The character's are Paramount's but the story is mine. All quotes are property of Sarah

McLachlan and other co-authors and are taken from her album "Fumbling Towards Ecstasy".

Enjoy!

Incompatibilities
by Catherine Henke

Intro: Possession...

"Into this night I wander it's morning that I dread. Another day of knowing of the path I fear to tread. Oh into the sea of waking dreams I follow without pride. Nothing stands between us here and I won't be denied..."

Julian gasped for air as he sat up straight in bed, his mind whirling. My god that

was... intense, he thought, feeling heat rise to his cheeks at the thought of the dream. He sighed and got a glass of water, trying to push the images out of his mind.

It's not like this is the first time you've dreamt about her. But it's different now, isn't it?

His thoughts turned bitter. She's married. Any chance I had with her is long gone. Has been

ever since she started seeing Worf... He was half tempted to throw the glass against the wall in

frustration. Half your problem was you didn't have the guts to tell her. It's your fault, he chided himself. Julian sighed and slid back under the covers of the bed, willing himself to sleep.

*******

Bashir peered blearily at the dart board, sighing. He tossed the darts at it, hoping to just hit the board itself, not caring where they landed.

"What in bloody hell is wrong with you?" O'Brien studied his friend. "You're not deliberately doing poorly, are you?" he asked warily.

"No," Julian said, rubbing a hand over his eyes. "I'm just tired, that's all." He sent a glance at the small crowd that was watching the game with an idle eye and spotted Jadzia and Worf among them.

"You look like you haven't slept in days," O'Brien commented.

"I haven't. At least, I haven't been sleeping well for days... weeks actually."

O'Brien's gaze turned to one of concern. "Have you taken anything for this?"

"No," Julian admitted. "I'll be fine." He heard her laughter ring out and winced slightly. He glanced in their direction again and saw Jadzia standing there with her arm wrapped around Worf's shoulders. Julian winced and swallowed thickly. This is wrong, he thought unhappily. She's your friend!

"Julian? Are you alright?"

He glanced up and sighed. "I'm sorry Miles. I guess I'm more tired than I thought. Perhaps I'll call it a night."

"Alright," O'Brien agreed. "I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Of course," Julian said, managing a weak smile. He started for the door and was halfway there when he heard someone call his name. He turned to see Jadzia walking over to him, smiling. "Oh, hello Dax," he said.

She smiled at him. "Hello. I was wondering if I could come in some time tomorrow. I have a... question for you."

Julian raised both brows, suprised. "I suppose... about what time?"

"Eleven hundred sound ok?" she asked.

"That's fine," he said.

"Great," she said. She glanced at him. "Care to join me and Worf for awhile?"

"Ah, no. I'd better go. It's been a busy day." Julian felt his stomach knot slightly.

"Oh. You do look a little tired, now that you mention it," she said. "Alright. Go get some rest then."

"I'll see you tomorrow," he said, relief coursing through him.

"Eleven hundred," she said, winking at him. She turned and headed back to her table. Julian stared at her retreating form for a moment before turning for the door.

Chapter 1: Wait...

"You know if I leave you know it doesn't mean I love you any less. It's just this state I'm in. I can't be good to anyone else like this. When all we wanted was the dream. To have and to hold that prescious little thing. Like every generation yields a newborn hope unjaded by their ills."

"Julian?" Jadzia called, stepping into the infirmary at 11:01 the next morning.

"In here," he replied.

Dax smiled and headed over to his office. She poked her head around the corner and found a well-rested Dr. Bashir studying a padd. "I see you got some sleep," she said, sitting down across from him.

Julian glanced up and smiled slightly. "I used an alpha wave inducer," he admitted. "Nothing else had worked."

"Too much stress," Jadzia said. "War does that to people."

Julian nodded slightly. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"

Dax opened her mouth and closed it, glancing down at her hands. He's your friend and

your doctor, she thought. What on earth do you have to be embarrassed about? She glanced back up. "Actually, this is something I suppose I should have asked a while ago but with everything going on...." She smiled sheepishly at his look of curiosity. "I'm wondering how genetically compatible Worf and I are if we wanted to have children." She saw his eyes widen and she blushed. "I know what you're thinking," she said. "'Why didn't I ask before we got married.'"

Julian hesitated. "Well, yes... that did cross my mind. But, as you pointed out, we had a few other things going on at the time." He took a deep breath and blew it out through pursed lips. "I can's say off-hand," he said. "I'd have to take a look at it... can I get back to you on this?"

"Sure," she smiled, a bit of relief flowing through her. For some reason, she had felt that he would laugh or tease her. She should have known better. He may be many things but Julian

is, above all else, a consummate professional. Jadzia stood up. "When do you think..."

"I'm not sure," he admitted. "A day, perhaps."

"Alright." Jadzia smiled. "I'll see you later then." He nodded and she walked out.

Julian sat quietly for several minutes, absorbing what had just happened.

*******

Jadzia woke early the next morning and glanced at Worf. Today was his day to work the night shift so he usually slept in. She hated it when their schedules conflicted like this but neither of them wanted to change their present work schedules so they simply lived with the occasional inconvenience. She quickly showered and healed the few scratches she had received, a now habitual practice. Dax dressed and walked out to find Worf awake and hunched over his prune juice. Worf was a great many things but a morning person he was not. She smiled and dropped a kiss on his cheek and left before she was going to be late.

She arrived at the turbolift just as Julian was stepping in. "Morning," she smiled.

"Oh, good morning Jadzia," he said, smiling slightly. "Ops and Promenade," he instructed.

"Thank you," Jadzia smiled. They stood in a companionable silence for several moments before Jadzia turned to him again. "I don't suppose you have those results..."

"Not yet," he admitted. He winced. "I fell asleep last night about halfway through them."

Dax laughed. "Genetics isn't exactly thrilling stuff," she grinned.

Julian grunted in agreement. "I should have them this evening." The 'lift arrived at the Promenade then and he stepped out. "I'll see you later then."

"Of course," Jadzia smiled.

*******

Julian scrubbed at his face, staring at the results. Gods, how am I going to tell her this? He thought, his heart twisting. She seemed genuinely excited about the prospect about having

children. How can I tell her that she and Worf are genetically incompatible? Julian closed his eyes, his mind conjuring up her look of dissapointment. He sighed softly. "Computer, location of Commander Dax."

"Commander Dax is in her quarters."

Julian nodded and picked up the padd. Half way to the 'lift he stopped, wondering if Worf knew she had been inquiring about this. Usually the couple came to him when asking about such things. "Computer, location of Commander Worf?"

"Commander Worf is in Ops."

Julian nodded slightly. Alright, he thought continuing on to the 'lift. Once inside he made one last query of the computer as to Worf's work schedule, making sure he wasn't due home any time soon, knowing Jadzia would need time to absorb this. He stepped out of the 'lift and walked swiftly to their quarters, tapping the chime.

*******

Jadzia glanced up as the chime rang. "Computer, identify," she said.

"Dr. Julian Bashir."

Dax's heart skipped a beat, knowing why he was visiting. "Come in," she called cheerfully. He walked in, his features grave. Dax paused. "Julian," she said, suddenly feeling nervous.

"I have the results," he said softly. "I'm afraid their not good."

Dax sat down slowly, taking a deep breath. She absently motioned for him to do the same. "I see," she said softly. "What are they?"

Julian sighed and handed her the padd. "I'm afraid you and Worf are 98.32% incompatible to conceive a child... and of the 1.68% chance, about 90% would have very serious birth defects."

Dax stared at him in shock. "Are you telling me that..."

"Even if you were to have a child, the chances that it would survive a year would be so slim that it's strongly inadvisable." His gaze was sympathetic. "I'm so sorry. I wish there was something I could do..."

Dax closed her eyes, struggling for emotional control. "That's alright," she said softly after a moment.

Julian glanced down at his hands. "There are other options," he said after a moment. "You could adopt. There are hundreds of orphans on Bajor that need a good home."

Jadzia managed a weak smile. "Yes..." she said softly, a sadness filling her eyes.

Julian studied her for a moment. "Worf doesn't know you asked me, does he?"

She glanced up, somewhat startled by the shift in conversation. "No," she admitted after a moment, "he doesn't."

Julian nodded slowly. "I sort of figured as much." He shifted uncomfortably. "I should go," he said after a moment.

"Do you have to?" she asked, glancing up. She saw him start. "I mean, do you have to get back to the infirmary or..."

"Actually, I'm off-duty," he admitted.

Jadzia nodded. "Would you like to stay for dinner then? Worf isn't going to be back till much later... he works the night shift tonight... and I don't exactly feel like being alone right now."

