagined that I'd ever stand up to her, She's such a bully but thankfully she forgot that I make my living doing just that."
Odo was extremely pleased with himself and he didn't even try to hide his contented smugness, So we chuckled and he smiled far more than he ever had in his entire life.
" So what did you tell her this time?"
Taya Looked more wholesome than ever, Even though she was wearing a somewhat wicked grin on her face.
" I told her I didn't need any more apologies Because I knew she didn't mean it, I told her I was going to find happiness outside of her jurisdiction and that I hoped She enjoyed the rest of her day far away from my office".
"Really? You said all that?"
Taya seemed astounded by this but she also has shade of proud pleasantry that ultimately expressed to him that she wasn't just shocked, but she actually approved.
"Yes I did and I meant every word of it but there's more, I told her that I had already found my peace and happiness elsewhere."
Odo gazed at Taya intensely.
"Oh no... Odo you didn't. You didn't tell her that we were together, did you?"
"No, I didn't go that far."
"Then what did you tell her really?"
" She asked if I was going to find my happiness with you and I told her yes".
Taya suddenly felt light-headed, She could feel her legs go icy and numb, her cheeks became inflamed to the point that she almost felt she had a fever.
"Are you all right?"
"No, I don't feel so well. Why would you do that? Why would you say such a thing? Now she's going to think That I'm after you".
"She already thinks that you're after me. now she's going to think that I'm after you".
Odo grinned boyishly.
"Odo That's even worse now we both are going to be her enemy. You've not only made me a target now. you've made yourself one as well".
"Oh yes that reminds me. I sent you that dress last night for a reason, I had originally planned to persuade a confession out of her, I was hoping her hot hotheadedness would explode and then she would admit her undying feelings for me. but now I see that's just a fantasy."
"I don't believe you. I can't believe you would do such a thing. I thought you were just inviting me because you needed emotional support, I didn't realize that dress was a way to objectify me in front of Kira. You sent me that dress So I would stir some fervent feelings of jealousy from her. You used me.
I thought you were respected me, I didn't realize I was nothing more than a pawn to you."
Taya became tearful once more but these were angry, tears, hot, angry tears that he knew were only reserved for him.
"No, Taya, It wasn't like that. I was originally going to go through with that plan when I caught sight of you in that dress, I immediately changed my mind."
"Oh so You're little lamb was dressed up all nice for the slaughter, How absolutely touching."
"Taya please. I didn't mean it that way. What I meant when I sent you that dress was to send you a secret message.".
"What was the message?"
"That dress has a lot of sentimental value to me and to the one that gave it to me. Lwaxana She was in love with me the moment she met me but she knew that her affections would never be returned because I was in love with Kira. So she gave me this dress to symbolize her unrequited love. because the last woman that wore that dress was practically the queen of unrequited love. Janice Rand was in love with Captain Kirk but she knew she could never admit it to him because he was her commanding officer her superior her boss so to speak. That's why I sent it to you because I knew it might have some sentimental value to you as well".
Odo smiled in a way that Taya knew for certain that he was aware of her feelings for him.
"That is actually very touching. No really, That was a very sweet gesture on your part. Thank you".
"Your welcome. I do hope that this is only the beginning though".
Odo touched her hand and then stood up from his desk.
Taya was already on her feet and Odo surreptitiously scanned the promenade from the window and he smile he noticed that Kira was still frozen in shock outside the doors.
Odo touched her scar once more with such loving tenderness, Taya felt that her legs were going melt into the carpet.
He embraced her face with both of his hands and then blessed her lips with firmly vigorous kiss.
"Odo...whaaat are you doing?"
Taya almost shoved herself away from him.
"I'm giving you what you want, I'm fulfilling your desires. This is what you wanted isn't it? I mean you did enjoy that didn't you?"
"Yes, I enjoyed it but I thought we were going to remain professional, I thought we weren't going to pursue anything romantic".
"Well I changed my mind especially when you came to work with that dress.".
Odo sat on top of his desk and he struck a finger out as if to touch her ample waist.
"Odo...ugh... You are acting Very odd. I would like to please request that you do not touch me."
Taya moved so she was out of his reach.
" Is it such a crime for me to think that you are beautiful?"
