Chapter 1

Dax sat quietly in their quarters, reading a letter from her mother in regards to the wedding. They'd love to come, but they weren't sure when. If she could send out a few prospective dates, they would see what they could arrange. Dax sighed. Things had been tense between her and her family ever since she had been joined. She never understood why and really wasn't sure she wanted too. She'd never really taken much stock in looking down on the unjoined and had always made it a point to show it. However.... She sighed again just as Julian walked in.

"What's wrong?" he asked, bending to give her a kiss.

"Oh, nothing. Just a distinct lack of enthusiasm on my mother's part regarding the wedding."

Julian glanced at her, taking in her disappointment and frustration and walked back, slinging his uniform jacket over a chair. "Jadzia, I'm sure she's thrilled. But, well, bluntly put, how many joined Trill fall in love with and marry an unjoined'? Especially an off-worlder?"

"Next to none," she admitted. "I know. It's a shock. But, well, I was hoping for a little more, oh, happiness or encouragement. Especially considering the other communique I got from Trillian." She hit a button and the message played back for him. It was from the Symbiosis Commission. She saw his jaw tighten as it played back and by the end of the message, a muscle at the corner of his mouth was twitching, a sure sign he wasn't happy.

"Let me see if I get this straight. If you marry me, you'll be in Disgrace. No exceptions."

"Yes. There's no way around it."

He frowned. He loved her too much to tell her what he thought of her homeworld to her face. He was sure she knew, but he could never say it.

"Julian. I don't care what the commission says. Damn them all, for all I care. But, I just wish that my own mother would understand."

He gently folded her in his arms and held her. "It's alright. Everything's going to be fine. Everything will work out for the best."

Dax sighed. "I hope so." She paused for a moment and then said, "There's two messages for you. One's from Earth. I don't know who it's from. The other's from your uncle."

Julian nodded and sat down to receive the messages. Dax picked up his uniform jacket and took it into their bedroom and hung it up. When she returned to the living area, Julian's head was resting in his hands. "Julian? What's wrong?"

He glanced up and said, "Well, it seems you're not the only one who's gotten a bit of bad news today."

"Akmed?"

"No. He's fine. He's looking forward to meeting you. He said he will be here in a week. But..." He paused. "The message from Earth was from Michael."

Dax froze. "Your father?" Julian had never really told her why he and his father don't get along but she knew that they hadn't spoken much in years.

Julian nodded curtly. "Yes. It seems he found out about our wedding by talking to a mutual friend of his and Akmed's. It seems my uncle is more excited about this than he's letting on. Anyway's, Michael's coming here."

Dax gazed at him for a long moment and then walked over to him. She rested her hands on his shoulders and squeezed gently. "Oh, love. It'll be alright. I can have Benjamin 'run interference' for you."

Julian glanced up at her and smiled. "Thank you." She smiled in return and bent to kiss him.

When the broke apart, he asked, "What's for dinner?"

Dax burst out laughing and gently swatted his arm. "It's your turn to make it," she responded.

He smiled and went over to the replicator and began programing it.

*******

A week later, Julian was waiting by the airlock. The doors rolled open. As people began to spill out, Julian scanned the crowd. He had to admit, he was a bit anxious about his uncle's arrival. They hadn't seen each other in a while. That, and Dax had agreed to meet him there and she wasn't there yet.

"Julian!" The cry snapped him out of his thoughts, partly because two people uttered his name at the same time. He glanced up and saw Dax jogging down the corridor and then looked into the airlock. Akmed was walking towards him, smiling broadly. They arrived at the same time.

"Sorry I'm late!"
"It's good to see you!"

Julian glanced back and forth for a moment then said, "That's okay. It's good to see you too."

Dax and Akmed grinned broadly. Akmed then folded his nephew into a hug. Julian smiled and then winced slightly as his uncle pounded his back. Pulling away, Akmed held him by his shoulders. "It's been far too long. You really should get off this station more often."

Julian grinned, "You could always visit, you know."

"Yes, well...we've talked about this before."

Julian nodded, still smiling. Dax cleared her throat. "Oh! I'm sorry," Julian grinned at her then turned to Akmed. "Uncle, this is Jadzia Dax."

"So I gathered," Akmed gently shook her hand. "I've heard quite a bit about you, my dear. It's a pleasure to finally meet you"

Dax smiled, "I could say the same thing. He hasn't stopped talking about all the wonderful adventures you two had together since your communique."

Akmed smiled, "I suppose they were all wildly exaggerated, too."

"Oh, I don't know. He does have a flair for storytelling, but I can usually tell when he is exaggerating."

"Yes, well, if I do exaggerate, I learned from the best," Julian replied. Akmed and Dax smiled. "Why don't I show you to your quarters and then we'll get something for lunch. Will you be joining us, love?"

"Oh, I can't. I was barely able to get out of Ops as it is. I should get back. I'll see you tonight, though." Julian smiled and nodded. "It was a pleasure to meet you Akmed."

He smiled, "No, my dear, the pleasure was most certainly all mine. I look forward to seeing you soon."

Dax smiled and shook her head. 'I always wondered where Julian gets it from.'

Julian glanced at his uncle. "You haven't changed a bit," he grinned.

"Well, it appears I taught you well. She's quite charming."

Julian smiled, "That she is." They started walking towards the guest quarters. "It's really good to see you again. It really has been too long."

"Well, if you could drag yourself away from your post every once in a while."

