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.
Rio Grande: "Treachery, Faith and the Great River"
"I would think out of everyone you would understand me the best," Weyoun sighed, "After all, you see Odo the same way."
"We don't." Rio stated.
"Come now, the Vorta may not Have family units in the same way that most species do, but you called him Father."
"A father isn't the same thing as a god."
"I hardly see the difference. A figure of power, command, reverence and authority."
"A figure who may have those things, but also kindness, empathy, and love."
Weyoun scoffed.
"Unnecessary attributes."
"They're the very thing that make a father a father. Someone who can make mistakes, someone who can be corrected, someone who can be wrong."
"The Founders are never wrong." Weyoun snapped.
"And that's why they'll never be the same thing."
"The Founders are dying."
"Of what?" Rio asked.
"We don't know. If the Dominion is to live, we must follow you."
Without a word, Odo left.
"Now you see?" Weyoun shook his head.
"You follow him because he's the only one left to follow, not because of who he is.
You only follow what you think he is."
"Are you not doing the same? You think of him as your Father figure, and I'm certain that means you think of Major Kira In a similar fashion. They lead you."
"Captain Sisko. Dax. Worf. Terok. Quark. Rom. Nog. Defiant. Rotarran. They're all people I follow and listen to. But I don't worship them."
"Perhaps you should."
"Perhaps you should get your head out of your-"
"Rio!" Odo interrupted.
"Sorry."
"I'm doing what I can, but I don't have the knowledge or facilities on board to do much!" Rio barked.
"No, that's not necessary, but you can give me one thing."
"What?"
"Your blessing."
"I…I can't."
"Please Odo, Tell me that I served you well. Tell me that I haven't failed."
Odo paused.
"You have. And for that you have my gratitude, and my blessing."
Weyoun smiled.
"I think I understand you now, Ri…."
He trailed off.
"He seemed happy."
"He died with his God smiling down on him. And he died finally understanding something better than a Master." Terok stated.
"Did he though?" Rio asked.
"Despite everything, i don't believe In the Prophets. But Kira does. Leeta does. All the Bajorans do."
Terok paused.
"With maybe one exception, but that's besides the point. But I know they exist as entities.
That's how Weyoun Six died. Aware that something better exist.
And maybe once this is over, you and Odo can help the rest of them understand."
Written by Dramatic_Spoon