House of Cards
by Catherine Henke

Chapter One

Odo glanced at his reflection in the mirror and tugged uncomfortably at his uniform. 'I will never get used to being a solid,' he thought and, uttering a grunt of frustration at his uniform, walked out of his quarters.

There was one thing bothering him since his encounter with the Great Link for the... last time. Well, one of many things. 'How do they know so much about me. And the crew of DS9? How can they always stay one step ahead of us?'

Odo walked into the security office, still mulling over this problem. He called up the days criminal report and sat down, still thinking about the founders.

"Good morning Odo."

Odo glanced up and managed a slight smile. "Major. What can I do for you?"

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, you've been staring through that padd for about five minutes," Kira replied, smiling. "What's wrong?"

Odo sighed and set the padd down. "I've been thinking about my last encounter with the founders."

"Odo," she admonished, but he interrupted her.

"No, I've not been sulking. I've been thinking." He leaned forward against the desk. "How do the founders know so much about me, my activities, the people on this station?"

Kira sat back and shook her head. "What?"

"The female founder knew you were seeing First Minister Shakkar when we went there. She commented on it to prove how much she knew about us."

Kira's eyes narrowed at the idea. "Well, the only way they could know that much information is if they had an informer on the station...." She trailed off as she realized what she was saying.

"That's what I've been thinking. Not just any informant, you would agree."

Kira nodded. "It would have to be someone who knew about our security protocols. That's how the founders would operate. Why send someone to a heavily fortified station only to gain gossip."

"A member of the senior staff," Odo stated with finality.

"Why are you telling me this?" she asked, confused.

"Because I know I can trust you," Odo said. He glanced at the comm station. "I think we'd better talk to Captain Sisko about this."

"It's only a theory," Kira protested.

*******

"But a good one," Sisko said, knitting his brow. "It makes sense." He frowned. "The question is what do we do about it? We can't conduct a proper investigation without informing the senior staff."

"But, if one of the staff members disappears, we know who it was and the changelings cover is broken," Odo pointed out.

Sisko nodded slowly. "Point taken," he said. He tapped his commbadge. "Sisko to Bashir."

"Go ahead," they heard him say.

"Please report to my office immediately. Bring a screening kit."

"Aye sir," came the mildly confused response.

Sisko cut the comm channel and promptly opened another one and called the senior staff to his office. Dax immediately walked in from Ops and was followed by Worf. A minute later, Bashir and O'Brien entered, Bashir carrying a medical kit.

"What's this about Benjamin?"

"I've decided to implement a new program to guard against infiltration," Sisko said slowly, scanning the faces of the senior officers. They all look mildly surprised, except for Bashir, who's face cleared up from the confused expression at the request made earlier. He immediately set the kit on Sisko's desk and started setting up.

"Blood screenings?" Dax asked, looking surprised.

"Yes," Sisko said and glanced at Bashir. "Ready doctor?"

"Yes," he replied, snapping a vial securely in place. He glanced up. "Sir?" he said, motioning to Sisko. He complied and raised his arm. Bashir quickly drew off some blood and swirled it around. No change. He set the vial in a test tube holder and inserted a new one.

"Major?"

The tests took a few minutes. Julian swirled the last vial and smiled slightly. "No change," he announced.

Sisko nodded, keeping his face impassive. "Thank you. That will be all." O'Brien, Dax, Worf, and Bashir filed out. Sisko glanced at Odo. "Well Constable?"

Odo shook his head. "No one ever said that blood screenings were infallible. After all, they weren't when we were on earth."

Sisko nodded in admission. "So what do we do?"

"We run a few more surprise screenings before we try something else. We might get lucky."

*******

Julian sighed as he walked into Quark's. He spotted Dax and Worf sitting in a corner and nodded briefly in their direction before heading to the bar. He saw Dax motion to him to join her and Worf but he shook his head and motioned to the dart board before heading over. As much as he hated to admit it, being around the two of them together made him uncomfortable. He walked over to the corner where the board was situated and threw a few rounds, reflecting on the week. Sisko had run three more surprise screenings and Julian was beginning to become suspicious. This wasn't a new program being implemented. They were looking for something. Or someone to be more exact. And Sisko only had Bashir screening the senior staff. He said they'd expand to the rest of the crew later.

Only they hadn't found anything. Julian briefly wondered who could be the changeling but gave up. All evidence pointed to no one. Suspicions were at an all time high since the last incident with the founders so Julian was expecting this to blow over in a few days.

"Sisko to Bashir."

Julian groaned and tapped his commbadge. "Bashir here."

"Come to my office doctor. I need to speak with you."

"No medical kit?" Julian asked, his curiosity rising. The fact that he asked that question disturbed him to no end because it meant he considered anything outside of drawing blood samples an oddity.

"No kit," Sisko confirmed. "Sisko out."

Julian downed the last of his drink and walked out. To his surprise Dax followed him.

"Hello Julian," she smiled.

"Jadzia," he replied quickly. "I'm afraid I can't talk. The captain wants to see me."

"Not another blood screening," she said, wincing slightly.

Julian laughed. "No. Fortunately." Dax continued walking with him. "Where are you heading Jadzia?"

"Sisko's office," she smiled. "Apparently he wants to see me too."

"Oh," Julian said, studying the doors of the lift. "Ops," he said. The lift started to move. He glanced at her. "I wonder what he wants."

"Who knows," Dax sighed. "He won't even tell me why he's been doing so many blood screenings."

"They think one of the senior staff is a changeling," Julian replied, matter-of-factly. Dax sent him a startled glance. "It makes sense," he elaborated. "They've run four blood screens in one week. Only on the senior staff. That's not paranoia. They're looking for someone."

Dax digested the information as they walked into Ops and up to Sisko's office. "Well, maybe we'll find out why they think one of us is a changeling," she said as she tapped the chime.

"Enter," Sisko called out and they strode in. Both Dax and Bashir nodded at Odo, who was standing to one side. "Doctor, Dax. Have a seat."

"What's this about Benjamin," Dax said, getting straight to the point. "Why all the blood screens."

"We have reason to believe one of the senior staff has been replaced by a founder," Sisko said slowly.

"What evidence?" Bashir broke in. "Everyone passed the bloodscreenings."

Odo sent the doctor a glance. "The founders have gotten past those before."

"Then why the repeated screenings?" Julian demanded.

"Because it's our first best option," Sisko said. "Besides phasers, that's all we have. That's where you two come in."

"Why tell us?" Dax asked.

"Because you both have extensive knowledge on changelings. Plus, I'm placing three of you on this project."

"Three of us?" Bashir asked.

"What project?" Dax frowned.

"Another way to detect the changelings. And Odo will be helping you. For obvious reasons."

They both sat back, mildly stunned. "Another way to check for changelings?" Julian frowned. "You just can't scan for them. What do you want?"

"That's for you to figure out, doctor," Sisko said. "Dismissed."

*******

Julian paced the length of the infirmary. He had expected to work long hours on this but he hadn't counted on being cooped up in sick bay with Dax and Odo.

"For security reasons," Sisko pointed out. Julian couldn't fault him but it was aggravating not to be able leave.

Dax studied the computer screen, trying desperately to ignore Bashir's pacing. In all honesty, he was driving her nuts. Finally she turned. "Julian, would you please stop pacing?"

"If you'd let me do something, I would," he groused.

"Don't start," Dax sighed. "Just let me do my work. You'll get your chance, believe me."

Julian sighed and stalked into his office. They had decided to divide the work, each inputting their theories into the computer. Odo had gone first. It was an extensive list that contained everything he knew about the founders. Then Dax had gone over it and started to incorporate the facts into a working model from which to proceed. Julian's job was to make sure she didn't screw up and to add everything he knew about changeling physiology. That meant he had to wait. If there was one thing Bashir hated, it was waiting.

He tapped at his desk with a stylus and heard a grunt of frustration from Dax in the room next door. He tapped louder for a bit and then stopped. Infantile, perhaps. But they had been getting on each others nerves for the two days they had been cooped up together. Odo had eventually retreated into the morgue to stop himself from going crazy from their 'constant bickering.'

"I'm done," Dax called. Julian darted into the room, grateful to have something to do. She was standing behind the chair, motioning for him to have a seat. "Make yourself comfortable doctor." She walked out of the room.

Julian sat down and drew up the information. Dax had organized Odo's info into three categories: useful, possibly useful, and why did he add this? Julian cracked up briefly and shook his head. They were all getting punchy.

*******

"I think I've got something that might work," Julian called a day later. Dax and Odo practically darted in. "Take a look."

Dax leaned over his shoulder and studied the data. "You're suggesting that we scan for the morphogenic matrix of the changeling protoplasm?" Dax said, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

"Yes," Julian said. "It has a distinct pattern, like any other life form. And changelings have to regenerate every sixteen hours. If we set this up, we'll have our culprit."

"It's too easy," Odo said, frowning.

"You're right," Julian said. "It's only a theory. As the sensors are, we can't scan for the matrix. That's your job Commander, not mine."

Dax frowned and studied the plans a bit further. "Well, it could be possible. But we'd have no way of testing it. Plus it would have to run for sixteen hours straight. That's a lot of power draw."

"Not my problem," Julian smiled slightly. He rubbed at his eyes and yawned.

Dax studied him critically. "Did you get any sleep?" she asked.

Julian shook his head. "Afraid not. That's why I'm leaving this in your capable hands."

He stood up and walked back into his office to sleep for a bit.

*******

Dax stretched out under a panel in the infirmary, muttering curses in every language she could think of.

"What's wrong?" came a cheerful voice.

Dax grunted and sent a look at Bashir. "Nothing. Except this damn console won't work."

Julian craned his neck to glance at the exposed wires. He was vaguely aware of how close they were but didn't care. All that mattered was getting back to his own room to rest. "Why not?"

"If I knew that, I could fix it," Dax pointed out. Julian smiled wryly. He stretched out next to her, having to twist on his side due to the small space. "Need a hand?"

"If you want," Dax muttered, turning back to work. They worked quietly for several minutes, the only conversation to ask the other for a hand to hold a wire out of the way or some other request.

"Julian," Dax said after a moment. "Who do you think it is?"

He glanced at her, startled. "What made you ask that?"

She shrugged. "I don't know. I mean, it's obviously not Odo, you or myself. Who out of the command crew do you think it is?"

"I don't know," Julian said after a moment. "For all we know, it's not any of the senior staff. That's what this is for, remember?"

"Right," Dax murmured, connecting a wire. They were both immediately showered in sparks.

"Aah!" Dax cried, jerking her hand away. She glanced at her hand and noted that it hadn't been injured. "You alright?" she asked Julian.

"Fine," he muttered, rubbing at his eyes. "You?"

"Just great," Dax sighed. She attached the wire properly and pulled herself from under the panel. "Time for a break." She smiled at Julian as he sat up, leaning against the panel. "I'm starving. Want something?"

"Sure," Julian said, getting up. They got some food from the replicator and sat in his office. "No offense, Dax," Julian smiled. "But I can't wait to get out of here. Not that I don't enjoy your company."

Dax laughed. "None taken, Julian."

They ate in silence for a while before Julian broke in. "So who do you think it is?"

Dax leaned back and sighed. "I don't know. If it is one of us, we're in deeper trouble than we originally thought." They both sat quietly, sobered by that statement.

"We'd better get back to work," Julian said softly. Dax nodded and quickly finished her coffee.

*******

"Got it!" Dax crowed, startling Julian. He jerked, hitting his head on the top of the access panel. "Sorry," she grinned.

He grunted and gently massaged the back of his head. "No problem."

"Are you okay?" She had pulled herself out and extended a hand to him.

"Just fine," Julian said accepting the hand. "What did you get?"

"It should work now," she smiled. She seated herself at the controls and activated the panel. "We just have to work out the bugs. And somehow find the extra power." Her hands danced across the console. "Take a look."

Julian leaned over her shoulder at the schematic. "Everything looks in order," he smiled. "Run a test scan."