"Uncle..." Julian sighed.

"I know. You only have so much leave time, but you could come to New Sudan rather than going to Risa."

"I haven't been to Risa in a long time."

"You know what I mean."

Julian sighed. They had been over this particular topic many times. The crux of the disagreement was that New Sudan was at least two weeks from DS9. By the time Julian got there, he barely had enough time to say hello before he had to leave. Akmed, for his part, didn't like space travel as a general rule, especially long distances. Therefore, the two were reduced to subspace communications and the very rare visit. Akmed hadn't been to the station ever and Julian had only managed to visit once in four years. He regretted the fact that they saw so little of each other, but it really couldn't be helped.

"Well, lets leave that particular discussion for another time." Akmed said, startling Julian out of his reverie. Julian nodded. The arrived at Akmed's quarters then. Julian hit the panel and the doors opened. As they walked in Akmed glanced around. "Rather, um, stark decor."

Julian smiled. "That's Cardassian architecture for you. Guest quarters haven't changed much in four years. The living quarters have been updated, but..."

"Yes, I suppose you do have your hands full, what with the Dominion and now the Klingons. Not to mention the Maquis."

Julian glanced at him, "You're quite up to date."

Akmed smiled. "Well, New Sudan might be a bit 'backwater' but I keep up with the things that are important to me."

Julian smiled his acceptance at that. He glanced around and said, "I hate to rush you but, if you could unpack at another time, we could go get lunch before I'm due back in the Infirmary."

"Of course. Lead the way."

*******

They arrived at the Replimat and ordered. Just as they sat down they heard Kira's voice over the comm system. "Kira to Bashir"

"This is Bashir. Go ahead Major."

"There's an incoming message for you, Doctor."

Julian sighed and glanced apologetically at his uncle. "I'll take it in in my office Major." The major confirmed this and closed the connection.

Julian sighed and stood up. "I don't know how long this will take. You could wait here or..."

"I'll come with you. I'd like to see where you work."

Julian smiled and they headed towards the Infirmary. He walked into his office and sat down and hit the message button. The screen blinked on and Julian sat back, shocked. "Michael."

"Hello, Julian." Julian winced slightly and then fell into the mode he always did when talking with his father. "What do you want?" he asked.

"Why, Julian. I'm just wondering if you got my message. When you didn't respond...."

"I got it," Julian snapped. "I'd been hoping it was a joke."

"Julian. I'm hurt," Michael said.

Julian sighed. "What do you *want*?" he repeated.

"I'm just letting you know that my transport will be in in a couple of days," Michael smiled. "I'm expecting to see you at the airlock."

"I don't know if I can. I do have a job, you know."

"Oh, I'm sure you could find five minutes it in your busy schedule to see me. After all, the station might be busy for the rest of the crew, but I don't see how much need there would be for a doctor on a daily basis."

Julian caught himself from yelling and simply replied, "You'd be surprised. There are several hundred permanent inhabitants of DS9, besides the amount of people that are just passing through...."

"Yes, yes. But five minutes won't put a crimp into your daily schedule. Or your fiancé's, I'm sure."

"Actually, I doubt that Jadzia will be able to make it."

"Oh, please Julian. How much use is there for a science officer on your average day there?"

"There is no such thing as an average day on Deep Space Nine."

"Regardless, I'm expecting you both to be there." The elder Bashir cut the communication.

"Always have to get the last word it in, don't you?" Julian grumbled at the screen. With a sigh, he stood up and walked out into the Infirmary's main room, just as Miles walked it in, cradling his hand. "Oh, dear. What did you do now, Chief?" he asked, just as Akmed walked out from the morgue/store room.

"Oh, this damn Cardie equipment is always shorting out on me. This is just one of the few times that it did it while working on it," he replied as Julian examined the burns on his hand.

"I'd better be going, Julian. I'll see you tonight?"

"1900, my quarters for dinner," he replied, glancing up briefly to see Akmed nod and walk out.

"Who was that?" Miles asked.

"My uncle." Julian picked up a regenerator.

"Really? I thought I saw the family resemblance. He here for the wedding?"

"Of course." Julian began to run the regenerator over O'Brien's hand.

"Oh." There was a long pause. "What about your father, Julian."

"He's coming," Julian responded tersely, his voice held a sense of impending doom it in it.

Chapter 2

Dax padded around the room. She had gotten back from her shift and had taken a shower. Right then, she was cleaning up for that evening, dressed only in a robe. When the door opened, she expected to see Julian. Instead Akmed was standing there, staring at her and looking mildly embarrassed.

"I'm sorry. I, um, was expecting to see Julian."

Dax smiled. "He's not back yet. And you're early. I haven't had a chance to finish cleaning up." She gestured to PADDs scattered around the room, most resting on the coffee table. Akmed still stood it in the doorway, looking quite embarrassed. "Come it in and make yourself comfortable. Let me just change out of this robe." She headed into the bedroom.

Akmed paused and then walked it in, the door swooshing closed behind him. "I'm sorry I'm early. I was hoping to talk to Julian before dinner."

"Well, he should be getting back any moment now," came the muffled response. A second later, the door opened.

"Uncle! You're here early." Julian smiled.

"Yes, your lovely fianc‚ was just telling me that," Akmed stared at Julian. He had always been somewhat what people considered old-fashioned, so he was startled to find Julian and Jadzia sharing quarters. But, he respected his nephew and his decisions. Julian smiled and shot his uncle a look that said, 'I would have told you, but I knew how you'd react.' "And," he continued, "I was telling her I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Hmm?" Julian mumbled, shrugging out of his uniform jacket. "What's that?"

