DS9: Book by its Cover Chapter Nine
Lunch Date
"Garak!" Julian called out in greeting as he hurried in to the Replimat, holding up his hand for the traditional Cardassian welcome. Julian was vibrating with energy.
Their hands touched; Julian's slightly warmer than Garak's. Garak couldn't help it as the undeniable flare of attraction coursed through him.
"Sorry I am late. I had a patient with a ruptured appendix," Julian told Garak, with a gleam in his eye. Placing a black palm sized box on the table, before quickly pulling out the chair, sitting opposite Garak. The cacophony of the other patrons creating a sense of privacy for the two friends.
"I hope that it was nothing too serious?" Garak asked, a questioning tilt to his head. Garak appreciated the flush of colour to Julian's cheeks.
"Oh no, not difficult for me at all of course. It is just so rare to have a case, my first in fact. It never usually gets to the stage of rupturing," Julian says excitedly, with an almost bounce in his seat. "The patient is usually prescribed a suitable medicine to resolve the issue before it gets to the stage of rupturing. Doctor Jabra and I are considering writing it up as a paper and submitting it to Star Fleet Medical," Julian explained, looking happy about this prospect.
"And has the patient made a full recovery?" Garak inquired with a gentle tone. He found himself indifferent to the fate of the patient, yet Julian's approach to his medical cases remained an enigma. There were days when he observed Julian deeply affected, almost in despair, by the challenges posed by a difficult case. On other occasions, Julian displayed a nonchalant, laissez-faire attitude that left Garak intrigued by the unpredictable nature of the doctor's emotions toward his patients.
"What? Oh yes, right as rain. I gave them today and tomorrow off duty. No permanent injury at all, give me a moment while I get something from the replicator," Julian said as he jumped up from his chair and rushed to the replicator, to select his lunch.
Garak sighed at the youthful exuberance that the doctor showed. This was there third date after their strange late-night dinner. Julian was an excellent conversationalist, if an excitable one. Garak noticed the palm sized box Julian had left on the table with suspicion.
Julian returned and noisily dropped his lunch on the table, giving Garak a frankly besotted look. "Well! What did you think of the 'Echoes of Ascendancy: Shadows of Eugenesis'?" Julian asked eagerly, watching Garak's expressions carefully.
'What do I say,' Garak thought, wanting to be diplomatic. "It was certainly colourful. Wasn't Khan somewhat one dimensional?" Garak ventured.
"Khan starts out as one dimensional in the first book, but as the series develops so does his character. It is speculated by the academics that the creators of the novel did this purposefully, as 150 years ago the feelings about the Eugenics War was still viscerally felt. And it is reasoned that the readers wouldn't have accepted a sympathetic Khan," Julian clarified.
"Academics?" Garak enquired not sure he understood the term in standard.
"Yes, the 'Echoes of Ascendancy' series is considered a masterpiece of its form. Many Universities include it in their curriculum. Some schools also incorporate it in classes for their older students," Julian said, as he took a drink of the fizzy concoction in his cup. "It is also well known for its historical accuracy of the time period. Not the actual events in the story though."
Garak was even more baffled now that this incomprehensible book was even studied at higher learning institutions. Though it was interesting that it was considered historically accurate.
"Does this include the representation of the Remnants?" Garak asked innocently, subtly moving closer to Julian, to encourage confidences. 'This might be an opportunity to learn more about the Remnants'. Though as their dates continued, Garak found himself less motivated in gathering information about remnants and wanting to discern what Julian thought on all subjects. He had a very black and white perspective on everything. Often from the vantage point of superiority, not an exactly attractive characteristic, but fascinating nonetheless.
"More or less," Julian shrugged. "We are renowned for our combat skills and leadership. Faster and stronger than humans. Easily a match physically for Cardassians. Not sure about Klingons and Vulcans though," Julian said with a thoughtful look on his face as he took another slow bite of his sandwich. This was untrue, Remnants were a match for both species. This wasn't common knowledge, so Julian wasn't at liberty to share this information.