Dax tapped in the commands and waited as the computer scanned. After several moments, the results came up on screen: matrix not detected. Dax smiled slightly. "Well, it's functioning."

"If only we could test it," Julian sighed.

"We'll have to settle with this," Dax said. "Now, if I can find some extra power, we could keep this running for about twenty hours. I'd say that's an acceptable safety margin."

Julian nodded. "Perhaps we should contact Captain Sisko about this."

Dax shook her head. "As much as I hate to say this, he may be the infiltrator."

Julian raised an eyebrow. "You're kidding me, right?"

"I'm not saying he is. Everyone is a suspect. Except you, Odo and myself."

"Right," Julian sighed. "Okay. Let's think of where we can route power from."

"Well, we can take some of the non-essential systems off-line. Replicators, waste reclamation, etc."

"You're kidding me, right?" Julian shook his head. "We can't shut those down for twenty hours without informing the entire station."

"Not in so many words, no." Dax had called up several schematics. "However, if we can create an error in the programming, we'll be able to fool the system into shutting them down automatically. The only thing is we'll have to reroute the power the second they turn off.

Otherwise they'll detect the rerouting in ops."

"Why wouldn't they detect it immediately?"

"Do you really think the chief monitors replicator function?" Dax paused and shook her head. "Okay. Bad example. But I can override those warnings for the time being. That will buy us some extra time. When the chief finally detects it, it'll take him a long enough time to fix things that we'll have finished scanning."

"I'm glad you're on our side," Julian muttered. "You'd be one formidable enemy."

*******

O'Brien came on duty ten hours later and found over a hundred complaints about the replicators, the waste reclamation, and the environmental controls in certain areas of the station.

"Bloody hell," O'Brien muttered, sifting through the complaints. "Why didn't anyone call me about these?" he asked Kira.

"Because they aren't essential systems," she replied.

"Right," O'Brien muttered. He tapped his commbadge and called a few technicians to start helping.

*******

"So far, no changeling," Dax murmured softly. Julian paced behind her. Dax glared over her shoulder. "Will you stop that? You're making me nervous."

"Sorry," Bashir smiled, offering an apologetic smile. He opened his mouth to speak when the computer chirped softly. The both leaned forward.

"Specified matrix detected on the Defiant," Dax choked out.

"The Defiant," Julian gasped. "Mother of god . . . ."

Dax quickly set the scan to automatic and, tugging on Julian's arm, pulled him out of the infirmary.

"Shouldn't we call for security?" he asked as they jogged towards the lift.

Dax slapped her commbadge. "Dax to Odo."

"Go ahead commander."

"Possible lead. Meet us at the docking port of the Defiant."

"On my way," Odo replied.

"Computer," Dax started as the darted into the lift. "Location of Commander Worf."

"Commander Worf is in his quarters."

"Shit," Dax murmured, glancing worriedly at Julian. He gently offered a look of assurance. The lift stopped and they charged out. Dax pulled her phaser out of it's holster as they approached.

"Did you get the exact location?" Julian asked her.

"Deck three, section four," she replied tensely. They saw Odo approaching from the other direction. Dax motioned to him and they walked into the Defiant after keying in their security codes. Bashir started for the lift but Dax waved him off. She motioned to a Jeffries tube and Odo climbed in first, then Bashir with Dax following up. They emerged on the third deck and Julian pulled out a tricorder. He scanned the area and motioned towards the left. Dax slid up to his side and peered at the screen.

"I rerouted the scan parameters here," he said softly. "There's a three second delay though. But it should be good enough."

Dax nodded and they quietly proceeded forward, following Julian's directions. Two minutes later, they found themselves outside the doors to Worf's quarters. Dax whitened a shade.

"Julian, are you sure?"

"Yes," he hissed back, sending a reassuring look. Odo frowned at the two of them and opened the doors.

They slid open, seemingly more slowly than normal. Dax snapped around the corner, phaser raised. Worf spun around, looking shocked.

"Worf!" Dax gasped, briefly lowering her phaser. Julian glanced up warily and slid further in the door. "Jadzia, the matrix vanished. The delay, remember?" Dax glanced at him and nodded. "Does anything look out of place?" he asked.

"What is going on?" Worf growled unhappily.

"In a moment commander," Odo replied. "Just let us do our jobs."

"Not that I can tell," Dax replied.

Julian nodded slowly moving further in, tricorder raised. "Retune your phaser," he suggested. "We'll have to manually scan the room." Dax nodded and quickly began working.

Julian glanced up at Worf briefly. "You might want to step towards the door Commander," he said softly.

Worf glared briefly but moved towards the door. Dax glanced up at Julian. "You too, doctor," she smiled. Julian nodded and moved back. Dax raised the phaser and swept it over the small room. They waited tensely as she worked from one end to the other. Nothing.

"Are you sure this was where the signal was coming from doctor?" Odo asked.

"Yes," Julian frowned. He glanced briefly at Worf to see if he was holding anything but we wasn't. Julian's eyes narrowed suddenly and he gripped a dagger that had been lying on the table. Moving more quickly than Dax, Odo or Worf thought he could have, Julian threw the dagger at Worf.

The sharp device flew through the air, straight at Worf. Seconds before it hit, he shimmered and the dagger passed through his arm and thunked into the wall. Shock ripped through everyone for one second as 'Worf", still in liquid form, lunged at Bashir and slammed him against the wall before morphing into the ceiling.

Julian grunted unhappily as he hit the wall hard and slid to the floor, his head ringing from the impact. He shook his head slowly, struggling to clear it. He could vaguely hear Odo saying something to Dax before taking off. Julian blinked and glanced at her.

"Jadzia?"

Dax dropped next to him. "Are you alright?" she asked.

He gazed at her and nodded. "I'm fine. Are you . . . ?"

Dax valiantly waved him off. "I'll be fine," she said, managing a shaky smile.

"Where'd Odo go?"

"After the changeling," Dax said softly. "Captain Sisko's on his way here with Major Kira."

Julian nodded and sat up straighter. "Now what?"

"Now we wait." Dax helped him stand up. Julian grunted and gently raised a hand to his forehead. "Are you sure you're alright?" Jadzia asked, looking concerned.

"Fine," he replied, spotting Sisko and Kira striding towards them.

"Doctor, Dax. I take it your plan was successful." Sisko sent a concerned glance in Dax's direction.

"You could say that," Dax said. She motioned in the direction Odo had left in. "Odo went after him, using the tracking device we had developed."

Bashir glanced at his side in alarm. He hadn't even noticed the tricorder was gone. He caught Sisko's concerned look and waved him off.

Sisko simply raised an eyebrow and tapped his commbadge.

"Sisko to Odo." There was a long pause before he heard "Odo here Captain."

"Location of the infiltrator?"

"Moving towards the docking port. I'm in pursuit but . . . ."

"Understood, we'll head him off there. Sisko out."

Julian was already moving forward as Sisko cut the connection.

*******

They arrived at the port at the same time Odo did. "Report Constable."

"He made it out onto the station. We'll have to continue searching there."

"I'm going to head up to the infirmary," Julian broke in. "If the changeling disables the scan . . . ."

"Sisko to O'Brien. Lock onto Dr. Bashir and beam him directly to the infirmary."

"And stop all repairs on the replicators, waste reclamation, and environmental controls," Dax broke in. "We need that power for something else Chief." She saw Julian disappear in a swirl of blue light.

"Sisko to Bashir."

"Go ahead sir."

"What can you tell us doctor?" Sisko, Kira, Dax and Odo were striding through the docking ring towards the turbolift.

"Give me a moment." There was a long pause before he replied. "Got it. Habitat ring, level four. Moving to level five through conduit three." There was another pause. "My guess is he's heading for the promenade, sir."

"Why?" Sisko asked as they stepped into the lift.

"Because there's another conduit that runs across the crossover bridge from the habitat ring that intersects conduit three at level five."

"Good work doctor. Keep this connection open and keep us informed."

"Aye sir."

Odo started barking orders to his staff to position themselves at both ends of the bridge on level five and to stay in pairs. The search was on.

*******

"Doctor, I need a pinpoint, NOW!" Dax slid through the conduits, accompanied by a tall ensign from Odo's security forces.

"Keep in mind, commander that I'm the only one running this patch job. It keeps blinking out on me. O'Brien's already struggling to find the power to keep it up and running." Bashir sounded tense and aggravated.

Not surprising considering that they had been searching for over eleven hours. Every time they got close, the changeling managed to elude them. Fortunately, they were keeping it constantly on the run so it couldn't do any real damage.

Dax heard him hit the panel in frustration and he cursed slightly.

"Don't destroy the program doctor," she warned, sending a sweeping phaser strike around the junction they had come to.

"That's what I was trying to remedy commander. It blinked out again." There was a pause and Dax heard him sigh in relief. "There. Core level seventeen heading up."

"That's closest to my team," Kira broke in. "We're on eighteen. I'll get down there but we need backup."

"On my way, Nerys," Dax said. "We're on thirteen right now."

"Careful Dax," Bashir cautioned as Dax and her partner approached a Jefferies tube. Dax barely acknowledged him as she hooked her heels around the vertical rungs of the ladder and started to slide. "He's heading towards a Jeffries tube and moving up, remember."

"A Jeffries tube?" she gasped, stopping. She stopped herself, losing the top layer of skin from her hands in the process. "Where?"

"Don't tell me . . . Level fifteen, Jeffries tube four."

Dax gazed down, stunned. She spotted something moving below her and fired her phaser. The ensign with her did the same. She could hear Julian shouting to her over her commbadge but couldn't make out the words over the whine of phaser fire.

"Commander, STOP!!"

The words rattled through her. She stopped firing and whirled to face the ensign. He motioned down and Dax could clearly see the changeling below her. It wasn't moving. She took a deep breath and slowly shook her head.

"Julian?"

"Yes, Dax?" His voice was remarkably calm.

"Call Captain Sisko and Odo. We've got him."

"Right away."

Dax let herself go into a controlled fall to the level of the changeling. She could see he had gotten caught at an access junction and had been trying to open the panel next to him but had gotten caught.

"You done frying it?" came a exhausted voice. Dax glanced down and spotted Kira peering up from below.

"Yes, Major," the ensign dead panned from above Dax. Kira started climbing.

"Sisko to Dax."

"Go ahead."

"Give O'Brien the coordinates so he can transport the changeling into a holding cell."

Dax cited the coordinates to him and watched as the founder disappeared.

*******

"Where's Commander Worf," Sisko growled at the now conscious changeling. When he had regained consciousness, he had taken Worf's visage just to irritate them. Dax paced in the background, occasionally shooting murderous glances at him.

The changeling smiled enigmatically. "Not here."

Dax glared and continued pacing. Julian was sitting in a chair, nursing a slight concussion from when the changeling had thrown him against the wall. He watched Dax, concerned.

"Dax, sit down," he hissed after a moment. "You're making me sick."

Dax spun and glared at the doctor for all of three seconds. He did look a bit nauseous. "Sorry," she murmured. "How's your head?"

"Just fine," he murmured.

"How long have you been here?" Sisko demanded.

"Long enough," the changeling smirked.

Jadzia had had enough. "How long have you been here?!" she shouted, making Julian wince.

The changeling regarded her. "You're concerned about Worf, aren't you? Well, Commander, don't worry. He's just fine. In fact, he doesn't even know what happened."

"Where. Is. He," Dax glared.

"He's. Not. Here," the changeling taunted.

Dax lunged forward but Bashir caught her. The changeling laughed. "In fact," he said, superbly smug. "He. Never. Was."

Dax froze, Bashir's arms still restraining her. "What?"

"He's presently in the Gamma Quadrant, enjoying the luxuries of Dominion rule."

Dax felt her knees give out. She was vaguely grateful Julian was still there. He gently led her to a chair, sending a glance in Sisko's direction. Sisko looked as shocked as Dax.

"You're telling me that all this time..."

