Judgements and Apocalypse
by Catherine Henke

"I want to go with you," Cati pouted, glaring at Julian.

"Sorry, love. Mima and Bumpa will take care of you and Ian for now. And Jadzia's parents will be there too so you can get to know them also." Julian drew her into a bear hug. "You be good," he said softly. "We'll be back as soon as possible."

Cati sniffed, looking close to tears. Julian smiled thinly and stood up. He glanced at his parents. "I have no idea when we'll be back," he said softly in Arabic. He didn't want Cati to hear this. "Gloria isn't able to tell us what's going to happen until we leave DS9. And I doubt I'll be able to tell you once I know." He spotted Jadzia walk out of their quarters with Ian and one last bag.

"We know Julian," Amsha replied. She hugged him. "Be careful."

"I will," he replied, kissing her cheek. She smiled and glanced at Jadzia, who didn't look happy at this turn of events. "Here," she said, gently taking Ian. "Are you alright?"

Dax smiled thinly. "I'll be fine," she said. She glanced down at Cati. "Hey munchkin," she said, kneeling down. "You be good, alright?" Cati nodded and threw her arms around Jadzia's neck. Dax hugged her back. She stood up after a moment and gently rested a hand on her head. "I've included instructions for Ian in the bag."

Amsha nodded. "Don't worry. We'll be fine."

Dax smiled and glanced at Julian. "We'd better go," he said softly. Dax nodded and felt a pair of arms latch around her leg. She glanced down at Cati, who was crying. "Oh, Cati," she said. Julian gently picked her up and hugged her. "Hey, it's going to be okay," Dax said, gently brushing at her hair. "We'll be back before you know it." Cati sniffled and glanced at Julian, who smiled. "She's right," he said. "You just be good okay?"

"Okay," she sniffled. He kissed her forehead and set her down. "We'll write as soon as we can," he promised. Amsha and Richard both nodded. Dax shouldered a bag and glanced at Julian. He nodded and took a bag himself and they headed off. Dax closed her eyes as they turned a corner. "Julian," she said softly.

He gently wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close. "I know," he whispered. "I hate it too." Dax sighed and opened her eyes. She spotted Liam in the distance, standing at the airlock.

"Hello," he said, studying them both. "I take it the kids are with their grandparents." Dax nodded, looking ill. Liam sent her a sympathetic gaze. "Hell of a time for post-partum depression." Julian shot him a look but Dax smiled slightly. "Come on," he said. "The captain's probably having a fit because it's 1740."

Julian frowned at the younger man. "She was barely able do delay it this much," he said. Dax sent him an odd look but said nothing. Julian saw a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "What?" he frowned as they walked through the airlock.

"Nothing," Dax replied, stifling her laughter. "It's just that, for a moment, I was transported back in time. You sounded like Miles there for a minute."

Julian glanced at her and grinned. "Thank you. I think." Dax smiled and gently squeezed his hand. He nodded and stopped outside their quarters. "We probably have enough time to unpack."

Dax nodded and sank onto the couch. "Alright," she said, gazing at her hands.

Julian glanced at her and walked over and sat next to her. "Are you certain you're okay?" he asked.

"I'll be fine," she replied. "It's not like we can do anything to change it."

Julian gently held her. He knew she desperately missed both Ian and Cati. He did too. "Hopefully everything will go smoothly and we'll be home in no time."

Dax managed a weak smile. "I thought this *was* home?" she said.

Julian sighed and kissed her forehead. "Well, they say home is where the heart is. I think I left a part of mine back on DS9."

Dax glanced up at him and shook her head. "I think you left part of your mind there too." Julian glanced at her. "Come on," she sighed. "We need to be at the meeting in five minutes."

Julian sighed and wrote her snip off as nerves. Wonderful,' he thought. We're not even married twenty-four hours and we're sent on a mission that we might not return from.'

*******

Julian sat sullenly at the table waiting for Marek to begin. He glanced at Jadzia and she smiled slightly. Marek noticed the somber air in the room and sighed. She understood why the senior staff was so quiet but it was still difficult to see them like this. Usually, not much got to them. Her eyes landed of Jadzia and Julian and she sighed softly. They were both sitting quietly, each staring at the table. "Hello," Marek broke in. Five pairs of eyes snapped up to her. "Alright. First, our mission briefing. We aren't to specifically engage the founders. If we do find them, we are to make contact. If possible, confirm what we think. All we're operating on is a theory. A sound one, but a theory none-the-less." Marek sighed and leaned forward. "But, in order to deal with them, all of you are going to have to know exactly what happened."

Julian's eyes widened and he glanced at Jadzia. She was just as shocked. That material had been classified for the last seven years.

Liam leaned forward. "What do you mean?" he asked. "The founders surrendered. What else is there?"

Marek sighed. "The only reason the founders surrendered is because we discovered where they had moved their home world. . .and destroyed it."

Dead silence filled the room. The younger officers stared in shock at Marek. Dax and Bashir studied the table. After a moment, Meleria turned to them. "How much did you two know about this?"

Julian sighed and glanced at Jadzia. "We were on the Defiant as a part of the small convoy that went to their homeworld."

"How come this didn't get into the press?" Arnwar demanded.

"They didn't know," Dax replied. "Only one hundred and fifty officers were part of the entire convoy. We were all sworn to secrecy."

"Because Star Fleet didn't want to appear to support genocide," Meleria shot.

Julian ran a hand over his face. "I think I speak for everyone here when I say that none of us are proud of what we did. But we did what was necessary."

"Necessary?" Meleria snapped. "You killed an entire race!"

"Not the entire race," Marek interposed. "Several did survive, as is obvious from these attacks."

"They have a good reason to attack," Meleria huffed.

Julian's chin snapped up. "How dare you," he glared. He felt Jadzia rest a hand on his arm.

"Don't give me that smug, superior act Julian," she shot back.

"This was the option we were given. It was either that or over 900 billion people would die in the long run." Julian's hands tightened on the table.

"You know that for certain?" Meleria sniffed.

"I can walk you through the calculations if you want," he returned.

"That's enough," Marek snapped. "What's done is done." Julian sat back, not so much ashamed as reluctant to be tossed in the brig for insubordination. "What we need to do is concentrate on what we're to do now. But you needed to be informed of the past. The changelings that had ingratiated themselves into Star Fleet and the Federation had returned to the Gamma Quadrant after the destruction of their homeworld. And, as is obvious, they're interested in staking a claim in the Gamma Quadrant again."

Arnwar straightened. "So what does Star Fleet propose we do?"

"Nothing right now," Gloria said. "We've been ordered to patrol. But we'll remain on yellow alert."

"So we're just here to draw them out of hiding," Liam spoke up. He looked less than happy with that prospect.

"For now, yes." She took a deep breath. "I want readiness report on my desk by 0700 tomorrow morning from all departments." There were nods all around the table. "Dismissed." Julian stood up and glanced at Jadzia. She was regarding him with serious blue eyes. "What?" he asked softly.

"Nothing," she said as they walked out. She spotted Meleria ahead of them talking animatedly with Liam. She saw his jaw tighten and she sighed. "Come on," she said, pulling him off towards the observation lounge.

"What?" Julian protested. "I've got work to do."

"And I don't?" she said. The doors slid shut behind them and she turned to face him. "Julian, what happened in there?"

"You saw what happened," he snapped. He walked over to the port and gazed out. Dax sighed and walked up behind him. "Julian," she said softly. "You know what I mean. You never justified what we did before. In fact, you were entirely opposed to it when we first received the orders."

Julian sighed and glanced over his shoulder. "I know." He scrubbed a hand across his face. "I just couldn't . . . she had no right to say that," Julian whispered.

Dax gazed at him, gently taking his hands into hers. "I know. But she had a point too." She saw his head snap up. "About us taking matters into our own hands. About Star Fleet covering up the truth."

Julian closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I know," he whispered. Dax pulled him close and rested her chin against his shoulder. "I'd better go," he said after a moment. He pulled back. "I want to go double check things in Sick Bay."

