Paint and Powder

A Star Trek anthology by Andrew Joshua Talon

DISCLAIMER: This is a non-profit fan based work of prose. Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager et al are the property of CBS Television, and creation of Gene Roddenberry. Please support the official release.

Defiant Expands her Horizons

"Captain, I have a complaint." Worf stated.

"What is the problem?"

"The Defiant has been acting...strangely as of late. as if she was distracted by something."

"Elaborate."

"she was..." Worf coughed, "I do not feel like this is something I should have witnessed, but she seemed like she was debating on where to go with someone."

"...With who?"

"I do not know. However, if I did not know any better, I would say that..."

Worf trailed off.

"Go on."

"It seemed like the Defiant was preparing for a date with someone."

"...Excuse me?" Sisko hissed.

a cold shiver ran down Worf's spine.

"A what?" Bashir looked away from the dartboard.

"The Defiant appears to be dating someone, and I would like to find out who."

"Well, it certainly isn't me," Bashir scoffed and turned his attention back to the game, "But who ever it is, they're quite a lucky fellow."

"Chief?"

"I wouldn't have a clue either. Have you asked Terok?"

"Tried, she simply turned off her holoemitter and refused to respond."

"Quark?"

"He claims he knows nothing. wouldn't budge, even when I offered to release some of his impounded merchandise."

"Garak?"

"Complained that I was bothering him about trivial matters that he had no interest in."

"Ah, that just means he knows and won't tell you," Bashir nodded, "What about Major Kira?"

"She had no idea what I was talking about."

"Morn?" O'Brian paused, "Ignore that one, if Morn knew, then the entire station would know. You know he can't keep a secret."

"What about Odo?" Bashir cut in, "Your turn."

"Hmm."

"Captain, I am a very busy man, I can't monitor every going on. Besides, couldn't you just look at her records?"

"I attempted to, but someone placed them under encryption."

"Hrmph, I'll keep an eye out."

The door slid open as Jake shot into the room.

Jake grabbed his father by the arm.

"Dad, you need to see this."

She laughed.

"Really?"

"You wouldn't believe some of the things that happened at the academy. Like-"

"I know it means a lot to you, but I really want to hear about more than your time at Starfleet Academy," Defiant pressed on.

"What do you mean?"

"About before you went, Who you were before you joined up."

They paused.

"I...I don't think that's a good idea."

"Please."

"I-"

"And what do you think you're doing?"

They whirled around to see Sisko looming over them.

"Dad, I-"

"Captain-"

"Defiant. Ezri. I think we need to have a little talk."

Written by Dramatic Spoon.