"I've been playing the part of Commander Worf, yes." The changeling shifted slightly. "The Dominion had intercepted your call to Worf and decided that it would further our plans to place a spy on DS9. One who would be able to gather information useful to the dominion and pass it on. It was a lucrative position, being Strategic Operations Officer. And, of course, Commander Dax helped the cause wonderfully. I've never met anyone so up to date on station happenings..."

Julian glared at the changeling and gently tightened his hand on Dax's. He caught Sisko's glance and nodded. "Dax, why don't we step outside," he said softly. Dax hesitated for a moment but eventually stood up and walked out, Bashir following closely.

Sisko turned back to the founder. "Now, what am I supposed to do with you?" he frowned, allowing an evil glint to enter his eyes.

*******

Bashir walked with Dax back to her quarters. He kept shooting concerned looks at her. She was walking on auto pilot and was white as a sheet. She numbly tapped in the command at her doors and turned to Julian.

"I'll see you . . . ."

"Oh, no you don't," he said softly, taking her elbow and guiding her over to the couch. "I'm not letting you off the hook that easily. You refused to go to the infirmary but I'm not about to leave you alone like this." He gazed at her, studying her critically. He pulled out the tricorder he had been holding and scanned her.

Dax ignored him for the most part, her thoughts turning inward. 'The whole time?' she thought.

"I had been with that the whole time?!"

Julian stepped back, startled. After a moment, he knelt down in front of her. "Jadzia, you couldn't have known . . . ." Her gaze snapped up to his. He almost pulled back at the ferocity of her gaze. After a stunned silence, he quietly ventured again.

"Jadzia, you couldn't have known. Even Miles was fooled and he's known Worf a lot longer than any of us."

Dax glared briefly but relented a bit. After a long silence she shook her head. "Alright. I know you're right. But..." She took a deep breath and felt his hands gently squeeze hers. "I don't know. I mean, it's been over a year..."

Julian nodded slowly, not really knowing what to say. Dax smiled slightly at the expression on his face. "Don't worry Julian. I'll be alright. I just need some time." He smiled slightly and nodded. "How are you?" she asked, gently touching his forehead.

Julian smiled slightly. "I'll be fine. I just can't sleep for awhile."

Dax studied him. "How long have you been up?"

Julian paused. "Twenty-eight hours."

Dax bit back laughter. "When can you get some sleep?"

"About six," he replied, suddenly looking completely spent.

Dax shifted and pat the couch next to her. Julian slid up and rested his head against the back. "You're never going to make it," she said softly.

"I'll manage. I just need a pot of very black coffee."

"And some company," she suggested. Julian glanced at her and Dax flushed slightly. "Well, I don't exactly feel like being alone right now and the last thing you need is to slip into a coma."

Julian smiled gently. "If you get the coffee, it's a deal."

*******

Dax sat at the table across from Julian. He looked haggard and miserable. He had insisted about three hours ago that she should get some sleep. She had instructed the computer to keep an eye on his vitals and alert her the moment it looked as if he might drift off.

Right then, he looked about ready to. Dax gently nudged him.

"Julian."

He grunted unhappily and glared at her. "What?"

"Wake up." They had been repeating this same conversation for the past ten minutes. "You still have to stay up for two more hours."

"One hour and thirty minutes. Stop exaggerating." He took another sip of coffee and glanced around her room.

"Sisko to Bashir."

Julian groaned and tapped his commbadge. "Bashir here." He was mildly startled at the gravelly quality of his voice.

"Meet me in the Infirmary in ten minutes."

Julian sighed. "I'm on my way." He closed the connection and glanced at Dax. "Are you going to be alright?"

"I was just about to ask you the same thing," she smiled. She shooed him out. "Go on. Just don't fall asleep in the turbolift on your way up."

Julian smiled and headed out. As the door slid shut behind him, Dax felt her smile falter. She glanced around the room, feeling more alone that she ever remembered being.

*******

Julian walked into the infirmary and glanced at Sisko. "What can I do for you sir?"

Sisko stared at the doctor for a moment, mildly stunned at his rumpled exterior. "Have you gotten any sleep doctor?"

"No sir," he replied, sinking down into a chair. "I can't. Concussion."

Sisko nodded. "I need options," he said after a moment. "About what to do with the changeling."

"Send it through the wormhole... without a ship," Julian growled in response.

"A feasible option, doctor," Sisko frowned.

"I thought that was pretty feasable," Bashir countered. "You haven't spent four and a half hours trying to keep an eye on Jadzia."

"Is she that bad?" Sisko asked slowly.

Julian shook his head. "Not really. She's in shock, obviously. And incredibly upset. A few readings are out of whack but..." Bashir shrugged expansively. "I really can't say, sir. She hasn't talked much about it. We've mostly been dancing around the issue."

Sisko nodded. "I see." He paused. "Options, doctor?"

"Send it to Star Fleet. They'd love to get their hands on it."

Sisko briefly noted Bashir's use of the word 'it' but pressed on. "Send a changeling further into Federation space?"

Julian paused, massaging his temples. "Well, I guess I hadn't thought of it that way."

Sisko was about to order the doctor to go get some sleep when Odo broke in over the comm. "Captain Sisko, Doctor Bashir, report to security."

*******

Sisko and Bashir strode in to find a very upset Jadzia Dax, a mildy perturbed Odo and a pile of black ash. "What happened?" Sisko asked.

"I had called Commander Dax up here to speak with her when we heard a disturbance coming from the cell." Odo sent a concerned look at Dax, who looked ready to have a nervous breakdown at any moment. Sisko caught sight of the phaser in her hand. "We went in and discovered that the changeling had somehow managed to override the forcefield. He started to head for the door when Dax shot him." Odo paused and glanced at the black pile that Bashir was presently running a tricorder over. "Apparently he was too weak to sustain the shot."

Bashir glanced up, mildly startled but said nothing. Sisko glanced at Dax.

"Dax?" he asked softly. She snapped her gaze up at him, her eyes glazed over slightly. Sisko motioned to Bashir, who came over and ran the tricorder over her while gently taking the phaser from her.

"She should be okay," he reported. "But I'd like to get her to the infirmary, just to be safe." Sisko nodded and Bashir gently helped Dax up.

They left quietly and walked the short distance to the infirmary. Julian motioned for her to get up onto a biobed and moved to gather a few instruments. Dax waited patiently as he ran a few tests. After several moments he spoke up.

"Computer, privacy seal." He set down the scanner and glanced at Dax. "What really happened in there Commander?"

Dax gazed at him, trying to look confused. "What do you mean?"

Julian lifted up the tricorder. "That changeling didn't die from a phaser shot. At least, not just a phaser shot. There was a residual trace of polarized ions in the remains." He leaned back on his heels.

"Well?" Dax shook her head, avoiding his gaze. Her eyes glossed over slightly. Julian leaned forward and gripped her shoulders. "Commander, you're in danger of going into rejection. Either you tell me what happened in there and let this out or even I can't help you."

Dax avoided his gaze for a long time before gazing at him. "Odo did call me up there," she said softly. "He wanted to know if I could help him fill in a few gaps in his report." She took a deep breath. "I offered to talk to the Changeling to see if I could get any more information."

She caught the look of disappointment in his dark eyes. "I went in and, at first he was cooperative but then..." Dax felt tears well up and she turned away slightly.

Julian gently relaxed his grip on her shoulders. This was the reaction he had been hoping for, some sort of release. Dax took a shaky breath and started to continue. Julian gently cut her off. "It's okay Jadzia. You don't have to say anything more."

Dax shook her head. "No. I... I want to." She brushed at the tears and continued. "The changeling started saying things. Mentioning things that had happened. It even changed into Worf... and I simply reacted. The only thing I could think of was how nice it would be to ring its neck. I turned off the forcefield and, before I knew what had happened, he had started out. I tapped the controls back on out of reflex and it had gotten caught in the forecefield briefly. Unfortunately it had been mostly out of the path and was thrown forward. I grabbed a phaser and, without checking the power setting, fired. Then next thing I knew..." Dax lost all control and began sobbing.

Julian gently hugged her, smoothing her hair back. "It's alright," he whispered softly. "Just let it out. It's over now." He gently kissed the top of her head. "It's over."

*******

Julian snapped upright at the insistent chirping. He glanced around, mildly confused before realizing what was making that noise. "Bashir here," he yawned.

"Doctor, how's Commander Dax?"

Julian paused, trying to recall what happened. In a rush it came back. "Resting, sir. She should be alright in a day or two." He rubbed at his eyes.

Dax had eventually cried herself into sleep. It had been several hours before Bashir had felt safe enough to move without waking her. He had promptly went into his office and fallen asleep at his desk. But Bashir wasn't about to tell Sisko that.

"Glad to hear it." Julian could tell he was, even over the comm. "Keep me informed."

"Yes, sir," Julian replied and closed the connection. He briefly considered falling back asleep but decided that sleeping at his desk wasn't a feasable option anymore.

He got up and walked into the main infirmary. Dax was still sleeping fitfully. Bashir wondered if he should give her a mild sedative so she could sleep better but decided against it. A drug induced sleep wouldn't be any better for her than a fitful one. He pulled a chair up next to her bed and rested his head against the wall, praying no emergencies popped up as he drifted off.

*******

Julian was vaugly aware of someone watching him but, at the moment, he really didn't give a damn. He grunted softly and shifted... and almost fell out of the chair.

He righted himself as his vision cleared. He saw Jadzia Dax regarding him quietly, partly somber, partly amused. "Is there something I can do for you Dax?" he asked.

"Stay seated," she deadpanned. Julian glared at her for a split second. Julian sighed softly and stood up, if just to annoy her.

'You really shouldn't be antagonizing her,' he thought before he caught her smile. He returned it briefly. "Do you realize how long we've been asleep?" he asked.

Dax shook head. "No. I'm afraid I don't."

"Hmm. Neither do I," he murmured. "Computer, time."

"1500 hours."

Julian froze, mildly stunned. "Over a day," he said softly.

"It doesn't feel like it," Dax sighed.

Julian gently smiled. "You weren't sleeping very well."

"Sisko to Bashir and Dax."

"Go ahead Captain," Julian said.

"I've just received word from Star Fleet command that Lieutenant Commander Worf has been released in exchange for the founder's remains. He'll be stopping here on his way to his post on the Enterprise-E."

Julian glanced at Dax, who looked a bit shell shocked. "Thank you sir. When will he be arriving?" Dax sent him a shocked look.

"Two days. Sisko out."

Julian glanced at Dax, wondering how to broach this.

Dax recognized the look in his eyes and shook her head. "No. Julian. Absolutely not!"

*******

Dax stood at the docking port looking distinctly uncomfortable. Julian was on her right and Sisko was on her left. They watched as the doors rolled open and a tall Klingon stepped out.

"Commander Worf. Welcome to Deep Space Nine," Sisko began. Worf nodded in reponse. "Thank you sir," he said gruffly. "It's good to be back."

"I can imagine," Sisko smiled.

"No, I don't think you can," Worf returned.

Dax had steadily grown pale. She felt a reassuring grip on her hand and glanced at Julian.

'This was your idea,' she though angrily. She heard Sisko say something and her attention snapped forward.

". . . Dax, our Chief Science Officer and Dr. Julian Bashir, Chief Medical Officer."

Worf nodded in both their directions. Dax half waited for him to mention Curzon but he said nothing.

"Well," Sisko continued. "I'd best be getting back to Ops. Commander Dax and Doctor Bashir will escort you to your temporary quarters." Sisko sent a glance at Dax and walked off.

"Commander," Bashir spoke up. "If you'll follow us." He gently nudged Dax with his hand and they started walking. Dax walked like an automaton.

'Everything's the same. His voice, his posture, the way he walks.' She was aware that Julian was staring at her in mild confusion.

"What Julian?" she asked, trying not to appear too flustered.

"I had asked you if you used to be Curzon Dax," Worf gruffed.

"Um, yes," Jadzia said. "Curzon was my last host." She waited for some comment about how great Curzon was but Worf simply nodded again. To Dax's eye, he even looked a bit uncomfortable. Dax glanced at Julian, silently begging him to let her leave.

