Book by its Cover

by Just-A-Beginner-2

Julian a newly minted Star Fleet officer arrives on Deep Space 9 to be it's Chief medical officer. But Julian isn't all that he seems. This is an AU

16. Chapter 16

Note: The Wire, written by: Robert Hewitt Wolfe

Transcript by: The Deep Space Nine Transcripts - The Wire

The Wire

Garak's

Garak sat in his dimly lit room, holding the pad where he stored all the Remnant data he had gathered on Julian and the other Remnants he had met.

He ran his fingers over the pad, its surface smooth to touch. Anyone looking at the pad would think it was the same as any others around his quarters. He liked to use separate devices, for his literature or work as a tailor and of course his secret security files head been building up for the past year since the Federation took over the station.

The back of the pad was Matt black and was indistinguishable from any other, but this pad had security features that Garak had designed himself. One was a fingerprint reader; the other were pressure sensors set in the back. By pressing gently on the back of the pad in a set sequence it would cause the hidden operating system to start, allowing him access to his secured files.

This was the device he used to conduct his secret covert intelligence gathering. It stored all his encrypted files, and searches in the various Federation databases.

With three quick flicks of his fingers, he was into his Remnant files. His finger hovered over the delete or send icons. He had to decide.

Earlier that day

Garak was rearranging a new shipment just in, he was getting ready to change over to the new season, as fashion marked it. He sighed; he really didn't like the new trend in colour. Everything seemed to be a shade of orange. But thinking of the Bajoran crew on board the station, maybe it was a colour they favoured.

Garak suppressed a shudder of distaste.

He was just wondering if he could soften the impact of the orange with a brown or moss green. He smiled to himself, thinking that Julian would probably love the bright colours. He might be one of the few people on board who could carry the colour off.

The door to his shop open and the unusual sight of a Cardassian woman walked in, face angled down so any camera's Garak might have mounted wouldn't be able to capture her face.

Garak's hands stilled on the silk blouse he was arranging. His heart skipped a beat as became fully alert.

The woman was, well average. Average height and weight. She had an elaborate hairstyle. No doubt arranged to draw attention. She was wearing a style of dress common for scientists on Cardassia.

"Good morning," Garak greeted the stranger, alert for any danger.

The woman glanced up, blue eyes cold. She reached out and elegant hand and put a round disc on the counter and activated. "Garak," she said looking coolly at the tailor. "I wanted to have a private conversation with you."

As soon as she looked up Garak recognised her. Agent Liora Vren. She had been a junior agent at the Obsidian Order when he was still Tain's right hand man. Garak new it couldn't be good.

"Tain is surprised that you managed to compromise a Remnant," Agent Vren gave Garak a sneering look. "Tain is concerned at your tardiness in submitting a report into him," she said with a superior tone.

Garak heart thudded; he felt a pulse of anger building within him. Tain has ignored him for nearly two years and now he casually expects to come running.

"Dear Madam, what do you mean," Garak said, deciding to play dumb to buy himself time to think. His mind was a whirl of thoughts and feelings. He knew this day would come. But since that first day when his saw Julian arrive on board the station, his emotions for the younger man had evolved and deepened.

Vren narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "Tain told me you were moderately competent," she said with disdain. She shook her head sadly. "Tain also said you might have forgotten your duty after living a bourgeois life on the station, infected by the Federations...weaknesses."

Anger seethed with Garak at her report of his father's words. His relationship with Tain was complex mix of love, fear, hate and a desperate desire for recognition. Even now he was torn, he wanted to give the information he had gathered on the Remnants and their capabilities. To earn his father's recognition and praise.

Yet, there was Julian. Sweet, sweet innocent Julian. Who treated Garak with teasing respect. Who relished a good argument with Garak, his beautiful hazel eyes will sparkle with the challenge of beating Garak in debate. He was becoming more skilled in literature with Garak's tutelage.

Though the dear boy could not be persuaded from his claim that his dear graphic novels were superior to his own 'Never Ending Sacrifice.' Garak had even encouraged Julian to re-read the epic novel now that Garak had schooled him in Cardassian language, culture, and nuance.

Even with his fault of arrogance and his unswerving belief that he was a natural spy and of course desperately dangerous, just as soon as he got the training.

Vren banged the counter to get Garak's attention back to the matter at hand. How the mighty has fallen. She knew of Garak's reputation; his name was whispered with equal amount of aww and terror. Vren snorted and rolled her eyes. She looked forward to reporting Garak's downfall.

Garak wanted to wipe the smug look from Agent Vren's face. 'Pay attention!' "I am sorry Vren, I don't know what you want, I don't have the information you are looking for," Garak resolutely said. Deciding in that moment to definitively refuse Tain's request.

Vren's lip curled in disgust. "Garak you are a disgrace to Cardassia and your Family name," She spat out like a viper. "This is your one opportunity to be brought back into the fold of Cardassia's loving arms," Vren stated, her eye's boring into Garak's.

"You should be on your knees in thanks to Tain for giving you the opportunity of redeeming your honour and serving Cardassia," Vren hissed. "You have until 00:00 to submit your report to the Order," she said, before spinning around and marching out of Garak's shop.

As she spun, the strong scent of her perfume caught Garak unawares, he coughed and his eye's stung from the pungent odour. He gripped his hands tightly to stop any outward sign of trembling.

A quick glance at his chrono, he had another two hours before it was officially closing time. He had nine hours before he had to decide.

Garak's

Garak blinked back into himself weight of the pad anchoring back into the present, sitting at his shiny black dining table.

He had to decide, 'send the file?' he clenched his fist tight.

He set his pad around and went to the replicator to order a red leaf tea. Taking the steaming cup, he avoided the table with the pad and went to one of the sleek chairs by his heat lamp.

'He only had forty-two minutes to make his decision,'

As he let his head rest against the back of the chair his eyes drifted about his quarters. There were markers of Julian and he being lovers all over his quarters. It was then that his eyes fell on the hand-knitted green merino wool throw.

Julian had given him it, as a surprise anniversary present several weeks ago. It wasn't a tradition that Cardassian's followed.

Garak new Julian had something up his sleeve as he had been acting very strange for several days before had given him his present. It had been obvious to Garak that Julian had something he was desperate to share with him about.

Garak had been stunned when he had opened the box the blanket had come in. Julian told him his grandfather had made it for him. He knew that Julian's grandfather was one of the most important men in his life. In the darkness of night Julian had whispered his fears about the dread of this man he loved would eventually die.

Garak knew how much Julian treasured all the knitwear his grandfather made for him. It meant something that Julian shared something so meaningful to him. Garak in his latest profession could appreciate the skill and time it would have taken the other man to make this for him.

The pattern reminded of a common vine that grew on Cardassia in a colour that Garak particularly favoured.

Garak reached over and pulled the throw to him. He felt the weight of the material, the softness, and the warmth due to its thermal characteristics.

Garak sat under his heat lamp rhythmically stroking his blanket.

Standing quickly, decision made, Garak strode to the pad on the table, grabbed it up and checked that the device was locked and resolutely shoved it back in his bookcase.

Garak shot off a message to Julian inviting the other man over to his quarters. He had gone on a holovid adventure called 'Jurassic Park', with Chief O'Brien. He didn't understand what the point of the story was, but he had heard Nog and Jake discussing it and according to them it was terrifying.

Garak shook his head in bemusement at his lover's strange hobbies and got ready for bed.

The nondescript pad on his bookcase forgotten about.

Promenade

As Garak in his fine patterned green suit and Julian in his uniform, they navigated through the throng of people bustling about the station. Julian smiled his special smile when ever he noticed Garak wearing his medallion. Garak will admit privately it was one of the nicest pieces anyone had ever given him.

Garak expressed his frustration over the delayed arrival of the Galipotan freighter. "What a waste of a morning," he remarked, his tone tinged with irritation. "That freighter was supposed to arrive at 07:00, but it seems they have no regard for punctuality. Although I must admit, they do produce magnificent sweaters." He glanced at Julian, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "I hope I'm not boring you, Julian."

Julian shook his head. "Oh, not at all. No, I was just up late last night."

"Oh, did I wear you out?" Garak inquired with a knowing smile.

"Unfortunately, no," Julian replied, delivering a pinprick to Garak's ego. "After you went to sleep, I decided to re-read the last few chapters of The Never-Ending Sacrifice."

"Isn't it superb in the original Cardassian?" Garak enthused, though he was finding it difficult to find his usual enjoyment in this discussion, what with the building pressure behind his eyes. "Without a doubt the finest Cardassian novel ever written."

"I'll take your word for it," Julian said, though his tone lacked enthusiasm.

"So, you didn't enjoy it?" Garak probed.

"Well, I thought it was interesting. Maybe a little dull in parts," Julian admitted. "Before I had read it in Cardassian I hadn't realise there were fifteen different words for duty," Julian said looking slightly puzzled. "I didn't see the point, much more efficient to say 'duty' in standard," Julian opined, knowing it would annoy Garak.

As they approached the Replimat, Garak's expression soured at the sight of the long queue. "Oh, wonderful," he muttered. "At this rate, we'll be done eating lunch just in time for dinner."

Julian suggested, "There's always Quark's."

"True, but I'm really not in the mood for noisy, crowded, and vulgar today," Garak replied, as he brought up his hand to rub at his temples.

"Then I suppose the Klingon restaurant is out of the question," Julian quipped.