Julian's eyes widened slightly and a sympathetic look crossed his features. "I'd like that," he admitted. "If you don't mind me going to change into civvies first."

Jadzia smiled and nodded. "Go ahead."

"Alright," he said. "I'll, ah, be back in a minute then."

"Thank you Julian," she said softly. He nodded and walked out.

Chapter 2: Plenty...

"I look into your eyes they told me plenty. I already knew you never felt a thing so soon forgotten all that you do. In more than words I tried to tell you, the more I tried I failed. I would not let myself believe that you might stray and I would stand by you no matter what they'd say. I thought I'd be with you until my dying day."

Worf studied his wife, confusion filling him. She was sitting quietly on the couch, reading. That wasn't odd, in and of itself, but she always seemed to be reading or doing work at home recently. That, and she had been spending more time with Dr. Bashir, which bothered Worf quite a bit. He knew they were friends but there was something about Bashir that he didn't quite trust.

What more, Jadzia hadn't really let him touch her for over a week. She shyed away from his embrace at every chance. Even simple hugs, which she had seemed to enjoy, were avoided as if they held death.

Worf let out a soft growl of frustration. All these factors added together gave him a bad taste in his mouth, especially the part about her spending her free time with Bashir.

As if on cue, the door chimed. "Computer, identify," Jadzia said, glancing up from her padd.

"Dr. Julian Bashir."

Worf studied her reaction carefully, hiding in the shadows of the bedroom. She smiled and set the padd down. She turned toward the bedroom. "Worf," she called. "I'm going out for a bit. I'll be back later."

Worf frowned. "When?" he asked, sounding more like a command.

"I don't know," Dax said. "Don't worry."

"Of course," Worf muttered. Dax smiled brilliantly, missing the sarcasm and walked out the door. Worf stepped out, confusion and anger filling him.

*******

Julian yawned, exhausted. He and Jadzia had stayed in Quark's till closing, just talking. She had been seeking out his company more and more often since he had informed her of her inability to have children with Worf.

Jabara smiled at him. "Late night, doctor?"

Julian glanced at her and smiled slightly. "You could say that," he said. She smiled back and moved off.

"Doctor," a gruff voice filled his ears. Julian turned to see Worf standing there, looking rather angry. "May I have a word with you?"

"Of course," Julian replied, stifling a yawn. He was startled when Worf hauled him out of the chair by the front of his uniform. Julian twisted free from his grip, his temper flaring. "What the hell is your problem?" he demanded.

"Stay away from my wife," Worf growled. "Otherwise I will break you in two."

Julian raised an eyebrow. "She's been asking to meet me, not the other way around," Julian said, tugging his uniform back into place. "She's been upset since I gave her the results. You should know that."

Worf paused. "What results?" he asked.

Julian stared at him in shock. "She hasn't told you yet?"

"What results?" Worf demanded, looking ready to pick him up by the uniform again.

Julian took a half step back. "I'm afraid I can't tell you," he said slowly.

"What?!" Worf shouted.

Julian recognized the look. Worf thought something was drastically wrong with Jadzia. "I'm sorry," he said. "Doctor-Patient confidentiality."

"She is my wife," Worf frowned.

"And she's my patient. I'm afraid I can't tell you anything she told me or anything I told her while meeting in the doctor-patient capacity. You'll simply have to talk with her." Julian allowed a bit of bitterness slip into his voice. Worf glared at him and stalked out of the infirmary.

*******

"Is there something you want to tell me?" Worf growled as Jadzia walked in the doors to their quarters later that evening.

Jadzia stared at him in surprise. "Hello to you too," she said, shrugging out of her uniform.

"Doctor Bashir informed me today that you've been in to see him about something," Worf said, standing up.

Dax's gaze snapped towards him. "He told you?" she gaped. She felt an anger build up towards Julian.

"He simply alluded to the fact that you had been in," Worf admitted. "He wouldn't tell me why."

Dax nodded, her anger abating. "I see."

"Jadzia," Worf said, his concern showing through. "What is wrong?"

Dax glanced at him, gauging him. After several minutes, she sighed. "I went to him to see what the chances of us having children were."

Worf's features relaxed, relief running through him. "Oh. Is that all?"

Dax's eyes went wide. "What do you mean 'Is that all?'" she demanded.

"I had not planned on having children," Worf frowned.

Dax stared at him for a moment. "Well... I hadn't either... not right away at least. But we can't have children of our own. Ever. We... we're genetically incompatible."

Worf shook his head. "No. You misunderstood. I don't want to have children. I already have a child."

"Alexander is your son with K'Ehleyr," Dax protested. "And he's nearly grown."

Worf shrugged. "I do not want another child," he said.

"But I do!" Jadzia said. "I want a child of my own Worf. Didn't that ever occur to you?"

Worf sighed. "No. It had not. You had never given any indication that you would want a child."

"Had I given any indication that I didn't?" she demanded.

"No," Worf admitted grudgingly.

Dax glared. "What were you doing talking to Julian anyhow?" she demanded.

Worf frowned. "I simply was curious as to why the two of you had been spending so much time together." He felt a bit of his previous anger fill him. "I still am."

"I needed someone to talk to," Dax snapped. "Julian knew about it so I was talking with him."

"Why didn't you inform me?" Worf demanded.

Dax bristled. "What do you think is going on between Julian and me?" she demanded. She saw a flicker of emotion cross his face and exploded. "I DON'T believe it! You think that I'm having an affair, don't you?!"

"You have been spending an inordinate amount of time with him," Worf frowned.

Dax glared. "Well, you'll just have to live with that because he's been a lot more sympathetic than you have." She stormed towards the door.

"Where are you going?" Worf demanded.

"OUT!" she shouted, desperately wishing she could slam the door.

Chapter 3: Good Enough...

"So don't tell me why he's never been good to you. Don't tell me why he's never been there for you. Don't you know that why is simply not good enough. Oh, so just let me try and I will be good to you. Just let me try and I will be there for you. I'll show you why you're so much more than good enough."

Dax stormed through the corridors of the habitat ring, still fuming. She couldn't believe Worf had been so insensitive and pig-headed. He simply hadn't seemed to care that this was something that she had wanted and had found out wasn't possible. She sighed and stopped, looking around. She started slightly when she realized she was outside of Julian's door. Dax hesitated and then reached and hit the chime. She needed someone to talk to.

*******

Julian glanced up from the book he had been reading, startled. "Come in," he said. His eyes widened as an irate Jadzia Dax stormed into his room. "Jadzia? What's wrong?"

"You had to tell Worf, didn't you?" she demanded.

Julian took a deep breath and sighed. "I didn't tell him. I just..."

"Alluded to the fact that something was wrong," Dax cut him off. "Yes, I know. But why did you even do that?"

Julian gazed at her. "I didn't realize you hadn't told him yet."

Jadzia turned to meet his gaze. "That shouldn't have mattered. What I told you fell under doctor-patient confidentiality."

"I know that," Julian frowned. "He accused me of..." Julian flushed slightly. "Well..I, ah..."

"I know," Jadzia said. "I gathered as much."

"Ah..well, I simply said that you had been upset since the results and he had no clue what I was talking about. At which point I shut up." Julian watched her pace in front of the coffee table. "Do you want to sit down?" he asked.

Dax glanced at him and blushed. "I'm sorry."

"That's ok," he said softly. "Do you want something to drink?"

"Anything with alcohol in it," she said with a sigh, dropping onto his couch.

Julian gazed at her for a moment before getting them both martinis. "Here," he said.

"What's this?" Dax asked, sipping it.

"A martini. It's not the fastest way to get drunk but it takes the edge off nicely," he grinned. Dax smiled at him as he sat down. "Now, what happened?"

Dax sighed. "He came back and asked me what you had been talking about. I told him... and he didn't understand." She sipped her drink. "In fact, he doesn't want children to begin with so he wasn't upset at all."

Julian felt his heart go out to her. He hadn't realized how much she would have loved to have a child until this all began. He gently touched her hand. "I'm sorry. I know how much this means to you."

Dax smiled at him slightly. "I know," she said softly. She glanced down at her drink. "He started to ask me why we were spending so much time together and I sort of blew up."

"I don't blame you," Julian said, taking another sip of his drink. Dax glanced up at him, startled. "What?" he asked softly. "You had every right to be angry with him. I'd say he deserved it, from what you told me."

Dax smiled at him and gently tapped his temple. "When you're right, you're right," she said softly.

Julian laughed. "That's why I get payed the big bucks," he grinned. Dax laughed in response. Julian's features softened, gazing at her. "You deserve more," he whispered. Jadzia glanced at him, startled. Julian felt a heat rise to his cheeks and he struggled to find a cover.