"Kira to Dax."

Dax tapped her commbadge, looking relieved. "Dax here."

"Could you come up to Ops? I know you're not on duty but there's something I'd like you to look at."

Dax turned her gaze to Julian who made a tiny waving motion with his hand.

"I'll be right up," Dax said, trying not to grin. "Dax out." She managed a slight smile of apology at Worf and darted off.

Julian turned to Worf, who was regarding Dax's rapidly retreating figure with a mix of confusion and mistrust.

"Commander," Julian said, motioning forward. Worf stiffly continued on. "If you don't mind me saying so Commander, you seem very... on edge," Bashir said.

"I heard about what happened here," Worf growled. "I am having difficulty imagining being in a relationship with Commander Dax."

Julian frowned. "Why? She's beautiful, intelligent . . . ."

"She's a Trill." Worf's frown deepened.

Julian felt the muscles of his neck tensen. "So?"

"I am simply uncomfortable with the idea of..."

"Symbiosis?" Julian frowned. "Well, some people are. It's a perfectly normal reaction, I suppose." He tapped the commands on one of the door panels and the doors slid open. "Well, I'll let you get settled. I've got to get back to the infirmary." Worf simply nodded and the doors slid shut behind him.

*******

Dax peered around the corner and spotted Bashir working at one of the consoles. She momentarily considered entering but decided to sneak by instead.

"Come on in Dax," he called as she tried to slink past the doors.

She sighed and turned around. "How do you do that?" she frowned, walking up behind him.

"Reflective surfaces," he replied, turning off the computer. "What can I do for you?"

"Nothing. I was just walking by..."

"You're a terrible liar, Dax. What's wrong?" He spun around to face her.

"I was just... I don't know." Dax hated feeling like this, so hesitant. She glanced at Julian. He was gazing patiently at her, dark eyes comforting. She sighed and sat down across from him. "It's just that... he's just like the Worf we had known."

Julian frowned. "I don't know about that," he said slowly. He knew she deserved to know what Worf had told him earlier but... "I mean, you were barely around him for five minutes."

"It felt like an eternity," she admitted, shooting him a look. "I can't believe you made me do that."

Julian sighed. They had fought long and hard about that. She absolutely refused to have anything to do with Worf. Julian had insisted she at least go to greet him. Now he knew that it was going to take more than that. Bashir knew that if she was going to put this behind her, she'd have to find out about the real Worf. "I'm your doctor. I know what's best for you," he replied, smiling slightly. "In fact . . . ."

"NO!"

*******

Dax glared at him. She wished he was dead at this point. Doctor or not, he didn't have the right to mentally torture his patients. Dax glanced across the table at Worf who looked distinctly uncomfortable. Julian was quietly eating, ignoring the looks Dax was shooting at him. Dax shifted her glare to her plate, wishing the whole miserable ordeal was over so she could give Julian a proper chewing out.

"You know," Bashir finally spoke up. "Neither of you are helping much."

"Helping what?" Dax glared.

To her surprise he glared right back. "Helping yourself," he shot. Dax frowned and speared a bit of her dinner with her fork.

"What would help?" Worf asked, looking like Bashir had suggested he make friends with the Dominion.

"Talk?" Julian suggested sarcastically.

"And what do you suggest we talk about?" Worf asked, glancing warily at Dax.

"I don't know," Julian replied in frustration. "Klingong Opera."

Dax smiled slightly. "You hate Klingong Opera," she pointed out.

"This isn't for me," he said softly. Dax glanced down at her plate, abashed.

"How can I discuss Klingon ways with a Trill?" Worf grunted.

"A Trill who used to be the great Curzon Dax," Julian sighed, mentally cheering that this had finally come up. He knew that, somewhere in her mind, Dax was wondering if a relationship was still possible.

"What did you mean by that?" Dax asked, glancing at Worf.

"It's nothing personal," Worf frowned. "I simply am not comfortable with the idea of having another entity controlling me."

Julian refrained from rolling his eyes upward. That was the most common myths about joined Trills. Even the most reputed doctors in Star Fleet had misconceptions about symbiosis. Julian understood this. Dax didn't.

"I'd say that's awfully personal," she frowned. "Especially considering the fact that you have no idea what you're talking about."

Julian glanced from her to Worf and back. Worf frowned. "I have had prior dealings with Trills before," he grumbled. "I know enough."

Dax frowned and Julian could see that whatever ideas she had about starting a relationship died.

"I should be going," Worf frowned, standing up. He nodded goodnight and left.

Dax stabbed at her food again. "Is that what you wanted?" she asked bitterly. "For me to see that the real Worf wouldn't remotely consider being involved with me and that I've made a complete fool out of myself the last year?" She set her fork down and stood up angrily. "Well, doctor, you've succeeded." She stormed off. Julian watched her go, suddenly feeling like a fool.

*******

Dax stormed into her quarters and slammed the few padds lying on the table into place. She had never felt so humiliated or angry in all her life. She slammed the last padd down and spun angrily. Unfortunately, there was nothing else to vent her anger on. Sighing, she headed into the bathroom and took a long hot shower. She stepped out as the door chimed.

"Computer, identify," she said as she toweled her hair off.

"Dr. Julian Bashir."

Dax glanced up, annoyed. She tightened the tie of her robe and walked out.

"Come in." The doors slid open and Bashir walked in hesitantly. Dax crossed her arms. "What do you want doctor?"

Julian flushed slightly and produced a yellow rose. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."

Dax's gaze flickered from him to the rose and back. Somewhere at the back of her mind she remembered what yellow signified: friendship. Dax bit her lip and slowly shook her head.

"You realize," she said, allowing her annoyance to slip into her voice, "that this makes it impossible for me to stay mad at you."

Julian smiled as she accepted the rose. "That was the general idea," he replied. Dax tossed him a glance and he flushed again. "You know what I mean."

Dax smiled and decided she had made him squirm enough. "Your forgiven," she smiled.

"That's a relief," he said softly. He glanced over his shoulder. "Can I come in or should I go?"

"Have a seat," she smiled. She walked over to the replicator. "Do you want something?"

"Tarkalian tea," he said, sitting down on the couch. Dax asked for two and walked over and sat next to him, handing him the cup. "Do you want to talk about it?" he asked softly.

Dax shook her head, taking a sip. "Not really. I'd rather just forget about it." She smoothed a hand over her robe. "Besides, I've done enough talking about it."

Julian bit back a comment and took a sip of his tea. He didn't feel she had talked about it enough but, considering what his opinion got him last time, he wasn't going to say a thing. Yet.

"Where did you get the rose?" Dax asked, gently fingering the petals.

"A friend," he said softly. Dax glanced at him, smiling and sniffed it. She set her tea down and got up to put the rose in some water.

"Well, you didn't have to," she said softly. "But thank you."

Julian grinned. "Yes I did and you're welcome."

Dax glanced over her shoulder at him and smiled in response. She set the vase on the table and sank down next to him. "You're a good friend Julian Bashir," she said softly, taking his hands in hers.

Julian smiled gently. "You're an easy person to be friends with, Jadzia Dax." Dax smiled in response and gently kissed him. Julian smiled and gently touched her chin. "I should go. You need your sleep."

"You don't have to," Dax said softly. "I'm not that tired." Julian hesitated and then sank back down on the couch. They talked for hours about everything and nothing. Julian briefly considered bringing up what had happened but decided to let it rest. Bluntly put, he was enjoying her comfortable company far too much to ruin it. Dax's soft laughter brought him back to reality.

"What?" he asked, confused.

"Have you heard anything I was just talking about?" she smiled.

Julian flushed slightly. "Well, no. I was just thinking."

"Hmm." She shifted around and leaned against him. She could feel surprise radiate through him and she smiled slightly. "What about?"

"What?" Julian shifted slightly and wrapped a friendly arm around her.

"What were you thinking about?" Dax tilted her chin up slightly and peered at him.

Julian hesitated. "Nothing in particular," he replied softly.

Dax smiled and felt him shift again. She was a bit disappointed as he removed his arm from around her but smiled as he leaned back a bit and his arm wrapped around her again.

"Comfortable?" she teased.

"Very," he smiled, resting his head against some of the pillows he had propped up behind himself. He had to admit, this was the first time he had felt this comfortable with a female friend.

"So what were you thinking about?"

Julian sighed. "I was thinking about possibly bringing up what happened but decided against it." He felt her stiffen slightly. "You asked," he pointed out.

"You could have lied," she frowned.

"I did earlier," he replied, one hand taking hers. "You still don't want to talk about it?"

Dax was silent for a long time. "I don't know what there is to talk about anymore," she said softly. "I don't know what you want from me."

Julian gently dipped his head, resting his chin against the top of her head. "Well, why don't we start with what happened in security."

"We've been over that," she whispered softly.

Julian sighed softly. "Perhaps. But one doesn't kill their lover every day."

"He wasn't..." Dax stopped, feeling a mixture of disgust, denial and, oddly, sadness overcome her.

"Yes he was," Julian replied softly, the voice of reason.

Dax hated it. She hated the fact that he could cut to the heart of things so quickly. She wanted to pull away from him, demand that he leave, but she instead sank closer against him, his arms comforting, even if his words were cutting. She felt his hands gently tighten on hers.

"Jadzia, you can't ignore what happened," he whispered.

"That's exactly what I want to do," she whispered. "I'd rather forget the last year. Just forget everything."

"Jadzia, for better or for worse, he was your lover for the last year. I know you cared about him."

"No I didn't," she snapped. "I didn't know what he was. Had I known..."

"Alright," Julian said softly. "You were in love with who he was emulating then. And you killed him."

He hated being so harsh. It was tearing him up to have to do this but he knew she needed this to move on. He felt her shoulders slump slightly and he hugged her closer.

"Oh, Jadzia. You know I hate to do this but you've got to accept this. I'm not going to let you self-destruct." He gently kissed the top of her head. "I can't."

Dax let the tears that had been threatening her fall silently. She shifted slightly and rested her cheek against his chest. He gently let go of one hand and brushed at her cheek. Dax sighed shakily.

"How can you do that so well?" she whispered. "Cut through everything and get straight to the heart of things." She felt his hand gently smooth a lock of her hair back and she sighed. "I don't know what to think," she whispered. "I'm so mad, angry at what happened. I feel used, and I hate it. But at the same time." Dax shook her head, not trusting her voice.

"You still care about him and you feel horrible for what happened," he finished softly. Dax nodded again. Julian rested his cheek against her forehead. "That's perfectly normal," he whispered. "You just need to accept that." She sighed softly and Julian smiled slightly.

"I know, it's not easy. But if you need someone to talk to, I'm here." He gently kissed her forehead.

Dax nodded and tilted her chin up. "Thank you," she whispered, managing a weak smile.

Julian smiled in response and gave her a gentle hug. Dax kissed him again, leaning against him slightly before resting her head against his chest. Julian gazed at the top of her head, trying to hide his surprise.

'I must be in heaven,' he thought. 'Either that or dreaming.' He rested his head against hers and they both fell asleep.

*******

Jadzia stirred sometime in the middle of the night and smiled to herself as she realized where she was. Dax sat up slightly and glanced at Bashir's sleeping form and felt a tender smile cross her features. He was the best friend she could ever ask for and more. Jadzia gently extracted herself from his protective embrace. She padded quietly into the bedroom and returned with a light blanket. She gently covered him up, placed a gentle kiss on his forehead, and walked back into her bedroom.

She slipped into a nightgown and sank down on the bed. She rested her head against the pillows and thought back to their conversation. As much as she hated to admit it, Julian was right. However, she felt better having talked to him about it. Dax closed her eyes. She felt cold where she had been pressed up against Julian.

'Typical reaction. Human basal temp is about two degrees higher than a Trills temp.' Still, it seemed like more. She couldn't explain to herself why she had kissed him the way she did before they fell asleep. Dax sighed and willed herself to sleep.

She jumped a foot when she felt a warm hand rest on her shoulder. She whirled and sat up, ignoring the rush as she did so. When her vision cleared she saw Julian's smiling face.