Jadzia nodded, a tiny smile curving her lips. "Just as long as you're home early," she said, leaning close. "I'd hate to spend the first night of our honeymoon alone, missing the kids *and* my husband."

Julian smiled and gently kissed her. "I'll hurry. I promise." Dax smiled and kissed him back, pressing against him. Julian pulled back after a moment, catching his breath. "If that isn't an incentive," he murmured. Dax laughed and pulled back. "Go on," she said. He smiled and walked out of the observation lounge, tossing a glance over his shoulder as he left.

*******

Dax walked into the lab to see the crew already checking things over.

"I figured you'd be too busy to get this done," Meleria said, stepping up.

Dax turned to face her. "This is my job. I'd appreciate it if you didn't do it for me."

Meleria straightened. "I'm sorry. I saw you head off with Julian. I assumed..."

"Don't assume, Commander," Dax said softly. "It gets you into a lot of trouble." She glanced around. "Now, if you don't mind, I've got work to do. I'm sure you do too."

Meleria frowned and nodded, walking out. Dax sighed and shook her head. They didn't need this sort of tension in the crew before heading into a potentially volatile area of space.

*******

"Captain?" Dax stepped into her ready room.

"Dax," she smiled. "What can I do for you?"

"I figured it would be best to get this report to you now rather than later." Dax handed her a padd. "I know science isn't necessarily the most important part in a battle situation but..."

"Thank you," Gloria said, glancing over the padd. She glanced back up. "Is there something else?"

"Captain," Dax sighed. "About the meeting earlier. I think there's still a lot of . . unresolved tensions about what happened."

"You mean my first officer," Marek smiled, leaning back. Dax smiled slightly. "I know. I had a talk with her. She's very single-minded when she puts her mind to it."

Dax nodded. "I know. But going into a situation like this...tensions aren't exactly ideal."

Gloria nodded. "Agreed. I'll speak with the others. Dismissed." Dax nodded and walked out.

*******

Dax walked into their quarters and collapsed on the couch. She glanced around at the silence. "There's something wrong with this picture," she said out loud.

"Especially if it drives you to talk to yourself," Julian replied, walking out of the bedroom. Dax grinned and reached a hand towards him. "But I wasn't," she smiled.

Julian grinned. "You thought you were," he teased, taking her hand into his. He kissed her gently, perching on the back of the couch.

Jadzia pulled back. "What, have I suddenly got the plague?" she teased. "Come here."

Julian slid next to her and pulled her close. Dax pressed back against him, working at his uniform tunic. Julian pulled back, smiling. "Don't you want dinner?"

"Hmm. No," Dax replied, pulling him close again. Julian laughed and kissed her back.

*******

Julian walked into Sick Bay the next morning and double checked everything from last night. The meeting that morning had been brief and tense. Meleria didn't speak to him at all. But Julian wasn't to interested in speaking to her right then. He was still furious with her from the other night. After all, Lara had been her friend. How could she think that the Founders had a right to attack? Julian grunted in anger and frustration and sank into his desk chair.

"Doctor?"

He closed his eyes and then glanced up. "What is it Commander?"

Meleria stepped into his office and handed him a padd. "A list of things Captain Marek wants a secondary report on."

Julian glanced at the list. " Readiness of cargo bays as extra space. List of crew who are certified to give emergency medical care..'" Julian sighed. "Alright, I'll get on this right away."

Meleria nodded and started out. "Julian," she said, turning.

"What Commander?" he asked, glancing up from the list he had already called up.

She frowned. "What exactly did you mean earlier about 900 billion people dying?"

"Exactly what I said," Julian said, turning back to his work. "If the war with the Dominion had played out, 900 billion people would have died and we still would have lost to the Dominion."

"What makes you say that?"

Julian glanced up. "*Why* is this so important to you? Personally, I'd like to forget."

Meleria studied him. "Because I can't help but think that if the history had unfolded differently that...."

"Lara would be alive?" he asked. Meleria sighed and nodded. "Perhaps," he said softly. "But perhaps not." He glanced at his desk. "And I don't think I would change things."

Meleria glanced at him, somewhat surprised. "You wouldn't go back to save her, given the opportunity?"

Julian paused, considering. "No. Had you asked me two years ago, I would have said yes in a heartbeat but..." He shook his head. "I'm happy with where I am now."

Meleria nodded slowly. "But you still reacted at the meeting," she pointed out softly.

"Because I couldn't believe you had said that the Dominion *deserved* to attack. That's what I had a problem with." He glanced up, his dark eyes serious. "No one deserves to die, Mel. Lara didn't, the others who were killed in those attacks didn't and the Founders on the homeworld didn't either." He shrugged expressively. "But history unfolded that way. I can't change it."

*******

Dax curled up next to him on the couch that evening. He had just finished telling her about his talk with Meleria. "She's right," he admitted. "If we hadn't destroyed the founder's homeworld, Lara might still be alive."

"Or she might have been killed before you even knew her," Dax pointed out. She felt him shift uncomfortably at that thought. "See what I mean?" she said softly. "You can't predict the future."

"I tried once," he sighed. "You think I would have learned by now."

Dax smiled and kissed him gently. "You were doing what you thought was best. You showed them that they could still be productive. That they could still contribute without giving up who they were. Not only by not giving up that but by excelling at it." She studied him. "And you know that's a lot more than anyone ever wanted to expect of them."

Julian sighed and nodded. "I know. I just can't help but think of how things might have turned out."

Dax nodded, shifting slightly and finding the spot at the corner of his neck and shoulder to rest her head. "I know. That's human nature." She gently kissed him. "But don't let it consume you," she said. "I know you too well. When you get like this you just dwell on it." She continued kissing him, allowing her arms to wrap around him.

"Jadzia?" he murmured, his voice soft.

"Hmm?" She pulled back and glanced at him. His dark eyes met hers and she smiled. "Bed?" she asked teasingly, gently tracing his jaw.

"Why walk that far?" he teased back, pulling her close. Dax's laugh of amusement was cut off as his mouth found hers.

*******

"Captain's personal log. We've been on patrol for two days now and so far no other incidents with the founders have happened. The crew is incredibly tense due to being on constant yellow alert.

"On another note, the senior staff is still rather divided. Although Dr. Bashir and Commander Braen have stopped glaring at each other constantly, there is still a lot of tension there. As it is, the younger officers among the staff are still shocked at the truth of the events that has brought us to this predicament. Star Fleet realized that it was taking a chance all those years ago that the remaining Founders would retaliate but they didn't think that they would prove the threat that they had once been."

Marek sighed and sat in her quiet quarters, reading the latest report from Star Fleet. She glanced up as the door chimed. "Come in," she called, deactivating the padd. She was startled to see Julian standing there. "Doctor! This is a surprise."

Julian smiled and walked in. "I was wondering if you had a moment."

"Of course," she said. She motioned for him to sit down. "What do you need?"

"I'm wondering how classified things are?" he admitted. "Jadzia and I have received countless messages from our parents...and Cati."

Gloria didn't miss the look that crossed his face. It was apparent to anyone that he missed his children quiet a bit. Gloria hesitated. "Well, I don't think you're parents would be too fond of the idea that the Melbourne is effectively being used as bait. But keep in mind that we don't want the entire quadrant knowing everything. Not yet."

Julian studied her. "Is Star Fleet planning on telling?" he asked, softly. "You saw what happened at the meeting. We can't risk telling now. Imagine what that would do to the Federation."

"I know," Marek admitted. "I reported the incident to Star Fleet. They weren't surprised. But, it's either hear it from us or hear it from the founders....if they are the founders."

Julian studied her. "You aren't sure, are you?"

"I just can't believe that they've built up their weaponry so quickly," she admitted. "But, that's why we're out here." Marek glanced at him. She remembered how he had looked seven years ago when this all started. The years had been kind to him. He was only starting to go grey at the temples and it was so slight she really couldn't tell unless she looked for it. But the most noticeable difference was his eyes. They looked much older, much more serious. "You're free to respond to your family's inquiries, within reason. You know what should or shouldn't be said."