"Odo It's not a crime to think I am beautiful, but it is a crime to objectify my beauty and you did it again when you kissed me. You weren't kissing me because you think I'm so beautiful. you were only kissing me because you see Kira outside. I saw you looking before that happened.
Yet again I can't compete with Kira Even when you're not with her, there is no way I could ever be better than her. She will always be your sunshine and I will always be your shade. It seems I am doomed to live in under your shadow while you live under hers. I would like to request my resignation, That way I won't interfere with your rekindled romance."
"What rekindled romance? I have none especially with her. Oh by the way, your request for your resignation is denied".
"Then I will leave without my resignation papers."
"Oh no you will not, Taya".
Odo stood up from his desk and towered over her menacingly.
"How are you going to stop me? I could literally wipe you out from existence with a snap of my fingers thankfully for you I actually have a heart but I warn you it will not end well if you get in my way".
"Is that a threat, Taya. If that is a threat, I warn you there are consequences for those that threaten the Chief of Security."
"Then it is not a threat. it is a promise."
"A promise of what?"
"A promise that I will leave you and this station. I don't belong here anyway and with Dukat on his way I would only be doing you and the station a favor."
"So because you're upset with me, you'd be willing to surrender into the hands of Dukat? Which If you think about it is really quite ironic since he's the one that Actually objectified you nearly every day of your life.
Of course he objectifies any female just as long as she has a pulse."
"I'd rather leave and protect the station then stay and endanger everyone here."
Taya's voice was getting high and squeaky from her tears of tragedy.
"If you stay You will only endanger this station but if you leave you may risk endangering the entire universe. another thing, if you stay I can guarantee your a safety, I can protect you and everyone on this station but if you leave there's no telling what he will do to you. So I'd prefer if you stayed That way I can look after you, watch over you, protect you and Maybe even take care of you."
"So is this is what all the drama is about? Taking care of me?"
Taya softened her tone to sentimental.
"Essentially yes And I admit the kiss was to discourage Kira but it wasn't too objectify you in any shape or form. I'm just so fed up with her and her dramatic shenanigans. I just want to be through with this, through with her. She literally destroyed seven years of my life because I was holding on a tiny speck of hope that she would love me and throw herself at me confessed me of her undying love. unfortunately, love isn't like in the movies or or how it is in books. Life isn't a holodeck program, as you know Taya. It's a lot less sentimental and sometimes it even hurts, especially if the other one doesn't feel the same way. I'm sure you understand."
"Yes I do. I was kind of confused though. you told me that you were fulfilling my desires but how do you know about my desires?"
"Um...Garak"
"Have You've been in contact with Garak recently?"
Taya craned her neck awkwardly in curiosity
"Well...no... I haven't actually... at least not directly... Let's just say he sent me a few messages indirectly of course.".
"Odo Why are you so nervous?"
"Nervous? HA. I'm not nervous. did you think I was nervous? That's ridiculous. I have no idea how you came to that conclusion.
Tsk. I'm just distracted, distracted by...um...how lovely you look in that dress. I hope it suits you... I mean I hope it fits you properly. It does fit doesn't it?"
"Odo...please stop lying to me. You are a bundle of nerves right now and the reason I know is because your brow. It looks like melted candle wax. Now, I'm not any expert on changeling anatomy, but I'm pretty sure that's a sign that you are about to regenerate.
Are you overdue by any chance?"
"No, I still have another 10 hours before I have to go scream in my bucket alright!"
Odo Suddenly became very stern and cross almost flippant and angry with her.
"Then what is going on? Are you having a hard time maintaining in your solid form Odo?"
"NO! I do not have any issues with keeping this present solid form and I wish you would stop pestering me about it!
I...am...fine!"
Odo was crazed and emotional at this point but somehow his face kept melting in random places.
"Odo you are not fine! You need to go to sick Bay right now!
I think Your regenerative abilities may be inhibited somehow."
"I am not going to Sickbay!"
Odo slumped in his chair with His arms crossed like an angry toddler that had been put into timeout.
"And why won't you go to Sick Bay now?"
"BECAUSE... Bashir doesn't like me ... anymore!"