'This really is a good roast beef sandwich'. Julian took another sip of his sparkling water. Watching Garak's reactions, while maintaining a relaxed posture, his face open not giving away any of his thoughts. As Julian had suspected Garak didn't hold much interest in his Graphic Novel. Julian could tell by his micro expressions that he was both puzzled and horrified by the book. 'It will be interesting to see if I can get him to appreciate the novel', Julian thought while directing another soft look at Garak. Though it ultimately didn't matter.
Julian relished his interactions with Garak, finding the Cardassian both intriguing and appealing. Engaging in a subtle form of retaliation, he took pleasure in tormenting the man – his way of serving just desserts for attempting to exploit the supposedly innocent Julian by introducing him to graphic novels. Julian's perception of Cardassian's suggested a deep appreciation for the intricate nuances of language, where layers of meaning unfolded within words. This appreciation was prominently displayed in their poetry and prose, which skilfully navigated the complexities of meaning. Unlike their literary pursuits, Cardassian visual arts adhered to a literal representation without harbouring hidden symbolism; for them, a rose was simply a rose.
Julian hoped Garak appreciated the lesson he was taking the time to teach him. He had later found out that Tain had introduced 'Hallmark Movies' To the Obsidian Order's training curriculum. Julian smiled brightly at Garak, as he contemplated all of those poor Cardassian's he had inadvertently made to suffer through truly awful movies.
As Julian playfully batted his eyes at Garak, he relished the teasing, wondering how long it would take the Cardassian to catch on. Immersed in the enjoyment of their banter, Julian began contemplating something more profound with Garak – a genuine connection and confidant. 'Maybe if I introduced some of those Movies, Tain makes his operatives watch, it will alert Garak to the fact that I might not be all that I seem', crossed Julian's mind. 'Maybe after completing this current book series'.
Julian tried not to frown as he thought of Ben's advice. He would need an ally he could trust when war finally came to Deep Space Nine.
Garak was looking particularly appealing today in his dark blue and grey brocade suit. Julian had noticed that Garak often wore heavy layers, no doubt to combat the chill of the station. 'Hmmm, it did show of his neck ridges to perfection, quite flirty by Cardassian standards'.
Garak noted that Julian once again included himself in the descriptions of Remnants martial prowess. He took a spoonful of his stew, it was meant to be a Cardassian recipe, but it was nothing like what he would be served at home. But it tasted pleasant enough. The company more than made up for its deficiencies.
Garak took a sip of his warm juice, the smell spicy and enticing, hoping the cup would disguise the dismay he felt. It looked like he would have to read more of these novels if just to get the additional information about remnants. Garak tried not to grimace at the thought.
Julian continued to expound on his favourite book series. "The artwork is amazing, it was the start of the art deco resurgent period. A brilliant graphic artist called Hilda West, drew the images and ironically, Imran Khan, no relation, was the writer. I thought the spy craft was particularly good, don't you think?" Julian asked, smiling brightly, waiting for Garak's response.
Julian was careful not to laugh at Garak's expression. The spy-craft in the novel was rudimentary at best. Julian had been one of the Prime's commanders at the time, he had personally led several undercover missions to gather intel on Khan and his forces.
150 years ago when he was called Imran Khan and writing 'Echoes of Ascendancy' he was careful not to reveal any of the secrets of just how the Remnants were able to infiltrate Khan's secret bases. He didn't want to give the humans ideas. So, he used a lot of creative licence when devising his spy craft, keeping it fantastical, just what the general public expected from such stories.
Garak made a concerted effort to conceal the amusement that flickered across his face as Julian inadvertently revealed his true ignorance about the intricacies of real spy work. The so-called spy craft presented in the graphic novels appeared basic, far removed from the complex reality Garak had experienced. "Ah, yes, very interesting, very colourful," Garak commented diplomatically, nodding in agreement with Julian's enthusiastic remarks.
