Eighteen

Well, so much for making progress.

Despite everyone's initial excitement that he'd recovered from his comatose state (Julian couldn't tell them otherwise at this point) the mood in sickbay quickly soured as it became clear that Julian's paralysis didn't appear to be recovering quickly. Six hours had passed since he regained the use of his eyes, yet the rest of his body remained more immobile than a statue.

They'd done the kindness of altering the bed and using extra pillows to prop him up for a better view of the infirmary, but they'd only been able to place him in a slight semi-recumbent position, as his neck kept flopping violently if they tried to raise him any higher.

What they hadn't done, however, was actually explain what had happened during his time in sickbay. From the moment Miles had screamed out for Jadzia, he'd been plotting how to convey his irritation at not being provided with explanations, yet despite glaring at people with all his might, no one had picked up on the subliminal message. All they cared about was that he had 'apparently' awoken.

I mean, I'm glad they care, but still…

Dax and Jabara had re-run every test they could think of and had used the cortical stimulators so many times that Julian was starting to get a headache. Both women gave him a despondent look as they stood at the foot of his bed, anxiously staring at a monitor. Jadzia's normally-flawless hair had started to fray and come loose from her ponytail, and Jabara's eyes were decorated with dark circles that seemed to worsen every time Julian looked at her.

"The only possible cause that I can't rule out because I can't make it disappear," Jadzia finally announced, "is that the swelling in your brain is what's causing the paralysis to linger."

Julian sighed despondently. It took him a moment to remember that he was meant to be 'communicating' with Jadzia, and blinked twice for yes. That was my conclusion as well. Now can you please give me an explanation of what the hell has happened since the holosuite?!

A brief pause followed as Jadzia took a moment to inspect his intra-arterial line. Part of him wondered who had inserted it. "Are you comfortable, Julian?"

As much as I can be, I suppose. I can't exactly tell you what I'm irritated about.

Jabara gave a glance at the vitals monitor, her brow furrowing. "Your heart rate's been elevated since you woke up, Julian, and it doesn't seem to be settling."

Yes, because I'm bloody frustrated!

"Are you in pain?" Jabara asked.

One blink. I wish I could roll my eyes…

"That's good, at least. Is something wrong?"

Two blinks. It's taken you long enough to figure it out.

"Do you need repositioning?"

One blink.

"Are you too hot or cold?"

One blink. Dammit, Jadzia, figure it out!

Dax paused for a moment. "…I'm not sure what you need, Julian, I'll be honest. Has something changed that you need to tell us about?"

Julian wanted to scream. He could feel his heart rate skyrocketing as the monitor started to beep incessantly, and assumed his blood pressure would be doing the same. Despite his body's unconscious attempts to increase his respiratory rate, his diaphragm stubbornly refused to respond. No amount of willpower and internal struggling made any difference, and it was beginning to feel overwhelming.

"Julian, you need to settle," Dax said cautiously. "Your body is still weak and I don't want you stressing out if you don't need to be stressed."

But I am, Jadzia! How can I relax when no one has told me what has become of Garak?!

"Excuse me, Lieutenant," Odo's gruff voice came from the medbay entrance, "but I have a visitor here who is insistent on seeing the good doctor, despite my recommendations against doing so at this time."

Both ladies glanced towards the door, their faces softening upon seeing whoever had come to visit. "It's alright, Constable," Jabara waved the mystery visitor in. "I think this would be good for him, anyway."

Jadzia gave her patient a warm smile. "I think this should make you feel better, Julian."

If it's another sedative, Jadzia, I swear you're going to-

"My dear doctor," Garak's voice made the hairs on his arms stand up. "It's so good to have you back with us. Your medical staff and the good constable been providing me with updates on your condition while I've been recovering."

My God! Julian's spirits instantly lifted as the Cardassian walked into view, clearly still weak, but most definitely No amount of willpower and internal struggling made any difference, and it was beginning to feel overwhelming.. His eyes widened so far that he was sure he looked utterly ridiculous, but it was the only expression he could currently convey. Garak! You're alive!

The tailor gave him a wide but fatigued smile as he carefully made his way to Julian's side, the shift in his demeanour sending alarm bells ringing in the doctor's head. Jadzia and Jabara offered to give him a hand, but he politely raised a hand to decline. "Would it be appropriate if I may request some privacy for this conversation?"

Dax gave the Cardassian a gentle nod. "We'll be outside if either of you need anything, Garak." She grabbed a couple of pads from Julian's bedside before following Jabara and Odo out of the treatment room.

Garak hissed as he settled into the seat at Julian's head, placing a hand on the doctor's shoulder. "Doctor Bashir, you are truly a man of miracles. After all, I am a dead man walking, am I not?"

Julian hadn't realised he'd raised an eyebrow at first, but was pleased to have successfully performed the gesture. How the hell did you survive?!

"Ah, yes, they did inform me of your current…plight. Though I must say," Garak raised a finger in exclamation, "that I, for one, am not enjoying this forced silence of yours. We cannot discuss our fondness for literature with you unable to fill my head with more of your Federation-based values."

Oh, Garak. Julian chuckled mentally, his excitement growing as his lips erratically twitched into a smile. You're still an arse, Garak, but you're still a dear friend.