"Morning," he said softly, giving her shoulder a squeeze.

"Morning?" she murmured. "It feels like I just fell asleep."

He sat down next to her. "Well, you could always take today off. I'd be more than willing to cite medical leave as a reason."

Dax smiled at him. "No. You don't have to. I'll get up." She ran a hand through her hair, smoothing it. She felt his hand rest on hers and she glanced up.

"Are you sure?" he asked gently.

"Yes," she smiled. "I'd like to at least have some sense of sanity right now." She gave his hand a squeeze. "Thank you, though."

Julian smiled and nodded. He had always been amazed at how cold her hands were. What amazed him more was the fact that, after she had gotten up last night, the front of his body was suddenly cool from the sudden influx of air. That's what had woken him up.

Julian felt confused about some of the feelings he was having for her now. He cared for her deeply, he always had. It seemed wrong somehow for these feelings to resurface now.

"Well," he said, coughing softly. "I'd best go. I'll see you later?"

"How about we meet for lunch?" Dax swung her legs out from underneath the covers and sat next to him.

"Sure," he said, standing up. Dax stood also and walked with him to the front door. "1330 at the Replimat?

"Agreed," Dax smiled. She stood up on tiptoe and kissed the corner of his mouth.

"Thank you Julian," she said softly. He smiled slightly and nodded. The doors slid shut behind him and Dax turned to get dressed. She paused slightly to run her fingers over the rose he had brought and smiled slightly.

*******

Julian walked into the infirmary to find Captain Sisko waiting for him. "Captain, what can I do for you?"

"I was wondering how Commander Dax is?" Sisko's exterior was calm but Bashir could sense a bit of anger underneath the surface. He rocked back on his heels, trying to gauge Sisko.

"She's coming to terms with what happened sir," Julian replied slowly. "But it will take awhile."

Sisko studied him. "Are you sure you're completely aware of that doctor?"

Julian raised an eyebrow. "I'm not sure what you mean by that, sir."

"Doctor, I'm aware that you spent the night with Dax." Sisko looked upset with his perceived breach of conduct on Bashir's part.

"Dax and I had gotten into an argument earlier that evening. I stopped by to apologize and we ended up talking for a long time. We eventually fell asleep on the couch. Sir." Bashir managed to keep most of the hostility out of his voice.

Sisko studied the doctor and realized he had not only overstepped his bounds but had stepped on Bashir's professional pride. "I'm sorry doctor. I'm simply concerned about Dax's welfare."

Julian nodded slowly. "So am I sir."

Sisko nodded and left.

Bashir sank into a chair and sighed. He knew that if he hadn't been in Dax's quarters in the most professional sense, Sisko's impression might not be far from the truth. Julian shifted uncomfortably at that thought.

*******

Dax poked her head in the doorway and smiled at Bashir. "Julian? Don't tell me you forgot about lunch?"

He glanced up from his computer and flushed slightly. "Don't tell me . . . ."

"1430," Dax smiled, walking in.

Julian groaned and turned off the computer. "I'm sorry Jadzia. I just got caught up in the work and..."

"Don't worry," she smiled.

Julian shook his head. "No. I can't believe I forgot. Can I make it up to you?"

Dax sank down on the corner of his desk. "How about dinner?"

Julian nodded in agreement. "Alright, but not Quark's." He hesitated for a moment. "How about I cook?"

Dax raised an eyebrow. "Well, alright. What time?"

"2100? My quarters?"

"That sounds wonderful," Dax smiled. "I'll see you then," she said.

Julian nodded and she walked out. As he lost sight of her, he realized what he was doing. He was courting her and it filled him with a mixture of trepidation and delight.

*******

Dax tapped the door command at 2101. She had called up a complete listing of the meaning of roses that afternoon while changing into civvies and had been somewhat surprised. Yellow roses did signify friendship. But they also symbolized concern and remembrance. A single rose meant perpetual love. Dax wasn't sure whether he was aware of this and, if he was, what he meant. But it was food for thought.

"Come in," came his voice and Dax opened the door. She smiled at Julian as she walked in. "Hello Julian."

Bashir turned and smiled at her. She looked beautiful. "Hello Jadzia," he smiled. "Can I get you something to drink?"

Dax smiled and walked over. "Whatever you're having," she said, gesturing to the glass he had next to the dinner he was preparing.

"Alright," he said. He poured a glass for her and gently handed it to her. Jadzia smiled warmly at him, sipping it.

"Merlot," she said softly. "This is good."

Julian smiled and continued preparing dinner. "It should go well with dinner."

"Which is?" Dax walked back to the couch and sat down.

"Venison stir fry," he said, smiling. "Keiko introduced Miles and me to it one day when he had been complaining that their meals were too... vegetarian."

Dax smiled and watched him stir in some vegetables to the already simmering meat. The scent was wonderful already. He added some ginger and a sauce he had mixed earlier.

"That smells wonderful," Dax smiled. Julian glanced over his shoulder and smiled.

"Thanks," he said smiling. He stirred the mixture for a few minutes and then set it in another container, added some vegetables and put a cover on. "It has to steam for a few minutes," he said, walking over.

"That's alright," Dax smiled. He sank down next to her. "What, um, is venison though?"

Julian grinned. "A type of meat," he said, hesitating. "The one I'm using is from a, ah, north american deer."

"What?" Dax protested. "Julian!"

"Replicated!" he exclaimed, holding his hands up in a defensive gesture.

"Still," Dax frowned. She saw the corners of his mouth turn up slightly. "What?"

"Nothing," he grinned. "I just find it humorous that the person who can eat live gagh without batting an eye is uncomfortable with eating venison."

"Gagh isn't cute," Dax shot back, flushing slightly.

Julian smiled and glanced at the chronometer. "Dinner's probably ready," he said. "Do you still want to eat?"

"Very funny," she grumbled. She picked up her glass of wine and walked over to the table. Julian scooped a small amount onto her plate.

"Some people don't like it but at least try a bit." He ladled a small amount of a sauce for her. Dax hesitantly dipped a piece into the sauce and took a bite. Julian watched as her eyes lit up in delight and he smiled.

"This is delicious," she smiled and held her plate out. Julian scooped some more out and served himself before sitting down. Her fears allied, Dax was cheerfully devouring her dinner. Julian bit back his laughter.

"Hungry?" he teased.

"I want this recipe," she grinned, taking a sip of wine.

"Hmm," he murmured, taking a bite. "Sorry, no can do."

"What?" Dax frowned. "Why?"

Julian grinned over the top of his glass of wine. "Secret family recipe," he said, raising his eyebrows teasingly.

"Very funny. You just told me Keiko made this. I'll ask her if I have to."

Julian shook his head. "The general recipe is Keiko's, yes. I'll give you that if you want. But the venison marinade is an old family recipe."

Dax pouted slightly. "Julian, please? I won't tell anyone."

"Mm mm," he smiled. "Not even under threat of death."

Dax sighed and turned back to her dinner. "Oh, well. It's worth a shot."

Julian chuckled softly and glanced down at their plates. "I hope you saved room for dessert," he smiled.

"Dessert?" Dax smiled. "You really did go all out."

Julian laughed and went over to the small cooler he had rented from Quark. Dax's eyes widened in delight as he pulled out a small cheesecake.

"Julian," she said, grinning. "Did you make that?"

"And what if I did?" he asked, smiling at her, handing her a slice.

Dax took a small bite and grinned. "I think I'll have to hire you to cook for me," she smiled. "This is wonderful."

"Well, I figured you needed a little pampering," he said softly, sitting down.

Dax smiled shyly and glanced back down at her plate. "Well, thank you." Her bright blue eyes smiled at him as she looked back up. "I appreciate this."

Julian smiled and gently took her hand. "You're welcome."

Dax gazed at him and glanced at his plate. "You've not even touched yours," she said softly. She was desperately trying to distract herself from his warm touch, or his soft smile and dark brown eyes. Or especially the feelings she was experiencing.

Julian glanced down at his plate and smiled. "I forgot something," he said softly. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze and got up.

"What could you have possibly forgotten?" Dax smiled, following him with her eyes.

"Chocolate sauce," he smiled, producing a small tureen.

Dax's eyes widened. "Julian, this is rich enough," she said as he carefully drizzled a bit on her piece and his.

"No such thing," he smiled. He put the remainder of the cake and sauce back in the cooler and walked over to a shelf. A few seconds later, soft jazz filled the room.

Dax smiled and shook her head. "I could get used to this," she smiled as he sat down. Julian smiled back.

They both ate in silence for a while. Jadzia could feel herself relaxing, a combination of the wonderful food, the wine and the music. She recognized the selection playing and smiled.

"Moonlight Serenade," she smiled.

Julian nodded, finishing his glass of wine. His dark eyes smiled. "Care to dance?"

Jadzia smiled at him. "I'd love to."

He extended a hand and led her a few steps from the table and gently folded her into his arms. Jadzia leaned against him slightly, following his lead.

Julian closed his eyes. His head was spinning with sheer delight. He felt wrong to want this, to "court" her so soon after what happened. But at the same time, it felt so right. He was startled out of his reverie as Jadzia rested her head against his shoulder. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye.

"Tired?" he asked gently.

Dax tilted her chin up slightly and smiled. "Maybe a little," she admitted. She felt a tiny blush fill her cheeks. Her mouth was less than an inch from his and she briefly considered kissing him.

Either Julian picked up of this or he was thinking the same thing. He gently dipped his head and pressed his lips against hers in a tender kiss. Jadzia closed her eyes and leaned in. After a brief moment, he pulled back. Dax gazed up at him, startled that it was so brief.

Julian gently touched her chin tenderly. "I'm sorry if I startled you," he said softly, still stroking her cheek. "I think I surprised myself."

Jadzia smiled and kissed him back, just as briefly. "I'll live," she murmured. Julian smiled in response. Dax rested her cheek against his chest as they continued to sway to the soft music. They finally stopped when the recording ended. Dax gazed at him as they pulled back.

"Am I staying?" she asked softly.

Julian regarded her, a little surprised at how forward she was. "Do you want to?" he asked in response.

Dax smiled slightly. "Would I have asked otherwise?"

Julian smiled back. "Actually, by asking, I'd say you aren't sure." He saw her smile and glance down. "Jadzia, there's no pressure here," he said softly. "I can wait."

Dax smiled slightly and glanced back up. "I don't feel like being alone tonight but..."

Julian nodded understandingly. "I've got some clothes here if you want."

"Thank you Julian," she said softly.

He smiled and gently kissed her. "Don't mention it," he replied affectionately. He walked into the bedroom.

Dax sat down on the couch. She couldn't recall a time when she'd felt so hesitant. He had been so patient thus far and all she could do was hedge. Julian walked back out, a pair of sweats and a t-shirt in his hands.

"Here," he said, setting them down on the coffee table.

Dax smiled and nodded. "Thank you," she smiled.

Julian sat down next to her. "Like I said, don't mention it." Dax slid closer and rested her head against him. Julian gently wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"Do you want to go to sleep now or..."

"It doesn't matter," Dax replied, sliding closer. She was grateful when he tightened his embrace. She bit back a yawn and that apparently decided the matter for Julian.

"Go change," he said, pulling her up. Dax smiled and retreated into his bedroom.

Several minutes later she was sitting on the edge of his bed, brushing out her hair with a brush she had replicated. Julian walked out of the bathroom, dressed in his pyjamas. He smiled slightly at the sight of her with her hair down. Dax set the brush down and glanced at him.

"What?"

"Nothing. I'm just trying to remember the last time I saw you with your hair down." He sat next to her and gently ran a hand through it. Dax closed her eyes and leaned against him. Ever since she was little, she had loved it when people played with her hair. She found it relaxing, a reminder of simpler times. Julian smiled and continued the motion.

Dax smiled. "If you keep that up, I'm bound to fall asleep," she murmured.

Julian kissed the top of her head. "That's the point."