"I can't believe that I'm having lunch with a man who thinks The Never-Ending Sacrifice is dull," Garak remarked incredulously.

"I just thought the story got a little redundant after a while," Julian defended, relishing the despondent look of his lover's face. He did enjoy riling the Cardassian up, it made for so much fun later.

"I mean, the author's supposed to be chronicling seven generations of a single family, but he tells the same story over and over again. All of his characters lead selfless lives of duty to the state, grow old and die. Then the next generation comes along and does it all over again."

"But that's exactly the point, Doctor," Garak explained his frustrations clear on his face. He had explained this on the first inadequate reading in standard too. "The repetitive epic is the most elegant form of Cardassian literature, and The Never-Ending Sacrifice is its greatest achievement."

"None of his characters ever really come alive, and there's more to life than duty to the state," Julian countered, purposefully misunderstanding Garak.

"A Federation viewpoint if ever I heard one," Garak remarked, shaking his head. Garak realised that the pain in his head was amplified due to the tension in his jaw muscles. He tried to relax his face and relieve the pressure.

"This is ridiculous. Can't you just move to the front of the line? Tell them it's a medical emergency or something." Why were the lights brighter today, Garak wondered as he made a pained glance at the lighting overhead.

"We'll be there in a minute," Julian assured him. A slight frown developed over Julian's nose as it started to dawn on him that Garak was not just flirting, but that there was real agitation were behind the other man's words.

"Look, maybe if you lent me another book by a different writer," Julian gently suggested no longer having fun teasing his lover.

"It would only be a waste of time," Garak insisted. "When it comes to art, you're obviously a prisoner of Federation dogma and human prejudice."

As they continued their conversation, Garak winced suddenly and held his head in pain.

"Are you all right?" Julian asked, concern evident in his voice.

"I'm fine," Garak dismissed, though his pallor suggested otherwise.

"You don't look fine," Julian observed taking in the familiar appearance of his partner. "Your skin is clammy, and your pupils are contracted."

"You're over reacting doctor," Garak snapped as he attempted to brush off Julian's concern, but another wave of pain washed over him, turning his stomach at the same time. "I am in perfect good health." It was starting to dawn on Garak that there was something familiar about this pain.

"Perfect health. Then Cardassian standards must be a little lower than mine. Come on," Julian insisted, gently guiding Garak towards the Infirmary.

"What do you think you're doing?" Garak protested.

"I'm taking you to the Infirmary," Julian stated firmly.

"That won't be necessary," Garak objected.

"Maybe not, but humour me," Julian replied with determination. All the mirth from earlier gone from his face.

Garak sighed in resignation. "Frankly, Doctor, I'm a little tired of humouring you. There's nothing wrong with me that a little peace and privacy wouldn't cure. Now if you'll excuse me, I seem to have lost my appetite."

Garak stormed off, heading towards his quarters, palms sweaty, he thought he might vomit. He felt dread in the pit of his stomach. He had an idea, but it was an impossibility.

As Julian watched Garak storm away, Nerys approached, curiosity etched on her features. "What was that all about?" she asked.

"I have no idea," Julian admitted, his mind already racing with concern for his lover. "We were flirting like normal, and he just blew up," Julian said. Deep in thought has he played back their conversation.

Nerys looked at her friend in concern. She had no idea what Julian saw in the other man. But from her external observation they seemed to have a stable relationship. They did all that weird Cardassian flirting that both men seemed to enjoy. It was a mystery to her what was so enjoyable in arguing over literature.

"I think he might have been in pain," Julian said turning to look worriedly at Nerys.

"Does he suffer from headaches?" She asked.

"He is pretty healthy for a Cardassian with a questionable past," Julian said absently as he reviewed memories from the past 24 hours to see if he could pinpoint the change in Garak's behaviour.

"But you know how secretive he is," Julian said wondering if he should be worried about Garak.

"I thought that was what you liked about him?" Nerys reminded Julian.

"I do," Julian grinned at Nerys. "I love our spy games, all the half truths we share through misdirection, teasing each other about our pasts," Julian explained. "But this was different, and I don't know why."

Nerys just shook her head. "I really don't get your relationship. Cardassian's from my understanding aren't much in to asking for help," Nerys offered Julian with a shrug of the shoulders.

"Yes, but I thought I would be different. We have been dating for over a year now," Julian was itching to get back to his terminal in the infirmary. "I might as well head back to my office and I can have a sandwich at my desk," Julian said, starting to fidget with the desire to start working on this new Garak mystery he had been presented with.

"Sure,"

"Do you want to go to the temple after shift to meditate?" Julian asked Nerys.

Nerys could tell Julian was getting antsy by his subtle motions. "Yes, we can meet at 17:00?" Nerys suggested.

"Excellent," Julian said before darting off into the crowd heading to the infirmary. He was going to review the last few days station logs to see if there was anyone who came on board that might have agitated Garak.

Mezzanine

Promenade - upper level

Morn watched with a sombre expression as the shutters of Quark's café were being brought down. Meanwhile, Julian emerged from the turbolift and noticed Garak and Quark engaged in conversation below.

He had reviewed his own security set-up; the only suspicious occurrence was from two days ago. He noticed was that a Cardassian scientist had a four hour layover on the station on the way to Chemical conference on Rigel Four. Julian hadn't been able to get a full picture of her face. That in of itself was suspicious.

He didn't really need a photo when he had Tain bugged himself. Julian set his query running through the Cardassian Data network. It could take a while to get the information.

This evening when he checked the report, he had found that she was called Liora Vren a mid-level agent for the Obsidian Order.

There was also no indication that Garak had sent in his secret report on Julian he had been compiling for the last year. 'Did that mean he had defied his father?' If it was true, it threw how Julian viewed the Cardassian. Julian loved him, but he didn't trust him. Not with any Remnant secrets anyway, he thought the temptation would be too great.

Julian understanding Cardassian's as he does, he would never have predicted that Garak would out right defy his father, let alone pass up an opportunity to end his exile. Julian was a master at reading people. He knew Garak cared for him, that he wasn't faking his emotions. He was surprised and touched deeply at this demonstration of Garak's devotion.

But now Julian was worried. Tain was a ruthless leader and would not take defiance well, especially from his own son. He knew the Obsidian Order's leader personally. Julian knew the other man was vicious enough to punish his own son. Look what he had done to Garak for just defying him.

Julian had to play this carefully so as not to blow his own cover and expose his own secrets, yet he needed to protect Garak from his father.

Julian watch Garak and Quark talking below. With how quiet it was on the Promenade just after second shift, Julian with his enhanced hearing would only need to move a little closer to be able to hear what the other two men were talking about.

He needed to expose the Obsidian Order in a way that wouldn't cast suspicion on him. He needed an excuse to confront Enabran Tain. But first he needed to discover what exactly Agent Vren had done to Garak.

[Quark's]

"So, I take it we understand each other?" Garak inquired, his tone indicating a hint of impatience. He desperately required the schematics for his implant. Even though it had been deactivated when he had been exiled, something had happened, as he thought it had been reactivated.

Quark, ever the smooth talker, responded, "Garak, how long have you been living on this station?"

"Too long," Garak muttered, just wanting this meeting over with.

"And in all that time, have I ever let you down?" Quark asked, a sense of assurance in his voice.

"I have never done business with you until now," Garak pointed out. His head was pounding.

"Which is why this deal is so important to me. I want our business relationship to get off on the right foot. Now relax. You'll get your merchandise," Quark assured him.

Garak expressed his impatience, stating, "Soon, Quark. I can't wait much longer."

As Garak departed, Julian descended the internal stairs, curious about their conversation. Wondering if he could get some info out off Quark.

"You and Garak going into business?" Julian asked, having overheard their exchange.

Quark chuckled, "Oh, that. I'm helping Garak get a new sizing scanner for his shop."

"A sizing scanner?" Julian echoed.

"Not just any sizing scanner. The best. Straight from Merak Two. Calibrated to be accurate down to the micrometre. And, I might add, at a very reasonable price," Quark boasted.

Julian, acting puzzled, remarked, "Really? I thought Garak sounded a bit upset."

"Upset? Garak? I hadn't noticed. Now, is there anything I can do for you? A little Saurian brandy to go, or maybe a late-night session in a holo-suite?" Quark offered.

"No. Thank you. I think I'll call it a night," Julian declined, heading back to his own quarters.

"Suit yourself," Quark shrugged.

The infirmary was brightly lit. Julian had, had a string of minor complaints all day. This had been good for Julian as it meant that he was able to work on a compound he was developing for seizure control. At least 28% of patients who suffered from seizures were not suitable for the current seizure elimination procedure.

As well as controlling temporary side effects from other illnesses. It was always best to have multiple options for physicians so they could determine the best treatment plans for their patients.

It was in the afternoon when Commander Sisko came in complaining of a soar throat. His relationship had evolved into one of cool professionalism. Which was better the barely concealed hostility of when Julian first came on board.

After his examination Julian administered a hypo to Sisko, offering relief. "There. How does that feel?"

"Much better," Sisko acknowledged.

"Try not to yell at any more admirals for a while," Julian advised with a hint of amusement.

O'Brien entered the room, greeted by Sisko before Julian turned his attention to him. "You wanted to see me?"

"Yes. I was hoping you could give me a hand. I've been trying to access the old Cardassian medical files, but I haven't been having much luck," Julian explained, he had already resurrected of the most corrupt files, but he needed plausible deniability if anyone noticed that Julian seemed to have more information than he should have.