Jadzia gazed at him, thinking. "So why don't I seem to find it?" she asked softly.

Julian felt his heart seize for a moment before deciding to dive in. "Maybe you're just looking in the wrong spot."

Dax studied him and smiled slightly. "No. I think I'm in the right spot right now," she said, leaning forward. She kissed him gently. She could feel him tense slightly as he pulled back.

"What?" she asked softly. "Am I wrong again?"

Julian gazed at her, his mind whirling. "This is wrong," he whispered. "We shouldn't."

"Why not?" she asked.

"Because you're married," he said, pulling back.

Jadzia gazed at him. "What if I think I was wrong about that?" she asked softly, gently twining her fingertips into the hair at the nape of his neck.

Julian swallowed as she kissed him again. His mind was screaming at him to pull back and put an end to this before something happened that they'd both regret but his heart and body were telling him that this was the right thing to do.

Majority wins, he thought as her tongue slid into his mouth, gently exploring. He pressed back, wrapping his arms around her.

Jadzia sighed softly, gently working her way to his jaw. "Don't leave me," she whispered softly.

"I'd never do that," he replied. "Never."

*******

Julian lay still, a gentle arm wrapped around her waist. Her head was resting against his chest, one arm tossed across him. He gazed at her gentle features, feeling his confusion return. A part of his mind still maintained that what had happened was wrong, that she shouldn't be curled up next to him.

The rest of him didn't care. He had cared for her for over five years. He had been her best friend, confidant, chaperone, all the while longing for more. He'd be damned if he gave her up now. They had both known what they were doing.

Jadzia stirred slightly and her eyes fluttered open. She took a deep breath and clenched and relaxed her fist in a slight stretch before glancing up at Julian. She smiled slightly, seeing the conflicting emotions warring across his features. She knew that their entire relationship would depend on her next words and she considered them carefully before speaking.

"I'm starving," she smiled brilliantly as his eyes widened slightly. She sat up. "Can I get you anything love?" Jadzia had a feeling she'd remember the look that crossed his features next for a long time as shock ran into amazement and finally into love and contentment.

"No," he said softly. "I'm fine." She smiled and shrugged, kissing him gently before getting up. He watched her walk over to the replicator, feeling his hesitation return. He sat up as she came back, a small bowl filled with a fruit he couldn't identify in her hand. "We need to talk," he said softly as she slid under the covers next to him.

"About?" she asked, resting her head against his shoulder.

"What's going to happen now," he replied. He touched her chin. "I'm not a home-wrecker Jadzia."

"There isn't exactly much to wreck," she said softly. She saw a frown cross his features and she bit her lip. "I don't know what you want me to say Julian. I don't know what you're looking for."

He glanced off, collecting his thoughts. "I don't want to lose your friendship," he said softly.

Jadzia gazed at him, her eyes smiling. "If that's your only concern, Julian, you're worried over nothing. I knew what I was doing tonight. I wanted this." She felt heat rise to her cheeks. "I still do."

He glanced at her, his dark eyes hopeful. "What about Worf?"

Dax paused, considering. "I don't know," she said after a moment. She felt him stiffen and his features hardened. She frantically tried to think of something that would soothe him. "I need time," she said softly. "Please. I don't want to make this decision now."

His features softened slightly. "Alright. But where does that leave us?"

"Right here," she said, gently kissing him. She felt him smile and kiss her in return. She pulled back. "That is, if that's okay with you."

Julian hesitated. "We're going to have to be careful," he said softly. "Until you decide what you want."

"I know," she whispered.

Chapter 4: Mary...

"Mary walks down to the water's edge and there she hangs her head to find herself faded, a shadow of what she once was. She says, "How long have I been sleeping and why do I feel so old, why do I feel so cold? My heart is saying one thing but my body won't let go." With trembling hands she reaches up, a stranger's flesh is offered...."

Jadzia slipped back into her quarters later that evening. She knew Worf would be asleep by now and part of her prayed he hadn't checked to see where she had been the last several hours.

Dax glanced at his sleeping form as she slid into the bathroom. She paused in front of the mirror and gazed at her reflection, one hand smoothing her hair back. She was startled at her own appearance.

Dear god, where have I been? she asked herself, leaning forward. There was a spark in her eyes that hadn't been there for months. She felt as if she had aged a century since proposing to Worf. She glanced at the medkit that rested on the counter and winced. The thought of going back to Worf's arms after tonight seemed wrong. Waking up every morning to immediately go heal bites and scratches seemed perverse suddenly.

Who am I anymore? she thought. When was the last time I was in my lab? Months?

A year? Two? She felt an anger at herself build in her gut. And why not? That's your job, after

all.

Dax turned bitterly from the mirror, unable to answer her own conscious's questions.

*******

Jadzia strode into Ops the next morning and sat down at her console and pulled up data from a study she had started months ago. She saw Worf send her a curious look but she ignored it.

"What are you doing?" Kira asked, approaching her station.

"Work," Dax replied, trying to keep the acid out of her voice. "Some data that I've been ignoring for far too long."

Kira grinned. "Probably. When was the last time you were in the lab?"

Dax felt a burst of self-anger run through her. "A long time," she said. She glanced up. "In fact, I should go down there instead. I can get more done there than just pouring over numbers here, waiting for someone to come through the wormhole." She stood up and walked swiftly to the 'lift. Kira regarded her friend curiously for a moment before turning back to her own work.

*******

Dax peered into the lab as if entering it for the first time. May as well be, she thought. "Computer, lights." The lights flared on and winked off the shining equipment crammed in the tiny space. Dax smiled and ran a hand over a console, feeling in control of her life for the first time in a long time.

"Down to work," she said, seating herself at a console.

*******

"Are we going to the holosuites tonight?" Worf asked, frowning at Jadzia's working figure.

"For what?" Dax asked, pulling up some more data.

"Our usual bat'leth practice," Worf said, confused. "We have done so every other night for the last year."

Dax glanced up and then at her work. "I'm afraid not," she said after a moment. "I really want to get through these numbers tonight."

"You haven't worked like this since I met you," Worf groused. "Why now, all of a sudden?"

Dax's gaze snapped up, icy. "This is my job Worf. And I've been neglecting it for far too long. Bat'leth will just have to wait for once."

Worf regarded her. "You have changed," he said after a moment.

Dax paused and then glanced up. "No. I'm myself again."

*******

Dax tapped the release and walked into the holosuites late that evening. Worf had been called off to Ops and she had finally finished her work. She set the bat'leth down and tapped a few controls. The familiar scene appeared and she smiled. After crunching numbers for hours, she needed a good work out.

"Computer, begin program." Dax immediately found herself facing a holosuite creature. Dax threw herself at the monster, bat'leth clanging. As soon as the monster was felled, another appeared to take its place. Jadzia threw herself into the workout, fighting with an energy she hadn't had in a long time.

Several hours later, she emerged, sweaty and flushed, grinning from ear to ear. She trotted down the stairs and headed over to the bar. "Altair water," she said as Quark came over.

"Enjoy the program commander?" Quark asked, pouring the drink.

Jadzia grinned and nodded. "Very much. I haven't enjoyed a bat'leth workout quite that much in a while." She laughed and sipped the water. "I'd even wager I have more energy now than before going in."

"Endorphins are a wonderful thing," a gently accented voice spoke up. Jadzia turned to see Julian lean against the bar. "Two synthales," he ordered. He tossed a quirky grin at her. "You look like you could use a shower," he teased.

"Probably," Jadzia laughed. She nodded at O'Brien, who was standing at the dart board. He tipped his head back in response. Jadzia glanced back at Julian and smiled teasingly. "I probably don't smell any worse than half the people in here, however."

Julian laughed as Quark set the drinks down. "Probably not," he chuckled. He picked the drinks up and nodded to Quark.

"It's about time the two of you started hanging out together," Quark commented. "For two friends, you don't spend much time together."

Dax sent a look at Julian and smiled, almost shyly. "Let's just say I've been reevaluating a few things," she said.

Julian smiled back and caught O'Brien waving at him with the darts. "I'd better go before he decides to use me as target practice," he grinned. Jadzia giggled in response. "I'll see you later Commander?"

"Of course," she said, smiling. He nodded and walked off. Jadzia's gaze followed him surreptitiously before she headed out.

Chapter 5: Elsewhere...

"I know this love is passing time, passing through like liquid. I'm drunk in my desire... but I love the way you smile at me. I love the way your hands reach out and hold me near... I believe... I believe this is heaven to no one else but me and I'll defend it as long as I can be left here to linger in silence if I choose to would you try to understand."