He reluctantly stopped. Dax sighed and pulled the covers to the bed down and slid under. Julian walked to the other side and slipped in also. Dax instantly slid over to him and curled up against him. Julian gently wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close.

"Good night Jadzia," he said softly.

"Good night Julian," she smiled, gently kissing him. He smiled and closed his eyes. "Computers, lights off."

*******

Sisko strode through the corridors and stopped at Dax's quarters. He tapped the command and waited. He hadn't seen Dax since this whole situation began and he was worried about his friend. After a minute, Sisko tapped the controls again. Again there was no response.

"Computer, location of Commander Dax?"

"Commander Dax is in Dr. Bashir's quarters."

Sisko felt the corners of his mouth turn down. "Is she asleep?"

"Affirmative."

Sisko sighed and started for his quarters. He'd have to have a talk with her in the morning.

*******

Dax stirred the next morning to find a single yellow rose streaked with coral resting on the pillow next to her. She smiled and reached over for it as the door to the bathroom slid open. She glanced up and smiled and Julian walked out.

"Good morning," he said softly, smiling.

Dax smiled and sat up. His hair was still damp and he hadn't put his uniform top on. "Morning," she smiled. She picked the rose up and glanced at him. "I want to know where you're getting these from," she murmured. "They're beautiful."

Julian smiled and sank down next to her. "Yes, well, do your worst. I won't tell."

Dax smiled and bent her head, smelling the sweet fragrance. She glanced up again, a gleam entering her eyes. She gently set the rose on the stand next to his bed and promptly tackled him, tickling him.

"Dax!" he protested, laughing.

Jadzia grinned and paused. "Give?" she teased.

"Yes!" he laughed. Dax grinned and let him sit up. He shot her a mock glare. "No secret is worth that."

Dax giggled. "So much for 'do your worst,'" she teased. He chuckled and pulled his shirt on. "So?" she asked, sitting back.

He glanced at her. "What?"

"Where are you getting the roses from?" she asked, smiling.

Julian arched his brows teasingly. "I never said I would tell."

"Julian!"

He laughed softly and shook his head. "Alright. There's a new store that just opened on the Promenade. Sort of an all-purpose shop."

Dax smiled and nodded. "Thank you."

Julian smiled warmly. "Your welcome." He glanced at the chronometer. "You'd better get ready," he said.

"How?" she smiled. "I don't have a uniform... here." Julian handed her a uniform with a gentle smile.

*******

"Sisko to Bashir."

Julian glanced up from the mess that was his infirmary. Things still had to be sorted out from the other day.

"Bashir here," he replied, setting the wires he had been holding down.

"Report to my office immediately."

"I'm on my way sir," he replied. He strode out, wondering what Sisko wanted. He walked into Ops a few minutes later and trotted up the stairs to Sisko's office.

"You wanted to see me sir?" he asked, walking in. His eyes landed on Dax sitting there and he nodded at her briefly. Dax smiled back.

"Yes, doctor. Have a seat." Sisko was sitting behind his desk, looking relaxed. Julian sat down, trying to ignore the small knot that had formed at the small of his back. "I've been talking with Dax to see if we could make this scanning program more permanent. As it is now..."

"It's a pile of wires strewn across my infirmary," Julian smiled. Sisko smiled back and Dax laughed.

"I suppose that's one way of putting it," Sisko admitted. "But my main concern is the power draw. If we could find a way to limit that, it would solve a lot of problems."

"We could simply use the power from the uninhabited areas of the station."

"But they're inhabited when several convoys arrive at the same time," Julian pointed out. "The changelings could simply use that to their advantage. It's not fool proof."

Sisko nodded his agreement. "Well, your job is to figure out a way to find the power to make it fool proof. Chief O'Brien will be working with you two also. Dismissed"

Julian nodded and he and Dax stood up. "Aye sir."

They started out when Sisko called, "Old man, if you'd stay for a bit, I'd like to speak with you."

Dax smiled and stopped as Julian walked out. "What is it Benjamin?"

"I just wanted to talk to you," Sisko said. "I haven't seen you since this whole scenario began. How are you holding up?"

Dax felt her smile falter a bit. "I'll be fine. Don't worry about me."

Sisko frowned. "Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?"

Dax nodded. "Not right now Benjamin. Don't worry. If I need someone to talk to, you're on top of my list."

"Myself and Dr. Bashir, right?" Sisko studied her reaction.

Dax rocked back on her heels. "Julian's a good friend, so yes. The two of you are the two people I'd turn to."

Sisko frowned slightly. "Dax, I stopped by your quarters last night. You weren't there. When I asked the computer where you were, it said you..."

"Were in Dr. Bashir's quarters," Dax finished. She smiled slightly. "Benjamin, nothing happened. At least not in the sense you mean." She saw him frown and she sighed. "Julian and I were supposed to meet for lunch but he forgot. To make up for it, he offered to cook dinner that evening. That's all it was. Just dinner. And we talked for awhile."

"And you spent the night," Sisko finished. Dax frowned but before she could say anything he cut her off. "Old man, I'm just worried that you're getting involved for the wrong reasons. It isn't far to Doctor Bashir or yourself to get involved because he feels the need to protect you and you're lonely." Sisko saw her frown deepen. "Just think about it," he said more gently.

Dax sighed but nodded. "Alright. Fine. Am I dismissed?"

"Yes," Sisko said, leaning back in his chair. Dax nodded and walked out.

*******

"Julian?"

Bang!

"Ow! What?" Bashir slid out from underneath the panel and glanced up at Dax. She was smiling slightly.

"Are you alright?" she asked, kneeling down next to him.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he murmured, raising a hand to his head. "I'm beginning to think you're hazardous to my health though."

"What are you doing?" she asked, leaning past him.

Julian gazed at her briefly before turning back to his work. "Reconnecting things," he said. "I had started to dismantle things before Sisko called me up there."

Dax nodded slowly. "Do you need this console for something?" she asked. "Otherwise you won't be able to use it for much since it's reconfigured for the scan program."

"No, I can find another spot." He flicked the torch back on and began reconnecting the wires.

Dax watched for a minute. "So where are we going to get the extra power from?" she asked after a while.

"No clue," he muttered around the spanner he had in his mouth. Dax smiled and gently took it from him. He grinned. "I figured I'd leave that to the Chief. He knows this station's power system better than the both of us combined."

"True," she said, leaning back. He extended a hand to her and it took her a moment to realize he wanted the spanner. She handed it to him sheepishly.

"Speaking of the Chief, he said he'd meet me here. I wonder where he is."

"I'm right here," came the cheerful brogue. Dax turned as Julian jumped again. She winced at the sound as his head hit the top of the console again. "Sorry Julian," Miles laughed.

Bashir grunted and tossed the Chief a weary look. "Then don't do that again."

Dax frowned at him. "You're going to give yourself a concussion if you keep that up."

"Then stop sneaking up on me," he smiled. Dax shook her head. "Well Chief? What do you think?"

"I think the Captain is out of his mind to think we're going to find the power to run this bloody thing."

"Actually I think he only wants that available power in case of an emergency," Dax pointed out. "We can run it on a daily basis right now but for the extent of time that we did the other day we're going to need more."

"A lot more," Julian said. "We were running out of ideas by the end of the hunt."

Dax nodded slowly. "Well, lets get to work."

*******

Sisko walked into the infirmary to find Dax and Bashir sitting at a console, studying a series of readouts.

"Hello Benjamin," Dax said, without turning.

"Any luck?" he asked, walking over.

"Maybe," Dax said. "How about this?" she said softly, pointing to the screen.

Julian studied it and changed something on his readouts. "That gives us close to 90% of the power we need. I don't think we're going to squeeze any more out though."

"Well, the wiring on this console is shoddy at best," she said. "We'll have to re-work a few things." She spun in her seat. "We've managed to allocate some power. We're getting close but there's still a lot to do. The least of which is rewiring this console better so it can handle the power."

As she said this, Bashir slid under the console and flipped on a torch. Sisko had the feeling that they had been going through this routine for several hours.

"Well, good. Keep me..." There was a shout from an adjacent room and the wiring in front of Bashir's face flared. He cried out in alarm.

"Julian?" Dax gasped as she dropped next to him. "Are you alright?"

"Sorry about that!" Miles called from the other room. "Power surge."

Julian winced. "No kidding," he said, dragging himself from under the panel.

Dax took a deep breath and gently raised a hand to his forehead.

"I'll be fine," he said. He glanced at his hands and winced. They were both blistered from the blast of electricity.

"Like hell you will," she said. "Stay here." She got up and ran for a kit. Julian leaned back against the console, wondering how bad he looked to make her run like that.

"Doctor?" Bashir glanced up at Sisko. He was gazing at him concerned.

"Sir?" he asked softly.

"Hold still," Dax said, dropping next to him. Julian vaguely heard her moving about, searching for something. She pulled out a small wand and gently cupped his chin in her hand. Julian felt the cooling antiseptic run over his face.

"Is it that bad?" he asked.

"Just hold still," she said softly. She saw a tiny frown cross his face and she sighed. "You have second degree burns and a cut running from here," she gently placed one finger at his left temple, "down to here," she said as her finger ran down the length of his cheek. "So hold still." Julian didn't argue this time.

Sisko watched in concern as Dax healed the burns on his face and hands and tended to the gash running down the side of his face. He was mildly surprised at how upset Dax looked. He knew the two were close but she looked very concerned as she ran the regenerator over the cut.

"There," she murmured.

Julian raised a hand to his head and managed a smile. "Thanks Dax. Now, go get the Chief. He and I have to have a talk."

Dax giggled a bit and put the kit away. "Right," she murmured, sending him an affectionate glance. "Now doctor, you're to go get some rest. Which won't take much since I gave you a sedative."

"When?" he murmured, looking dazed.

"When I got back with the kit." She sent him a worried look. "Go on. You're off duty for the rest of the day." Bashir looked ready to protest but as he stood up he nearly collapsed again. "Julian, I'm serious," she said, catching him.

"So's gravity," he muttered, leaning on the console. "Alright. But I don't think I'm going to make it back to my quarters. How much of that stuff did you give me?"

"Enough," she said, smiling slightly. She glanced at Sisko. "Sir, is it okay if..."

"Go ahead," he said with a dismissing wave. "Report back in fifteen minutes."

"Aye sir," Dax said, sending him a grateful look. She walked out with Julian, still supporting him.

*******

"You did this on purpose," he grumbled as they walked into his quarters.

"Julian!" she frowned. "You know I would never do such a thing. You had second degree burns and a laceration running down one side of your face. What was I supposed to do?"

"I'm sorry Dax," he murmured, sinking onto the couch.

"Apology accepted," she smiled. "Now, you get some rest. I'll go yell at Miles for you."

Julian smiled. "Thanks."

"Think nothing of it," she smiled. Dax gently kissed him. She was a little surprised when his hand ran around to the nape of her neck, pulling her closer. Dax's eyes widened before surrendering briefly to his embrace. After a moment she pulled back.

"I'd better go," she said backing up. "Captain Sisko said he wanted to me to report back." She struggled to remain calm. For some reason, fear was clawing its way up her throat.

Julian nodded drowsily. "Alright," he said softly. "I'll see you later?"

Dax nodded. "I'll stop by after work."

He nodded and Dax backed out. She leaned against the wall and closed her eyes.

'What's wrong with me? It was only a kiss.' She took several calming breaths and started for the infirmary.

*******

Dax walked in looking shaken. Sisko sent her a concerned look.

"Dax? Are you alright?"

Dax nodded. "I'm fine Benjamin. Don't worry."

Sisko frowned and looked ready to protest when O'Brien walked out.

"It's all set," he said cheerfully. He caught sight of Dax and raised his eyebrows. "Are you alright Dax? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Dax nodded again. "I'm fine. It's just Julian was injured in the power surge." Her eyes took on a half hearted attempt to look scolding. "Next time Chief, let us know when you're working on something like that."

O'Brien looked abashed. "He's alright though?" he asked, concerned.