Julian nodded slowly. "Alright," he replied. "Thank you." He stood up. "I'll see you later?"

"Of course," Marek smiled. Julian nodded and walked out. Gloria sighed and closed her eyes. "I'm getting too old for this," she quipped.

*******

Julian strode into Sickbay to be greeted by the sight of an efficient, yet tense crew. He was approached by his assistant, who handed him a padd with the day's schedule on it. Julian studied it and nodded. "Good. I'll be in the lab. Let me know when the first appointment gets here."

"Aye Doctor," she replied calmly. Julian retreated into the lab, calling up old data to review. The day proved to be as tedious as the data and Julian resigned himself to the pattern of reviewing data and treating patients.

"Julian?" He glanced up to see Jadzia standing in the doorway.

"Hey," he said, smiling. "What are you doing down here?"

"Lunch," she said, raising an eyebrow. "We were supposed to meet for lunch."

Julian glanced at the chronometer and winced. It was 1330. "Oh, Jadzia, I'm sorry." He glanced up sheepishly. "I sort of lost track of time."

Dax smiled and perched on the corner of the console. "So are we going to get lunch or not?"

"Yes," he smiled, saving the data. "Give me a moment." Dax nodded and got up. She moved behind him and gently began massaging his shoulders. Julian sighed contentedly. "Hmm. To what do I owe this honor?" he asked, rolling his head to one side.

"Nothing," Dax smiled, working at the tense muscles. "Good lord," she murmured. "Why are you so tense?"

"Why is everyone else tense?" he replied. Dax nodded slowly and stopped. "You ready?" she asked.

Julian laughed. "You distracted me," he protested, saving the last file and turned to face her. "You're quite good at doing that." He stood and stretched, wincing at the kinks that had developed after long hours of sitting.

Dax smiled and wrapped an arm around his waist. "Come on, doctor. I'm starving."

Julian smiled and they walked out, heading towards the mess hall. They walked in and got their food. Julian scanned the room, amazed at the crowd. "I guess no one wants to eat alone," he commented as Jadzia reached his side.

"Hmm," Dax murmured. "Well, Liam and Arnwar are over there," she said, gesturing with her tray. As she said this, Liam glanced up and grinned, motioning them over.

Julian shifted uncomfortably as they walked over. Jadzia smiled brilliantly as they sat down. "Hello," Liam said, making room. "Busy, isn't it?"

Dax smiled. "Unbelievably. Where's Mel?"

"On the bridge," Arnwar replied. He glanced at Julian curiously for a moment before turning back to his meal.

Jadzia glanced at Arnwar and then at Julian, who was eating quietly. She gently rested her hand on his knee. He glanced up, surprised.

"Oh, good lord. They're not even married two weeks and they're already doing that talking with their eyes' thing," Liam quipped.

Julian glanced at Liam and grinned. "Your point?" he grinned.

"Nothing. It's just disgusting that the two of you can do that so soon." Liam winked at Jadzia.

Dax laughed softly. "I don't see anything odd about it. We've known each other for thirteen years." Julian chuckled and turned back to his lunch.

"Something wrong Julian?" Liam asked, taking a bite of his sandwich.

"Hmm? Oh, no. Nothing's wrong." He took a sip of his drink.

"Yeah, right," Liam muttered. "You're still upset from the staff meeting."

Julian glanced at him. "No. I'm just tired."

Liam snorted and glanced at Jadzia who shrugged. The rest of lunch passed quietly. Liam and Arnwar left earlier to get back to their posts. Dax glanced at her husband. "Julian, what's wrong with you?"

"Nothing," he said with a frown.

"That's not true," she whispered. She gently rested a hand on his arm. "This has been eating you up," she whispered. "Please, just tell me what's wrong?"

"Nothing," he snapped, garnering a few looks from neighboring tables.

Dax sat up, startled. "Alright," she said softly. "Nothing's wrong." She turned back to her meal, her features neutral. Not that she and Julian hadn't had their disputes but he rarely snapped without reason. And it bothered her not knowing why he was upset. Dax finished her meal. "I should go," she said, not looking at him

"Jadzia," he said softly. He reached out and gently caught her hand. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap." He glanced at the tables. "I'm just tired of people asking me that."

Dax glanced at him. "Do you want to talk?" she asked.

Julian paused and then nodded. They picked up their trays and took care of the waste. Julian placed at gentle hand on her waist as they made their way through the mess hall. They walked quietly to their quarters and Dax sighed as they walked in. "So, what exactly is the pro--" she turned to face him and found his mouth pressed against hers. Jadzia's eyes widened briefly before she relaxed into the kiss. Julian pulled back after several moments. "That," he smiled. "I've been waiting to do that all day."

Dax's eyes widened again. "So that whole routine at lunch...was just..."

"An excuse to be alone with you," he smiled. "If only for a moment." He rested his forehead against hers. "I *had* hoped for a quiet lunch.

Dax laughed softly. "You are *crazy,*" she murmured, gently brushing at his cheek. "I suppose that's why I love you so much."

Julian chuckled and nuzzled her neck. "We've barely gotten any time to ourselves lately."

"What do you mean? We're together every evening." Dax sighed happily.

"I'd still rather be on Risa with you for our honeymoon," he murmured.

"I know," Jadzia smiled. She pulled back. "Isn't there a human saying? Burke's Law, right?."

"So there is," he admitted, nipping at her ear.

"Hmm," she murmured, her head dropping onto his shoulder. Julian laughed softly and rested his head gently against hers. He pulled back after a moment. "I should get back."

"Hmm," Dax sighed. She shook her head. "Alright. Are you sure that nothing's bothering you?"

Julian nodded, looking a bit aggravated. "I'm fine. You know I'd tell you if it was otherwise."

Dax nodded and kissed him. "I know. I'll be home around 1700."

"Alright," Julian smiled. Dax walked out quickly followed by Julian. Once outside, they turned in opposite directions and headed off.

*******

"Captain, I'm detecting an unknown warp signature," B'Ler spoke up. "It appears to be emanating from a ship 3, 000 light years from here."

Marek stood. "Are we in visual range?"

"Negative, Captain."

"What is their heading."

B'Ler paused. "They're on a roughly parallel course with us, behind us and following."

Marek frowned. "They're shadowing us."

"Essentially," B'Ler confirmed.

Marek paused. "Maintain yellow alert and keep a close eye on that ship. I want to know the instant it twitches."

"Aye Captain," B'Ler replied.

Marek bit back a sigh as the tension returned full force among her bridge crew. After several days of nothing, they had calmed down a bit. Marek tugged at her uniform and called up the data B'Ler had collected the ship.

*******

"There was a sighting today," B'Ler commented. "I'll see your twenty and raise you five."

Meleria sighed as she watched Arnwar toss the chips in. "This is getting very unnerving," she admitted.

"You're telling me," Liam muttered, studying his cards. "The Captain keeps asking me for constant updates on our status. My crew is completely frazzled. Call."

Jadzia glanced at the pile of chips. "Things aren't as bad in the science lab. We've mostly been working on the sensors, upgrading them." She tossed her chips in.

Julian groaned. "You're lucky. I've had to go through the entire ship's roster and give the captain a list of the people with *any* sort of medical training. Now I have to assign them to stations in case of an attack." He winced. "I *hate* paperwork." Julian glanced at his hand and sighed. "Fold." He set his cards down.

"You always did," Dax murmured. She glanced up at Arnwar. "What do you have?"

"Three Kings," Arnwar grinned. Dax and the others sighed and tossed their cards down on the table. "Just be glad none of you are telepathic," Arnwar commented. "The constant buzz of tension gets irritating after awhile."

Dax sent him a sympathetic look over the top of her glass. "I can give you something to block those low level emanations," Julian spoke up, shuffling the cards.