Throughout their encounters, Garak strategically positioned himself in such a way that allowed him to observe the comings and goings of the establishment, ensuring his back was against a wall. Fulfilling his commitment to guide Julian, he shared this practice with the doctor. However, Julian, in his infuriatingly confident manner, asserted that only one of them could have their back against the wall at a time. With his supposedly superior reflexes, Julian claimed he could react more swiftly than Garak. To accommodate Garak's perceived anxiety about the matter, Julian graciously conceded the advantageous position to him. Garak struggled to contain his disbelief at Julian's blatant disregard for the most fundamental principles of self-preservation.
"Though I think that there was something wrong with the version you gave me. As there were many panels, where I couldn't read the language," Garak said with a puzzled look. "My universal translator didn't work either," Garak said with a frown. Garak just couldn't see the appeal. What was even more surprising was that this work of fiction was obviously meant for adults, as the violence was more graphic than suitable for children. Also, for some reason the two main characters were constantly finding themselves in situations where they had to take off all their clothes.
'A most puzzling medium,' Garak thought as he longed for the complexity of Cardassian prose.
"Oh no, that is the best part, the writer came up with an entire language called Syntara for Khan and his augments to use. This is what is brilliant about the series, by the end of the 42-novel run you will have enough information about the language to decode it yourself. If you are particularly talented at languages, you can break the code much earlier in the series. I broke it by the 14th novel." Julian proclaimed proudly. "I was only 13 years old, too," Julian added with a shy smile.
Garak's mind was spinning, '41 more novels to read', Garak was starting to have some sympathy for Tain. The author invented a new language just for the purpose of his novel. It was the most shocking thing Garak had ever heard of. "Is that common on Earth, for author's to creat their own languages for a story?" Garak enquired. Fascination mixed with horror at the nonsensical waste of energy.
"Yes, it was particularly common, with fiction written in the fantasy or science fiction, genres," Julian explained as he ate his lunch, a sandwich, as Julian called it.
"By having Syntara included in the text, and the language only slowly disclosed to the readers over the series. It really brought readers in who were particularly fond of puzzles. What is great, is the text when translated, blends in seamlessly into the story. Giving more depth to the characters and exploring subtleties to the plot that weren't apparent on the first read through," Julian said, obviously eager to expand on his favourite group of novels.
Garak frowned on hearing this explanation, so alien to how Cardassian's structured a novel. "What is stopping an avid reader from using their own translating program to decode the language?"
"Two things, both very clever. One: Copyright. Khan copyrighted the language independently from the novel and prevented the makers of the universal translators from including it in their database." Julian explained enthusiastically, his admiration for the creators of the novels obvious. "Two: The way the graphic novel is structured, and the language revealed to the readers, there wasn't enough information available for the translation program to hypothesise a translation until they were at least eleven books in and then the translation was not very good," Julian grinned broadly, his open face showing his delight in the subject.
"Aren't there translations somewhere?" Garak asked hopefully, he had the dreadful feeling that Julian wanted him to learn an entire made-up language.
Julian's apparent enthusiasm dimmed slightly at Garak's lack of excitement at the language reveal. "Well yes, there are translations available on the net. But that's no fun. The whole importance of the concept was the slow reveal, with the intent to engage the fandom." Julian held his secret glee inside at Garak's lack of enthusiasm.
"But any true fan doesn't reveal the translations," Julian said with a frown, as he combed his fingers through his curly hair. He obviously found the topic of translations uncomfortable.
Garak smiled weakly and determined to find the translations for the first graphic novel at least. He decided to concentrate on eating his lunch, so at least his mouth would be full. Garak wouldn't be able to answer any of Julian's questions, if he was eating. He could after all just admire Julian's young face, glowing with happiness.
A hapless Bajoran just then dropped his lunch tray, Garak could see it happen from his vantage point, Julian didn't even jump, though turned around to look when he saw Garak's attention wasn't focused on him. Julian's total lack of situational awareness just demonstrated to Garak, that Remnants apparent martial superiority wasn't inherent. This in turn suggested to Garak that intense training must be required for Remnants to attain the skills they were famous for.