"He'll be fine," Dax nodded, walking over to the console, feeling a bit more stable. "Let's see," she murmured.

O'Brien glanced at Sisko, who looked concerned. "Is she alright?" he asked, soto voce. Sisko shrugged and shook his head to indicate she hadn't said anything. O'Brien nodded and shouldered his kit. "Well, sir if I'm no longer needed here. . ."

"I'll see you later Chief. Head home." O'Brien nodded and walked out. Sisko glanced at Dax. "Alright old man, what's wrong?"

Dax glanced up and sighed. "I don't know," she admitted. "I certainly can't explain it. I just..." She glanced at Sisko, wondering if he'd understand.

"Take your time, old man," he said. "I'm assuming this has something to do with Doctor Bashir."

Dax nodded and glanced down. "I don't know. It should be nothing. I mean, nothing happened. We kissed and..." She shifted uncomfortably. "I just began to panic."

Sisko raised his eyebrows and sighed. "Dax, I..."

"Benjamin, don't. I'll deal with it." She glanced back at her console.

"Not good enough old man," Sisko said softly. He lay a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Dax, you've just had a serious shock. Maybe you should give yourself some time before getting involved in a relationship. Or at least take things more slowly."

Dax hesitated for a moment and then nodded. "I suppose you're right," she said. She glanced at the chronometer. "I should go," she said. "I'll see you later Benjamin." She saved the changes and stood up. Sisko nodded and watched her go, concern filling him.

*******

Dax walked into Quark's, hoping to get a quick dinner. She sat down at a table and ordered quickly, promising a slip of latinum to the waiter if he hurried. She sipped at her drink and let her gaze wander the bar. She couldn't explain why she had reacted to Julian like that. Maybe Benjamin was right. Maybe she should take things slowly.

"Commander?"

Dax froze in horror. 'Worf,' she thought.

"Yes?" she asked without turning.

"May I join you?"

Dax could feel terror grip her again but she fought it down. "Of course," she said. Worf sat across from her. "What can I do for you Commander."

"I wanted to explain why I acted the way I did yesterday."

Dax glanced at him for the first time. "I don't believe there is one Commander. Whatever experience with joined Trills you've had is no excuse for the other day. If you'll excuse me." She stood up.

Worf stood and caught her shoulder. "Commander."

The tingle of terror that she had first felt worked itself into full fledged panic. "Let me go," she whispered.

"I wish to speak with you," Worf pressed.

"I said let me GO!"

The bar went silent at the surprising outburst from the usually unflappable Dax. Quark glanced up to see Worf gripping her shoulder and Dax struggling to get away, clearly frightened. He quickly strode through the bar.

"Commander, let her go or I'm calling security."

Worf sent a confused glance from Dax to Quark and let go. "I do not understand what the problem is. I simply wanted to talk about..."

"Leave the lady alone Commander," Quark said, drawing himself up to his full height, which wasn't much compared to the towering Klingon. He glanced at Dax. "Jadzia, perhaps you'd best head back to your quarters."

Dax nodded, keeping her eyes on Worf. She backed out of the bar and strode across the Promenade, trying not to break into a sprint.

*******

Julian stirred groggily. He glanced around and realized he was in his quarters. He grunted as he remembered what happened in the infirmary...

'Oh, gods,' he thought, remembering what happened when he got back with Dax. He hadn't meant to kiss her like that. What had he been thinking?

He jumped a foot as a panicky Dax darted into his quarters without announcing herself.

"Jadzia?" he gasped. "What's wrong?"

Dax glanced at him, struggling for air. "I... I just ran into Worf. At Quark's." Bashir got up and led her to the couch. Dax collapsed. "It wasn't even anything major. He just wanted to explain about yesterday but... I panicked. I don't know why. I just..."

She took a deep breath. Julian gently wrapped a supportive arm around her shoulders. Dax closed her eyes and leaned against him.

"It's okay," he said softly. "Nothing's going to happen to you." He gently squeezed her shoulder and, remembering the soothing effect it had last night, gently began stroking her hair. Dax sighed and curled closer. Julian gently kissed her forehead.

"Jadzia," he whispered. "About earlier, I'm sorry if I scared you. I didn't mean to kiss you like that." He felt her shoulders loosen and smiled. "I did scare you, didn't I?"

Dax felt herself flush. "Well, I..."

Julian gently cut her off. "It's okay," he said. "I don't blame you." His fingers hit the clip that was holding her hair back and hesitated.

"Jadzia..." Dax reached up and undid the clasp. Julian smiled. "Thanks." He gently brushed her hair loose with his fingers.

Dax sighed and leaned against him. "That feels good," she murmured.

"As long as it's relaxing," he said softly. "Now, why don't you tell me what happened."

Dax took a deep breath and related everything to him. Julian sat, listening. The more she talked, the more worried he became.

"Jadzia," he said softly. "This isn't healthy. You've got to deal with this."

"I know that," she whispered. "But every time I think about what happened." Her voice trailed off. Julian took a deep breath and pulled away.

"Jadzia, I think you should get to know the real Worf," he said softly. "Spend some time with him."

"No," she whispered. "Julian, please. I can't."

"Jadzia," he paused and took a deep breath. "Jadzia, I care for you very much," he whispered. "I'd like it if there could be something between us. But I don't want to start a relationship with you if you keep thinking about what might have been."

Dax sat up, confused. "Julian, I'm not. I mean, at first I thought maybe there could have been a chance for something but, well, he is far to biased against joined Trills, for one. I just don't think I can work past that. I don't want to."

Julian gazed at her for a long time.

"Jadzia," he murmured, hesitantly running a hand down the line of spots that framed her face. "I just don't want to get involved with you not knowing where you stand." He gazed at her. "I don't want to hurt you in any way."

Dax smiled slightly and nodded. "I know. But you'll just have to trust me for right now. I'll be alright." She glanced down shyly. "I do care about you Julian. And I appreciate how patient you've been."

Julian leaned forward and gently kissed her forehead. "I've waited for four years. I can wait a little longer."

Dax smiled and hesitantly kissed him. Julian gently wrapped his arms around her, accepting her embrace. After a moment, Dax pulled back. Julian gently nuzzled her and felt her relax a bit more.

"Do you want to take some time apart?" he asked softly. "Or do you want to back up a bit and take things more slowly?"

Dax gazed up at him and her gaze met his. "Neither," she whispered.

She leaned against him, kissing him gently. She felt him hesitate before kissing her in return. Jadzia slid into his lap, gaining more courage. She slowly began exploring his mouth and was rewarded with a more immediate response from him. After several minutes, she pulled back, slightly breathless. She felt his fingertips brush her cheek and his thumb gently ran over her lips. Dax leaned into the caress.

"Julian," she murmured, gently kissing his hand, conveying as much desire as she could. She felt his take a sharp breath and she glanced at him, smiling slightly.

"Are you sure," he murmured, his eyes searching hers.

Dax nodded slowly. "I think so," she murmured. She saw him frown and she smiled. "I promise to let you know if I change my mind." She saw the corners of his mouth turn up and she kissed him.

*******

Dax curled close to him, listening to his soft breathing. It was late and she was as tired as he was but for some reason she couldn't get to sleep. Dax propped herself up on one elbow and gazed at him for a moment. A million and one images filtered through her mind of the last four years. Coming to after Verad had stolen Dax, being trapped with him when the Jem'Hadar had attacked, sitting with him that night on their way to Trill. Jadzia closed her eyes and sat up. They had been through so much together and she was only now realizing how much she cared for him. She slid out of bed and padded over to the replicator.

"Water," she said softly. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure he was still asleep as the drink materialized. Dax took a sip and walked back to the bed, sitting on one corner.

'What makes you think you deserve him?' a tiny voice taunted. 'He's done so much for you and all you've done in return is throw yourself at what you though was Worf. It's amazing he still cares for you.'

'Shut up,' Dax thought. 'I never said I did deserve him but, if he still cares for me, who

am I to reject that?'

'So you can throw him away later when your fancy suits you?'

'No!' Dax set the glass down. 'I would never do that.'

'You already have, remember? When you started seeing that changeling.'

Dax bit back an angry sob and slid under the covers again. She curled close to Julian, hoping to escape the voice that was taunting her. She felt him stir slightly to the sudden movement and she stiffened slightly. He lazily opened one eye and caught sight of her and smiled.

"Hey," he murmured. "What're you kicking me for?"

Dax flushed and dipped her head so he couldn't see her face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I had just gotten up for a glass of water."

"Hmm," he replied, wrapping an arm around her. "Forgiven, I suppose." He kissed her forehead.

Dax took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She tilted her chin up and glanced at him, amusement lighting her eyes. "Well, that's kind of you," she teased.

Julian kissed her, allowing his hands to roam a bit. Dax closed her eyes and responded just as passionately, ignoring the little voice at the back of her head. She felt him begin a lazy path down the line of spots and sighed.

"That feels good," she purred. She felt him laugh softly against her skin.

"It does?" he teased, glancing at her warmly. "I hadn't noticed."

Dax smiled back, gently running a hand across his shoulders. He sighed happily and shifted slightly so he was stretched out next to her, his head gently resting on her abdomen. Dax smiled slightly and ran her fingers through his hair. She saw his eyes close and a slight smile play across his lips. Dax closed her eyes, allowing a smile of her own to fill her features, noticing the nagging voice had gone.

*******

Dax strode into Ops the next day and nodded at Kira. She was glad to be back on duty for the sheer fact that it would bring some sanity into her life. She sat down at her console and pulled up the logs from the last two days.

"Are you alright?"

Dax glanced up and saw Kira standing across from her. "I'm fine," she said softly, glancing back down. "What makes you ask?"

"I was in Quark's last night," she replied, studying her friend. Dax bit her lip and shook her head. "What happened?"

"I don't know," she admitted. "I just panicked." She hesitated as the turbolift arrived in Ops and Worf stepped out. "What's going on?" she asked Kira as he walked to Sisko's office.

"I don't know," she replied. "Rumor has it Sisko's going to ask him to transfer here."

Dax's brows flew up. "But he's presently stationed on the Enterprise-E? Why would he want to transfer?"

"I didn't say he was," Kira replied. She frowned at her friend. "I know I'm no psychologist Dax but you seem very sensitive about this. I know what happened couldn't have been easy for you. Maybe you should talk to Julian."

"I have," Dax replied. She flashed a smile. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine." Kira nodded and headed back to her console, shooting concerned glances every once in a while as they worked. After a few minutes, Worf and Sisko walked out.

"Thank you anyways, Captain," Worf intoned. "I appreciate the offer."

"It's alright. Say hello to Captain Picard for me when you arrive." Sisko glanced at Dax, who was suddenly and intently studying her work. He sighed and stepped back into his office.

Worf glanced over and slowly approached. "Commander," he said by way of greeting, standing with the console between them. Dax glanced up. "I wanted to apologize for last night," he said. "I didn't realize I had frightened you."

Dax nodded, feeling her cheeks heat up. "It's alright, Commander," she replied. "I overreacted." She felt Kira's eyes on her and she straightened her shoulders. "I also accept your apology from last night." She saw a glint of amusement enter Worf's eyes and smiled slightly.

"Have you had lunch, Commander?" she asked. "There's a pretty good Klingon restaurant on the promenade. I'm supposed to meet Dr. Bashir there and I was wondering if you'd join us."

Worf appeared startled but nodded. Dax saved the data she had been working on and headed over to the lift, ignoring the look Kira sent her.

*******

Julian sat quietly, studying a datapadd when Jadzia approached, Worf in tow.

"Hello," she smiled cheerfully. Julian glanced at her in surprise as she sat down.

"Hello," he replied, studying her. "Worf."

He set the datapadd down and smiled. 'This should be interesting,' he thought.

They ordered their food and sat back down. Julian sat quietly, waiting for one of them to begin the conversation. The both sat quietly, eating their respective meals. Julian raised an eyebrow, ignoring the looks from Jadzia.

'If you want to so desperately prove that you're okay, prove it. I'm not going to help here,' he thought, waiting.