Arnwar frowned. "I don't know," he said. "I don't like the idea of not being able to pick up other people's thoughts..." He glanced sheepishly around the table. "Well, not thoughts but.."

"We get the idea," Meleria smiled.

Julian chuckled. "It wouldn't completely block your telepathic abilities," he said, dealing the cards quickly. "It'll just get rid of the background noise."

Arnwar considered. "I'll think about it."

Julian nodded. "Just let me know if anything changes," he said.

"Yes, sir," Arnwar said, snapping a jaunty salute at Julian.

"That's more like it," Julian smirked. Dax swatted him and picked up her cards. After a series of opening bids Dax tossed her cards back down. "Tonight is just not my night," she frowned. "I fold."

"Aw," Arnwar grumbled. "And I was just starting to win my money back."

Julian grinned. "Hey. That's not a good idea. You'll put me in the poorhouse."

Meleria grinned. "Since when? You have a job."

"Yeah," Julian grinned. "But Star Fleet doesn't pay as well as having a one time Tongo champion for a wife." Dax smirked and got up to refresh her drink. She listened as the friendly banter persisted through the hand. She smiled as Julian collected his winnings cheerfully. He glanced at her and raised an eyebrow, curious. Dax smiled and walked back to the table.

"They're doing it again," Liam frowned. Arnwar glanced up from counting his chips and grinned in amusement.

"Oh, be quiet," Mel frowned. She glanced at her now meager pile of chips. "Well, I'm out for the night folks. I can't take much more of this."

"Are you sure?" Arnwar grinned.

"I'm positive," she smiled. "You've taken enough credits from me tonight. You don't need the rest of them."

"Sure I do," Arnwar smiled. Meleria swatted him.

"I'm giving up too," Jadzia sighed. "The cards aren't smiling today."

Julian glanced at her, surprised. "Are you sure?"

"What is this?" Dax smiled. "Someone can't leave the game without being questioned?"

"Yes," Julian, Arnwar, and Liam echoed. Dax sighed and shook her head. "Sorry. Continue without me." Dax pushed the remainder of her chips into Julian's pile and went to sit on the couch.

Julian glanced at her for a moment and then turned back to the table. Both Arnwar and Liam were looking at him expectantly. "Do I open?" he asked, studying his cards.

"No," Liam said. "Arnwar does. You still have to ante up though."

"Oops," Julian murmured. He tossed his chip in and glanced up. "Well, then bid," he said calmly. Arnwar glanced at his cards and opened the bidding.

Dax watched as the three played out the hand with vague amusement. Meleria sank down in the chair opposite her. "How are the kids?" she asked.

Dax sighed softly. "Fine. We talked with them the other night."

Mel studied her carefully. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," Dax smiled. "I just miss them, that's all." She glanced over at the table as both Julian and Liam tossed their cards at Arnwar, shouting in disgust. She grinned. "What happened?"

"He had a short straight and was playing like he had a pair of two's," Julian frowned. He gathered the remainder of the chips up. "I give. I don't like losing."

Dax laughed and gently stretched at hand out to him as he walked over. Julian gently laced his fingers through hers. "Shall we go?" she asked.

Julian sighed and nodded. "I've still got about an hours worth of paperwork to finish tonight."

"Sure you do," Liam grinned. Both sets of eyes turned towards him and his smile broadened. "Was it something I said?"

Dax shook her head and stood. "You need a hobby," she teased. Arnwar and Mel cracked up. "Good night all," Julian said, trying not to laugh himself. The two of them walked out and towards their quarters. Dax glanced at him. "Do you really have that much paperwork?"

"Unfortunately, yes," he sighed, tapping the password into the doorpadd. He walked in and collapsed on the couch, sighing.

Dax sank down next to him. She felt his arm slide around her shoulders and she smiled. "I thought you had work to do," she grinned.

"I do," he yawned. "But I'm really tired, too."

Dax nodded and rested her head against his shoulder. "Why don't you go to sleep," she said softly. "You can work on it in the morning."

Julian nodded and stood up. "You're right." He glanced at her. "Are you coming?"

"In a bit," she smiled. Julian nodded and bent to kiss her. Dax gently brushed at his cheek with her fingertips as she pulled back. He smiled and head into the bedroom. Dax watched him go briefly and then stood up. She walked over to the replicator. "Decaffeinated coffee," she said. She took a sip after it appeared and walked over to the shelves. She picked up a photo of Cati holding Ian on her birthday and smiled sadly, a knot forming in her stomach. She set it down after a moment and finished her coffee and went to bed, curling close to Julian.

*******

Julian stifled a yawn and poured over the padds of information the next morning. He had yet to assign the majority of the staff to posts and get it approved by the Captain. "Why haven't I kept up with this?" he muttered to himself and sipped at his coffee. He closed his eyes briefly and scrubbed a hand over them.

"Marek to Bashir."

"Go ahead," Julian replied, opening his eyes.

"How close are you to having that list complied for me?"

Julian winced and glanced at the unfinished work. "Not yet Captain. It'll still be a while yet. We keep having problems in the cargo bay conversion drills that I'm trying to solve also..."

"I'll send Commander Dax down take care of the cargo bays. She has engineering experience also so it makes sense."

Julian hesitated. He'd rather be present to make sure everything went according to the specified plans but, well, he did trust Dax to get things right. And he could always double check when he had time. "Thank you Captain. I'll get this list to you as soon as possible then. Bashir out." He turned back to the paperwork with a sigh.

*******

"No, no," Dax sighed. "WHY isn't this working?" she demanded. Unfortunately the computer didn't respond. Dax sighed heavily. She began working, realizing why Julian was so stressed. The main feature of the Melbourne class ships was their cargo bays could be converted to mini infirmaries entirely by computer rather than half computer, half manual work. Unfortunately, they hadn't had to use that function since the last attack and, apparently, something had gone wrong with the program. Dax yanked out a clump of burnt out isolinear chips with a shout of disgust and delight. Delight at having found the source of the problem, disgust at the actual problem. She stood up and walked out of the cargo bay, chips clenched in her hand.

*******

Julian glanced up in surprise as Jadzia stormed in and dumped a handful of isolinear chips onto his desk. "There's your problem," she said, gesturing to them.

Julian picked one up and examined it with a sigh. "Great," he muttered, tossing the useless part onto the desk again. "So now what?"

"Now," Dax said, "we either make everything manual that was controlled by those chips or we make our way to spacedock and get replacements." She frowned at him. "How come you didn't check this before we left?"

"I did," Julian sighed. "Everything was working just fine. But I didn't have time to check every isolinear chip that controlled the program." He sighed and picked up the padd that had been buried underneath the chips. "I'll inform the Captain now. I've got to deliver this to her anyhow."

Dax nodded and picked the chips up. "I'll take care of these for you." She sent a concerned look over his haggard form. "Are you alright?"

"Yes," he said, managing a smile. "I'll be fine." Dax nodded and kissed him gently before leaving again.

*******

"We can't head back to spacedock, Doctor."

Julian sighed. "Captain, as chief medical officer, that's exactly what I recommend we do. I don't recommend engaging the founders without the cargo bay backups functioning."

"You'll just have to have those portions converted Doctor. We can't head back. We have our orders." Marek frowned.

"What orders wouldn't let a ship go back to spacedock to repair a vital system?" Julian demanded.

"Ours," Marek countered, leveling him with a glare.

Julian straightened, mildly surprised. "Fine," he said softly. "But I intend to make a note in my log that I disagree with this decision."

"So noted, Doctor," Marek said, struggling with her conscious. He came to her in a professional capacity. It would be a breach of conduct in Marek's eyes if she acted any differently towards him because of her personal history with him. Julian nodded crisply, his body tense but a bit of understanding in his eyes. Marek was relieved that he could discern the line they walked. He had to walk one with Jadzia, she supposed.