O'Brien shook his head, "I'm not surprised. The Cardassian's did a general systems sweep before they pulled out. The medical files would have been deleted along with everything else."

"Is there any way to recover them?" Julian inquired.

O'Brien pondered for a moment before responding, "Maybe. These subroutines don't look anywhere near as bad as the engineering files did. I might be able to reconstruct the data by micro scanning the purge trace."

"How long will that take?" Julian asked hopefully.

"Two, maybe three weeks," O'Brien estimated.

"Well, if you could start on these files first? That would be appreciated, Chief," Julian suggested. If Miles could reconstruct any of the files, Julian would be able to supplement them from his own private files he had already copied for the Cardassian Data Net.

An incoming communication connected to the console Julian was working on. "Doctor Julian, your Cardassian is here, and you need to come and remove him from my establishment," Quark complained to Julian.

Julian frowning looked to Miles. "If you could get any of those fixed, it would really help a lot," Julian said before grabbing his emergency kit to head to Quark's.

"Sure," Miles said with a shrug. He wasn't too confident that there would be anything useful left in the database.

Back at Quark's, Garak attempted to alleviate his headache with copious amounts of booze.

"Come on, Garak. Don't you think you've had enough?" Quark questioned.

"On the contrary. Anyone who talks about the numbing effects of your liquor is severely overstating the case," Garak countered, his discomfort evident, voice slightly slurred.

Julian arrived, concerned about Garak's well-being. "What's all this?"

"He came in complaining about a headache. The next thing I knew, he drank up half my stock of kanar," Quark explained.

Garak, attempting to maintain composure, greeted Julian, "Julian, what a pleasant surprise. I apologise for my outburst at lunch the other day, but I promise I'll make it up to you. Please, join me."

Julian agreed, "I think I will. May I?"

"By all means," Garak welcomed him.

As Quark attempted to reclaim the bottle, Julian redirected the situation. "What are you doing? I think it's a little noisy in here. I prefer to drink somewhere quiet."

An idea struck Garak. "An excellent idea. We'll go to my quarters."

"Whatever you want. But first, I must make a stop at the Infirmary," Julian insisted.

"The Infirmary? My dear Doctor, what kind of fool do you take me for? Now, give me back my bottle," Garak demanded.

Julian held firm, stating, "I will. In the Infirmary."

Garak, feeling the effects of his headache intensify, collapsed in pain. "Make it stop. Make it stop."

Julian dropped to his knees next to the fallen Cardassian, quickly scanning his vital signs.

"Julian to Ops. Medical emergency. Two to beam to the Infirmary', Julian commanded before they disappeared into the sparkling energy field of the transporter.

Next

The infirmary was tense as Julian appraised Garak's condition. Doctor Jabra had tried to persuade Julian, that she should be the Cardassian's primary physician. But Julian put a stop to that. He had data on Cardassian's that the other doctor didn't, and he wasn't in the position to share that data with her.

They had come to a compromise, where Doctor Jabra would monitor Julian to ensure that he didn't appear to be emotionally compromised by his lover being incapacitated.

As Garak lay unconscious on a bed, a medical scanner displayed filaments inside his head, while a device rested on his forehead, emitting a soft hum.

Julian hadn't seen anything like it before, he needed to gather as much data as he could so he could start searching the Cardassian Data base. If Garak had some sort of implant, it must have been put there by the Obsidian Order.

He needed a legitimate reason to go after the Order. But he couldn't reveal that he already knew about them. It left him with one avenue to try...

"Some kind of implant?" Odo questioned as he examined the readings.

"Apparently," Julian confirmed, studying the display. He didn't understand, from the scarring around the device, it looked like it had been deactivated at some point. Probably before he had been kicked out of the Obsidian Order.

"What's it for?" Odo inquired further.

"Well, I was hoping you could tell me. After working for the Cardassian's for five years, I'd guess you know them as well as anyone," Julian replied, hoping Odo would take the bait.

Odo shrugged. "Maybe so, but I never bothered to look inside their skulls."

"No, I don't suppose you did," Julian conceded.

"Do you think this is the cause of Garak's condition?" Odo probed.

"It's possible. Whatever this thing is, it's situated in his postcentral gyrus and has filaments that were connected it to his entire central nervous system," Julian explained. It looked like something was interfering with it. He wasn't sure if someone was trying to repair it or destroy it. But something strange was happening to it.

"Maybe it's some kind of punishment device. A parting gift from the Cardassian government," Odo suggested.

"I thought of that but based on the amount of scarring in the surrounding tissue, this implant's been deactivated years ago. And as far as I can tell, Garak's only been in pain for the past few days," Julian countered.

"Interesting. I wish I had an answer for you, Doctor," Odo admitted.

"Well, I was hoping you could help me get one. I think Quark knows what this thing is," Julian revealed.

"Now what makes you say that?" Odo inquired.

"I overheard them talking the other night. Garak was negotiating to buy some merchandise from Quark. He seemed desperate. I tried to ask Quark what it was about, but..." Julian trailed off.

"No need to explain, Doctor. The direct approach seldom works with people like him. This could answer some of my own questions. Quark has sent several coded messages to Cardassia Prime in the past few days," Odo disclosed.

"Really?" Julian's interest was piqued, Julian might be able to track them.

"I routinely monitor all of Quark's subspace communications," Odo explained.

"Is that legal?" Julian questioned.

"It's in the best interests of station security. Doctor, do you want to know what Quark knows or not?" Odo countered.

"I see your point," Julian relented.

"Then meet me in Security at oh two hundred hours. Quark always makes his clandestine calls after the bar closes," Odo instructed.

"I wouldn't miss it," Julian affirmed, if Quark knew what Garak was trying to order it might be a clue. In the meanwhile, Julian had taken a blood sample from Garak. He was going to run it through a Remnant scanner to see if there was anything unusual to be seen.

Quarks was silent in the middle of third shift, it was the only time he shut down for two hours for cleaning and maintenance. It was mainly so Quark could have his gaming tables that they hadn't been tampered by anyone other than Quark.

On a monitor, a handsome Cardassian named Boheeka appeared, engaging in conversation with Quark.

"Quark, you parasite. It's been too long. Is Hartla still working for you?" Boheeka greeted jovially.

"The dabo tables wouldn't be the same without her," Quark replied smoothly.

"Oh, what I wouldn't give to see her again," Boheeka reminisced.

"I'm sure she misses you too," Quark remarked.

"I'll bet she does. She would've bankrupted me if the occupation would've lasted much longer. But I'm sure you didn't contact me just to reminisce. What can I do for you?" Boheeka inquired.

"How'd you like to earn a little extra latinum? Maybe enough to buy yourself a promotion?" Quark proposed.

"You have my undivided attention," Boheeka tilted his head intrigued.

"I need a piece of Cardassian biotechnology and the schematics relating to its installation," Quark requested.

"Biotechnology. That shouldn't be too difficult. What is it?" Boheeka inquired further.

"You know, I never ask those kinds of questions, but I've got the requisition code number," Quark replied cryptically.

"Give it to me. I'll look for it," Boheeka agreed.

"I knew I could count on you. Here it is," Quark provided the code.

Odo's security office was silent, bar for Julian and Odo himself.

Julian and Odo watched the exchange intently from Security.

"I hope you don't have one of those little bugs hidden in my quarters," Julian quipped gesturing to the vid screen displaying Quark clearly.

"Should I?" Odo retorted.

"Transmission complete," Quark announced.

"Hold on," Boheeka interrupted, leaning forward over his console.

"This won't take long," Boheeka assured Quark. He concentrated on entering the code that Quark had given him, calculating how much he should charge the greedy Ferengi for this favour.

"Take your time," Quark replied casually.

"Quark, you idiot!" Boheeka's tone shifted suddenly. The screen started to flash a warning; the light could easily be seen reflected on to Boheeka.

"Is something wrong?" Quark inquired, concerned.

"Is something wrong? I'm ruined. My career is over," Boheeka lamented.

"What did I do?" Quark was bewildered, Boheeka was a reliable contact for contraband.

"You and your damn requisition code. It's for classified biotechnology, Quark. Even the cursed number is classified. Where did you get it? No. Don't tell me. I don't want to know. If I'm lucky, I can still get through this with my skin intact. Maybe they won't trace the request back to me," Boheeka revealed worry and fear evident in his features.

"Who won't?" Quark pressed for more information.

"The Obsidian Order," Boheeka dropped the bombshell.

"Nice talking to you, Boheeka. We'll have to do it again sometime," Quark concluded hastily. Quark wasn't an idiot, he knew and feared the Obsidian Order, as would any sane being in the quadrant would.

Meanwhile in the security office, Julian and Odo watched on silently. Julian was pleased that the Order had been mentioned, this now enabled him to officially know about Cardassia's most secret of organisations.

He had to play this carefully.

"The Obsidian Order. That certainly complicates things," Odo remarked grimly.

"Who are they?" Julian inquired innocently.

"They're the ever-vigilant eyes and ears of the Cardassian Empire. It is said that a Cardassian citizen cannot sit down to a meal without each dish being duly noted and recorded by the Order," Odo explained.

"What happens if you eat something that doesn't meet with their approval?" Julian asked.

"People have been known to disappear for less. Whether you agree with their goals or not, you can't help but admire their efficiency. Even the Romulan Tal Shiar can't compete with them when it comes to intelligence gathering and covert operations," Odo elaborated.