Jadzia glanced up the corridor as she tapped the chime. She heard a quiet, "Come in" and swiftly stepped through the doors and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him. He pulled back after several minutes and grinned.

"Hello to you too," Julian laughed softly.

Jadzia grinned and glanced over his shoulder. "What did you want?" she asked, studying his quarters. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

"Besides you?" he teased, releasing her. She laughed. "I just wanted to talk," he smiled.

"Is that all?" Jadzia asked, pouting teasingly. She saw an amused look enter his gaze and she grinned. "Have you had dinner?" she asked, heading over to the replicator.

"Just a sandwich," he admitted. "I'm not particularly hungry."

"Hmm... hasperat," she said. She glanced at him. "Do you want anything to drink?" She saw him open his mouth and she grinned. "Tarkalian tea," she said at the same time he did. He chuckled softly as she ordered two and carefully tread back to the couch. She handed him his drink and sat down, setting her own on the coffee table. She picked at her meal, tearing off a bite. She glanced at him as she munched on it. "So?"

Julian grinned and gently touched her hand. "I guess I was just missing you," he admitted. "We haven't really seen each other in a few days."

"Well," Jadzia smiled. "We have to be somewhat careful."

"I know," Julian said softly. He hesitated, picking at the corner of the couch. "Have you worked things out?" he asked softly.

Jadzia gazed at him. She set her hasperat down and took his hands in hers. They had been seeing each other covertly for a few weeks and Jadzia had spent a lot of that time rediscovering who she was, realizing she had lost herself somewhere along the way. She cared for him deeply and wanted him to understand that as well as that she was going to need a bit more time to sort her life out.

"Julian," she said softly, gently running a hand along his jaw. "I love you. Nothing is going to change that. But I need time to get everything sorted out... I'm still trying to figure out who I am and how I lost that. I mean, until recently I hadn't been in the science lab for over a year. I dropped something that had been a huge part of me... I don't know what else I might have lost and I want to settle that before I can even attempt to deal with Worf." Her eyes searched his. "Please understand this."

A ghost of a smile crossed his features. "I do understand. It's just difficult keeping this a secret from everyone when all I want to do is shout it at the top of my lungs." He saw her smile and he kissed her. "I'll wait. Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere."

Jadzia nuzzled him. "Thank you," she whispered, resting her head against his chest.

He smiled and wrapped his arms around her. "You're welcome."

*******

Jadzia sat quietly across from Worf, studying a padd. She could feel him staring at her but she tried to ignore it. After several minutes, she sighed in frustration and glanced at him over the padd. "What?"

"Where were you last night?" he asked.

Dax paused. "What do you mean? I told you. I was playing darts with Julian and Miles."

"Since when do you play darts?" Worf frowned.

Jadzia laughed. "I've always played darts. The three of us used to get together every once in a while and play over a round of drinks." She glanced at him. "I missed that so I asked them if they wanted to play last night."

"I see." Worf pushed his meal around his plate.

"Worf, what's wrong?"

He glanced up, startled. It had been one of the first times she had asked him a question in a long time. "I am just wondering what happened to us," he said. "You go out with friends quite a bit now but rarely have time for me."

Jadzia's features softened slightly. She cared desperately for Julian but a part of her couldn't quite dismiss Worf completely. "I'm sorry Worf. I guess I'm just getting re-settled back in. I mean, for the last year and a half, we've been living with the threat of a Dominion invasion, a war... I'm just returning to myself... I'm sorry if you feel I've been ignoring you."

Worf nodded gruffly. "I suppose war does has very... odd effects on people." Jadzia flashed him a brilliant smile and he smiled back. He glanced at the chronometer and back at her. "It is getting late. Perhaps we should go to bed."

Jadzia hesitated fractionally. "Worf... I'm really not in the mood..." A saddened look crossed her features.

"You are still thinking about the test results," Worf commented, frowning.

Dax glanced up at him. "Yes... I had hoped to have children eventually." Her mind drifted briefly but she reined herself in. "But I am tired," she said, smiling. She gently rest a hand on his shoulder and passed him, her features clouding over once she did.

Jadzia closed the door to the bedroom and leaned against it. What is wrong with me? she thought. I love Julian. Why can't I break things off with Worf?

Chapter 6: Circle...

"There are two of us talking in circles and one of us who wants to leave. In a world created for only us an empty cage that has no key. Don't you know we're working with flesh and blood carving out of jealousy. Crawling into each other, it's smothering every little part of me. What kind of love is this that keeps me hanging on despite everything it's doing to me. What is this love that keeps me coming back for more when it will only end in misery."

Jadzia sighed, gazing into space, completely ignoring the tests she was running. What exactly do I want? she thought. Do I want to remain with Worf, even though we won't be able to have children of our own and he won't want to adopt? Or do I want Julian. Do I want to risk the stability I have with Worf for him?

You already have, she thought. You've committed to him by your actions.

But, she countered, he said that this was my decision to make and he'd stand by me, no matter what happened.

But can I hurt him like that? I do love him... so why can't I break things off with Worf? Dax jumped a foot when she heard a hissing, bubbling sound and shrieked as the acidic compound she had been working with bubbled onto her hand.

"Oh, SHIT!" she cursed, removing the heat source with her good hand and taking the flask off of the plate with the tongs. She darted over to the acid-burn kit and opened it to discover that it wasn't there.

"What the..?" She groaned as she remembered it was being "serviced" as someone had had to use it earlier that week. "Damn, damn, damn," she cursed. She tapped her commbadge. "Dax to infirmary. Medical emergency in the science lab. Bring an acid-burn kit."

"I'm on my way," she heard Bashir reply.

Dax winced and looked around for something to at least wash the acid off with. She found some weak base and poured it over her hand, ignoring the fact that her hand had already blistered and turned black in patches from the acid. She heard the doors hiss open and she turned to see Julian rush over.

"Jesus," he murmured, catching site of her raw hand. "Sit," he said pointing to the stool as he set the kit on the counter. He opened it up and pulled out a tricorder. "How on earth did you manage this?" he asked as he scanned her hand carefully.

"I wasn't paying attention to the experiment I was running," Dax admitted. She felt his gaze flicker to her face in concern. "I know, I know. Not smart."

"You could say that," he commented, injecting a mild pain killer into her forearm. "By the way, the kit that should be in here is sitting in the infirmary ready to be picked up."

Dax blushed. "I'm sorry. I guess I forgot."

Julian nodded. "Yes, well, I'm sure you have a lot on your mind to make a mistake like this." He glanced at her critically as he ran the neutralizing agent over her hand. "Jadzia, are you certain you're alright?"

"I'm fine," she said, watching his hands move competently from the kit to her mangled hand. "As soon as you fix this."

Julian managed a weak smile. "Your hand will be as good as new in a few seconds," he said, pulling out the regenerator. "However, I can't say the same for your other... problems."

Dax sent him a look. "You certainly like making this difficult for me, don't you."

Julian flushed. "I'm sorry," he said. "I was out of line."

Dax nodded, accepting the apology. "I have no clue how you do that," she said. "How you can talk about something that involves you like you're discussing the latest treatment for the flu."

Julian smiled quirkily. "It's a gift. Most doctor's have it." He set the regenerator down and examined her hand, gently turning it over in his. "I'd say that should do it," he said softly, tracing a finger over her palm.

Dax smiled. "Where's that clinical detachment now, Doctor?" she teased.

"I'm not working on an injury," he shot back, grinning. He glanced at the mess on the table. "Need a hand?" he asked, motioning to the mess. Dax raised an eyebrow and he grinned broadly. "No pun intended."

Dax rolled her eyes and gave him a push towards the door. "Go back to work, Doctor," she teased. "I can handle this now."

"Should I leave the burn kit just in case?" he grinned.

Dax groaned. "You're not going to let me live this down, are you?"

"What, you mean the fact that Jadzia Dax, the brilliant scientist, is injured because she made the most amateur mistake of all in a lab by daydreaming while boiling a highly acidic compound? Hell, no!" Julian ducked out of the way as she reached to swat him. He laughed. "I'll see you later."

"If you keep heading down the path that you are now, buster, the chances of that are very slim." Jadzia leaned against the doorway, crossing her arms over her chest. She was grinning from ear to ear. Julian chuckled and tossed her a playful wink before heading off. Jadzia laughed and shook her head.

Worf frowned as he stepped around the corner, having witnessed the entire exchange from when they stepped outside. He had believed her when she had said that her meetings with Bashir had been nothing but friendship. Now he wasn't so sure.