After several minutes of dead silence, however, he couldn't take it anymore. "So, commander," he said, glancing at Worf. "When do you leave for the Enterprise?"

"In two days," Worf replied, not glancing up from his plate.

Julian nodded and glanced at Jadzia. She met his gaze and made a little motion with her hand for him to keep going. Julian raised an eyebrow and pointed his fork at her before turning to his meal.

Jadzia took a deep breath and glanced down at her plate before glancing up again.

"Have you contacted your family?" she asked.

'There!' she thought, shooting Julian a look. He simply ignored it and went back to his lunch. Dax frowned.

"I have contacted my parents and my son," Worf replied, allowing a momentary shadow to cross his face.

"What is it?" Dax asked out of reflex. She bit her lip as Julian glanced up at her.

Worf paused and glanced from her to Bashir. "There is this... woman I had been seeing before I was... taken prisoner. I haven't had a chance to contact her yet."

Dax felt her stomach turn for some reason. She took a sip of her raktagino. "You should," she said after a moment. "She'll probably want to hear from you."

Worf nodded and glanced at his plate. "Perhaps I should now," he said after a moment. He glanced at Bashir. "Doctor, Commander." He stood up and left quickly.

Dax watched him go before turning to look at Julian. He was studying her, his face neutral. "Well?" she asked. "Did I pass your test?"

Julian paused for a moment. "You realize that I'm speaking as your physician when I say this," he said softly. Dax drew a short breath as he continued. "You still have some unresolved issues, Jadzia. You visibly stiffened when he mentioned the person he had been involved with before being captured by the Jem'Hadar. Part of you is still reacting to him like he's the person you had been seeing."

Dax bit her lip and shook her head slowly.

"I know," she admitted. Julian couldn't help but start a little. She sent him a wry smile. "But I also know that things are very different. I just don't know where the dividing line is."

Julian nodded and allowed himself the slightest breach of conduct by gently taking her hand. "The only way I can think of for you to find that out is to get to know him. You have two days."

Dax sighed softly and glanced down at their hands. "I know. It's just difficult," she said. Julian gently gave her hand a squeeze and let go. "I've got to get back to the infirmary," he said softly. "Stop by later this evening, alright?"

Dax smiled up at him. "Absolutely."

He smiled and gently kissed her cheek before heading off.

*******

Dax was on her way to Julian's quarters when she heard a loud thud and a string of Klingon curses ring out. She glanced curiously in the direction of the sounds and tapped the door command. There was another crash and a long pause before she heard a familiar voice call out, "Enter!"

Dax glanced in cautiously as she walked in the door to Worf's temporary quarters. "What happened?" she asked, glancing at the disheveled room. "You realize that O'Brien's going to have a fit about that, don't you?" she asked, gesturing towards a destroyed console.

Worf glared at her. "It is none of your business," he snapped turning away.

"Alright," Dax shrugged. "I guess I was just curious as to what 'human scum' you had been referring to a second ago." She turned and headed for the door.

"Wait," Worf said. "How do you know Klingonese?" he asked, surprised.

"My former host was Curzon Dax," she replied, speaking his native tongue. "Or have you forgotten?"

Worf frowned and glanced at the mess, his temper momentarily pacified. "I had just finished speaking with the woman I had referred to earlier." Dax's eyes widened fractionally. "She had been informed of my supposed relationship to you by the p'tach who replaced me. She had assumed it was over. She is now presently engaged to her former lover."

Dax took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I see," she said softly. "That is a bit of a blow..." She caught Worf's glare and held up her hands. "Sorry!" She paused. "This wouldn't be Deanna Troi, would it?"

Worf glanced up, startled, and nodded. "Yes. The man she's now involved with is the first officer of the Enterprise."

Dax's jaw dropped. "Will Riker? You're kidding!"

Worf shook his head. "They had been involved many years back."

Dax nodded slowly and glanced at the chronometer. "I have to go," she said softly. "But, I do know of a good calisthenics program in the holosuites. If you want, I can meet you there tomorrow morning. You look like you need to work some things out." Worf paused and nodded. Dax smiled. "I'll meet you there at 0700 then." She strode out, feeling suddenly apprehensive.

'Did I just do what I think I did?'

*******

Julian glanced up as the doors to his quarters slid open and Jadzia walked in. He smiled. "I was beginning to wonder about you," he said softly as she sank down next to him on the couch. Dax smiled and gently kissed him. "How come you're late?" he asked.

"I had a brief run in with Worf," she explained. She told him what had happened, finishing with her arranging to meet Worf in the holosuites. Julian smiled. "You look like you just signed your death certificate," he teased, gently smoothing a lock of her hair back.

Dax smiled slightly and tipped her head so more fell towards her face, glad she had worn it loose. Julian smiled. "Well," she admitted, "I am a bit... apprehensive."

Julian nodded understandingly. "I know. Just relax though." He leaned forward and gently nuzzled her neck. "I'm glad you're finally taking my advice, though," he murmured.

Dax sighed delightedly and slid closer. "Well, I guess you were right, for once."

Julian pulled back. "For once?" he frowned teasingly.

Dax regarded him, blue eyes wide. "What? It's true."

Julian allowed a tiny growl of frustration to leave his throat and he tackled her, tickling her mercilessly. Dax shrieked with laughter, trying to squirm out of his grasp.

"Stop!" she gasped, struggling for breath. Julian stopped tickling her but didn't let her up.

"What were you saying?" he grinned.

"You were right!" she laughed, pushing at his arms. Julian grinned and let her up. Dax smoothed back her hair, residual laughter still bubbling in her throat. "You're crazy," she grinned.

Julian smiled and kissed her tenderly. "I suppose I am," he murmured, his lips brushing hers.

Dax smiled and pulled him close. "Come here, doctor," she whispered teasingly. He smiled.

*******

Dax darted into the holosuites at 0659 the next morning in a pair of Julian's sweats and a t-shirt.

"Sorry," she said, managing a weak smile at Worf. "I overslept."

Worf nodded gruffly. "What is this program supposed to be?" he asked, gesturing.

"Computer, two bat'telhs," Dax commanded. They shimmered into existence and Dax handed one to Worf.

"Wait and see," she said. "Computer, run program Dax15." Two monsters appeared and charged the two of them. Dax immediately stepped forward to receive the attack, as did Worf.

An hour later, Dax was leaning against the wall, breathing heavily.

"Well?" she asked. "Feel better?"

Worf grinned, baring his teeth. "I will have to get a copy of this program to take with me to the Enterprise," he replied.

Dax smiled and nodded. "I'll include a few of my other favorites also." She stood up straight and set the bat'telh down. "I've got to go. I'm supposed to meet Kira for breakfast at 0830 and I need to shower."

Worf nodded. "I may stay here for a bit longer," he said.

Dax smiled and nodded. "Take all the time you need," she grinned and started out.

"Commander," Worf called. Dax turned. He fidgeted for a moment before continuing. "Thank you."

Dax tipped her head to one side and smiled. "You're welcome," she replied. She turned and walked out to hear Worf call to the computer for it to resume the program. Dax took a deep breath and smiled.

'That wasn't so bad,' she thought, amused.

****

"How'd it go?" Dax turned to see Julian walk over. She smiled and the second he got within her reach, she pulled him close and kissed him. Julian's eyes widened briefly before relaxing into the kiss. After a moment, he pulled back.

"I guess things went well," he grinned, catching his breath.

Dax smiled. "It went fine. I'm beginning to be able to pick out the differences."

Julian smiled and gently kissed the corner of her jaw.

"That's good," he murmured. He slowly worked his way up her jawline. "That's a big step." He nipped at her ear.

Dax sighed in delight, leaning against him. "Sorry to have to run out like that this morning," she murmured into his ear.

"Hmm," he murmured, placing light kisses along the line of spots framing her face. "That's okay. It was partially my fault." He felt her expel a gentle breath of amusement and he smiled. "It was partially yours too," he grinned.

"I know," she murmured, searching for his mouth.

Julian smiled as her lips pressed against his. He pulled her close, determined not to let her go for a long while. Several minutes later, Dax pulled back.

"I've got to go. I'm supposed to meet Nerys for breakfast and I want to shower first."

"Hmm. I'll join you," he teased, following her down the stairs. Dax laughed.

*******

Julian stretched out in his quarters. It was rare that he got a day off, and even more rare that it coincided with one of Jadzia's. He knew she was probably still at breakfast with Kira, though. He smiled slightly, hoping she wouldn't take too long. Things had been very stressful since the whole scenario began with Worf. For a point, he had worried that she simply wouldn't be able to deal with it. He shifted and glanced out the window at the expanse of stars. He allowed a broad smile to fill his face and allowed his mind to drift back to last night. They had curled up on the couch for awhile and Jadzia had been gazing out the window for several minutes before he had asked her what she was thinking...

"I was just thinking," she said, "About the difference from when we first arrived till now. How DS9 became to mean more to me than just another post, another link in a chain."

"Hmm," he murmured. "When'd that happen?" Julian nipped at her neck.

Jadzia giggled. "I don't know," she laughed softly. "I can't pinpoint the time."

Julian smiled and pulled her closer. "Okay. Why do you think it's become your home now?"

Dax paused, considering. "I don't know," she admitted after a moment. "Lots of reasons. I feel at home here. I have friends here, people I care about." She nuzzled his neck. "Someone I love more than life itself." She felt him smile and she kissed him. "What about you?" she said softly, shifting so she was facing him. "Do you know when DS9 became home?"

Julian gazed at her smiling, slightly sad. "When Verad..." His voice cut off. He paused, realizing that, in the last three years, they had never talked about this, about what had happened. He felt her fingertips brush his cheek. He glanced at her, holding her gaze. "I realized that if anything had happened to anyone, you especially, I don't know what I would have done."

He hesitated, trying to put into words emotions from years ago. "At that time, I realized I had a family here."

Jadzia gently kissed him, her fingertips smoothing a wayward lock of hair. "I love you," she murmured. Julian gazed at her, surprised.

"What?" she asked, smiling slightly. "Why do you look so surprise?"

Julian glanced away. "Perhaps the fact that you haven't shown any interest until now..."

Dax reached and tipped his chin up so she could look him in the eye. "Julian," she murmured, "Love. Oh, I'm sorry. I know." She hesitated. "I do love you," she whispered. She kissed the tip of his nose.

Julian smiled slightly and nodded. "I know... I just wish this had happened earlier." Jadzia smiled and kissed him. Julian pulled her close....

"Hello!" Julian glanced up and grinned. Jadzia swept into his quarters, dressed in civvies.

"Hey," he smiled, sitting up. Dax slid next to him and kissed him, pushing him back down onto the couch. Julian pulled back, laughing. "You're in a remarkably good mood," he teased, wrapping his arms around her.

Dax curled up next to him. "I haven't felt this good in days," she admitted. She kissed him again. Julian smiled and pulled her close.

*******

Dax walked to the airlock with Worf in silence. She could sense his discomfort at leaving to deal with this new obstacle in his life. Dax hesitated at the doors.

"Well," she said. "Good luck with everything."

"Thank you," Worf intoned, glancing over his shoulder.

Dax smiled and leaned forward conspiratorially. "And don't worry about Deanna Troi. In all honesty, could you imagine having Lwaxana as a mother-in-law?" Dax laughed as Worf paled slightly. "See?" she grinned. "Let Will Riker deal with her."

Worf grunted, allowing a slight smile to cross his features. "Thank you, Dax."

"Don't mention it," she grinned, slapping him on the back. "Now, hurry up or you'll miss your transport." Worf nodded and stepped though. Dax watched for a moment and then walked off, smiling. She stepped into the lift and smiled at Sisko and Bashir, who were on their way to their respective destinations.

"Good morning," she smiled.

"Morning," both men smiled back at her.

Dax grinned and shook her head. "Either one or both of you remind me to send Will Riker a communique to thank him. I can't remember Worf ever paling before."

Bashir and Sisko glanced at each other in confusion as Dax grinned broadly.

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