If only Odo knew, Julian thought, maintaining a thoughtful expression throughout their conversations. Julian knew that Odo was very intelligent and detailed orientated, he had to be careful around Odo in case he noticed any inconsistencies.

"What has all this to do with Garak?" Julian wondered aloud for Odo's benefit.

"I wish I knew," Odo admitted.

"Do you think the Order put that implant in Garak's head?" Julian speculated; this explained a great deal.

"I have a better question. If the implant is a punishment device, then why is Garak trying to get his hands on another one?" Odo posed the question.

"He did ask for the specifications. Maybe he's trying to find some way of removing it," Julian reasoned.

"Either way, I'd like to have a talk with him when he wakes up," Odo decided.

"You'll have to get in line. Thank you, Constable," Julian acknowledged.

So, it looked like Garak knew there was something wrong with his implant and now that Julian had the requisition number, he would be able to go directly to the Order's data network and get the schematics for himself.

Julian headed back to the Infirmary it was just Med-tech Ivanov on at this time during third shift, statistically the quietest time for the infirmary.

Just the scent of the decontamination products in the air made Julian feel at ease, back in familiar territory. He wanted to check on Garak before he locked himself in his office so he could do a deep dive through Cardassia's Data Network.

Julian went to check on Garak's status, only to discover he had checked out hours earlier.

"What? When did he leave?" Julian demanded.

"Patient checked out at zero three twenty hours," the computer reported, leaving Julian puzzled and concerned about Garak's sudden disappearance.

The corridor aboard the space station was dimly lit, with soft illumination emanating from the walls casting gentle shadows across the metallic floor. The familiar hum of the station could be felt through his shoes. Julian stood outside Garak's quarters; his finger poised over the doorbell. With a sense of urgency, he pressed it, the sound echoing down the corridor.

"Are you in there, Garak?" Julian called out; his voice tinged with concern. He waited for a response, but the only sound was the faint sound of machinery. Julian let himself in, to check if Garak was there.

Inside Garak's quarters, the atmosphere was tense. Garak stood near his desk, a hypo in hand, his expression unreadable. The one person he didn't want to see him this state was now standing in his dimly lit sitting room.

"Ah, Julian, what a pleasant surprise," Garak greeted as Julian entered, a hint of mischief in his tone. "I'm sorry, I must've missed the door chime. Did I forget a date?"

But Julian was not in the mood for pleasantries. With a swift motion, he snatched the hypo from Garak's hand, his brow furrowed in frustration.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Julian's voice was stern as he examined the hypo. "Triptacederine. How much of this did you take?"

Garak shrugged nonchalantly. "A mere thirty cc's. Not nearly enough, I'm afraid."

Julian's eyes widened in alarm. "Thirty cc's would anaesthetize an Algorian mammoth."

Garak simply smirked. "We Cardassians must be made of sterner stuff. I barely feel it."

Frustration simmered in Julian's voice as he tried to reason with Garak. "Listen to me, Garak. I've had just about enough of your nonsense. Now you're coming back to the Infirmary with me."

But Garak remained stubborn. "I don't think so. Believe me when I tell you there's nothing you can do for me."

Julian's patience wore thin. "Oh, and Quark can, is that it?"

Garak's expression darkened slightly at the mention of Quark. "I thought I was supposed to be the spy."

Julian's tone softened, concern evident in his voice. "Quark's not coming, Garak."

Curiosity flickered in Garak's eyes. "How do you know?"

Julian hesitated for a moment before revealing what he had overheard. "I heard him talking to his Cardassian contact. He couldn't get the item you requested."

Garak's disappointment was palpable, but he quickly regained his composure. "Really? That's most distressing, but I suppose, not all that surprising. Ah, well. Maybe it's for the best. My hypospray, if you please."

Julian refused, his resolve firm. "Another dose of triptacederine might kill you."

Garak's request was met with a polite but firm refusal. "Thank you for your concern, Julian, but I'd rather have the hypospray."

Their exchange was interrupted by Julian's determination. "I'm not going to let you commit suicide. I'm here to help you, I care about you." Julian pleaded.

Garak's expression softened slightly, a hint of resignation in his eyes. "I doubt you can. I think you'll find that I'm experiencing some slight deterioration of my cranial nerve cluster."

Despite Garak's protests, Julian knew what needed to be done. "It's not so slight, I'm afraid. We've got to get you to the infirmary."

But Garak remained obstinate. "My dear Julian, I have no intention of putting myself on display for the amusement of the Bajoran inhabitants of this station."

Their conversation shifted to the implant in Garak's head, its true purpose finally revealed. As Garak explained, Julian listened intently, absorbing every detail. Including the details of how it had been violently deactivated two years ago.

The tension in the room was palpable as the truth unfolded, each revelation adding another layer to Garak's complex persona. The implant data was new to Julian, but he had read Garak's Obsidian Order file, not that Garak knew that he knew all of Garak's sins. He didn't care.

"Garak we are in a relationship, you can tell me things," Julian exclaimed frustrated. "I care about you, and it pains me when you are hurting," Julian said gently stroking Garak's eye ridges and applying pressure to the nerve cluster at his temples, offering temporary relief.

Garak hated being vulnerable, especially in front of Julian, to show such weakness. No matter if he was a Remnant, he was still a part of the Federation, Cardassia's enemy. "The Order is most thorough, I doubt you will be able to reverse what ever they have done to me," Garak stood silently in the middle of his quarters, where he and Julian had spent many pleasurable evenings.

Garak bent his head, quietly accepting the ministrations Julian was applying. Welcoming the temporary relief from Julian's strong fingers. Fleeting though it would be.

"I have my computer in my office running scans, can you tell me anything strange or out of the ordinary that happened to you in the last week?" Julian gently asked as his thumbs rubbed soothingly over his eye ridges while still pressing firmly on the nerve cluster.

"No," gritted out Garak, just trying to breath through the pain.

Julian sighed and looked at Garak compassionately. Even when he was in pain, he was incapable of revealing his secrets. "Erm, Quark told me he saw a Cardassian woman on the station," Julian prompted.

Garak tried to jerk back, but Julian had a firm grip on him, one of the few times Julian had displayed his superior strength. "None of that now," Julian said firmly. "Tell me the truth."

Garak gritted his teeth, that didn't help with his pounding head. "She was an agent for the obsidian order." Frustratingly, Garak could feel himself start to tremor.

"Okay, that's a start," Julian said, mind racing through the possibilities of infection vectors. "Did you eat or drink together?" Julian said. "

Garak gave an outraged look despite the pain he was in. "I am not an amateur," he hissed.

"Yes, I know," Julian said soothingly, maintaining the rhythmic stroking of his thumbs. "But we need to cover all our bases. How about touch, did you perform the traditional Cardassian greeting?" Julian continued.

Garak shook his head, he felt if he tried to speak anymore, he might weep.

"Taste or smell?" Julian was reaching the end of his possibilities.

"No… yes," Garak managed to get out, martialling his reserves. "Perfume, she wore really pungent perfume," Garak said as he remembered Agent Vren's scent.

"Scent, this is good," Julian muttered. "Now this could be important, when did you notice this scent?" Julian urgently asked, pulse increasing. Julian had a nebulous idea at what could be making his implant reactivate in such an erratic and painful manner.

"As she turned to leave, I noticed it then," Garak said, it was getting difficult to think.

"That's good, I have an idea I can work on," Julian said eagerly, before looking concerned at Garak's condition. There wasn't much Julian could do in the infirmary that he couldn't do in Garak's own bedroom, for now.

"Come I am going to put you to bed. As an actual doctor I have medication that might work better than Triptacederine," Julian said. He winced at the sound of Garak's barely audible whimper as Julian released the pressure from his temples.

Gently but securely, Julian took Garak's arm and led him to the bedroom. Julian didn't bother putting on a light as he could see clearly enough in darkness of the room, there was enough light from the living room filtering in.

Julian quickly pulled back Garak's many blankets on his bed. He smiled when he saw the throw his grandfather had made for the other man. Bending down he took off Garak's shoes and loosened the fastening to his trousers. Julian's clever fingers made short work of undoing Garak's jacket and pulling it off his shoulders.

Julian gently laid the Cardassian under the covers. With a gently stroke of his fingers through Garak's smooth black hair, "I am just getting my medical bag, I'll be right back."

Garak laid in his familiar bed as traitorous tears escaped his closed eyes. He couldn't remember anyone taking care of him like Julian had. He felt weak and useless, just like Tain had always said he was. He felt too weak from the pain to even try and wipe away his tears. What did it matter, Julian had already witnessed him at his lowest.

"Shoosh!" Julian's soothing voice covered Garak, as his gentle fingers wiped away his tears.

"I have a neural stimulator. I am going to place them on your temples," Julian explained. "It won't remove all the pain you are in, but it might bring you some relief." Julian set the device on each temple; a display sensor indicated it was on. Using his medical tricorder, Julian set the stimulator. It also had the added benefit of sending Garak's vital signs directly to the tricorder.

"Now I am just giving you a muscle relaxer, it should kick in straight away," Julian lent in and pressed the hypospray to Garak's neck.

Julian sat next to Garak and gently stroked his hair, waiting for the medication and neural stimulator to take effect.

After five minutes.

"How does that feel, any better?" Julian softly said.

"Yes, much better my dear," Garak said, eyes still closed. Still in pain, but manageable.

Now that Garak was feeling some relief it was time to ask, "Can I get another blood sample?" Julian said.