BR1"> *******

O'Brien studied his friend as he threw the darts at the board and groaned when all three hit excellent marks. "I don't believe it."

Julian grinned and removed the darts as O'Brien stepped up to his line. "Looks like I'm making up for that other night."

"Humph. I like you better when you're suffering from fatigue," O'Brien groused, tossing the darts at the board. "You're too bloody chipper when you're not."

Julian laughed as O'Brien retrieved his darts. He stepped up to the line and received a look from O'Brien. Julian sighed and stepped back. "So," O'Brien said. "How's Commander Dax?"

Julian glanced at him startled and the dart he was throwing went wide and slammed into the wall a good foot from the board. Bashir winced. "What do you mean?" he asked.

O'Brien was staring at his first dart in surprise. "Well, I was going to comment that the two of you had seemed to be resuming your friendship but it seems there's a lot more going on than meets the eye."

"Don't be ridiculous," Julian scoffed, throwing the remaining two darts. "You just surprised me with the change in subject, that's all."

"Uh, huh," O'Brien replied, tugging the dart out of the wall. He studied the hole it left. "I can see that."

Julian winced and glanced at the surrounding crowds. "Nothing's going on," he replied, shooting O'Brien a look. His eyes widened fractionally and he nearly yanked Bashir off his feet as he dragged him from Quark's. Julian wrenched his arm free halfway to the turbolift. "What the hell was that for?" he snapped, stepping in.

"Habitat ring," O'Brien ordered. The 'lift started off and O'Brien let it run a bit before ordering it to halt. "What in the hell is going on?" he demanded.

Julian glanced at his friend and sighed. "You promise not to tell anyone?"

"Dear god, the two of you aren't..." Miles gaped at his friend. "I would have never figured you as that type Julian. She's married for goodness sake!"

"I don't think she wants to be," Julian retorted.

"Don't give me that," Miles snapped. "If she didn't want to be married to Worf, she wouldn't have married him in the first place."

"Things have changed," Julian replied coolly.

"Like what?" O'Brien demanded.

Bashir winced. "I'm afraid I can't say... I'd be breaking her confidentiality."

O'Brien's eyes widened. "Julian... what happened?"

He shook his head. "I can't say Miles. I'd be breaking my oath as a doctor."

The older man regarded him intently. "It'd have to be pretty big," he said.

Julian shrugged. "I can't say anything so I'd appreciate it if you'd stop asking before I slip up."

O'Brien nodded. "Alright. What can you tell me?"

Julian hesitated. "Nothing yet. But you have to keep this quiet for now. And by quiet I mean you can't even tell Keiko."

O'Brien nodded slowly. "Alright. But I expect answers and details." Julian nodded.

Chapter 7: Ice...

"I don't like your tragic sighs as if your god has passed you by well, hey fool, that's your deception. Your angels speak with jilted tongue the serpent's tale has come undone you have no strength to squander. The only comfort is the moving of the river. You enter into me, a lie upon your lips. Offer what you can, I'll take all that I can get. Only a fool's here to stay. Only a fool's here to stay. Only a fool's here...."

Worf walked into their quarters and found Jadzia relaxing on the couch, reading a padd. A frown filled his features at the typical scene and he roughly unclasped his sash and threw it into a chair.

Dax glanced up startled. "Worf? What's wrong?"

He glared at her. "I don't enjoy being played for a cuckold," he snapped.

Jadzia stared at him in shock. "What?"

"I saw you and Dr. Bashir outside the science lab this afternoon." His frown deepened.

Dax's mind raced, replaying the scene, looking for something that could have made him suspicious. The wink, she thought. "Worf," she said, "you're blowing this out of proportion. Julian's just a friend."

"Lie," Worf snapped. "How long have you been seeing him behind my back?"

Dax gazed at him, debating. She had decided earlier that she was going to take the risk and break things off with Worf and she couldn't think of a better time to do so. "About two months," she replied. She crossed her arms across her chest. "Care to recall what happened two months ago?"

Worf frowned at her. "How should I remember?" he demanded.

"Think Worf," she snapped. "I know it can be difficult at times."

He growled at the insult but replied. "You discovered that we couldn't have children."

"No," she snapped. "I told you that we couldn't have children and you brushed me off like it didn't matter. You were stubborn and refused to listen to me. You didn't give a damn that this was something that was important to me. All you cared about was what you wanted."

Worf stared at her, recalling how she had stormed out. "So you went and whored with that doctor," he snapped.

Jadzia's jaw dropped in shock and anger. "How dare you," she gasped. "I don't believe you just said that."

"It's the truth," Worf snapped. "You were married to me and you went and slept with another man."

Dax hesitated. "Even if that's true, don't you think I would have broken things off if I slept with him only to spite you?" She glared at him. "Maybe I realized that our wants are different. Dammit Worf. I changed myself because I thought that it was what I wanted, because I thought that you were what I wanted. But I was wrong because I gave up things that make me who I am in order to become the "perfect woman" for you. Perhaps I do enjoy bat'leth and Klingon culture but I also enjoy reading, talking. I'm a scientist and I haven't been in my laboratory for over a year because I was too busy being a warrior. Perhaps a part of me is a warrior but a larger part of me would simply like to sit in my lab and work out the mysteries of the universe, rather than revel in the blood-lust I developed to make myself more appealing. I don't want the same things you do Worf and you're too blind to see this!" Her fists clenched at her sides and she practically seethed at him. "It was a mistake and unfortunately I didn't realize it until now. I can't live like that anymore Worf. I can't live like this anymore."

Worf stood very still for a moment. "What do you want then?"

"I want out," she said quietly. "I know you. You don't accept or approve of who I really am. You have no patience for scientists Worf. I accept that and I think it's time you did too. That way the both of us can move on with our lives."

Worf gazed at her in shock and said something in Klingon to her. Jadzia glared and shouted something back, slapping him across the face. She spun on her heel and headed for the door, pausing at the threshold. '

"I'll come for my things later."

The door slid shut behind her and she took a deep breath before heading down the corridor, ignoring the odd looks of the few neighbors who had appeared in the hallway at the shouting. She strode quickly away from her former quarters and tapped the chime as she slowed to a stop. She spotted Miles turning the corner as she heard Julian ask who is was.

"It's me, Julian," Dax called, not caring anymore. "Let me in."

The door slid open to reveal him standing there, looking surprised. "Jadzia?" Dax stepped past him and Julian glanced into the corridor to spot O'Brien standing there. "I'll be right back," he said, glancing over his shoulder. He headed over to Miles. "Chief.. did something just happen?"

O'Brien frowned. "Not that I know of. Why?"

"Because she'd never do what she just did. Something's wrong." Julian tossed a look over his shoulder to his quarters.

"I can't say, my friend. Perhaps you should ask her." O'Brien raised an eyebrow.

Julian sighed. "I will. I was just wondering if you knew." Julian glanced at him. "I'll see you later?"

"Of course." O'Brien tipped his head and strode off.

Julian walked back into his quarters to find Jadzia sitting on the couch. "What's wrong?" he asked, sitting next to her.

"Can I spend the night here?" she asked.

Julian raised his eyebrows in surprise. "I suppose." He hesitated. "Are you going to tell me what happened?"

Jadzia shot him a look. "What do you think?" she snapped.

Julian glared back. "I'm assuming something happened between you and Worf. But whatever's got you so mad doesn't mean you take it out on me."

Dax blushed and glanced down at her hands. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped. As for me and Worf, we're no longer together."

Julian took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I see," he said softly. He gently brushed a lock of hair off her forehead. "What brought this about?" She glanced at him, frowning. "I mean," he said, "what brought this about now."

"He found out about us," Dax said. "He confronted me. I admitted that we were together. And then I told him I wanted out of the marriage."

Julian nodded slowly, gently taking her hands. "I'm sorry."

Dax glanced at him in shock. "What?" she asked softly.

"You must have cared about him if you married him. Just because things didn't work out doesn't mean that you aren't hurting."

Jadzia gazed at him and smiled slightly. "Thank you." She kissed his cheek and rested her head against his shoulder. "I think that's what I love the most about you. You actually seem to listen."

Julian gently stroked her hair. "I try," he said softly.

Chapter 8: Hold On...

"So now you're sleeping peaceful I lie awake and pray that you'll be strong tomorrow and we'll see another day and will praise it and love the light that brings a smile across your face. Of god if you're out there won't you hear me. I know we've never talked before and oh god the man I love is leaving. Won't you take him when he comes to your door."

Sisko glanced out the office door at the crew in Ops. Jadzia was sitting at her station, intently studying some sort of data she was collecting. Kira was working on transport rosters and flight plans. O'Brien was working in the pit. Worf was glaring at Dax.