*******

Julian paced around his office, his mind whirling. Something didn't add up to him. It didn't make sense that they couldn't go back to the nearest station for what were relatively quick repairs. The orders didn't make sense.

"Michaels to Bashir."

Julian tapped his commbadge, startled. "Go ahead."

"Could you come down to the cargo bays? Bring a medkit."

"What happened?" Julian asked, surprised he hadn't made a general call.

"It's nothing major. Dax and I were mildly burned working on one of the consoles."

Julian sighed and made a mental note to log this as a direct result of not being able to have the repairs done properly.

*******

"What do you mean we can't go back to spacedock?" Liam asked, watching as Julian worked on his hands.

"Exactly what I said. Marek said our orders prevent us from doing so."

"That doesn't make sense," Dax said softly. "What if we're damaged in battle? What about then?"

"I don't know," Julian said softly. He finished with Liam and turned to Jadzia. "But I don't like it," he said.

"Julian," she said, her voice lowering further. "What are you thinking?"

He glanced from her to Liam. "I think that Star Fleet took your idea very seriously, Jadzia," he said softly. He bent his head. "And I think they want to finish what they started."

Jadzia straightened. "What?" she whispered softly. "You've got to be kidding me."

Julian shook his head. "I can't say for sure," he admitted. "But you know as well as I do that Star Fleet doesn't feel safe with the threat of the Founders looming over them again. We had a hard enough last time."

Dax glanced at Liam, who was sitting there shocked. "So what do we do?"

"Until we have proof," Julian said softly, "nothing. And when we have our final orders, what can we do?" He glanced at the both of them. "We're between a rock and a hard place."

*******

Julian paced in their quarters later. Dax watched him, worried. He had filed a formal protest last time this had happened. "Julian, sit down," she said. "We don't know what's happening for sure." She studied him carefully. "And we haven't even run into them yet. For all we know, we're hunting ghosts."

"Ghosts didn't kill Lara," he frowned, glancing at her. "Ghosts didn't nearly ruin my career."

Dax bit her lip. "I'm sorry. You know what I mean though."

Julian sighed and sank down next to her. "Yes, I do." Dax slid an arm around his shoulders. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped."

"You didn't snap," she said, gently hugging him. Julian glanced at her and smiled. Jadzia leaned over and kissed him, slowly working her arms around his back. Julian pulled her close, every fibre of his being wanting to lose himself in her touch and forget this whole situation. Unfortunately, the computer chirped, announcing an incoming message. Julian pulled back and glanced at Jadzia, disappointment apparent in his dark eyes. She grinned and stood up, moving over to the comm panel. She tapped the screen and smiled broadly. "It's a letter from Cati," she said, glancing over at Julian. He grinned and walked over to read it. Jadzia stood up and got herself a cup of coffee.

**Hi Papa and Mum!

Ian and I are having lotsa fun on Earth. Mima and Bumpa and Gma and Gpa have been taking us everywhere. We went to see the Eyefell Tower the other day. Tomorrow we're going to San Franisco to see the Golden Gate Bridge.

When are you going to be done?

Love - - Cati.**

Dax rested her hands on his shoulder, smiling slightly. "Gods, I miss them," she said softly.

Julian nodded. "So do I." He leaned forward and closed the message. Jadzia shifted and perched on his lap, resting her head against his. He tightened his arms around her. "I wish this was over with and that we could get on with our lives."

Jadzia nodded. "What do we do Julian? If you're right, that is."

He closed his eyes and shook his head slightly. "I don't know Jadzia. About as much as we could do last time."

Dax kissed him, gently resting a hand on his cheek. "It still bothers you, doesn't it," she said softly.

Julian nodded. "Although, not as much until recently. I wasn't thinking about it on a regular basis..."

Dax cupped his chin. "You did what you could last time, you'll do it again." He nodded slowly, not looking confident. Dax gently kissed him, wishing she could help but he had the annoying habit of bottling things up inside. She felt his hands wrap around her waist, pulling her closer. Jadzia slid her arms around his waist. "You know," she murmured as his mouth wandered from hers, "it's pretty late."

"Hmm. Agreed. Let's go to bed," he murmured in response.

Dax laughed softly. "You certainly are able to switch topics and moods awfully quick."

Julian glanced at her. "Right now, I just want to forget about the problems with the founders and the past." His hands slid to the small of her back. "I hope that's not too much to ask for."

Jadzia smiled and stood up. "Not at all," she said. "But sometimes I wish you would talk about it rather than forget about it."

Julian gazed up at her. "Do you want to talk?"

"It isn't me I'm worried about," she said softly. "It's you."

Julian sighed. "Jadzia, I'm..."

"You're fine. Yes, I know. It's been your mantra since this whole fiasco began." She studied him. "So when are you going to tell me what's really going on inside that head of yours?"

Julian sighed. "It's nothing. I guess I'm just not as comfortable with the past as I'd like people to believe."

Dax nodded slowly. "I know," she said softly. She gently smoothed his hair back and kissed him gently. "How about you go speak with the Captain tomorrow about this."

Julian sighed and nodded. "I don't think she'll tell me much but it's worth a shot."

Jadzia nodded. "It's most definitely that." Dax rested her head against his chest, curling close. "And what if she tells you what you don't want to hear?"

Julian hesitated. "I don't know."

*******

Julian walked into Marek's office the next day and handed her a padd. "Here's the revised roster and the report on the cargo bays."

"Good work Doctor," she said, studying them.

"Captain...I think you owe the rest of the crew an explanation as to what our orders really are."

Marek glanced up. "What do you think they are doctor?"

Julian leveled a gaze at her. "We're supposed to find the new homeword of the founders, aren't we? It explains at the drills and tests. Why Dax has been upgrading the sensors. We're not just bait, are we?"

"Doctor," she said softly. "You're treading on very thin ground here."

His eyes widened slightly. "I'm right, aren't I? Star Fleet command is *that* spooked?" He leaned forward, his eyes intense. "Captain, we barely were able to keep things out of the press last time. The attacks on the Melbourne were highly publicized in the Federation news reels. We won't be able to keep this quiet. And you know the Federation president won't support..."

"Enyo approved the orders to attack the home world last time, Julian," Marek said softly. "No one is supposed to know that except for a small handful of people." She sighed. "I know you didn't approve of what we did all those years ago. I don't think any doctor who was a part of that task force did. And I read your letter to Star Fleet command so I know exactly how you feel." Her hands tightened on her desk. "But we can't allow the Founders to regain control of the Gamma Quadrant. Unfortunately, this goes above your morals Julian. If the Founders are out for power and revenge, there will be no stopping them if they get a foothold of power. Do you want to condemn your own children to Dominion rule? Because that's what you'll be doing if you start speaking about this. This could tear the Federation apart faster than the Dominion ever could have hoped for."

Julian tensioned. "Then I suppose we dug our own graves all those years ago." He paused. "What if we're wrong? What if they aren't the Founders?"

"That's what the first part of our mission is. If we determine they are, then this ship will start actively hunting for their home world. If they aren't, we have nothing to worry about."

*******

Julian paced about his quarters for the second time in two days. Jadzia's eyes followed him, unsure of what to say. "So now what?" she asked after a moment.

Julian shrugged. "I don't know. There isn't much we can do. We can't talk about this with anyone else in case you're wrong. If you're right, then we simply can't do anything about it because we'd end up court-martialed and buried so fast, no one would know what happened." He sank onto the couch and buried his head in his hands. "Unfortunately, Marek is right. This goes way beyond what we think is right or wrong. We simply have to do this."

Dax shook her head. "But we're the ones who have to live with our actions after everything is said and done so it *does* matter what we consider moral." She gently slid an arm around him. "Maybe we shouldn't jump to conclusions. For all we know, I'm wrong."

Julian sighed and nodded. "I know. Don't take this the wrong way but I hope you are."

*******

Jadzia walked into her lab and sat down, reviewing the repairs and upgrades made to the sensors. She felt a gentle hand rest on her shoulder and turned to see Liam standing there. "What's happening?" he asked softly.