" Oh I see,so this is a matter of pride. You don't want to go because you don't want to be told what to do by someone That might know a little bit more than you do about your own regenerative abilities.
Look you don't even have to talk to Bashir you just show up;tell him what the problem is. Just cross your arms like you are now and just allow him to examine you, Its that easy and that's all you have to do.
Don't be a baby about this Odo". Taya gave him a reprimanding and motherly expression as she tilted her head downwards to look at him in a nurturing sort of way.
"Fine... I'll go... If it'll make you happy I will leave for Sick bay".
Odo grumbled in a mumbling sort of way.
"Do you want me to go with you?"
Taya spoke in a tone that reminded him of that pouty voice that Bashir would use whenever he was joking with O'Brien, He recalled that he hated this condescending voice because it resembles that of a parent who was talking down to their child.
"No...no There is no need. I can manage by myself. I might have needed you to help face Kira but I do not need you to help me face Bashir."
"Do you think I'm going to go in there with you? I don't have to go in with you. When I offered to go with you I meant that I would walk with you and escort you to sick bay. I wouldn't go inside with you. I would wait outside while the doctor comes up with the verdict. I'm not going to attend your doctor's appointments, That would be a little too personal don't you think?"
"Yes, of course you have a point. I suppose you can walk me there and escort me to sick bay but I do not want you eavesdropping. I want you at least 10 ft away from the sick bay doors and I don't want you to ask me anything until I am at least 20 ft if not more away from Bashir himself, cuz I don't want him eavesdropping on me either. Got It?"
Odo spoke intensely
"Yes, I understand. I am not going to interfere in any way, I will respect your privacy. In fact, if you don't want to discuss what happened in there, you don't have to, you are your own person just as I am. You have every right to be as grumpy and reserved as you want to be, You are the chief of security after all".
"Okay... Thank you, I appreciate that. Really I do".
Taya then followed Odo out onto the Promenade, walking 5 ft behind and she made sure to a keep 10 ft distance from the Sick Bay doors.
"Oh... Odo... funny running into you like this. Has there been a security breach recently that you think I should know about?"
Bashir's huge eyes opened even wider in pleasant surprise.
"No... Actually I came in... Well I came in for myself".
"Oh really? That's a first. I mean it's not the first,obviously I mean there was that time where you human but it's been a long time. thankfully you've come to the right place because there is nobody on this station that knows more about changeling DNA and changeling anatomy more than I do.
So what seems to be the problem?"
"Well I'm not really certain... All I know is that my regenerative abilities seem to be working overtime."
"working overtime? Oh That doesn't sound like you at all".
Bashir pulled up his lips to form a facetious grin.
"I know it's hard to believe isn't it. Me over working or going overtime. That's simply unthinkable.".
"Perish the thought my dear Odo. Yes, according to my readings your regenerative abilities are actually working overtime in layman's terms of course. Your temporary cellular structure seems to be breaking down too fast. in other words, you are regenerating faster than your mind can keep up with."
"Oh... It's not going to be like last time is it?"
"the last time? Oh yes, the last time you mean the last time were you had to return to the great link pretty much against your own will. No, I don't see that happening again. Even though you are regenerating faster than Your present ego, I think your pride and ego will overcome this. I really do.
Plus I can see the regenerative process is slowing down now. The readings aren't quite the same as they were that one time, you know before you became human. It's not accelerating at all that right now so I don't see you losing control anytime soon. However, your are stress levels are alarmingly high. Have you been recently stressed out by something? Maybe a recent event may have triggered this".
"I am always stressed out, It's my life".
"I know that, but I mean has there been anything that has increased your stress levels as of late?"
"Yes, I'm suppose there is."
"Oh... would you care to tell me what that is exactly?"
"Alright Bashir... I told off Kira this morning, I stood up to her... which is hard to believe but I have moved on from her. Apparently she's moved on as well probably to some other boy toy she picked up on some street corner somewhere. the truth is I really don't want anything to do with her because she's been dragging me along for seven long years and then for 43 more years I've had absolutely no contact with her, So she comes in here smiling as if she's about to bring me some. hopefully promising news just like she always does but she told me the truth and the truth is she never loved me. She told me the only reason that she got together with me was because she didn't want me to be hurt if She rejected me."