Sisko sighed heavily. It had been two weeks since Dax had come to him to request separate quarters. He had been completely floored at her request and even more stunned when rumors about her involvement with Dr. Bashir started circulating, some people saying that he was part of the reason for her and Worf's divorce. Ever since though, Sisko hadn't had a chance to ask her what happened. She had immersed herself in her work and other activities.

She had, however, confirmed the general gist of the rumors when he confronted her about them. She also hadn't been the least bit concerned when he voiced his disapproval.

As for work, Dax avoided Worf as much as possible and he alternately glared or ignored her. Worf refused to speak with Bashir at all.

"Kira to Sisko. Report to Ops."

Sisko strode out and glanced down at the Major. "What is it?"

"We're receiving a distress signal from I'Dalani." She paused for a moment. "They're requesting that anyone withing subspace respond. Apparently they've been attacked by the Jem'Hadar."

Sisko frowned. "Scan that system. Are there any Dominion ships there?"

"No sir. There aren't any Dominion ships withing several lighyears of that sector." She glanced up, furious. "I suppose they simply attacked just for a little practice."

Sisko puffed out a frustrated breath. "Worf, you and Dr. Bashir take the Orinoco out there and lend whatever hand you can."

Worf's gaze snapped up in shock, along with Dax's. "Sir, I must protest...."

"Commander Worf, those people need a doctor and I want my tactical officer there also just in case. Now get moving." Sisko glared at the Klingon who hesitated for a split second before heading to the 'lift. "Sisko to Bashir."

"Go ahead."

"Doctor, we've received a distress call from the I'Dalani system. I'm sending you and Commander Worf out to lend a hand."

There was a heavy pause before Bashir responded. "Aye sir. Did they give an indication as to how severe the casualties would be?"

"No but seeing as it was the Jem'Hadar who attacked, I suggest you prepare for the worst."

"Aye sir. Bashir our."

Sisko glanced at his crew who were regarding him with varying degrees of shock. "Back to work, people," Sisko frowned. "Major, keep me updated with Worf's and Bashir's progress."

"Aye sir," she replied.

Sisko strode into his office and sat down to find Dax standing in front of his desk. "Is there something I can do for you commander?"

"Benjamin," Dax began, looking somewhat uncomfortable. "Are you certain that was such a wise decision?"

"Old man, I don't want to hear it. This is part of the mess that you made. Those two are going to have to work together, regardless of what happened." Sisko frowned at her. "I've already expressed my opinion on this matter."

"I know," Dax replied. "You don't approve of what happened. And perhaps it wasn't the best way to go about things. But I do know that I'm happier with Julian."

Sisko sighed. "Dax, my decision and opinion in the matter of work stands." He glanced at her. "I do appreciate that you're happier but you've got to smooth things over with Worf."

Dax glared. "My performance or his hasn't been altered. And he rarely has to deal with Julian. I don't understand the problem."

"I can't have three officers letting their personal lives get in the way of work, especially now." He straightened the padds on his desk. "Dismissed commander."

Dax straightened slightly and nodded. She paused at the door. "Is it alright if I stop by later on? I think we have a few things to work out ourselves."

Sisko glanced up and nodded curtly.

*******

"Assuming standard orbit," Worf snapped.

Julian bit back a sigh and shouldered the medkit and picked up a case containing extra supplies. "Are we beaming down?"

"No. There's high ionic interference in the atmosphere from the attack," Worf murmured. "It would scatter your molecules across the planet."

"You'd like that, wouldn't you," Julian muttered under his breath. He sat back down as Worf piloted the shuttlecraft into the atmosphere.

Several minutes later, Julian felt it touchdown and he stood again, heading out the door. His eyes widened in horror at the sight that greeted him. They had landed in the main city. Julian had been to the I'Dalani homeworld a few times and had always been impressed with the architecture and the culture. The capitol had been an expansive bustling city and was now reduced to ruins and cries of injured people rang in the air.

Julian stepped forward, looking for someone to guide them. He caught site of a young woman kneeling next to someone who was trapped under a chunk of stone from a building. Julian darted over and knelt next to them.

"Who are you?" the woman demanded, her hand flying to the disruptor she had.

"I'm a friend," Julian said, pulling out a tricorder. He motioned to Worf who was studying the destruction. "I need a hand over here," he shouted. Worf glanced at him, a scowl crossing his features but headed over. "We need to get this off of him," Julian said, moving. He glanced at the woman. "Are you injured?"

"No," she replied as Worf arrived. Julian motioned to him and the three of them lifted the chunk off and away from the young man it had trapped. Julian knelt back down. "You're Star Fleet," the woman commented, kneeling across from him.

"That's right," Julian said. "And I'm a doctor."

The woman glanced at him. "Can you save him?" she asked.

Julian studied the readouts and winced. "No... his injuries are too severe. I'd need the equipment I have back on DS9." He gazed at her. "I'm sorry." The woman nodded and stood. Julian followed suit, gathering his supplies. To his shock and horror, the woman raised the disruptor and vaporized the body. "What the hell?" he gasped.

The woman glanced up at him. "The Jem'Hadar attacked over a day ago. It's become standard practice to stop the spread of disease." She glanced at him. "You're here to help us?"

Julian glanced at the spot the body had been before glancing back up. "Yes."

"Good. Follow me." The woman started off at a brisk jog and Julian started after her, trying to shake the feeling he had found Worf's female counterpart.

She's blunt enough, he thought bitterly.

*******

Dax tapped the chime to Sisko's quarters, tugging at her top. She felt somewhat awkward, something she hadn't felt around Sisko in several decades.

"Come in," he called.

Jadzia opened the door and walked in. "Hello Benjamin," she said.

Sisko glanced at her and smiled slightly. "So...."

Jadzia sighed. "I suppose I should finally tell you the whole story."

"That would be a good idea." Sisko frowned at her.

Her mood shifted slightly, becoming irritated. "Do you really think I'd end a marriage just because 'I grew tired of it?' How shallow do you think I am?" Sisko didn't say anything. Dax sighed and glanced out the window. "Julian isn't the only reason I left Worf," she said softly. "In fact, he's not really a major part."

Sisko studied his friend carefully. "What happened?"

Dax glanced up. "I asked Julian about three months ago how genetically compatible Worf and I were if we wanted to have children. I didn't have a chance to ask him before the wedding. He told me that the chances that Worf and I would have children together were so slim and even if we did, they most likely wouldn't live long." She saw Sisko's eyes widen in sympathy. "That was the beginning of the end. I didn't tell Worf about it right away because he didn't know I asked. I started spending more time with Julian because he was the only other person who knew and I needed someone to talk to. Worf thought I was having an affair with him at that point and went to accuse Julian. Julian let it slip that I had visited him, thinking I had told Worf, but he didn't say what. When I got back, Worf demanded to know. I told him and he didn't even act like it mattered." She glanced at Sisko. "That's what got me thinking and I realized that I had changed a lot since I started seeing Worf..and not for the better. Julian's involvement was merely... a catalyst."

Sisko sighed. "I hadn't known," he said softly. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions."

Dax smiled. "You and the rest of the station. Don't worry about it."

Sisko glanced at her. "Why haven't you clarified things?"

Dax shrugged. "Let them think what they want to think." She smiled. "But do you think it would be too soon to get joint quarters?"

Sisko mock glared at her and started laughing.

*******

Julian moved frantically from patient to patient, ignoring the whine of distuptors behind him. He spotted Worf entering and walking over to him. "There is a report of people trapped in a half-collapsed building not far from here," Worf muttered.

Julian glanced at the patients in front of him and motioned to a local nurse. "Take care of these people," he said. "They're not too severely injured."

"Yes, doctor."

Julian stood and strode out, following Worf and a few others to what used to be the main market. Julian glanced around. "Where are they supposed to be?" he asked, moving forward.

"In the main gathering place in the center of the building," Worf frowned.

Julian nodded slowly. "I know where that is. I think I can get there." He grabbed a flare and started for the building.

"Doctor," Worf frowned. "The building is very unstable. I don't suggest you enter."

"People are suffering in there Worf," Julian snapped. "I can't sit here and do nothing." Julian strode into the building, an angry Klingon following. Julian moved carefully around the debris, noting spots where the ceiling appeared weak and avoiding moving underneath them.

Several minutes later, he found himself in the main gathering. He moved over to where he heard

someone whimpering in pain or fear. Julian found a small child, perhaps no older than four or

five, who's foot was trapped under a plank.

"Hang on," Julian said, slowly reaching to move the board away.