Julian turned his attention back to Garak. Julian did sometimes forget to act surprised at sudden noises. When you had been in as many battles as Julian, a dropped lunch tray wasn't about to distract him. Julian liked to play at obliviousness as it drove Garak crazy. Julian enjoyed studying Garak's micro expressions as he sublimated his disapproval at Julian's apparent lack of situational awareness.
Garak knew Julian had acute vision. But not about how sensitive his other senses where. There was never a time or place where on a subconscious level Julian wasn't aware of and cataloguing threats to his person. Julian hadn't been overstating his reflexes. It's just with the centuries of experience Julian had he could take in his surroundings in a microsecond. Noting all reflections, so he could monitor his surroundings seamlessly and above all else unnoticed.
"Anyway, the rest of my belongings have arrived at the station, and I have finished decorating. I brought some childhood trinkets with me," Julian shared a shy smile with Garak at that, bring the Cardassian's attention back to himself.
"When I was a child, my mother took me to Herculaneum in Italy. It is an amazing historical site. A whole town was subsumed by ash when a nearby volcano erupted. The area was totally preserved from nearly 2500 years ago," Julian eagerly told Garak.
"What happened to the people?" Garak asked, curious at the idea of a town being preserved for that length of time.
"That was a bit gruesome, but the people had died in the streets and their homes. When they were found, the ash and volcanic mud had hardened around them, making a sort of death mask," Julian said, bringing his cup to his mouth, finishing the last of his water.
"Cardassia doesn't have any historical site that compares," Garak said, this was an interesting conversation diversion, but he was a bit puzzled how this connected to the graphic novel. "I am not understanding the link between the Graphic novel?"
"Oh right, when I was there, I found some volcanic glass and the official guide allowed me to keep it," Julian said, he fidgeted in his seat. "As I mentioned to you before I am exceptional at programming replicators," Julian said arrogantly.
"I thought it was your friend Flix who was a genius at replicators," Garak asked, not being able to resist teasing the young man.
Julian gave a little playful glare at Garak, ignoring his comment. "Anyway, as I am exceptional with replicators, I was able to fashion you a medallion like in the Novel, though you won't get to that part until you get to book 4," Julian shyly slid over the box Garak had observed earlier. "I added a clasp, so you can wear it like a lapel pin".
The box was black and made from some sort of strong paper. Garak slowly lifts the lid, revealing an almond shaped medallion, nestled on a stark white background of silk. In the centre of the pin, was a round black stone or glass, it glittered in the subdued lighting of the Replimat. With script from the 'Echoes of Ascendancy' encircling it. Garak gives Julian a questioning look.
"I made it using the volcanic glass I found, as a child. The design is based on the Graphic Novel and off course using Syntara. In the fourth novel Gal Tara gives a similar one to her lover Susan," Julian explained. Dipping his eyes before looking back at Garak flirtatiously. "I thought it could be a symbol of our budding relationship, a secret between us. Erm, romantic talisman," Julian says his face growing hot at this expression of emotion.
"It says your name of course," Julian points to a particular spot on the medallion. "And well the essence of what makes you, you, to demonstrate just how well I know and understand you," Julian finishes with a smile.
Garak looked back at the gift that Julian had obviously spent time on. It was beautiful and would suit Garak's style wonderfully. He picked it up and it was smooth and cool to touch. It was not as light as he expected. "What is this made off?" he asked as he tilted it to capture the light in the Replimat.
"Well, the volcanic glass was polished and smoothed, and the base was made from gunmetal. I chose it because of the subtle colour changes in the metal and I thought, with your eyesight you would be able to appreciate the various colour shifts".
"Once you understand Syntara and have read most of the graphic novels in the 'Echoes of Ascendancy' series' you could read the message and decipher the symbolism and confirm just how good I am at reading you," Julian continued, with another coy, knowing look.