"Your father."

Julian's head snapped up. "What about him."

"Well, I assume he already sent you a message saying he'd becoming." Akmed looked distinctly uncomfortable.

"Yes..." Julian replied.

"I also assume he told you how he found out."

"He did. It's not your fault. You didn't know that your friend would tell him." Julian was upset that his father was coming, but he couldn't fault his uncle for something that was out of his control.

"Well, actually," Akmed paused, noticing that Dax had come out of the bedroom. "Actually, I told Leeza to tell him."

"What?!?" Julian whirled around. He had started to go into the bedroom to change. Suddenly, his mind was on other topics than wanting to get out of his uniform. Even Dax had started at that. "Why?"

"Regardless of how you feel about him, Julian, he's still your father...."

"He isn't my father. He hasn't been for over ten years." Julian interrupted. He felt a hand rest on his shoulder and glanced over at Dax and then back at his uncle. "You had no right telling him that. If I had wanted him to know, I would have told him myself."

"Julian, you don't know this, but he has begun to express regrets about what happened between the two of you. He keeps talking about visiting and making things right. I knew that this would give him an excuse to finally make good on it."

"So you took it upon yourself to let him know about our wedding so he could come out here and ask for my forgiveness." Julian hardly looked placated. "I can't believe you did that! If I wanted to forgive that man, I already would have. But I don't. Besides, if he was so interested it in trying to make amends, why was he so bloody condescending today?"

"What do you mean?"

"The message at lunch. It was Michael calling to let me know when his transport would be arriving and to get a few digs it in."

"Julian, it's been almost 16 years since the two of you held a real conversation. He doesn't know how to communicate with you."

"And what makes you think that he's going to do any better when he gets here."

Neither of them looked like they were going to back down. Dax sighed and stepped it in. "Look, why don't we just forget about this for now. Akmed, could you give me a hand with dinner?" He nodded. Dax turned to Julian. "Go change and cool off. We'll talk later," she whispered. He nodded and smiled slightly for her sake. Dax stood on tiptoe and kissed him gently. He disappeared into the bedroom. Dax turned back to Akmed. He was looking at the trinkets on one shelf. Dax walked over to him. "What would you like for dinner?" she asked.

"What? Oh, whatever dear. I'm not a picky eater." Jadzia smiled and headed over to the replicator. She decided on one of Julian's favorites and punched the request into the computer.

"What are these?" Akmed asked, gently touching the small statues.

"Some of the Joined and Unjoined gods of Trill," Dax replied. "I keep them around for mostly sentimental value. I don't often use them."

He glanced at her and then back at the statues. "And the box? I've never seen a design like that. It looks similar to a yin yang, but..."

"It's a yunnuth symbol. It represents host and symbiont."

"Oh." Akmed wasn't quite sure what to say. Julian had told him that she was joined but Akmed was somewhat leery of the idea of another being inside your body, impressing its personality on your own.

Julian walked out, somewhat relaxed. He had spent some time calming down before coming out. "So," he said. "What's for dinner?"

"Lamb kebabs, hummus and pita bread, and tobouli," Dax replied, glancing at him to see his reaction. He smiled at her, touched by the gesture.

The rest of the evening passed without further discussion of Julian's father. No one wanted to destroy the night by bringing up a touchy subject. Instead the conversation drifted towards their respective jobs, the station and the wedding. They had decided on a mixed wedding. Trill custom included three days of celebration, which wasn't it in dispute, but the ceremony was designed for the marriage of two joined Trill. Therefore, the decided on a traditional Terran ceremony. Garak was making the dress and suit, free of cost as his wedding gift to the couple. Quark was providing his bar to be used for the festivities, for a small cost of course. All in all, the evening was quite enjoyable.

Later, after Akmed had left, Julian and Jadzia were cleaning up. Julian put the last of the dishes into the replicator and hit a few buttons and they dematerialized. He sighed and ordered a Tarkalian tea and sat down on the couch.

Dax glanced at him and came over perching on the back of the couch and began massaging his shoulders. "You want to talk about it?" She asked after a while.

"About what?" he asked, tipping his head to the right. Dax took the hint and slid both hands over to his left shoulder.

"Your father," she replied.

"There's not much to talk about. He disowned me at the age of eighteen and we haven't spoken much since."

"Julian." Her voice held a warning.

"What do you want Jadzia?" he asked, frustrated. "Michael and I barely talk to each other. When we do, it's hardly civil conversation. We've never gotten along."

"Why?"

Julian sighed. He hadn't really told her much about his life before coming to DS9 because he didn't expect it to ever come back to haunt him. It in retrospect, he realized he should have known better, but it didn't make this any easier. "Love, did you ever read my journals from med school?"

"Some, not all though," she admitted, still rubbing the back of his neck.

He sighed again. "Michael and I, well, we were hardly ever close. He was always busy with diplomatic functions and I always found a way to mess up." Julian grinned ironically. "If there was any sort of social faux pas, I could find it. He always was disappointed with me. No matter how well I did, it was never good enough for him." Julian paused. "And he always let me know it."

Dax paused this time, the implication of that statement setting it in. "Julian," she slid down so she was sitting next to him. She gently took her hand it in his. "Julian, whatever happened, you can tell me."