"No! Mommy!" The child pointed to his left.

Julian's eyes flicked over and spotted a woman lying nearby, a nasty gash on her temple. Julian moved to her side and scanned her, his stomach seizing at the results. He glanced at Worf.

"You take care of her," he said, his voice soft. Worf frowned and nodded as Bashir moved back to the child.

"Is mommy okay?" The child watched with wide eyes as the bulky Klingon scooped the woman up and moved her towards the door.

"Shhh," Julian said. "Don't move." He glanced at the plank again and reached for it. His hands circled it and he began to lift. He heard the sound of metal scraping against metal and winced.

"Doctor, look out!" Worf shouted.

Julian glanced up and saw a large sheet of metal falling towards the child. He lunged forward, unthinking of his own safety, hoping to protect the child from the blow. He felt a sharp slapping pain radiate through him and slipped into unconsciousness.

Worf gaped in shock for a second and glanced up at the ceiling. It was creaking and shifting ominously. He set the woman down and headed towards Bashir. The ceiling groaned and Worf hesitated.

He couldn't have survived that, he reasoned. He moved forward a bit more and picked up a tricorder. He scanned Bashir's still form and realized that he was still alive, but just barely. The child was unconscious but stable. Worf shut the tricorder and moved forward again. A few smaller bits of metal fell, slapping onto the pile and skidding downward. I'll never be able to get him out of there. By the time I do he'll be dead. And I might die in the process if anything else loosens up. Worf shook his head and turned towards the door.

What about the child? Worf paused and glanced back, hesitation filling him. Jadzia would never forgive you if you left Bashir here to die.

Worf growled and moved forward again. He knelt down next to the pile and examined it, determining what would be the safest pieces to move. Several minutes later, he had uncovered Bashir and had moved him and the child to a safer part of the room. Worf moved out carefully through the building, deciding to go for the runabout to use the transporter. He jogged swiftly through the town and powered up the runabout. Within seconds, the child appeared on the pads. Worf moved him to a bunk and then beamed aboard Bashir and the medical supplies. Worf opened the kit and rescanned Bashir. He frowned, not quite understanding all the tricorder told him but realizing it wasn't good. He knew he'd have to get him back to DS9 as soon as possible. Worf picked the child up and headed to the makeshift infirmary. He spotted the woman they had first run into. He had discovered her name was Sarelle.

"Where's the doctor?" she asked. "We need his help."

"He was injured saving this child." Worf set the boy down. "I am going to take him back to the station."

"And leave us here?" she demanded.

"I will send a message to the nearest ship and have them send assistance," Worf replied. Sarelle hesitated and then turned on her heel, leaving him behind. Worf headed for the runabout.

*******

"Captain, the Orinoco's hailing the station," Kira said.

"The Orinoco? They're back so soon?" Sisko frowned.

"Worf is requesting an emergency medical transport... apparently Dr. Bashir was severely injured."

"Beam them to the infirmary and tractor the runabout to it's platform. Dax, you're with me." Sisko strode for the 'lift.

"Aye sir," Kira and Dax replied. Dax stepped into the 'lift, looking stunned. They arrived on the Promenade far too slowly for her tasted and she nearly sprinted to the infirmary. She stopped short at the site of the entire medical staff on duty gathered around a biobed, frantically calling out requests.

"What happened?" she whispered.

"I don't know," Sisko said softly, staring.

Dax glanced around. "Where's Worf?"

"He's in an exam room," one of the nurses replied, having come over. "Dr. Bashir has been severely injured. Apparently a sheet of metal fell onto him when he tried to deflect it from hitting a child who was trapped. According to Commander Worf, it hit him after falling from a ceiling about fifteen feet up and hit him solidly on the back and head, forcing him against the pile. He has several internal injuries, cranial bleeding, and a split vertebra."

Dax's eyes went wide and a hand flew to her mouth. "Oh, gods." Sisko slid a supportive arm around her waist as the nurse sent her a sympathetic look before moving off. Sisko led Jadzia to a chair, concerned she might faint as she had turned a deathly shade of white. "He can't die," she whispered. "He can't."

"He won't," Sisko replied soothingly. "He's a fighter."

*******

Several hours later, the nurse approached them again. "He's stable for now but he's still in extremely critical condition. We'll know in fifty-two hours whether he'll survive or not. There isn't much more anyone can do." The woman hesitated. "If you want though, you can visit him. Just in case. He's slipping in and out of consciousness."

Dax glanced up and nodded, fighting tears. She glanced at Sisko. "I need to be alone with him," she whispered. Sisko nodded and walked out onto the Promenade.

Jadzia walked over to Julian's bed and rest a gentle hand on his forehead. "Julian?" she whispered. She glanced up at the vitals and winced. He was above the critical line, but just barely.

Dax glanced back down at him and slid her hand into his. "I'm not going to leave until you're okay," she said softly. "I promise you that." She pulled a chair up to the corner of his bed and sank down, resting her cheek against his hand. "I'm not leaving so you'd better not either." She felt his hand tighten slightly in hers and she glanced up.

His eyes were still shut but the readouts told her he was conscious.

"Julian?" She stood and rested her hand against his forehead. He moved slightly, pressing against her hand. Jadzia smiled slightly. "Don't try to talk," she said softly. "Just rest. I'm going to stay here." She saw him nod slightly and she shook her head.

"Get some sleep," she whispered, gently kissing him. She felt his gentle grip on her hand slacken as he slipped into unconsciousness. Dax took a shaky breath and sat back down, her hands still gripping his.

Sisko walked back in and hesitated. "Is he awake?"

Dax shook her head. "No. I don't think he had much energy to speak even if he was."

Sisko nodded. "I figured he'd just want to know that the child he was trying to protect survived."

"I'll tell him," she said, smiling slightly.

*******

Dax paced nearby as a few medical technicians examined the readouts and adjusted a few things. It had become a common routine for them in the last thirty-six hours. Dax hadn't left the infirmary the entire time, much to the medical staff's frustration.

As one nurse put it, working herself into exhaustion wasn't going to help Julian. At that point, Dax had gotten a small meal and taken a brief nap before returning to her vigil. Julian's lapses into consciousness had grown more and more infrequent which worried Dax.

"Jadzia?"

Dax turned to see Kira standing nearby. "Nerys," she said, smiling weakly.

"How is he doing?" She stepped closer to the bed.

"Not good," Dax admitted, her throat tightening. "I don't know what to think."

Kira rested a hand on her friend's shoulder. "If it's any consolation, several of the Bajoran crew members have been praying for him."

Dax smiled. "Thank you," she whispered. Dax sighed. "I don't know what I'm going to do if he doesn't make it."

Kira glanced down, unsure of what to say. She was startled out of her thoughts when the readings began to fluctuate.

Dax's head snapped up and she stood. "Get a nurse," she said softly. "Hurry."

Kira moved off and Jadzia's hands moved to the tray of instruments, reaching for a hypo. The nurse approached as she injected it. Dax watched as the vitals returned to normal before turning to the young Bajoran.

"There has got to be something else we can do," she said. "I can't just sit here and watch him slip away from me."

The woman shook her head. "We've repaired all the injuries as best as we could. The rest is up to him."

Dax's lips tightened and she turned back to Julian. Kira recognized her friend's wish to be alone and walked out, the Bajoran nurse following her.

Dax entwined one hand with his and rested the other on his forehead. "Don't you dare leave me," she whispered. "I don't think I could bear that." She sat there for several hours, talking quietly to him.

Chapter 9: Fear...

"They say temptation will destroy our love. The never ending hunger. But I fear I have nothing to give. I have so much to lose here in this lonely place. Tangled up in our embrace there's nothing I'd like better than to fall. But I fear I have nothing to give. I have so much to lose. I have nothing to give, We have so much to lose..."

Dax felt a hand rest on hers and give it a weak squeeze. She stirred slightly, briefly wondering where she was. She opened one eye and remembered falling asleep sitting next to him. She glanced up and saw him gazing down at her, concern filling his eyes.

"Julian!" She stood up and sent a quick glance at his vitals. They were almost normal. She grinned and glanced down at him. "How do you feel?"

"Like hell," he murmured. She laughed shortly, her voice catching. She leaned forward and gently kissed him. "You look terrible," he said softly. "How long have you been in here?"

Dax paused. "I'm not sure. Ever since they brought you in."

"Four days," he said softly. "Gods, why on earth did you do that?"

Dax gazed at him, brushing a lock of hair off his forehead. "Because I didn't know if you would make it," she said softly.

He closed his eyes. "In that case, I order you to go back to your quarters and get some sleep."