Garak couldn't help the flicker of his eye lid, as well as the flare of his neck ridges. Julian was both overconfident in his arrogance and charming in his excitement. It was laughable that Julian genuinely thought he knew Garak so well. 'If only he knew the truth of it,' Garak thought, 'he would be shocked right down to his innocent soul,'.
"You think after three months on the station and five dates, you know all you need to know about me, that you are able to condense it on this, broach?" Garak questioned, offence creeping in to his voice.
Unexpectedly Garak felt angry at Julian's blithe assurance that Garak was so transparent. Him, Garak, one of the best and most skilful agents the Obsidian Order had ever seen, before his downfall. That this inexperienced young man could see him clearly enough after a few conversations, that he could condense the whole of his experience into a few simple words. He shook his head.
Garak stilled his face, not wanting to show how angry he was to the young Remnant who sat calmly across from him finishing his sandwich, every now again waving or happily greeting another patron of the Replimat he knew.
A hurt feeling was clear to see on Julian's face, his happiness dimming. "Oh yes, absolutely, I told you I have superior skills, on top of being naturally talented due to my genetically enhanced nature," Julian claimed, looking defensive. "I am so confident in fact that I am willing to make a bet with you," Julian suggested with a raised brow, and a smug grin.
"What will we wager?" Garak replied, a steely glint to his eye, trying to maintain his genial expression. "Secrets perhaps? I get to question you for 15 minutes if I win, and vice versa you ask me questions too. Only the absolute truth as an answer, mind you" Garak slyly suggested, holding his breath hoping Julian would agree.
"Sure, I'll answer your questions with the truth. Why don't we make it 30 minutes? I know everything about you already," Julian responded with a look of determination as he contemplated Garak. Trying to decide what he wanted from Garak. Suddenly his face broke out into the broadest grin Garak had seem from the other man. "If I win, you must introduce me to everyone we meet, 'as the most cunning spy you have ever met,'".
Garak tried not to grind his teeth at the dismissal of Julian asking him any questions, the doctor seemed to think he knew everything about Garak. No one had ever treated Garak this way before, like he was an open book. Even when he was undercover, most people treated Cardassians with suspicion. He really wanted to prove Julian wrong.
"How will we decide who wins?" Garak asks with a dip of the head, while maintaining a calm exterior.
"Oh easy, you will, when you translate the medallion or if you haven't done so, in say three years, I will decode it for you," Julian suggested after a couple minutes of thought.
"You want me to judge that this object," Garak said picking up the medallion again. "Reflects my core values. How can you trust that I will tell the truth?"
"Because dear Garak, it will be undeniable, and if we asked any of our friends, they would agree with me too!" Julian said in triumph, his confidence supreme, eyes glittering with anticipation.
It was obvious to Garak that Julian anticipated this bet with great enthusiasm. It was abundantly clear too, that Julian expected to win.
"Okay, it's a deal, as the Ferengi like to say," Garak said with a charming nod of the head. Garak groaned internally as he realised, he would have to find a way to translate the medallion now.
Taking the medallion from its box, he pinned it to his top, it was at that moment that he appreciated how well it suited his usual style. A flare of annoyance at Julian making him a piece of jewellery that so suited his wardrobe. It gave him a moment of pause. 'It couldn't be true, could it? Had Julian parsed his character to such a detail he could win the bet?' Garak suddenly doubted.
Garak shook his head at such an impossible thought and dismissed the notion.
Checking the time, he saw that he only had fifteen minutes left before returning to his shop.
"So, my dear, how did you find 'The Never Ending Sacrifice'?" Garak asked with hope.
"It was a bit repetitive, wasn't it?" Julian said with a frown. Julian looked back down at his now empty cup and wondered if he had time to have another one.
"That is literally the essence of the novel. It stands as a classic literary form on Cardassia, and 'The Never Ending Sacrifice' is the epitome of this genre," Garak declared passionately.
"The Prime insists that Cardassians are only captivated by the repetitive story form because they only read about them. If a Cardassian lived long enough to experience all the cycles depicted in the novel, it wouldn't hold nearly as much fascination for them," Julian countered dismissively, his eyes fixed on Garak to gauge his reaction to the mention of the Remnant Prime.