He gazed at her. "I know. It's not," he paused and cleared his throat, "It's not what you think. He never really hit me much. He'd use his skills as an ambassador. He'd find a weak spot and twist it till it hurt." Julian looked down at their hands. He wasn't quite sure what else to say.

"Oh, love. Does Akmed know about this?"

"Bits and pieces. I could never really tell him everything." Julian sighed. "So, now you know why I don't want him here."

Jadzia sighed it in response. She glanced down at their intertwined hands and then back up at him. "Julian, no matter what happens, we'll get through this. I already talked to Benjamin. He said he'd be more than glad to distract him for us, for you."

Julian gazed at her and smiled slightly. "If what my uncle says is true, how well do you think the captain will be able to distract him?"

Dax sighed. "Julian, if what Akmed says is true, why is this an issue. If your father is truly sorry for what happened and he wants to make amends, what's wrong?"

Julian paused. "I just don't know if I can forget part of my life and move on like it never happened. What he wants is his son back. I can't give that to him."

Dax reached out and gently caressed his cheek. "I'm not saying you should just forget everything. But maybe reconcile part of it and move on. Become his friend, if you can't be his son."

Julian gazed at her for a long time. After a moment, he smiled slightly and nodded. "Alright. I'll give him a chance." 'For your sake,' he thought. "But I'm not promising anything." Jadzia smiled and leaned in and kissed him. Julian gently wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss. After several minutes, they pulled apart. Julian gently brushed his hand down her neck, tracing the spots that framed her face. She smiled at him and kissed him again, pushing him back on the couch.

*******

Two days later, Julian was once again waiting at the airlock, this time looking distinctly uncomfortable. Dax was standing with him, gently holding his hand. The door rolled open and people once again began to file out. Julian stood there watching and waiting, apprehension growing. He glanced at Jadzia, who smiled at him and squeezed his hand. He smiled slightly in return and was giving her hand a gentle squeeze in return when he heard a familiar voice say "Julian." and his grip on her hand tightened tenfold. He turned and saw his father walking towards him. Julian took a deep breath and said, "Hello Michael."

His father smiled at him. "I hate to admit it, but you look good in that uniform. It is good to see you Julian."

Julian started and then nodded in response. "Michael, this is Jadzia Dax."

Michael smiled. "A pleasure," he said, taking her hand. Dax smiled and said nothing.

After a moment of silence, Julian said, "Um, I suppose you want to get settled in. I'll show you to your quarters."

"Thank you."

Julian turned to Jadzia. "I'll see you later."

"Of course," she replied and kissed him gently. He smiled and watched her go for a moment before turning back. "This way," he said, gesturing.

"She's quite beautiful. And obviously intelligent," Michael said.

"Obviously?" Julian asked.

"Well, to be honest, I looked at her file. Several degrees in the sciences."

"You looked at her file?" Julian asked, mildly shocked and offended.

"Well, you haven't told me anything about her. What was I supposed to do?"

"Ask her what she does?" Julian suggested sarcastically.

Michael glanced at his son and sighed. "Your right. I guess I have to get out of ambassadorial mode every once in a while." Julian glanced at him shocked. "What?"

"Nothing. I'm just surprised, that's all."

"Really? Surprised that someone can change after sixteen years? You have, why can't I?"

Julian paused, digesting this. After a moment, he said, "I didn't say you couldn't change, but from the communique the other day, it didn't seem like you had."

Michael glanced down, mildly ashamed. "I'm sorry about that, son. I didn't mean to come off like that. It has been awhile. I guess it took me by surprise to see you sitting at *your* desk in *your* infirmary looking more confident that I ever remember you being."

Julian gazed at him, not sure what to say. They arrived at the quarters and Julian punched the door control. They walked in and Michael looked around. After a moment he said, "I don't think I'll ever get used to Cardassian architecture. How do you manage living in quarters like this?"

Julian smiled a genuine smile at him for the first time in years. "Well, the living quarters have been somewhat redecorated. Plus, if they're *your* quarters, you can decorate things how you want." Michael smiled in response. Julian paused. His father was acting different, like he really wanted to make amends. After a moment he asked, "Um, I'm going on my lunch break in a bit. Would you, um, like to join me and Jadzia?"

"Jadzia will be there?"

"Yes, well, we try to have lunch together as often as possible."

Michael thought for a moment and then said, "I'd love to."

Julian nodded and they walked out.

*******

Lunch was surprisingly enjoyable. Conversation was pleasant. Julian sat there, somewhat shocked. He couldn't explain why his father was acting so genuinely polite.

They were just finishing up when Jadzia stood. "I really should be getting back to Ops. It was nice talking to you Ambassador."

"Please, for the last time, call me Michael."

Jadzia smiled and nodded. Turning to Julian she asked, "When do you get off work today?"

"Barring any emergencies, I should be home around 1600." She nodded and kissed him. She nodded one last time at Michael and headed off.

"Home?" Michael asked, smiling slightly.

"Mm hmm. We started sharing quarters after we got engaged."

Michael smiled. "I suppose it shocked the hell out of Akmed."

"He took it in stride," Julian replied. He glanced at the chronometer. "I really should get back too. I have a couple of appointments this afternoon."

Michael nodded and asked, "Do you mind if I come with? I'd like to see how you turned one of the most backwater jobs in Starfleet Medical into one of the most sought after post."