"Nice try," she said. "But you're not on duty so you can do no such thing." She perched on the corner of the bed. "If you think I'm leaving now, you're crazy."

He glanced up and smiled slightly. "I love you," he said softly.

Jadzia kissed him in response, letting her relief show. "I thought I almost lost you," she whispered. "Don't you ever do something like that again." She pulled back and brushed her tears away hastily. "The child who you were protecting made it though."

He closed his eyes, relief washing across his face. "I didn't know if he would," Julian admitted. He yawned slightly, wincing as he did so.

Dax kissed his forehead. "Get some sleep. You need it."

"Yes ma'am," he murmured, feeling his energy leave. He closed his eyes and fell back asleep.

*******

Dax walked into her quarters and collapsed on her bed, exhausted and starving. She glanced across the room at the replicator and debated whether she wanted to get up and walk all the way across the room to eat or to just stay where she was. By the time she had decided to eat something first, she was sound asleep.

*******

Dax stirred, feeling her stomach growling angrily at her. Yawning, she walked over to the replicator and started to order breakfast before catching herself. "Computer, time?"

"Ten hundred hours."

Dax paused. Definitely breakfast... but what day is it? "Computer, how long have I been in my quarters?"

"Fifty-six hours."

Dax groaned and got breakfast, eating it rapidly. She strode out of her quarters and to Ops. Sisko took one look at her and sent her back down to the infirmary telling her to get something to eat on the way. Dax sighed and headed toward the infirmary. She found Julian sitting up in bed reading.

"Morning," she smiled.

Julian glanced up and grinned. "Good morning to you too."

Dax perched on the corner of his bed. "Have you had breakfast?"

"Yes. You look like you could use something to eat though." He gave her a gentle push. "To the Replimat with you, young lady."

Dax frowned. "I just ate."

"Your second meal in six days. Go." He pointed.

"How do you know that?" Dax frowned at him.

"I asked one of the nurses to monitor your vitals and your replicator use when you left. She also informed me that you only ate one meal in the infirmary." He gazed smugly at her. "You can take the doctor off duty but you can't remove the sense of duty from the doctor."

"You are hopeless," she grinned. He pointed to the door again and she laughed. "I'm going, I'm going." She walked out and ordered another small meal and sat down to eat it.

"Commander."

Dax turned to see Worf standing behind her. "What do you want Worf?"

He hesitated. "I was just curious as to how you were feeling."

"I'm fine," she snapped. She didn't want to speak with him at the moment. Worf frowned and walked off.

*******

Dax walked back into the infirmary a bit later. "Satisfied?" she grinned.

"For now," he replied. He glanced at her. "What's wrong?"

Dax started slightly. "I just ran into Worf at the Replimat," she said.

Julian sighed.. "Jadzia you've got to work things out with him."

"Why?" she demanded.

He gazed at her. "Because the two of you can barely work together." He paused. "And because I owe him a great debt." Jadzia started and frowned at him. Julian sighed. "Jadzia, that building was about to come down when we entered it. It had to have taken him a bit to get me out without the whole thing collapsing on the both of us. Most people wouldn't have taken that risk."

Dax glanced down, uncomfortable. "I suppose."

"Jadzia," he said softly. "Go talk with him. You need to work things out with him. I owe him my life. The least I can do is give him a friend back." He paused. "And thank him for me."

Jadzia stared at him for several minutes before nodding. "Alright. I'll go and see if he wants to listen." She kissed him gently before heading off.

Julian gazed at her retreating figure, apprehension filling him. A part of him wondered if he had just done something incredibly stupid. I may not have only given him a friend back but his wife also...

*******

Dax paced about her quarters, unsure of what she wanted to say. She and Worf hadn't spoken since they had divorced unless it was absolutely necessary. What on earth was she supposed to say to him? Dax sighed and drew up her courage and walked down to Worf's quarters.

Chapter 10: Fumbling Towards Ecstasy....

Worf glanced up as the door chimed. "Computer, identify."

"Lt. Commander Jadzia Dax."

Worf's eyes widened in shock. "Enter."

Dax walked in, somewhat hesitantly. "Hello Worf." He nodded slowly. Dax bit her lip. "Uhm, Julian asked me if I would stop by... he says you haven't been in the infirmary since the accident and he wanted to thank you... for saving his life."

Worf shifted uncomfortable. "There is no need for him to thank me."

"He disagrees." She hesitated. "And so do I. He told me what happened as best as he could remember. That was a very honorable thing you did Worf." She met his gaze. "Thank you."

Worf hesitated and then nodded crisply. "Is that all?"

"No..." Dax sighed. "We need to talk about what happened."

"I believe you said everything you wanted to say," Worf murmured.

Dax hung her head. "Worf I'm sorry. I was harsh." She hesitated. "If it's possible, I'd like to work things out, if simply for the fact that we have to work together."

Worf frowned slightly. "That is logical," he admitted after a moment. Dax smiled slightly. It was a start.

*******

Julian sat quietly, going over the padd of information that Jabara had given him. He had requested an update on the efforts on I'Dalani. The U.S.S. Potemkin had responded to Worf's request for assistance and clean-up efforts were in place. Out of the population of ten million people, three million were dead and another two million had been injured. Julian sighed and scrubbed a hand over his eyes.

"Something wrong?"

He opened his eyes to find Jadzia standing next to his bed. "I was just reading the update on the relief efforts.." He frowned as she removed the padd from his hands. "Jadzia."

"The last thing you need is to work yourself up over something you couldn't have prevented," she said, setting the padd down on the table. She turned back to him. "Worf wasn't the only one who went above and beyond the call of duty." She kissed him gently. "And when you're feeling better, I'll have to show you how proud I am of you," she murmured. She felt him start slightly and she grinned. "In the mean time, Star Fleet has decided that you're due for a promotion." She pulled out a small box and handed it to him.

He opened it, an amused smile crossing his features. "Figures," he said, examining the new pips with a bit of pride. "The only way I'd get promoted is to nearly get killed."

Dax laughed softly and kissed him again. "Congratulations."

Epilogue: Possession (Reprise)...

"Through this world I've stumbled, so many times betrayed. Trying to find an honest word to find the truth enslaved. Oh you speak to me in riddles and you speak to me in rhymes. My body aches to breath your breath. Your words keep me alive. And I would be the one to hold you down, kiss you so hard. I'll take your breath away. And after I'd wipe away the tears just close your eyes dear."

Julian gently wrapped an arm around her waist. Jadzia curled close to him, not wanting to get up. "What time are you supposed to meet Worf for your bat'leth practice?" Julian asked, stifling a yawn.

"Oh, seven hundred," she groaned.

Julian winced. "Who's idea was that?"

"His," she said, propping herself up. "I'll meet you for breakfast at the Replimat?"

"Oh, eight hundred," he replied, pulling her close again. Dax kissed him, enjoying the moment. She pulled back and smiled. "Go back to bed. I'll see you later."

"Mm hmm," he replied, watching her walk into the bathroom to get dressed. He shifted slightly and fell back asleep before she came back out.

*******

Dax's bat'leth clanged against Worf's. She grunted softly as the impact rattled up her arms and into her shoulders. Worf hooked his bat'leth around hers and wrenched it from her hands. Dax sighed as it went sailing across the holosuite. Worf grinned broadly.

"We're in a good mood," she muttered, walking over to retrieve it.

"You are distracted," he countered.

Dax grinned slyly. "Well, you're the one who wanted me to get up at 6 am so we could practice before your 'friend' arrived."

Worf shifted uncomfortably. "Dax, I've been meaning to ask you..."

"Go for it," she said, grinning. "The way you and Julian have described her, Sarelle sounds perfect for you."

Worf frowned. "I was not aware you talked with Dr. Bashir about her."

"Oh, he mentioned thinking that she was just like you when he first ran into her. Something about 'callously vaporizing someone'..." Dax laughed at Worf's expression. "He was kidding. Relax." Worf shifted uncomfortable but nodded. Dax smiled. "Computer, time," she said.

"Oh, seven fifty-eight."

Dax glanced at him. "You'd better go," she grinned. "Her transport is due here any minute." Dax had enjoyed teasing him about his relationship with Sarelle ever since she found out about it. Worf had been sent back to I'Dalani several times since the incident and apparently the two of them had hit it off. It turned out she had been the head of the ruling council.

"It would not be... courteous if I was late, considering she is the leader of a planet."

Dax laughed and leaned against the wall. "I'd say it would be downright scandalous." Worf nodded curtly and walked out. Dax grinned and shook her head. "Computer, end program." She strode out calmly and headed to the Replimat where Julian was probably waiting for her.

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