"Okaaaay... Yeah that doesn't sound stressful at all. You shouldn't beat yourself up about it old man. She was always a tortured soul so to speak, She was always drama Although I would have loved her to look my way, I knew right away that she was high maintenance,that's why We never went on any dates. She went with me on the holodeck with Jadzia and Miles, but even then I was kind of the third wheel you know. Now I like fierce women but that woman whoa She was a fireball, and that's a little too much fire for me,thank you very much. I know we've had disagreements in the past, but I do admire you for being so loyal to Kira and to everyone else on this station. I know you wanted to deny it but you have helped out Quark a couple of times and he appreciated quietly of course, but you are a very giving individual Odo and You shouldn't waste it people like Kira. Now I wish I had told you over 43 years ago what was going on, I think all of us wanted to, but we didn't want to hurt you either, we wanted you to be happy and we will hoping that things would work out with you too. Really, we were all behind you all the way Odo, Even Sikso was rooting for you."
"Well that's to be expected, He's everybody 's favorite father, now o it was Quark I might be suspicious".
"No, I'm pretty sure Quark was rooting for you as well. He's more of a silence cheerleader, You know he doesn't have a lot of enthusiasm".
"Silent? How much latinum did you have to pay him to do that?"
"Oh more than I own,believe me.
Well Odo I think you should be fine, If you're having any more issues regenerating do let me know."
"So I'm cleared?"
"Yes Odo you are in the clear and you should be ready to go anytime you feel like it."
"Thank you Doctor, I suppose I owe you two favors now".
"Hmm... Perhaps... Don't worry, I'll think of something. No it won't be anything to do with the Holodeck but I will let you know when I need that favor."
"I can't wait". Odo said with as much enthusiasm as one would have when they were told they had to be given an enema.
"Stop overworking yourself Odo, It's not healthy. better yet, why don't you take a few days off?"
"You know I have tried that in the past but usually the moment I start to actually relax. I'm called in for work again for some random security detail. Plus I hear that Dukat is on the loose again So I'll need to remain vigilant, I don't want a mad Man like that gallivanting all over this station again."
"He's alive?!"
"Yes, he is alive Bashir and according to Taya he never actually died, He was merely just imprisoned somewhere. It's a long story. He does have a target and he does have a mission and a goal. He has his reasoning to come here in other words."
"Why would that be? I wonder".
"You can wonder all you like but I'm sure all will be revealed later."
"Why all the secrecy? I can be discreet. I am a doctor after all".
"You discreet? Oh please after Jadzia passed on, You took her place as the station gossip. So no I'm not telling you anymore about this security detail. If you want to know more, go talk to Sisko, He should know all about it. He's the emissary".
"Why have you told him anything about this new security detail?"
"No but he's psychic so he may already know about it".
"I don't think I'm going to count on Sisko having a really useful hallucination for me. So I better wait till you actually do tell him and then I can tell the whole station, Right after I go visit Quark of course".
"Why tell the whole station when you can tell Quark, Bashir?"
"Oh that's precisely why I'm going to be making a short stop at Quark's So I don't have to tell the whole station myself.".
"Smart thinking, Just don't give any of my security codes and everything should be fine."
"I don't know your security codes. What are they again? I'm always forgetting. Must he some strange form of amnesia that I'm experiencing that I was never aware of.".
"Nice try, Bashir. But no security codes today".
Bashir made a pouty face and then slapped his knee.
"Aw shucks I really thought I had you that time!"
Odo shook his head as he left Sickbay.
Odo nearly forgot all about Taya until he almost ran right into her.
"Egads Taya! How did you get here so fast? were you here before?"
Odo nearly lost his solid form yet again.
"I'm sorry to startle you, Yes, I've been here the whole time, I've been wandering around a little, You know scanning the area for unseen security threats, doing my job in general. I didn't mean to sneak up on you. I Thought for a moment there you were going to regenerate".
Taya playfully a bit her bottom lip.
"Well what's the verdict?"
"There isn't one. He just said that it's possible, that I'm over working myself, going over time and that it's affecting my cellular regeneration process.
In other words, it's stress, lots and lots of stress."