Julian started at the compliment. After a moment, he recovered enough to reply. "That's fine. Just make sure you stay out of the way."

"Of course. The last thing you need is me getting in the way when something happens."

They headed off towards the Infirmary in silence. Julian's mind was reeling. He wasn't sure how to take this change in his father's behavior. On the surface, he was waiting for the other shoe to drop. Unconsciously, he was beginning to warm up. 'Perhaps Akmed was right,' he thought.

They arrived in the Infirmary and Julian began to show him around. The tour was brief, but Michael actually looked interested. Suddenly, Julian heard Odo's voice over the comm system. "Medical emergency in cargo bay 3." Forgetting his father, Julian began snapping orders to the nurses who were there. Withing seconds, they were organized and rushing out of the Infirmary, leaving Michael Bashir standing there, looking shocked at the flurry of activity and impressed with their efficiency. 'He's really come into his own here. He has a job that he enjoys and is obviously quite good at, a lovely fianc‚, and recognition. No wonder Star Fleet hasn't removed him from his post here, even though many other senior officers have asked for it. He's too damn good to lose.'

*******

Julian walked into his quarters and collapsed on the couch, to exhausted to move. There had been a malfunction in the equipment in the cargo bay which had injured several dozen workers. He and his staff had worked for several hours stabilizing the people and healing the injuries. Thankfully no one was killed.

"Oh, you look dead. Rough day?" He turned at the sound of her voice and smiled slightly.

"You've got to be kidding me. You didn't hear about what happened in cargo bay 3?"

"I didn't hear the whole story. Just that one of the mechanical movers malfunctioned and that there were some injuries. Why?"

"That's where I was for the last five hours. The mover managed to injure almost the entire shift that was there before they shut it down," he shifted slightly to shrug out of his uniform, wincing as he did so. "I can't count the number of broken bones, concussions, contusions and lacerations I came across today."

Dax smiled at him and walked over and pulled him up off the couch, ignoring his protests. "Why don't you change out of your uniform and we'll have a quite dinner and play the rest of the evening by ear." She was smiling slightly and her eyes glinted playfully.

He smiled tiredly in response. "That sounds wonderful, but I'm really too tired, love. All I want to do is change and fall asleep for a couple of hours."

Dax shook her head slightly and said, "At least have some dinner. I said 'play the rest of the evening by ear'. Where's your mind?" She was grinning at him.

"Same place yours is," he teased. "Only I'm too damn tired to act on it." Dax laughed and pushed him towards the bedroom.

He had just emerged from the room when the door chimed. "Come in," he called. The door slid open to reveal his father standing there. Dax looked up from the table she was setting and smiled.

"Hello Julian," he glanced at Dax and nodded, looking distinctly uncomfortable. "My dear, would you give us a moment?"

"Of course," she replied. As she walked by Julian she gently squeezed his hand and headed into the bedroom.

"What is it, Michael?" Julian asked.

"It's about you." Julian glanced up, not sure how to take that. "I'm..concerned about this wedding."

"What about it?" Julian's defenses were up. He didn't like the way this conversation was headed.

"Well, she's a joined Trill. You must surely know about their social taboo's regarding the joined marrying an unjoined."

"Yes. She got a message from the Commission the other day." Julian frowned. He didn't understand what his father was driving at.

"Julian, do you really think she'll accept Disgrace? You know what she has to go through if she does?"

"Of course I know. We've talked about it many times. I believe her exact words on the matter were 'Damn them all, for all I care.' "

"Julian," his father was growing more upset, "regardless about our past, I'm still your father. Believe it or not, I care about you. I don't want to see you get hurt. Do you honestly think she'll marry you and let the board strip her of her rights and privileges as a joined and prohibit the Dax symbiont from being joined again unless she goes through training again?"

"She's said she will. That's all I need." Julian's voice rose, angry.

"Don't be so naive, Julian. Her first duty as a joined Trill is to her symbiont. Do you really think she'd take you over her oath?"

"So, *this* is why you've been so damn cordial. Get me to let down my defenses and then strike? It's not going to work this time, Michael." Julian was furious now. "Get out."

"Julian, I'm only concerned about your well--"

"I said, 'Get OUT!' " he shouted.

"Not until you come to your senses!" Michael shouted back.

Julian was seething. He couldn't believe this. "You know, I was willing to give you another chance, to try and work things out. At first, it was for Jadzia's sake and then I actually began to believe that things could work. I can't believe I fell into your trap once again.!"

"Julian," Michael lowered his voice. He looked somewhat abashed. "Julian, I'm only worried about you. I remember how crushed you were when Palis left you. I do want to make things right between us. I just want to you look at the situation with your mind, not your heart. That's all I ask." With that, he left.

Julian stood there, fists clenched, shaking with anger. The last time he had been this angry was when he left for Star Fleet. He wasn't even aware that Dax had come out of the bedroom until she put her hand on his shoulder. He whirled, startled. Dax took a step back and then gathered her wits. She'd never seen him so mad. "Julian," she ventured.

"What?" he snapped.

Not letting her temper get the best of her, she simply said, "I heard what he said."

Julian gazed at her and his shoulders slumped. He sank down on the couch and rested his head in his hands. Jadzia immediately sank down beside him and wrapped her arms around him. Neither said anything for a long time. After a moment she said, "He's only concerned about you, love. He was right about what will happen if I accept Disgrace." Julian didn't say anything. "Julian," she whispered, "please say something."