Had Garak retained any of his drink, he might have involuntarily spluttered at Julian's comment. 'Is Julian's understanding of the novel so juvenile, so feeble, that he's attempting to appeal to authority?' Garak thought in despair. Dealing with the young Remnant posed its own set of challenges, but in that moment, he found himself yearning for the soothing embrace of his wire to numb the intellectual pain he was currently experiencing.
Garak massaged his eye ridges, trying to sooth the budding headache he was experiencing. "And this is the reasoned opinion of your Prime, is it?" Garak asked tiredly.
Garak comforted himself with the information that Julian seemed to have personal knowledge of the Remnant Prime. Even if his respect for that being plummeted due to their lack of understanding of his favourite novel.
"Well, the Prime has lived for centuries, he would know," Julian stated patronisingly.
Garak perked up when he heard about the Prime's age. From the files Garak was personally able to hack and to be fair the files Tain's cyber operatives were able to acquire. He knew the Federation had no idea how long the current Remnant Prime had held that position. No one even knew how a Remnant became a Prime.
Julian tilted his head innocently, as he looked at Garak, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Besides, isn't the whole story a bit grey?" Julian added, eyes wide.
"Well, I am sure you could change the colour of the font to make it more interesting for you," Garak acerbically bit out through a clenched jaw.
Julian kept his innocent face in place as he enjoyed the change of hue in the Cardassian's skin tone from his usually grey to a bluer tint and tried not to grin. Garak was so very cute when he was riled up. He absently wondered if Garak flushed blue all over, hoping he would be able to find that out soon.
Julian flashed Garak a wide smile. "Why don't you come to my quarter's this evening and we can discuss it further?" Julian proposed, waggling his eyebrows in a suggestive way. His eyes bright with hope.
Keeping the time in mind, Garak consciously forced himself to calm down and present a more relaxed countenance to Julian.
"Yes, my dear doctor, that would be lovely," Garak said with an ingratiating smile. "I am sure I can soon demonstrate the rich complexity of Cardassian prose". 'Maybe I will be able to get more details from Julian regarding the Prime,' he thought a bit viciously, wanting a little revenge on Julian for his arrogance displayed that lunch time.
"Excellent," Julian enthused. "And I can show some of those skits I explained before". Julian smiled warmly at Garak. As if he didn't realise how upset Garak was due to his comments about 'The Never Ending Sacrifice'.
Garak froze. "How delightful. I am sure I will enjoy it," Garak said.
Julian couldn't help but smirk at Garak as he observed his glazed eyes.
"Yes tonight, what fun we will have," Julian said as he stood from the table.
Garak stood too. Clearing the table ready to bring their empty plates and cups to the replicator to be recycled.
Julian held up his hand and pressed his palm against Garak's, in farewell. Julian indecently trails his fingers along Garak's palm as he pulled his hand away. He knew in Cardassian parlance he had basically propositioned Garak.
Keeping his face friendly as he said a warm goodbye. Then Julian swiftly left the stunned Cardassian in his wake.
'Damn it!' thought Garak as a thrill of desire travelled through the Cardassian. Mere moments ago, he believed the turmoil of his attraction to Julian had neatly resolved itself after witnessing Julian's unappealing and egotistical display during lunch. Yet, with a single touch of Julian's hand, the ember of longing for the young doctor reignited fiercely. 'Aaargh! I sincerely hope all this torment is worth it', Garak thought sourly.
With a sigh, Garak picked up the waste from their lunch and brought it all to the replicator. 'Let's hope tonight's liaison brings some progress'. Though honestly Garak harboured little expectation. There existed a valid reason why Garak favoured experienced partners. The notion of guiding a novice through his first sexual experience with a Cardassian was not appealing at all.
Dragging his feet, Garak returned to his shop, struggling to reciprocate greetings with his customary geniality. He would need to prepare his mind for his latest date with Julian.