Now that Garak was able to think a little clearer, "you think Agent Vren poisoned me with her perfume?" Garak said. It wasn't out of the realm of possibilities. He knew it was a tool in any assassin's toolbox.

"Poison, not exactly, but I swear I am going to help you," Julian said the pleading tone clear in his voice.

"Now my dear, you shouldn't make promises you can't keep," Garak said through a weak smile. "But you can take your sample."

"You have forgotten my love, that I am the most dangerous and cunning foe anyone will ever meet," Julian whispered before kissing Garak.

"Yes, my dear," Garak breathed out as he begun to drift to sleep. He barely felt the hiss and sting of the blood draw.

"Excellent!" Julian lent forward and placed a gentle kiss on Garak's forehead. "I have to go back to my office and see if I can come up with a solution," Julian rested his hand on Garak's head. He didn't want to leave his lover, but he was the only one who can figure this out.

As they parted ways, Julian knew that he would do anything to save Garak, his love. He was just worried that in doing so he would reveal himself to Garak. And with Garak's trust hanging in the balance, Julian knew that he couldn't afford to fail.

Odo

The corridor of the space station buzzed with activity, but outside the confines of Garak's quarters, an air of tension hung heavy. Julian stood his ground, facing off against Constable Odo, the urgency of the situation etched into his features.

"Doctor, I need to talk to him as soon as possible," Odo insisted, his gravelly voice betraying his concern. "I have four cases left in my homicide files which I'm almost certain were committed by the Obsidian Order. If Garak was a member, he may be able to shed some light on them."

Julian's response was firm, his gaze unwavering. "I'm afraid your questions will have to wait."

Odo pressed, his tone growing more insistent. "How long?"

Julian hesitated, the weight of the situation settling heavily upon him. "I don't know yet. Constable, Garak's body has undergone a severe shock. I don't know when he'll recover."

The exchange reached an impasse as Julian asserted his authority over Garak's well-being. With a finality in his voice, he declared, "That may be so, but he's still my patient and I won't have him disturbed. So, until further notice, his quarters are off limits to everyone except emergency medical personnel."

Julian made sure the medical lock was in place on Garak's door. "You'll have to excuse me Constable, I have vital work ongoing in the infirmary," Julian said before briskly striding down the corridor.

Odo just looked on with a frustrated sigh. He knew the doctor and Garak were in some sort of relationship. The doctors concern seemed genuine over the last three days. He will give the Remnant twenty-four hours before insisting on seeing the Cardassian himself.

Julian drummed his fingers on his desk willing for the scan to be complete. He added the additional parameters of the delivery system being airborne. He had started the blood analysis as soon as he returned to his office.

His search into the Cardassian Data Network was taking longer than he anticipated. It was the trouble with searching vast databases, unless you had the correct key words, the search could be next to useless. He had multiple searches underway, searching for: code for the implant device, as well as 'Julian Bashir', 'Remnant', 'Garak', 'Agent Vren', and any other search parameters he could think off.

Thank the Prophets for his own Quantum Network which could handle massive amounts of data at anyone time.

Julian was disturbed by a knock at his door.

"Julian?"

It was Miles looking worriedly at Julian.

"Miles," Julian greeted, forcing a smile through his worry.

"I heard about Garak," Miles said as he moved fully into Julian's office looking slightly nervous.

Julian's smile changed to a more natural one. "Yeah, he's pretty sick, we think it's something to do with Cardassia secret service," Julian tried to explain, rubbing his forehead in tiredness.

"I left him in his quarters, he doesn't feel comfortable in the infirmary. So, I tucked him up in bed and gave him some meds to help with the pain," Julian said in a rush, his anxiousness coming through his voice.

"Yeah, so, erm," Miles was stuttering, rubbing the back of his neck, a slightly pink hue to his cheeks. "I was able to reconstitute some of those Cardassian medical files you were asking me about the other day," Miles said shifting his weight, as if embarrassed about caring for his friend.

Julian looked wide eyed at Miles.

"Yeah, well, it's only 20% of the files but I was thinking that might help you and Garak," Miles finished, as he walked over to Julian's console to show him the file locations.

Julian felt a lump in his throat. He was overcome with emotion. He never doubted the goodness that existed in humanity. He just had to remember these moments of kindness, from friends to counteract the atrocities he witnessed. He didn't know what to say.

Julian stood from his desk and before Miles could sit to access the medical files he threw his arms around the larger man. Hugging him tight. Miles stood their stiffly, not knowing how to react, until he awkwardly patted Julian on the back.

Julian held tight for another five seconds. "Thanks Miles, you are a true friend," Julian managed to choke out. With one final squeeze he let the other man go and gave him a watery smile.

Miles was scarlet at this stage and slightly horrified.

Julian couldn't help but laugh at the other man's expression. "You were going to show me something?" Julian prompted to relieve the emotion in the room.

Miles seemed to breath a sigh of relief as he sat in from to the screen. "Here," Miles fingers flew through the different menus on the display. "You can find the files here, I don't know what was in there, but hopefully it will be helpful to you," Miles said looking up at Julian with a smile.

"I'm sure it will Miles," Julian said as he squeezed Miles's shoulder in thanks.

Just then Julian's console beeped, and a message flashed up 'Analysis complete". Immediately Miles got up so Julian could reclaim his seat.

Miles looked at Julian's face in concern. The blue light from the display screen reflected eerily off of Julian's face. He watched as Julian scrolled threw the results, his frown growing deeper as Miles looked on.

"Is it bad?" Miles asked tentatively.

"It's unexpected," Julian said as he stared off into the distance contemplating this new information, formulating a treatment plan.

Turning to look at Miles, "It's nanites," he said.

"I hadn't heard that Cardassian's had nanotechnology," Miles said starting to look worried. "How did they dose Garak?"

"Oh, I think they used an aerosol," Julian said absentmindedly as he read the results as quick as he could, a burst of hope within him as he formulated a treatment plan. He could clean Garak's blood of the nanites, while figuring out what the little beasties were up too.

"Are you telling me that there are nanites loose on my station?" Miles said in alarm, the volume of his voice rising.

Tearing his attention away from the screen Julian turned to look at Miles in startlement. "As far as I can tell they were designed to interact with Garak's implant," Julian replied tentatively. After a moments thought Julian's face brightened with excitement. "The air filters should be could enough to capture them, I think," Julian suggested.

Miles looked appalled, "you think?" He demanded angrily.

"Miles, I only just got the results in, you were standing right next to me when they arrived," Julian pointed out, starting to feel defensive in the face of Miles's unjust anger. "If an aerosol was used, then there should be samples left in the filters in Garak's shop. It should be simple enough to detect," Julian explained.

Miles took a deep breath. This wasn't Julian's fault, and he did only just receive the results. Miles wrestled his temper under control. "Nanites are tiny, there would have to be a delivery vector of some sort, any ideas?" Miles said, hoping to get ideas on how he could detect these nanites.

"Garak reported a strong scent, he thought it was the woman's perfume," Julian informed Miles. "Because of that I would say the nanites were either in droplet form or maybe spores," Julian said thoughtfully. "It would be much easier to get into the blood stream through the lungs, so the nanites could cross the oxygen blood barrier."

Miles paced Julian's small office rapidly, thinking furiously. "If you are sure that Garak was dosed in his shop, I should be able to get a sample of the nanites there. Once I have a sample, I should be able to develop a sensor to detect them in the other filters around the station, see just how far they were spread," Miles says decidedly.

"If you can get me an uncompromised sample, I should be able to determine if the nanites can affect anyone other than Garak," Julian said calmly. "But from my knowledge of medical nanites, they are usually programmed for individuals and are less effective on mass populations." Julian stood and put a reassuring hand on Miles's shoulder.

Miles breathed a sigh of relief at Julian's confidence that these nanites weren't about to infect the inhabitants of Deep Space Nine. "Okay I am going to check the filters in Garak's shop," he said, before exiting Julian's office with a determined step.

As soon as the door closed behind Miles, Julian hurried back to his workstation. He sent off a quick message to Flix about the problem they were having with the nanites. Julian wanted Flix's help in reprogramming the nanites to repair what ever damage they were doing to Garak's brain.

Though Julian feared that he would need to confront Tain to get the original programming for the nanites.

Julian had devised a blood purification treatment for Garak, which would help purge the nanites from Garak's system. This wouldn't do anything to treat the damaged already inflicted by the nanites. He would need to wait to hear back from Flix to see if it was possible to use the nanites to repair the damage done to Garak's brain.

Unfortunately, this treatment could only be done in the infirmary, so Julian had returned to Garak's quarters to see if he could persuade the other man to come with him for treatment.

Julian moved about the room, his movements measured and deliberate. Garak, restless and tormented, paced the room in agitation, his emotions running high.

In a moment of vulnerability, Garak's facade cracked, and tears welled up in his eyes as he lashed out in anguish. "Leave me alone," he pleaded, his voice strained with emotion.

But Julian refused to back down, his concern evident as he approached Garak cautiously. "I don't think that would be a good idea right now. Your blood chemistry is severely imbalanced. You need to rest." Julian reached out to sooth his lover.

Garak recoiled, his pain bubbling to the surface. "Don't touch me," he snapped, his voice tinged with bitterness.

Despite Garak's resistance, Julian remained steadfast, his gaze unwavering. "Just calm down," he urged, his voice gentle yet firm. "I have important information to tell you," Julian said palms extended in the human 'I mean no harm' pose.