He sighed and then whispered, "I can't ask you to do that. I love you too much to ask you to give everything up. I.." his voice broke. He cleared it and then turned to her and said, "Jadzia, if you want to call things off, I'll understand. I can't expect you to give up your privileges as a joined, not no mention what will happen to Dax."

Jadzia stared at him in shocked silence. After a moment, she whispered, "You believe what he said. You think I would actually do that to you?"

"I don't know what to believe, Jadzia," he said, standing up. He walked over to the shelves. After a moment, he turned around and gazed at her. "I can't make you break your oath as a joined."

Dax stared at him for a long time. She got up and walked over to him and gently took his hands into hers. "Julian," she whispered. "My duty as a joined is to do what's best for Dax. You aren't asking me to break that. You're what's best for me, can't you see that? I love you. It's the commission's own fault for not seeing that."

He gazed at her for a long moment. He gently reached over and traced the line of spots on her neck. He shook his head gently. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "He just knows how to get to me. I know that's not any excuse for what I said, though. I'm sorry."

Dax gently reached up and wrapped her arms around the back of his neck and pulled him close. Their lips met in a long kiss. Julian's arms slid around her back, pulling her closer. After a moment, they pulled away. Dax gazed at him. "What do you say we forget about dinner for now?" Julian just smiled and kissed her. Dax leaned into him, her hands sliding down his back. He suddenly pulled away and scooped her up in his arms. Dax gasped slightly and smiled, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and kissed him again. Somehow, he managed to get to the bedroom.

*******

The next morning, Ambassador Bashir was having breakfast in the Replimat when a very angry Jadzia Dax stormed up to him. Startled, he motioned to her to sit down. She did. "What can I do for you?"

"Just be quiet and listen," she snapped in response. Something in her eyes told him to do just that. "I just want you to know that I heard everything last night." The Ambassador's eyes widened slightly. "Perhaps you're right about the fact that most joined Trill wouldn't choose an unjoined over their privileges, but I'm not most joined Trill." He started to say something but she silenced him with a look. "I've spent a better part of two lifetimes away from Trillian and have seen first hand how the board operates. Believe me when I say I have little to no respect for them or their laws. I don't care if they say I have to accept disgrace for marrying Julian. I plan on doing just that. For the first time, I'm going to meet the board head on and tell them just what I think of them when I get my chance at my Disgrace. You can count on that." With that, she stood up and stormed off, leaving a very confused and startled man behind her.

Ambassador Bashir stood up and headed to the Infirmary. Julian was there, finishing up a physical. When he saw his father, he frowned slightly and turned back to his patient. When they left, he turned to the ambassador. "What do you want?"

"I just had a lovely conversation with your fianc‚ about last night. I was wondering if you could help me sort out some confusion."

Julian turned away. He didn't know Jadzia had planned on talking with Michael. "What?"

"She mentioned something about seeing how the board operates first hand. What did she mean by that?"

Julian paused. "I don't know if I should tell you. If she didn't go into detail about it...."

"She didn't give me a chance," he replied. "I swear, I've never seen anyone so angry in my life. I had the impression that if I crossed her, she would have seriously hurt me."

Julian smiled slightly, "She probably would have. She has quite a temper at times."

"Hmph. Well, what did she mean?"

"Do you really expect me to tell you after last night?"

"Julian, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to come off as so harsh. I didn't know how she felt about this. Now I do. You were right."

Julian just gaped at him. "What?"

"You were right."

Julian stared for a long moment and then picked up an instrument. "Come here."

"What?" Michael was mildly confused.

"Just come here and lift your arm." Michael did so. Julian drew some blood and swirled the vial. Michael stared at his son in confusion. "No change." Julian sounded confused.

It suddenly hit Michael. "You thought I was a changeling?"

"It's the only way I could explain the way you've been acting and the fact that you just told me I was right about something." Julian was serious.

Michael stared and just burst out laughing. "I don't believe it. Just because I admitted I was wrong about something you...."

"You never admitted to being wrong in thirty-two years. Why now?"

Michael stopped laughing. "Why now?" he asked, a little acid slipping into his voice. "Oh, I suppose you could write it off to getting on in my years and wanting to reconcile things so I can clear my conscious. But the truth is, I actually am sorry about what happened between us. I know I wasn't the best of fathers and I regret it." The elder Bashir turned away, trying to collect his thoughts. "I was hoping to come out here and make up for that in some way."

Julian just stared at him, shocked. He couldn't remember ever seeing his father like this. He didn't know what to say. However, he was saved by the door to the Infirmary opening up and admitting his uncle.

"I've been trying to see you for days. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to..." he trailed off when he saw father and son standing there, Michael looking defeated and Julian in shock. "I'm sorry. I'm interrupting. I'll leave." He turned to go.

"No, that's alright. I really should get going. I've taken up too much of Julian's time as it is." Michael Bashir started for the door.

"Michael..." Julian said. His father turned. Julian stopped, suddenly not sure what to say. After a moment, he collected his thoughts. "Would you like to have dinner with Jadzia and me in our quarters?" Michael paused and then nodded, a ghost of a smile touching his face, and walked out. Julian collapsed in his chair, shocked. His knees felt like the had turned to water.

"Son," Julian looked up at his uncle. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"No," Julian took a deep breath. "No. I'm fine. What did you want to see me about?"

"Oh, nothing. Just wanted to give you something." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.