"I'm sorry to hear that. I imagine that facing Kira put a lot of unnecessary stress on you. I'm also sorry that I walked out last night. I left you alone with her and I shouldn't have. I was supposed to be there to support you emotionally and I didn't."
"You walked out because she was making the environment hostile for you to be in and that is not your fault. I was the jerk That wanted to use you to get even with Kira, When I should have been more honest with you About what I was planning that night".
"It's okay, you shouldn't have to explain. I mean it's classic textbook scenario, You know you grab a girl so you can show the other girl that you used to know how great your life is going. It's the jealousy tactic. I'm quite familiar with it and I should have seen it a mile off. I really should have.
I mean if there's one thing that I learned from Dukat It's about emotional manipulation. I know you weren't planning on emotionally manipulating me you were planning on emotionally manipulating Kira Which if you ask me is only fair, especially after all the emotional manipulation she put you through."
"Yes but it doesn't make it right for me to get even with her. I'm not a high school boy, I am a commanding officer and the chief of security on this station. I don't solve my problems by getting revenge, I solve my problems through logic, hopefully talking it out and maybe if they don't listen I might use a bit of force but nothing's going to leave any permanent damage."
"She left you with permanent damage Odo. I know you want to be virtuous ethical as well as logical but what she did to you wasn't virtuous, ethical or logical. I know it sounds harsh to disregard her feelings because she disregarded yours but sometimes people need to know how much damage they've done by feeling it themselves."
"But I don't want to permanently damage her, Taya. I don't want her to ever experience the kind of emotional turmoil I have to experience every day. I wouldn't wish my emotional pain on anyone else, not even on her. I know I seem cruel and calculative but I am not a monster. I don't want to have people suffer for the things they did to me. I know the people that have made me suffer, they're probably suffering right now as we speak, which means I don't have to punish them for what they did to me. Sisko used to tell me this old Terran proverb, living well is the best revenge and that's just what I'm going to do. I'm going to live well and I'm going to show her that I'm living well and if that means I have an inclination to walk right up and kiss you Then I will do so".
"Okay...um... did you think maybe you could consult me first before you do this?"
"Of Course I'll consult you. I don't make it a habit to just randomly Walk up and kiss my deputies".
"Well that would be weird if it was".
" Don't worry, it will only be you. I don't intend on doing anything else with any of my other employees".
"Oh thanks... Why am I the special one all of a sudden?"
Taya had no enthusiasm in her voice whatsoever.
"Oh I don't know. Maybe because I like you more than my other deputies".
Odo gave her a almost lusty look as he touched her arm gently.
"Odo...um I don't know if you're trying to flirt with me, but please stop".
"Why? Do not like me paying attention to you?"
"Oh it's quite the contrary Odo, I love having your full attention but we are in public and we are on the Promenade and you are making me feel very uncomfortable and self-conscious, especially when you look at me like that".
"Oh I'm sorry... I'll stop. I don't know what's gotten into me. I seems to be out of sorts. I don't seem to have a lot of control over how I feel and apparently I don't have much control over my present form at the moment.
I'll get over this, Don't worry about it".
Odo and Taya returned to the security office via the Promenade.
Odo stiffly sat down, his back as stiff as a board with his tablet in hand and his face immobile and unreadable.
"Um Odo... Can I ask you a question?"
Taya's voice surprised Odo because her voice was no longer sultry, it was strained, soft childlike.
"Yes Taya?"
"Um...well... I I hope this isn't too personal but I was wondering do you know how to relax... like at all?"
"Of course I know how to relax.
Why? What brought this up exactly?"
"Well It's come to my attention that you seem to be very tense and stiff a lot of times. What do you do to relax exactly?"
"I read, occasionally I'll go to the holodeck alone without anybody present, Then of course when I returned my quarters I regenerate which is the most effective method of relaxation for me.".
"Could I make a few suggestions perhaps?"
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt. Go ahead. What do you suggest hmmm?"
Odo's eyes came to life with pure fascination.
Taya giggled slightly and then went behind his chair which he swerved to follow thr direction she was headed but he felt the jolt of his chair lurch forward in the direction of the Office doors.
"Taya What are you doing back there? You know I don't like you messing with my chair."
"Shhhhh...You need to relax... You know you are way too uptight. Just push your shoulders back and sit back in your chair and I'll do the rest".