Julian's concern deepened as he watched Garak unravel before him, his heart aching for the man he loved. "Take it easy, Garak, just come with me to the infirmary and I can start the treatment I have planned for you," he implored, his voice laced with empathy.

Garak paced the room, his frustration boiling over. "I don't want to be calm, Julian. I've been calm long enough," he exclaimed, his voice tinged with bitterness. He surveyed the insignificant confines of his quarters with disdain. "Look at this place. It's pathetic. To think that this is what my life has been reduced to. This putrid shell of sentimentality, this prison, it makes me sick to my stomach."

With a sudden burst of anger, Garak smashed a nearby flower vase, sending ceramic shards scattering across the floor.

Julian stepped forward cautiously, his tone soothing. "Take it easy, Garak. Look, you're obviously experiencing some side effects from the reactivation of the implant. I know what caused it and I can halt the progress on your implants decline."

Garak scoffed at the suggestion. "Ridiculous. I feel more clear-headed than I have in the past two years. Two years. What a waste these past two years have been." He overturned a nearby table in frustration, the clatter of wood against the floor punctuating his frustration.

"There was a time, Julian, oh there was a time when I was a power. The protégé of Enabran Tain himself. Do you have any idea what that means?" Garak demanded, his voice laced with bitterness.

Julian had to play at ignorance, though it pained him to see Garak in such distress, but he thought if he could release some of his anger, he might then be able to get him to the infirmary for treatment. So, he shook his head. "I'm afraid I don't."

"No, you don't, do you. You don't know much of anything, you who is always playing at being a spy," Garak lamented bitterly. "Tain was the Obsidian Order. Not even the Central Command dared challenge him. And I was his right hand. My future was limitless until I threw it away."

Julian knew why Tain had expelled Garak, because he had defied him and refused to be his puppet. That Garak had tried to have one small piece of happiness all his own. He wondered what Garak would confess too. "You mean when you had that shuttle shot down to stop those prisoners from escaping?"

Garak's expression darkened. "Stop them? I only wish that I had stopped them."

"You didn't?" Julian asked, acting surprised even now during Garak's confused state.

"No, Doctor, my disgrace was worse than that. Unimaginably worse," Garak confessed, his voice heavy with remorse.

"What could you have possibly done worse than that?" Julian inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Garak recounted the fabricated memory, trying to show Julian, sweet innocent Julian what a depraved soul he was. "I let them go. It was the eve of the Cardassian withdrawal. Elim and I were interrogating five Bajorans. They were children, Julian. None of them were older than fourteen years old."

Julian listened, his heart heavy with empathy, as Garak described this imagined moment of weakness. Playing along with this fever dream, "You took pity on those children. There's nothing wrong with that."

"No! I was a fool!" Garak snapped, his voice tinged with self-loathing. "I should've finished the interrogation and turned them over to the troops for execution. But because I was chilly and my stomach was growling, I failed in my duty and destroyed everything I had worked for."

"And so, they exiled you," Julian concluded the story. Understanding that Garak was trying to show Julian the worse that he was. Never imagining that Julian had seen and sometimes even took part in atrocities worse than even Garak could imagine.

Julian was thousands of years old, and earth had a violent past. It was impossible to pass that time blameless. There were times when Julian's soul had been mortally wounded and he had lashed out in pain and fury. He understood the terrible things a person could do in the wrong circumstances.

He had seen loving parents go off to work and commit unspeakable acts of cruelty in the justification of a day's work.

"That's right. And left me to live out my days with nothing to look forward to but having lunch with you," Garak remarked bitterly, wanting to hurt the man he loved. He didn't deserve love, Julian needed to toughen up and realise the universe wasn't all sunshine and rainbows.

Julian's expression fell, compassion clear in his eyes. "I'm sorry you feel that way. I thought you enjoyed my company."

"I did. And that's the worst part," Garak confessed, his voice tinged with regret, pain fuelling his anger. He needed to make someone else feel the same amount of pain he was experiencing. "I can't believe that I actually enjoyed eating mediocre food and staring into your smug, sanctimonious face. I hate this place and I hate you."

Julian sighed, his attempts at reconciliation falling short. "Okay, Garak, that's your prerogative. Now I really think you should come with me to the infirmary to start your treatment."

Garak's rage boiled over, and he lunged at Julian with fury, the two men grappling and breaking furniture in their struggle.

"Garak, stop this. I don't want to hurt you," Julian pleaded. Julian grabbed Garak's wrist in such away that it restrained him. Forcing Garak into an uncomfortable position where he could no longer attack Julian.

But Garak's fury turned to convulsions, and Julian quickly called for medical assistance. "Doctor Bashir to the Infirmary. I need an emergency medical team in Garak's quarters now."

Julian quickly positioned Garak into the recovery position, making sure his airways remained clear. He hurriedly went through his medical kit and pulled out an anti-convulsant and quickly injected the medication.

He stroked Garak's hair murmuring comforting words as he slowly stopped convulsing. Julian's heart beat rapidly in his chest as he waited in silence except for Garak's heavy breathing, for the medical team to reach Garak's quarters, so that he could be transported to the infirmary.

Infirmary

In the infirmary, Julian swiftly directed the medical team. "Administer another twenty cc's of hyperzine," he ordered, his voice urgent.

Doctor Jabara shook her head worriedly. "He's not responding," she reported, her brow furrowing with concern.

"Give it a second. Begin cardiostimulation," Julian instructed, his tone focused.

As Jabara monitored the patient's vital signs, she noted, "His heartbeat is stabilising."

"Good, now that he is stable, I am going to start the blood purification," Julian started to connect the equipment to Garak's vein and artery, ready to start to recirculate his blood through the purifier, to strip out the nanites.

Julian turned to the computer terminal, issuing commands rapidly. "Computer, display analyses of all biochemical samples taken from the patient, monitor nanite reduction rate."

Jabara watched as the results appeared on the screen, her eyes scanning the data. "Would it help if we synthesised Cardassian leukocytes?" she asked, hoping to improve the outcome for her patient.

"Probably, but the main issue is to reverse the damage done to his brain and stop his implant from malfunctioning," Julian said eyes glued to the readout on the screen. He could see the count of nanites in the blood dropping. But this was only a delaying tactic. "It could take weeks to reverse engineer the nanites and we don't have that much time. We have four or five days at most, before the strain on his body is too much" Julian replied, his tone grim with the urgency of the situation.

Jabara suggested an alternative. "Could we repair the implant and turn it back on, we might be able to keep him alive for another week or two."

But Garak, the patient, intervened. "No," he declared firmly.

Surprised, Julian turned to him. "What?"

"I won't allow it. I never want that thing turned on again," Garak insisted.

Julian nodded in understanding. "I understand how you feel, I have sent everything I have to Flix. They're a genius after all, I am sure they will be able to figure out what the nanites are doing to the remains of your old implant. Chief O'Brien is also working on his samples. I am positive we will find a solution," Julian hurriedly told Garak.

"Listen to me Garak, Doctor Jabra is correct, I might be able to repair the implant, I have the schematics now and it is doable. I could remove it as soon as we can figure out how to reprogramme the nanites," Julian pleaded.

Even in his muddled state Garak was able to say, "I thought you said Quark wasn't able to get me the device."

Garak paused, "no I don't want the implant switched back on, these last two years showed me I can live without it, with you. If it's put back in, I am afraid it will change the way I feel about you," he whispered.

"Okay, I won't repair the implant," Julian promised, holding Garak's cold hand in his, gently stroking the back of his hand. If it looked like Garak might die Julian will take him to the Remnant science center and damn the consequences.

Garak called Julian's attention back to himself. "You've done enough, Julian. More than I deserve. There's something you have to know."

Julian's curiosity was piqued. "What's that?"

"The truth," Garak replied, his voice filled with emotion.

Julian sighed softly. "Garak, I've already told you; I know you, all of your deepest secrets, remember," Julian said gently. He unpinned the medallion from Garak's jacket. The one Julian had given him a year ago and placed it in Garak's hand.

"See it's here, the medallion I gave you," Julian said.

Garak felt the familiar weight of the medallion, his thumb traced over the embossed letters of the Syntara words, before feeling the smoothness of the black volcanic glass.

"If you had practice Syntara, like I told you, you would be able to read the inscription and know the depth of my understanding," Julian scolded a soft smile on his face as he held Garak's hands in his.

Garak let a tired chuckle out. "It's complete nonsense to waste my energy learning a made up language that no one speaks, when I can get the transcripts online," Garak protested.

"Well, you'll regret it," Julian warned, leaning closer and placing a soft kiss on the corner of Garak's mouth, not caring the medical staff were all watching.

"Don't give up on me now, Garak. Patience has its rewards," Garak urged. "Now listen carefully."

As Garak recounted his past, Julian listened intently, his expression thoughtful. "Why are you telling me this, Garak?" he inquired when Garak finished, knowing all the half-truths the story held.

"So that you can forgive me. Why else? I need to know that someone forgives me," Garak confessed. He could never tell Julian the full unvarnished truth of his life before Deep Space Nine. But by telling him these terrible stories and if he forgave him anyway, it was like forgiveness by proxy.

Julian's response was immediate. "I forgive you for whatever it is you did."

"Thank you, Julian. That's most kind," Garak acknowledged gratefully.

Julian turned to Jabara, issuing final instructions. "See that he rests comfortably. I'll be back within fifty-two hours."