Julian stared in confusion and took the box. "What is it?" he asked, turning it over.

"It's a wedding gift. Open it." Julian glanced at him and then opened the box. He stared in shock and picked up the small photo. "It of you and your mother. I think you were about a year old. I know you don't have any photos of her and I decided to give this to you."

Julian just started. He didn't know what to say. The only reminders he had of his mother were the few letters he had from her. After a moment he looked up at his uncle and smiled. "Thank you."

"It's no problem. I thought you might want it, so I hunted through some old photos and found it." Akmed smiled and the said, "I should be going. I'll see you later?"

"Of course." Julian smiled at him. Akmed nodded and left. Julian started down at the photo, lost in his thoughts.

*******

Julian sighed slightly. It was 1800. His father had left a message saying he'd be there by then. Julian paced back and forth.

Dax sighed. "Julian, would you stop pacing? You're driving me crazy."

Julian paused. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. It's just...."

Dax came over and hugged him. He had told her what had happened after she had confronted his father. She didn't blame him for being confused. "Everything's going to be fine. Just relax." He smiled and she stood on tiptoe and kissed the tip of his nose just as the door chimed. She felt him tense and pulled away. "Relax," she hissed. In a louder voice she called, "Come in."

The door slid open and Michael walked in, holding a bottle of wine. "I come bearing gifts," he said, smiling slightly.

Dax smiled back and gently took the bottle, "Thank you. Come in and make yourself comfortable. Would you like something to drink?"

"No thank you, dear. I'm fine."

Dax nodded and opened the bottle to let the wine breath a bit. "Dinner will be ready in a little bit. Have a seat." He did so. As she walked by Julian, she nudged him slightly. He glanced at her and then at his father. He had no idea what to say. Obviously Michael felt the same because he simply sat there, looking around the room. Dax sighed. "So, Michael," she said, trying to get the ball rolling, "Akmed mentioned that you had been working on a trade agreement."

"Yes, between the Tellarites and Betazoids. Normally such a agreement wouldn't require a mediator, but with the political climate being as it is in the Alpha quadrant, the corp thought that one would be a good idea." Michael seemed to relax marginally, but not much. Julian had moved to help Dax, but she shooed him away. After a pause, Michael said, "I was wondering if I could ask you something."

"Of course."

"Well, earlier, you had mentioned that you had seen the work of the board first hand. I was wondering what you meant by that."

"Michael.." Julian broke in. He didn't want to bring this up.

"No. It's alright Julian. I don't mind." Dax turned to Michael and told him about what happened and how she discovered Joran Dax's memories. Michael sat quietly for a moment after she finished. Julian just studied him, waiting for him to say something. Nothing came. Julian sighed. He was getting frustrated with the shifts in his father's personality. He wasn't sure what to think anymore. After a moment, Michael asked, "So, what are your plans for the wedding?"

The rest of the evening passed smoothly, the conversation floating from their respective jobs, to the studies that Dax and Julian were working on, plans for the wedding, which was fast approaching. Julian felt himself loosening up towards the end of the evening. Whether due to the fact that things were going so well or the wine, he didn't' know. After dinner, they talked about plans for the future. Michael asked whether they planned on leaving DS9. Neither of them saw that happening any time soon. After a brief pause, Michael said, "The corp wants to send me out here as a Federation liaison."

Julian started slightly. "For how long?" he asked.

"Probably until the Dominion and Klingon threat clears up and Bajor is admitted into the Federation. They want someone here on a more permanent basis to help build a trust with the government and the Kai rather than sending out whoever is free at the time when trouble pops up. They feel Captain Sisko is doing a fine job but they want someone here who doesn't have such strong ties to the Bajoran faith."

Julian digested this. "I suppose you'd be living on the station then."

"If I accept." The elder Bashir looked at his son, making it clear where the decision rested. Julian just sat quietly. Dax had left to lay down, complaining of a slight headache, so they both sat quietly for a moment, no one filling in the uncomfortable silence. After a long silence, Julian asked, "What do you want from me Michael?"

He looked up. "Oh, I don't really know. I do regret what happened between us. I'm sorry for what I did. I never really realized that I was driving you away."

"Didn't realize?!? I was always under the impression that you hated me for not choosing diplomacy or law. That no matter what I did, it was never good enough for your standards. What did you expect?"

"You thought I hated you? Julian, no. I was disappointed. I won't deny that. But I never hated you for choosing medicine. And I never thought you were not good enough. I admit that I pushed you a bit hard," Julian sniffed indignantly at that but Michael continued, "but it was for your own good. Look where it got you."

"I'm here because I pushed myself for myself. Not for any standards you might have held." Julian sighed. "You never answered my question. What do you want from me?"

Michael sighed in response. "What do you think?"

"Michael, if you want your son back, I can't give that. I don't know how much I can forgive either." The elder Bashir looked down. "But," Julian paused, "I promised Jadzia that I'd give you a chance. And, to be honest, I'd like to do just that." A smile crossed Michael's face. "You were mentioning a position here one DS9?"