Jadzia hesitated. "Liam, I can't really say...hopefully we'll know soon."

"You know about something that the rest of us don't," he said. "About what Julian was talking about yesterday. Is he right?"

"I *can't* say," Dax hissed, lowering her voice. "Because if I do, I'll be court-martialed."

"So how do you know?" Liam asked. "Did Julian talk to Marek?"

"Liam," Dax said, frowning, "even if he did, I can't tell you what transpired because I'm not supposed to know about it."

Liam frowned. "Alright. But I'll tell you this. I've heard a lot of the crew talking. They say that if our orders are similar to what you did years ago, destroying the Founder's home world, they won't follow them." His brow furrowed. "A lot of the talk is disturbing, Dax."

"Liam, you *know* that talk like that could get these people court-martialed. Not to mention if they go through with it. Because if we *do* have to find their new home world, Star Fleet isn't going to publicize it and their court-martial will happen very quickly and they'll be silenced very effectively." Dax frowned. "I suggest you tell that to whoever was discussing this."

Liam hesitated and nodded. "Alright. But when will we know?"

"I can't say," Jadzia said softly. "But believe me, you'll know immediately if we get new orders."

*******

Dax walked onto the bridge, ignoring the few glances she got. She knew she rarely had been on the bridge lately, having to update the sensors. However, that was also the reason she was up here. "Captain, I have the final report on the upgraded sensors. They should be functioning perfectly now." She handed her a padd.

Marek nodded and glanced down at the padd of information. "Thank you, Commander." She glanced up. "What do you say we test them. Lt. B'Ler, long range scanners."

B'Ler tapped at his console. "Activating long range scanners." There was a pause. "Picking up incoming vessel, bearing 215 mark 24." He glanced up sharply. "The ship is nearly identical to previous scans of the other hostiles."

Marek glanced up. "Convenient. Red alert. All hands to battle stations."

*******

Julian's gaze snapped up as the sound of the klaxons going off. "Well," he murmured, "I suppose this had to happen sooner or later." He stood and strode out into the main area of Sick Bay where his staff had already snapped to attention, preparing for casualties. Julian allowed himself a brief smile at their efficiency and went to work himself.

*******

"Send a message to the ship. Tell them we would like to speak with a representative."

Dax glanced at her console. "Message sent." She paused. "There's no response Captain."

"Damn," Marek murmured. "Keep trying, Commander."

"Aye sir."

"Captain," B'Ler spoke up. "They're powering up their phasers."

"Open a channel."

"Channel open."

"This is Captain Gloria Marek of the U.S.S Melbourne. Please identify yourselves."

There was a long, tense pause on the bridge before the response came. "You are in our area of space. Leave now."

"By what right do you make this claim?" Marek asked.

"Leave now or you will be destroyed."

The bridge shifted slightly and Marek glanced at B'Ler. "A phaser blast off our port side. A warning shot," he replied to her unasked question.

Marek nodded and glanced back at the ship. "We need to know who they are..." she murmured. She took a deep breath. "Mr. B'Ler, fire phasers. Attempt to disable their warp drive and shields. Commander Braen, Commander Dax, get down to the transporter room and prepare to beam over. We're going to try and get you two in." She paused. "But stop by Sick Bay first and have transponders implanted.

Dax nodded and stood, heading to the turbolift. She was joined quickly by Braen. "Armory," Braen announced. "We'll stop there first."

"Sounds good to me," Jadzia muttered.

*******

Julian glanced up sharply as Dax and Braen walked in, both with phasers at their waist and rifles in their hands. "Doctor, we need transponders implanted," Meleria said.

Julian raised both eyebrows and went to get the equipment. "Any particular reason why?"

"We're going to be beaming over to the other ship," Dax said softly.

His gaze snapped up to hers, shock running through his features. "I see," he said. He moved back and motioned for Braen to lift her arm up. Julian saw her wince slightly as he inserted the transponder. Julian picked up a small device and programmed it. "All set. Dax?"

Jadzia stepped forward and rolled her sleeve up. Julian sterilized the area and then inserted the transponder. He heard her draw in a sharp breath but he couldn't bear to look her in the eye. Jadzia gently rubbed at her arm as he programmed it also. "Done." He glanced up. "Good luck."

"Thank you doctor," Braen said.

Jadzia reached and grabbed his hand. "Be careful," she whispered.

"You too," he replied. Jadzia smiled slightly and kissed him quickly before walking out.

*******

Marek grunted as the Melbourne was tossed to one side by a phaser strike and several consoles exploded around them. "Return fire." She watched as several phaser strikes lanced out and slammed into the other ship's shields. "Status of the other ship?"

"Shields at 30% and falling. One more hit should collapse them."

"Good," Marek said. "Our status?"

"Shields are almost gone," B'Ler replied.

"Well, that way we won't have to lower them." Marek tapped her commbadge. "Marek to transporter room 2. Prepare to beam Commander Dax and Commander Braen over to the other ship."

"Aye sir. Standing by."

"B'Ler, fire phasers."

"Firing." The entire bridge watched as the shields on the other ship flashed and then disappeared. "Shields down."

"Lower shields and beam them over there."

"Lowering shields."

"Transport in progress."

Marek took a deep breath. "Godspeed," she whispered.

*******

Dax snapped around the corner, phaser rifle raised. She motioned for Braen to follow her. They crept towards the bridge, hearing shouts echoing behind them. Meleria kept her phaser trained behind them, making sure no one snuck up. Dax tapped her shoulder. "We're there."

Braen nodded and slid to the other side of the door. Dax held up one hand and counted down silently from three. She tapped the release and they both swung in the door. Dax nearly dropped her phaser rifle. Braen motioned to the crew members to step away from the consoles and glanced at Dax. "Are you alright?"

"Of course she's alright," the Female Founder replied. "She just doesn't expect to see me again."

Dax glared. "You're dead."

"No. I managed to survive, unlike *most* of the Founders." The changeling glared at her. "Which you had a hand in."

Braen shifted her phaser to the Founder. "Why are you doing this?"

"Why? Because these people, *your* people, killed off most of my race." The changeling glared at Meleria. "I have every right to attack the Federation. And I don't intend to stop until you have payed." She straightened. "I don't know how you got on this ship, but I can assure you, you won't get off of it."

Braen stiffened and tapped her commbadge as some of the crew moved forward. She could clearly see now that it was a mix of Vorta and rather weak looking Jem'Hadar. Or, at least weak compared to their progenitors. "Braen to Melbourne. Two to transport."

Dax felt her stomach turn to lead as there was no response. One of the Jem'Hadar raised their rifle and aimed at them as she finally felt the transporter take effect. She heard the whine of the disruptor and felt a searing pain before her molecules dispersed and rematerialized on the transporter pad of the Melbourne. Dax collapsed as the transport completed, dropping her phaser. "Braen to Sickbay. Medical emergency in the transporter room."

"I'm on my way," Bashir replied.

*******

Marek paced behind her desk. As soon as they had transported Dax and Braen back, they had jumped into warp, heading for the nearest StarBase to take care of the worst repairs. She glanced at Meleria, who was standing stiffly. "Are you certain?"

"Completely certain, Captain," she replied. "Commander Dax has the distruptor burn to prove it. It's definitely Dominion technology."

"Damn," Marek sighed, rubbing a hand over her eyes. "I had been hoping she was wrong." She glanced up. "Have the senior staff meet at 2100 hours. Dismissed."

"Aye Captain."

*******

The first thing Jadzia noticed as she was coming to was a numbness of her entire left side. She opened one eye and winced at the blinding light. "Computer," came a familiar voice. "Reduce lights over bed three by fifty percent." Dax breathed a sigh of relief as the lights dimmed and she could see Julian's concerned face gazing down at her. "How do you feel?" he asked softly.

"I can't feel my left side," she replied.

"That would be the pain killers," he replied. "They should wear off soon."