Jabara looked puzzled. "Where are you going?"

"To find the man responsible for this," Julian declared determinedly, his eyes flashing with resolve. He was going to see his old lover Enabran Tain. Not that the man would recognise him in his new body.

Tain's

Julian materialised in Tain's home, the unfamiliar surroundings piquing his interest. He only had a few seconds to set his key in to a suitable surface. There was an orange and yellow stained glass window. One of the frames was a suitable size, large enough for Julian to walk through comfortably.

Without a moments hesitation he sets his key into the frame. That done he quickly looks around; he needs to set a much smaller one somewhere so he can monitor Tain and all those present in the room.

He spots a display cabinet, not ideal, but it would get a good view of Tain's desk. There was a white light fixture, with small openings carved into it. Julian dashes to the light fixture and reaches up and presses his thumb in one of the openings and sets another key.

Julian estimates that it is 50/50 whether Tain has security cameras on or not. No matter Julian and more importantly Flix was sure that the Cardassian's didn't have the tech to be able to identify the keys to the quantum portals.

Julian decided to explore the room as he waits for Tain to show up. He realised almost immediately that Tain's purpose was probably to force Julian to bargain for Garak's life for Remnant secrets.

It didn't really matter; Julian was planning to feed Tain with any bullshit he wanted if he got the programme for the nanites.

In case Tain was watching he walked over to the computer console that stood out in the room.

"Doctor Bashir. Welcome. Please make yourself at home," Tain greeted warmly, his presence commanding respect despite his advanced age.

Julian doesn't know why, but he held his breath in anticipation, waiting for Tain to recognise him. Which was ridiculous, Watchers who had been studying Julian for years didn't recognise him. Tain had only known Julian for three months sixty years ago. Cardassian's had excellent memories, but they were no match for a Remnants memory.

"Well, Doctor, you've come all this way to see me. Aren't you going to say something?" Tain inquired; his eyes sharp as they bore into Julian's.

"How did you know my name?" Julian questioned, a hint of suspicion in his voice. He thought he should play the idiotic dolt. It would play into Tain's hubris.

"Information's my business," Tain replied cryptically, his gaze unwavering.

"I hope you weren't greeted too rudely upon entering Cardassian space," Tain said pleasantly as he entered the room fully.
"Not nearly as rudely as I expected," Julian made a half grimace, he was happy he would remember this meeting perfectly, so he could have a good laugh later.

"Good. I alerted them that you'd be coming. The military hate surprises. Still, what you did was very brave. I'm impressed. Can I get you something to drink? Tarkalean tea perhaps?" Tain politely offered.

Julian thought it best to follow the script that Tain had obviously planned, to impress a naive junior Star Fleet officer like Julian was supposed to be. "I always drink Tarkalean tea." Julian smiled broadly, before allowing the smile to fall from his face.

Tain strode over to the replicator, casually showing his back to Julian. Letting him know that he didn't consider him a threat. Julian narrowed his eyes; he will take great pleasure in setting him straight one day in the future.

"A good host knows the needs of his guests. One Tarkalean tea, extra sweet, and a glass of kanar. So, Lieutenant, how's Garak? Has his condition improved at all?" Tain asked with faux concern.

"That Cardassian Quark was talking to, Boheeka, I suppose he really did have a reason to fear the Obsidian Order," Julian said, remembering Odo's flippant remark about the Obsidian Order. He will let the security chief know that there must be more than one spy on Deep Space Nine.

"Everyone has reason to fear the Order," Tain said smugly before taking a drink of his kanar.

"Including Garak?" Julian asked.

Tain ignored Julian's question. "I bet you could tell me all kinds of things I'd like to know, Doctor," he said with a suggestive look.

Julian's jaw clenched, he needed to be careful. He knew that Tain had arranged this whole charade to get Julian here. He doubted Tain expected to get any actual information about the Remnants. Well not any information that Tain didn't already know.

There was only one thing that Julian could think of that would make the risk worthwhile.

"So, tell me, Doctor, how sick is Garak?" Tain asked, not a hint of concern for his son showing, as he sat in a nearby chair.

"He's dying."

"And you're trying to save him," Tain said just a hint of a mocking tone to his voice.

"That's right." Julian remembered to breath, any moment now Tain would make his move.

"Strange. I thought you cared for him."

"I do," Julian said hotly.

"Then you should let him die. After all, for Garak, a life in exile is no life at all," Tain's eyes had a hint of pity in them.

Julian's real anger was starting to rise. He had forgotten what an absolute dick Tain was face to face. Julian wished he had made the bastard watch fifteen hours of the Hallmark Murder Mysteries. Ha! That's what Julian gets for trying to be kind to a young man out in the big bad world for the first time.

"Say what you will, my job is to keep him alive, and I need your help," Julian said hoping to move this ordeal along. He wanted to get back home to Garak. Preferably without ripping out Tain's heart.

"My help? What can I do?" Tain said with faux innocence.

Consciously Julian released the tension from his jaw so he could get the words out. "I need the programme that has reactivated Garak's implant," Julian started, time to stroke the ego a bit. "Our experts have told me it will be months before they are able to reverse engineer the programme. That will be too late for Garak," Julian added a note of desperation to his explanation, not entirely feigned.

"And what will you do for me?" Tain asked, his eyes staring into Julian's.

"I can tell you anything you want to know about medicine or biology?" Julian suggested hopefully.

Tain smiled triumphantly. "I am interested in biology," Tain said and then added after a dramatic pause. "Your biology in fact," Tain smiled a predator's smile, all teeth.

Julian visibly swallowed; he added a little tremble to his hands. My God Ian trained him well. Watching through wide nervous eyes, Julian could tell Tain swallowed every single bit of his performance.

"And I will get the programming information I need?" Julian said a slight quiver in his voice.

"But of course my boy," Tain said. He pushed himself up from his chair and walked over to the desk and pressed a few icons on the computer desktop.

Julian's mouth wanted to drop open. How arrogant was Tain that he cavalierly accessed his computer system in front of Julian. I mean it didn't matter; Julian had bugged Tain's computer sixty years ago. But it was the principle of the thing! Rating Julian's threat so low, it was insulting.

A Cardassian woman with greying hair and wearing a dark brown suit entered, carrying a standard med-kit by the looks of it.

"This is my personal physician, she is just going to take some samples, while I arrange for that nanite programme you are so worried about," Tain said as he now sat at his desk as he typed his commands.

The doctor pushed Julian towards a nearby chair. Julian was careful to watch exactly what files Tain was opening, remembering everything perfectly. It will be useful when he got back to the station. When he had Garak heeled, he will take some time and go through the files, Tain was currently shuffling about on his console.

Julian's attention was brought back to the doctor as she prepared to take various tissue and blood samples. Julian made a show of looking nervous and conflicted. The Cardassian doctor was a professional and took her samples with the minimum of pain. Julian noticed the spark of excitement as she noticed he wounds repairing themselves in front of her eyes.

Julian wasn't worried. Remnants had thoroughly corrupted the Cardassian Data Network the same as the Federations, thanks to Julian. All the data she was gathering from his samples were being subtly changed, making them functionally useless for studying Remnant physiology.

"There the data has been sent to the computers on board your shuttle," Tain stated, the glee at finally having a remnant in his grasp unmistakable.

"How can I trust you?" Julian said as he rolled down his sleeve, covering the place the samples had been taken from.

"Oh, don't worry doctor. I'm not doing Garak any favours. He doesn't deserve a quick death. On the contrary, I want him to live a long, miserable life. I want him to grow old on that station, surrounded by people who hate him, knowing that he'll never come home again," Tain said vindictively.

"And now, Doctor, I really think you should be going," Tain remarked, signalling the end of their conversation.

"One last thing," Julian interjected, curious how Tain will answer.

"Make it brief," Tain urged, his patience wearing thin now he had gotten what he wanted.

Julian hesitated before asking about, "Elim."

Tain's chuckle filled the room, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Elim? I can see that Garak hasn't changed a bit. Never tells the truth when a lie will do. Doctor, Elim is Garak's first name."

As Julian departed, he looked forward to meeting Tain again and telling him all about the laughs he has had at Tain's expense. Maybe he should start sharing some of his stories with Garak. Julian knew exactly where to aim for to do the most damage to Tain's ego.

Replimat

Alone in the bustling Replimat, Julian found himself lost in thought, his mind filled with thoughts of Garak. It was taking Garak much longer than Julian predicted to figure him out. He loved Garak and he was really frightened a time or two in the last ten days, that he would not be able to save him.

Julian was trying to make up his mind on whether to tell Garak some of his truth. Garak hadn't turned his report into Tain when he asked for it. But Garak had a complicated relationship with his father. Garak's refusal to hand over the information could have been more about Tain, than his feelings for Julian.

It was something to think about.

"May I join you?" Garak's voice broke through his reverie, prompting Julian to look up in startlement.

"Garak," Julian exclaimed, a mix of surprise and concern washing over him as Garak took a seat opposite him.

"What are you doing up?" Julian asked, his worry evident as he observed Garak's appearance. "You are meant to be in bed," Julian scolded his lover.

"Out of the question. I couldn't stand being cooped up in that dreadful infirmary for another second," Garak replied casually, brushing off Julian's concern.

Their conversation soon turned to lighter topics, but the underlying tension remained, a reminder of the events that had unfolded in recent days.