Chapter 3

The last two weeks before the wedding past quickly. Last minute plans were ironed out and everything was set up. Dax stood in Kira's quarters staring at herself in the mirror. Garak had done a wonderful job on her dress. It was off white, almost ivory colored, made of Tholian silk. It was a simple dress, style wise. It was off the shoulder, showing off more of her spots than usual and had simple straight lines which flattered her figure. She smiled at her reflection in the mirror. She had been afraid that such a light color would make her look more pale than she already was. In actuality, it emphasized the color of her skin and made her spots look darker than normal. He had also done a wonderful job of not letting Julian see it. Dax had come across that particular custom while researching into Terran weddings and asked Garak to help her. 'The look on his face when he came back to our quarters after Garak refused to let him see it...' She smiled and turned slightly to make sure her hair was staying in place. The door swooshed open and Dax looked up and gasped. Her mother stood there, smiling slightly. "Mom," she said, not quite sure what to say.

"I told you we'd try to make it. It took some doing, but we managed." Her mother smiled. "You look beautiful, dear." Dax smiled. "I can't believe my little girl is getting married." They embraced. After a moment, her mother pulled away and gazed at her. "Have you heard from the commission?"

Dax nodded. "Several times. The last letter came today." She heard her mom draw in her breath. "I could have sworn Julian was going to put his fist through the screen when he read it."

"Dear," her mom hesitated, "are you sure this is what you want?"

"More than anything. The commission is wrong, Mom. I know that better than anyone. I won't let them influence me."

Her mom smiled. "In that case, I'm looking forward to meeting this young man." Dax turned, slightly startled. "Dear, you know I hold no respect for the commission either." Dax smiled slightly. "Jadzia, I have a question. Who's giving you away?"

"Julian's uncle." Dax was impressed with her mother's off handed reference to the Terran custom. 'She's been doing research.'

"Do you think it would be a terrible inconvenience if I walked with."

Jadzia felt tears come to her eyes. "Of course not. I'd love it if you would." They hugged. After a moment they pulled away and Dax dabbed at the tears. The door opened and Akmed stood in the door. "Are you ready?"

Jadzia nodded. "Akmed, this is my mother. She'll be giving me away too."

Akmed smiled. "I wouldn't have it any other way. Shall we go?" They nodded.

*******

Julian stood at the front of the temple, nervous as hell. He glanced at O'Brien, who just smiled, mildly amused but reassuring at the same time. Julian sighed. Just then the doors opened up and the music started. In walked Molly O'Brien, scattering rose petals on the aisle as she walked up, her face serious. Miles grinned proudly. When she got to the front, she turned to sit down and then turned back and asked, "Did I do okay Daddy?"

Miles flushed slightly and the people chuckled slightly, including Julian. 'Well, at least he's smiling. For a moment I thought he was going to pass out.' "You did fine sweety." She beamed and skipped into her seat.

Kira then walked in, smiling slightly. Julian felt his stomach tighten, nerves kicking in. She got to the front of the temple and smiled at him. He returned it slightly just as a murmur ran through the temple. He turned and saw her and drew in a breath, nerves forgotten. 'She's beautiful.'

Dax was practically beaming as she walked in. The switch of emotions on Julian's face was wonderful. He had been returning Kira's smile of reassurance looking like he was facing a Jem'Hadar firing squad, when he turned and met her gaze. Any apprehension he felt was gone, replaced by a smile that was reflected in his eyes. In what seemed like nanoseconds, they were at the front of the temple and he was taking her hand. She smiled and walked with him to the front.

The ceremony was beautiful and brief. Vows and rings were exchanged. Ben Sisko was officiating and couldn't keep a smile off his face when he said, "You may now kiss the bride."

Julian smiled and turned. Dax was smiling also. He bent and they kissed. They heard the applause from the guests and pulled away after a long moment. Dax smiled at him and they turned. The music started and they began to walk out. They saw Jadzia's mother crying and her sister standing there smiling. Julian's father smiled and nodded at them and Akmed looked like he wouldn't stop grinning for months to come. Soon, they were standing in the small entrance space. Withing seconds Kira and Miles were standing next to them, hugging them. Julian smiled as Molly walked out and Miles scooped her up. Soon guests began filing out and congratulating the couple. Julian thought that their family would be the first out, but, as it turned out, they were last. Akmed came out and embraced the two. "Congratulations." He smiled. "You're a lucky man Julian."

"I know," he replied, gently squeezing Jadzia's hand. Dax smiled at him and was suddenly crushed in a hug.

"Sis, you said you were getting married, but you didn't say how good looking he was!" Julian flushed. Dax burst out laughing and introduced her sister just as her mother came out and hugged her. "Dear, I'm so proud of you!" Jadzia smiled and introduced her mother to Julian. He smiled and bent and kissed her cheek. "It's a pleasure," he said. She smiled.

"Julian." He glanced up and saw his father standing there. Michael extended his hand. Julian accepted it. "Congratulations son." Julian smiled and replied, "Thank you." An understanding passed between the two. Jadzia smiled. At that moment, Ben walked out and congratulated the couple then said, "You know, Quark is probably charging you for the minute. Might as well make the most of it."

Laughter rang out from the group and the headed out, Julian and Jadzia hanging back for a moment. Julian gently pulled her close and they kissed. Jadzia closed her eyes and pressed against him. After a moment, he pulled away. "I see your mom and sister managed to make it," he smiled.

"Hmmm," she murmured in response. "I see that you and your father are getting along."

Julian smiled at her. "Well, I think you scared him when you confronted him that day." Jadzia grinned. "You know I had nothing to do with it." Julian smiled and kissed her again. "You know," they heard, "people are wondering where you are." They broke apart and glanced at the doors. Kira was standing there smiling. "Right," Julian smiled and gently took her arm and they walked out.

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