Odo furrowed his brow in comic suspicion.
Taya then placed her hands on his shoulder and pushed them back as she proceeded to massage his neck and then his shoulders.
"Taya...Taya..Taya stop...Oooooh...that is actually pretty nice. Yes right there...Awww that hits the spot. Whoa... How are you doing this Taya?"
"Let's just say I've had a lot of practice."
"Well that I understand but I don't really have muscles...to tend to so to speak So I was wondering how exactly you are helping me relax right now?"
"I don't think I could explain it to you even if I tried. It's probably some very complicated and scientific reason. just don't try to overthink it. Just relax. you deserve it".
Odo surrendered to her tender but exceptionally skilled touch.
Odo couldn't remember the last time He was this relaxed and her touch was so soothing he couldn't help but submit to her affections.
Even when she placed her hand on his golden hair and then slid her hand down his chest.
Taya enjoyed seeing that expression of ultimate bliss on his face, She didn't care if she had to do this all day, seeing him happy and at peace was enough for her.
" You know there are a lot of things that I don't understand about my abilities either but I think I understand yours a little bit better.
I know there was something you wanted to show me a couple of days ago. I was a little bit nervous at first, maybe even a little scared but I'm not anymore. perhaps you could show me sometime because I am actually really curious about what that is".
It took a while for Odo to realize how very slow and seductive her voice had become.
Odo opened his eyes to peer up at her, he saw her with one hand on his head and other hand that placed on his chest.
He glared at her a little but then smiled good naturedley, However, that smile was all it took to make her feel like her heart had melted into nothingness.
"Oh I'm sorry.".
She quickly removed her hands as she felt suddenly very guilty by the fact that she had a suspicion that she had overstepped her bounds with him.
She hastily spun around so that she could return to her chair. however when she did so she forgot How close in proximity her feet were to the legs of his chair so just as she spun around her ankle got temporarily caught on one of the legs of the chair.
She half expected that she would land face first onto the office floor but instead she was sent backwards and ever so conveniently she ended up landing in Odo's.
"Oh I'm so sorry. I didn't hurt you did I? Well that was so stupid of me. of course you're not hurt but it's still stupid of me to a trip like that".
Her voice was rushed and wounded almost as if she feared that he would beat her afterwards.
" It's all right, it was an accident, No harm done, at least you didn't break the chair this time".
Odo chuckled as he couldn't help but pay attention to this extremely attractive female that had flopped over into his lap.
"Um... I'm going to get up now".
Taya began to sit up but as she did it so she was flung backwards again and when she saw Odo smile understood immediately why.
" What if I don't want you to?"
There was a devilish edge to his voice.
" Well that's cute and all but that would be most irregular, I mean I'm going to have to get up sometime, So I might as well make it now".
Taya attempted to get up once again but Odo jolted her backwards with such enthusiasm, but she almost ended up completely horizontal.
"Odo.. let go of me. This is really most unprofessional".
"Don't you think I know that? Oh by the way, since we're being honest with one another, If you noticed how conveniently you landed right here in my lap, It's because I didn't want you falling right on your face, So I caught you before you started falling in that direction".
"Oh so you planned this. So did you plan on distracting me with that charming smile of yours as well?"
"Oh of course I plan everything. I know my smile was the ultimate thing to distract you from the leg of my chair and then you would have no choice but to fall right into my lap. No, I don't think I went quite that far. I was trying to save your life after all".
"Well, thank you. I appreciate your concern for my safety. It is very touching and very endearing how much time you put into making sure that I'm safe. I mean without you I'd probably be absolutely helpless".
"Oh I know. that's why I'm always keeping it very close eye on you because you're just so clumsy and helpless, I just simply have to take care of you or else who will?"
"Oh Bashir could take care of me".
"Tsk I don't think so. You didn't move in next door to Bashir now did you? No you moved in next door to me Which come to think of it is not something I have fully taken advantage of. Although I have to appreciate the fact how you were so very willing to agree to move right across the way from me. Of course, you've always been an obedient little girl haven't you?"
"I am a very obedient little girl. yes but the weird thing is I'm only obedient to you".