"I still have a lot of questions to ask you about your past," Julian began, hoping to start up their playful game of cat and mouse. With Julian implying Garak is a spy and Garak of course denying it. Julian hoped that they could get there relationship back to where it was before Garak's implant had been corrupted.

At least Julian had been able to reprogram the nanites to dismantle the implant altogether and repair the damage done to Garak's brain. So far it didn't look like that Garak was suffering any lasting effects from his traumatic brain injury.

Garak's enigmatic smile only deepened as he replied, "I've given you all the answers I'm capable of."

Julian just smiled back at Garak. Hoping that his first assessment of the Cardassian was correct. And that he will take the revelation of Julian's true abilities as well as Julian predicted. As they shared a moment of quiet companionship, Julian couldn't help but wonder at the marvel that was Garak.

It was much rarer than many supposed, to meet a partner that was so compatible, it was like you have found a part of yourself you didn't even know was missing. Julian resolved to just enjoy his time with Garak and at that moment it was teasing Garak about, Meditations on a Crimson Shadow by Preloc.

Julian smiled brightly at Garak and wondered if he could persuade the Cardassian that a truly atrocious Orion adaption, basically Preloc's classic turned into porn, was worth a watch.

The two men conversed comfortably as the energetic station swirled around them.

Revelations

It had been two days since Julian had finally released Garak from the infirmary after he deemed that the nanite attack to his implant had been resolved and Garak could go home.

His mind was roiling from the trauma of the injury along with the psychological wounds that had been viciously re-opened by Tain.

'Enabran Tain'.

When he had first realised that Julian had gotten his cure from Tain, well the nanite programme, he was too injured to fully comprehend the enormity of what the other man had done. Frankly he had been swamped in sentimental feelings of gratitude for dear sweet Julian, going to all that effort and risk.

At first, he was thinking how naive the doctor had been. How Julian 'just didn't understand the danger he was in!' But two days later, the drugs had worn off and though his pain persisted, he had started to think more clearly.

'How had Julian known to go to Tain? How did he even know where he was?' the thoughts twisted in Garak's brain. 'And apparently he just strolled into Tain's lair and bargained some Remnant secret for the information he needed?' Garak knew it must have been Remnant secrets he had exchanged.

Garak knew Julian, yes, he was very free about certain aspects of being a Remnant. But the more he read the great saga 'Echoes of Ascendancy' the more Garak realised that everything Julian told him he could have learnt from the Graphic Novels. Garak heart thundered in his chest.

Not wanting to look weak in front of the denizens of the station, he tried to hold his posture upright. He stood for a moment in indecision. He didn't want to be alone, but he didn't want company. People were rushing by him, not paying him any attention. A moment later a cry of 'Dabo!' could be heard echoing from Quarks.

'Quarks it is,' Garak thought. Slowly he walked towards the popular bar. He climbed the stairs to the mezzanine level, and luckily found a small table deep in the shadows. It was a good vantage point, in that he could see and hear those around him, but secluded enough that it wouldn't be immediately obvious that he was sitting there.

He was feeling uneasy about Julian's actions to save him. It wasn't from noble sense of not being good enough for the young man. But from the apparent ease he had gone and gotten the information to save him.

He ran his hands through his hair, feeling confident no one would observe this nervous habit.

"What can I get you?" One of Quarks many waiters asked, almost appearing from nowhere.

"A glass of kanar, if you please," Garak ordered.

Garak tried to hold himself still, so he did not betray his anxiousness to anyone who was watching him.

Julian always claimed to be very intelligent from his genetic engineering. He in fact claimed to be many things due to his 'moniker of a super soldier,' but he always said it with such arrogance or in an obvious way that Julian was easy to be dismissed.

'Could Julian be more than he seemed?' Garak pondered, frowning. 'No... could Julian be exactly what he always said he was?' Garak's breath caught in his chest at this thought, his temples throbbed from the stress. He was simultaneously too hot and too cold.

"He's Remnant, are you mad!"

A strident voice reached Garak through the crowd, drawing Garak's attention like a moth to a flame. Garak cast a sly look around until he noticed a table of four ensigns not too far away. Garak recognised three of the young people, but there was an older woman with them.

Garak furrowed his brows, when he noticed the older woman was also an ensign, an anomaly. Now that he was concentrating on the group, he realised that the woman came on board about ten weeks ago.

It had been over a year since Garak had last heard any disparaging remarks about Julian. He settled back into the shadows so that he could observe the group more closely.

Just then there was a thump at his table as the waiter placed his drink order on the table. He held out the pad he was holding to Garak, looking for his thumb print.

Garak applied his thumb print on the pad with a grimace. He couldn't help but think of all the microbes that must be on the pad. Payment made the waiter disappeared back into the gloom.

Garak brought his attention back to the noisy table of Star Fleet officers. Their scattered drink glasses before them evident of how long they had been drinking.

"Bashir's nice and cute," a pretty ensign was saying, she had red hair, but from this distance Garak couldn't see her features clearly.

"Cute! Nice! Did you sleep through earth history?" The older ensign demanded. Garak could practically see her eye roll from his position. "Didn't you see any of the vids from the war and how the Remnants fought like demons?" the woman continued hotly.

"Erm, but that was ages ago," one of the young men at the table plaintively said.

"Are you an idiot?" the woman emphatically stated. "Bashir's a genetic killing machine," she said thumping the table for emphasis, making the glasses rattle.

"Seriously your paranoid," the other ensign said, scoffing. "The Docs ok, I see him in the Gym and sure he can lift some weights with those skinny arms. But hardly a super soldier" The ensign continued, his breadth of shoulder, a testament to the time he spent working out.

"Besides he is always telling everyone that he is a super soldier, it's comical," the second ensign said backing up their buddy.

The angry woman just looked at them in disbelief, mouth slightly open.

"Yeah, he's so clumsy. He's a bit pathetic really," the young female ensign said with a toss of her red hair.

Garak was starting to feel offended on Julian's behalf.

The older ensign sighed loudly. "Ok, I will lay it out for you. Now you Adebayo, you did well at the academy, right?" she said while looking at the ensign with the dark curly hair. The young man simple nodded. "Now tell me what you thought of that spoon head when you came on board?" She said with raised eyebrows.

The curly haired ensign now furrowed his brows. "That he was a spy of course," he scoffed.

"Exactly. Did you believe that cock n' bull story about him being a tailor?" She asked intensely, leaning forward in her seat.

"No".

Turning to look at the other two ensigns, "what about you two?" the older ensign asked.

The other two looked at each other before looking back at the older ensign, both declared that of course, he, Garak was a spy and that it was obvious. Garak doubted that the three youngest ensigns had any such 'obvious ideas.'

Garak narrowed his eyes at the older woman, though she could not see him. He would have to keep an eye out for her. She seemed like trouble.

"So here comes Bashir, who had the second highest marks in the whole of star fleet academy for his year. Somehow, he doesn't realise that Garak is a spy, even worse that as a Cardassian, that he is dangerous," She looks at her companions to make sure they are listening.

'Work out' ensign just shrugs his shoulders. While the redhead is looking nervous as her eyes dart around the room. Luckily, she misses Garak sitting in the shadows.

"So, genetically engineered super soldier comes on board and boom he falls in the lap of the only Cardassian spy in this sector?" She said, tone sharp. "None of you finds this suspicious at all?"

"Well, everyone knew he was a Remnant as soon as he came on board. The Cardassian probably found out too and is using him for information," The redhead accurately surmises.

The older ensign gives her companions a withering look and shakes her head. "Well, this is what I think happened," she says boldly. "The Remnant came on board and bored out of his tree (super intelligence). Low and behold what does he spot but a Cardassian Spy. Hohoo! What fun! Let's play with the Cardassian and see how much bullshit I can make him swallow," she continued loudly, not even trying to be discreet.

"No! They're cute, always arguing in the Replimat about poetry and movies," the redhead ensign defends Garak and Julian.

"Seriously, he is just torturing the Cardassian, what human in the whole of history thinks Woody Allen's 'Anything Else' Is a good movie?" She said passionately.

Garak's stomach turns to lead as he watches the three younger ensigns look at each other and then nod in agreement.

"I don't know what the hell game Bashir is playing with the Spy, probably relieving his boredom," the older ensign stated.

"Don't get started me on all that, 'I'm the most dangerous person on the station' Ooh! Look at me, aren't I cute and harmless bullshit he is pulling," The ensign said voice rising in anger as she was speaking.

"He is literally laughing his ass off at us all. Don't you ever look at his eyes. HE. IS. LAUGHING. AT. US," she emphatically states.

The other three are looking at each other in worry now, brows furrowed. Worried but not sure if they buy in, to the older ensigns' theories.

Garak has heard enough and blots them out of his mind. He sinks back further into the shadows. His heart trying to pound its way out of his chest.

Garak can't help but think back to their very first meeting. Where Julian tells him to his face that he is the most cunning and dangerous person he will ever meet. Garak head spins, he feels a little nauseous.

Garak's hand steals up his chest to touch the medallion Julian gave him over a year ago. He remembers the smirking smiling look when Julian tells him he knows everything there was to know about Garak. His stomach flips.

He thinks about how easily Julian was able to track Tain down. How did Julian find Tain?

Garak unpins the medallion from his tunic and holds it in his hand. He remembers all the times Julian has looked at him with laughing eyes when he has worn the medallion.

Suddenly Garak is desperate to know what it says. He throws back the rest of his drink and hurries out of Quark's, heading back to his quarters, as his whole universe tilts on its axis.

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