Dax nodded and glanced at him. "If you knew I couldn't feel anything, why did you ask?"

"Reflex," he said softly. His hand gently gripped hers. "You had a nasty phaser wound but that's taken care of." He frowned. "Who's idea was it to beam the two of you over there?"

"Marek's," Jadzia said softly.

Julian shook his head slowly. "That was an awfully fool-hardy thing to do," he said softly. He gently brushed at her thick hair. "I take it you got the answers though."

Jadzia nodded. "It's them," she said softly. "But you should know that, from the phaser wound."

Julian nodded reluctantly. "Yes, I know." He bent and kissed her forehead. "There's a staff briefing in a few minutes. I'll be back as soon as possible."

Jadzia nodded and watched him leave.

*******

Julian strode into the meeting room and sat down in his usual spot. Marek glanced at the others who were already present. "I take it Commander Dax won't be joining us."

"She's still recovering," Julian replied, his hands knotting into fists.

Marek nodded. "Well, I'm sure you can fill her in later." She took a deep breath and glanced around the table. "I'm sure you've all heard that Commander Dax's theory was proven right. The Founders are looking for revenge. And, I have been given orders as what to do if what Dax had thought was true." She straightened. "We're to report back to Gamma Outpost 6 for repairs and retrofitting. We will then be part of a task force who's purpose will be to find their new home world and destroy it."

Dead silence filled the room for several seconds. Meleria was the first one to speak. "Captain, are you serious?"

"Quite," Marek said softly. "And Star Fleet has made it quite clear that any talk on this ship, or any other, expressing dissent about the plan would not be viewed lightly. No one off this ship is to know about it. Not your families, friends, other members of the fleet. This is a top secret mission."

"Of course," Meleria muttered. She received a stern look from Marek and sighed. "When will we arrive at Outpost 6?"

"In about three days," Liam replied softly.

"Captain," B'Ler spoke up, "what did you mean by retrofitting?"

"Upgrading the shields and weapons systems. Adding a few more defensive systems." She glanced at Bashir. "And taking care of the Cargo Bay conversion systems." She glanced around the table. "Any other questions?" Heads shook silently. "Good. I'll be making a ship-wide announcement in a few hours. Please see that any and all questions in your departments be answered as quickly as possible. Dismissed." The staff stood up and walked quietly towards the door. "Doctor," Gloria spoke up, "please stay for a moment."

Julian stopped and turned as the doors slid shut. "Captain?"

"Julian," she said softly. "I know this is going to be hard for everyone to accept but I was hoping that you could smooth things over with them....you had been part of the earlier one...and I know you expressed your dissent then. You understand how they feel."

"I still do," he said softly.

Marek paused. "I know. But I can't have officers on this ship gossiping about this mission in a negative fashion. Simply put, it's not healthy."

"I'd say it would be healthy for them to vent their frustrations," Julian replied.

"I meant, it's not healthy for morale." Marek paused. "I know that they're still going to talk but, if you hear anything particularly disturbing, please let me know and try to put a stop to it immediately."

Julian hesitated and then nodded. "Is that all Captain? I want to get back to Sick Bay."

Marek nodded. "Yes." She sent him a sympathetic look. "How is Jadzia?"

"She'll be fine," Julian said softly. "If you don't mind me saying so Captain, sending them over to the ship was *very* foolish."

Marek sighed. "Julian..." she began.

He held up a hand. "I know. Some things just have to be done." He managed a weak smile. "But I would like to see my first anniversary though."

Marek laughed. "Well, hopefully, you'll see your fiftieth. Go on. Get back to your patient."

Julian tipped his head in acknowledgement and walked out.

*******

Jadzia glanced up as Julian entered Sick Bay. He walked over and gently took her hand. "Feeling better?" he asked softly.

"Actually, the pain killers wore off," Dax murmured, wincing slightly. She felt him give her hand a gentle squeeze and he reached for a hypo.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I should have realized they would have before I returned." He injected the cartridge into her system and saw her visibly relax. "Better?"

"Much," she said, glancing up at him. "Well?"

Julian sighed and set the hypo back down on the tray. "We're supposed to go to Gamma Outpost 6 for retrofitting and then we'll be part of a task force to hunt down their home world."

"Hmm," Dax muttered. "De ja vu." She squeezed his hand. "How strict are things this time?"

"No complaining of any sort will be tolerated....at least, that is, if the Captain hears it." He smiled slightly. "She asked me if I'd help smooth things over, having already done this sort of thing. I suppose she'll ask the same of you."

Dax reached and touched the corner of his jaw. "You aren't too fond of that request, are you?"

Julian sighed. "I don't know what I can do when I feel the exact same way most of the crew does. It's rather hypocritical of me, don't you think?"

Dax bit her lip. "It's also your duty as a doctor, not to mention a Star Fleet officer, to make sure that the crew is able to function, both physically and mentally. If that means making sure that they accept this mission, then so be it."

Bashir sighed and sent her a rueful look. "I know," he sighed. "But that doesn't mean I have to like it."

Dax smiled and squeezed his hand. "Usually, you hate it more than others," she grinned.

He laughed softly and kissed her. "Why don't I take you back to our quarters. There's no real need for you to stay here."

"I'll stay until you're off-duty for the night," she said. "You go work."

Julian nodded. "Alright. I'll be in my office if you need me."

"Yes, sir," she smiled.

Julian smiled and glanced over his shoulder at his staff. He turned back and gently touched her cheek. "I love you," he said softly.

Jadzia smiled. "I know. I love you too." He bent and kissed her tenderly. After several moments, Jadzia pulled back. "You'd better go before your staff catches you breaching conduct."

"Who cares," he murmured, kissing her again. "You scared me earlier. For a moment, I thought I'd lost you."

Jadzia kissed him back. "But you didn't. I'm going to be just fine. Now go back to work."

Julian smiled and straightened. "Yes ma'am." He let go of her hand and walked into his office.

*******

Four days later, Julian sank onto the couch in their temporary quarters on Outpost 6. Due to the retrofitting, certain decks had been 'evacuated' and they had to leave. Julian glanced at Jadzia, who was sitting at the table, studying a padd and sipping some coffee. "Well?"

"Well," she drawled, setting the mug down. "It looks like you're getting some new, state of the art equipment installed into Sick Bay, Engineering's being completely tweaked, weapons and shields are going to be practically brand new, comparatively, and Science gets precisely *jack*."

Julian smiled wryly. "Well, no offense, but there's hardly much use for a scientist on a mission to finish up some half done genocide."

Dax glanced up at him and grinned. "So cynical," she teased. "With an attitude like that, it makes me wonder why I married you."

Julian grinned broadly. "Well, I suppose I should be lucky I don't get this cynical this often."

Dax set the padd down and walked over to the couch. "I remember the last time you got like this. You were a pain to be around."

Julian tipped his head up to look at her. "When was that?"

"The first half of this little project." She sank down next to him. "If there's one thing I do know about you, it's that you don't deal with war very well."

Julian glanced at the cup of tea he held. "Yes, well, there isn't much room for a *doctor* on a war front either. Unless it's to patch soldiers up so they can go out and nearly get killed again," he muttered bitterly.

Dax sighed softly. The more ancient portion of herself was quickly growing exasperated with him. If there was one thing Dax understood it was that sometimes personal wants and needs had to be put aside, something that it would have thought Julian would have learned by now.

Julian glanced over at her and smiled slightly. "I'm sorry. I'm being self-indulgent, I know. But you *know* I don't like this one bit."

Dax smiled slightly and gently took his hand. "I know. I guess I should be more....understanding."

Julian grinned and gently kissed her. "Yes, you should." A look of sheer frustration crossed her face and he chuckled softly.

Dax glanced at him and sighed. "Why do I put up with you?" she grumped, getting up to get another coffee. The door chimed and she glanced at Julian, who smiled and shrugged. "I'll answer that question later. Come in!"

The door slid open and O'Brien walked in. "Miles," Jadzia smiled. "What are you doing here?"