"Oh I don't think that's weird at all. I think that's only natural. I am very domineering after all so many people find it very difficult to disobey or defy me. I just have that commanding air. the people who just immediately respect me, So of course I expect no less from you."
"So you do like to be in charge. I thought so. I thought it was just an act at first, but now I know all the rumors are true, You really are the boss around here aren't you?"
"Of course, I'm so glad that I finally have a crew-mate that appreciates my authority and respects it. That's a problem with Kira She doesn't respect me and she doesn't appreciate my authority but you do And I find that to be absolutely refreshing".
"Odo can I get up now?"
Taya's low sultry voice squeaked slightly.
" Oh no! I'm afraid not, You see I'm not quite done with you. I need you for a few minor security details."
"Oh really and how can I help you?"
"Oh um... let's see... there is One thing I need help with but you'll need to lean in a little closer for me to tell you about it".
Taya was a little bit nervous about this but she leaned in closer Just as she was told and but then felt her whole body jolt forward, her chest ramming into his Golden Bajoran Uniform, her face went numb but her lips felt like they were melting into his own.
Odo was very close to bruising her face as he dove in to kiss her.
Odo However, made a mistake, a mistake that ruined the entire moment.
Odo gently slipped his tongue between her lips and but the moment it entered through the doors of her mouth, Odo proceeded to make a very rough circular motion with his tongue.
"ODO!
Odo opened his eyes and blinked a couple times almost as if he had been under some spell and he looked at Taya obliviously.
"Odo that is enough!"
Odo looked over at the door in
mortified bewilderment as it dawned on him that the next voice did not belong to Taya but to Commander Benjamin Sisko.
"What in the blazes are you doing Constable?"
Odo gave him a weak smile.
Taya rushed away from his chair and set obediently in the corner of the room.
"I was...I was distracted".
Odo almost sounded like he was asking a question.
"Yes that you were Odo. I can see that. I can see that very clearly but I didn't even have to consult the prophets today to figure that one out. would you mind telling me What exactly you were doing with your head, deputy officer?"
Taya intervened.
"I'm afraid that's my fault sir, You see I was adjusting his chair and when I went to turn around I tripped on one of the chair legs and I accidentally fell on top of him. I feel terrible sir."
"That I can forgive, There's No crime in being a little bit clumsy Taya especially as an Ensign but sliding into someone's chair is quite a different matter the sliding in any other appendages in the process.
I do not blame you Taya for the situation in any way, You are an innocent but him I'm holding fully responsible."
"No Commander, it's all my fault. Really it is. The truth is I wasn't fixing his chair. I was giving him a massage. I was only trying to help him relax. it really wasn't anything romantic, It was for therapeutic effects only but I shouldn't have encouraged him. I was wrong. I realized that, I must have been being a tease so to speak. So if you're going to blame anyone you can blame me".
"Taya be quiet and stand down! I already told you you are not to blame in the situation,so stop defending him!"
Sisko shouted at her authoritatively.
"Look Odo I understand you are going through a lot of stress right now with Kira and now Dukat but are not to allow this stress to affect the way you do your job and you should not allow it to get in the way of your self control."
"I take full responsibility for what happened Commander. I allowed my own emotional distress and grief to affect my way of thinking as well as affecting my self-control. I am truly sorry sir.
I will return to my usual duties."
Odo's voice was sounded thin and deflated.
"Yes, you've got that right, You will return to your usual duties and Taya, You will report to O'Brien first thing tomorrow morning. until then you are dismissed."
"Wait does that mean she's going to engineering?"
"Yes, she happens to be a very gifted engineer which is something I originally intended for her to do but then you got it into your head that you wanted to constantly watch over her which I appreciated it at first but I do not appreciate it now.
So for now and then she will be an engineer and for her trouble she will be promoted to lieutenant after her first shift tomorrow.I hope you to be there at the awards ceremony and I hope You can manage to keep your hands off of her for more than 5 minutes.
Good day Constable".
finally, Odo was all alone and he sat there stunned for a long while until he suddenly burst out of his seat, took his arm in one swift motion so that all the papers that were on his desk went flying.
He had nearly ruined his reputation and quite possibly lost any respect that Sisko had had for him.
He angrily matched to his quarters, So he could destroy the main living area with his rage.