"I heard that the Melbourne was going to be spearheading this plan so I thought I'd stop in." He glanced at Julian and smiled. "How are things?"

"They could better," Julian sighed. He glanced up at Jadzia. "I don't suppose you'd get me a drink would you?"

"Only if you're drinking tea," she said calmly. "You're not touching alcohol if you're in this funk."

Julian shrugged. "Tea's fine."

Miles sighed. "I take it you don't agree with what we're doing."

"Not a bit," Julian said. He glanced up. "Are you certain we should even be discussing this?" Julian asked sarcastically. "I don't want to get in trouble for sounding treasonous."

O'Brien glanced at Jadzia, who shrugged as if to say 'Humor him.' "Well, I'm not saying I agree either," Miles admitted, sitting down. Julian glanced at him as Jadzia sat next to him and set his tea on the coffee table. "I miss being away from Keiko and the kids."

"They're back on earth?" Jadzia asked.

Miles nodded. "I didn't want them anywhere near here...." He grinned at the both of them. "I told her to extend an invitation to your parents if they wanted to go out to the Ishikawa 'clanstead', seeing as Molly and Yoshi are pretty close in age to Cati."

Julian smiled. "That's kind of you Chief. I have a feeling my parents would need a respite. Cati can be a handful by herself. Combined with Ian..." He glanced at Jadzia, knowing she missed them keenly, Ian more so, although she'd never admit it. Julian had been somewhat used to having Cati off-ship for stretches at a time, everyone wanting to help him out after Lara died. Jadzia wasn't as adapted to it. Topping that off with the fact that Ian was only a month when they had left didn't make things any easier. Separating a new mother from her child was never a good thing. Julian glanced at Miles, who's eyes widened fractionally. "I get the idea," Miles said. He cleared his throat. "In any case," Miles continued, "I'm not overly fond of what we're doing here either but I don't see another way out."

Julian sighed. "That's the problem isn't. We dug this hole years ago and now we have to fill it back in."

Miles shrugged. "We did what we had to do then and we'll do it now."

Julian grunted softly. "Makes me wish we didn't destroy their home world all those years ago."

Miles frowned. "You know what would have happened if we didn't. We'd be under Dominion rule by now."

Julian sighed. "I know that. But I also know that I don't particularly like the fact that Star Fleet is committing genocide."

"Well," Miles snapped. "Sometimes one has to look at the big picture. You can't let your own personal morals get in the way of duty."

"Why not?" Julian asked, glancing up. "Isn't that what the Federation's about? Isn't that what Star Fleet vows to protect? The personal morals and choices of all sentient species?"

Miles shifted uncomfortably and glanced at Jadzia. "Julian," she said softly, resting her hand on her husband's knee. "What Miles is saying is that we can't afford to take our own cares into consideration here because there's a lot more at stake than our own personal wants or needs. Unfortunately, we gave up that right when we joined Star Fleet."

Julian sighed. "I know. I just don't like having to live with the destruction of an entire species on my conscious."

Miles glanced at the two of them and then at the chronometer. "I'd best be going," he said. "I promised Keiko I'd send her a letter once I got here." He stood. "I'll be seeing you two later."

"Good night Miles," Jadzia smiled. Julian nodded in his friend's direction, smiling also. O'Brien walked out and Julian sighed. Jadzia gently gave his knee an affectionate squeeze. "Come on," she said softly. "We both have to be up early tomorrow."

Julian gazed at her and suddenly pulled her close. Jadzia's eyes widened slightly as he kissed her tenderly but quickly relaxed into his embrace. She sighed happily as he pulled back. "What was that for?" she smiled.

"You mentioned that you wondered why you put up with me sometimes. Just giving you a reason."

Jadzia shook her head. "You're temperment changes more quickly than anything I know. It's like getting caught in a summer squall on a sunny day."

Julian grinned broadly. "Is that a compliment?"

"It's an observation," she smiled. She pulled out of his embrace. "I'm going to bed. Are you going to join me?"

"Do you have to ask?" he smiled. Dax rolled her eyes and smiled. "I know, I know," he said, standing up. "We have to be up early."

Jadzia grinned and nodded, walking into the bedroom. "That's right." She sat down and glanced at the photo she had brought from the ship of Cati and Ian. She paused and gently touched the frame.

Julian sank down behind her on the bed and hugged her close. "You really miss him, don't you?"

"I miss them both," Jadzia said softly.

Julian smiled slightly and kissed her. "Jadzia, I won't be hurt if you admitted that you missed Ian more than Cati. After all, he's your son."

Jadzia paused and sighed. "Perhaps a bit," she admitted. "It's just that they grow so quickly those first few months...and I'm missing it."

Julian closed his eyes, feeling a tiny pang fill him. "I know," he said softly. He hugged her gently. "I hate it too."

Jadzia sighed. "I want them back," she whispered. She glanced at him over her shoulder and bit her lip at his wistful expression.

"I want them back too. I just wish we didn't have to leave them behind in the first place." He kissed her cheek. "I want to take a shower. Are you going right to bed?"

Jadzia nodded. "Probably." He smiled slightly and kissed her gently. "Good night," he said softly.

"Good night," she replied, kissing him back.

*******

Julian stood in one corner of the Cargo Bay, quietly observing the overhaul of the system. He had been called up by the work crew earlier and had decided to stay for a bit, making sure they got things correct according to his specifications. Over the years, he had made a few personal adjustments to the system that made it function that much more smoothly, at least in his opinion. Judging from the fight that the maintenance crew put up, they didn't agree with him.

"How are things going?" a voice spoke up.

Julian turned to see Meleria standing behind him, holding a padd in front of her. "About as smoothly as possible," Julian said. "Especially considering engineers don't like it when other people hand out advice."

Meleria smiled and handed him a padd. "I thought you'd want to see this. It's an update on the work in Sick Bay."

"Thanks," Julian said, flipping through it. He glanced at her. "Are you alright? You look a little upset."

Meleria grinned wryly. "I'll be fine. I just over heard some crew members 'discussing' our upcoming mission. Let's just say they aren't thrilled with it."

Julian grunted softly. "I don't think many people are."

Mel shook her head. "No, I suppose not....but this was a bit disturbing...they were speaking along the lines of going AWOL or sabotaging the mission somehow."

Julian's dark eyes turned to her, stunned. "Did you tell the Captain?"

She nodded. "Yes...although I felt very odd doing so since I don't like what we're doing any more than they do."

Julian sighed softly. "There's a difference between disagreeing with orders and talking about treason."

Meleria nodded slowly. "I know." She glanced at him. "What do you think about all of this?"

"Off the record?" Julian asked.

Meleria laughed softly and nodded. "Yeah, I won't tell if you won't."

Julian grinned and sighed. "I'm not happy either."

*******

Jadzia motioned to Julian as he approached with his tray. They had agreed to meet in the common mess hall for a quick lunch before getting back to work. He smiled and weaved his way over through the room. "Hello," he smiled, kissing her gently as he sat down.

"Hi. How are things going?" Jadzia unfolded her napkin and set it in her lap.

"Faster than I can keep up with," Julian admitted. "I really shouldn't stay away too long. They're bound to mess things up."

Jadzia laughed softly. "They know what they're doing. Don't worry about it."

Julian took a bite of his lunch and washed it down. "It's my job to worry. That's all I can do. They won't even let me near any of the equipment."

Jadzia laughed softly and was about to reply when she noticed he was suddenly distracted. "What's wrong?"

Julian glanced over her shoulder at a table towards one side of the mess. "I think something's wrong."

Jadzia followed his gaze and spotted four crew members arguing heatedly. "I wonder what's wrong," she murmured. "They're talking about the mission," Julian said softly, pitching his voice so only she could hear him.

"You can hear them?" she asked, frowning.

Julian shook his head. "No. I saw one of them mention it."

Jadzia glanced back, noticing the argument was becoming more heated. "Perhaps we should go over there."

Julian gazed at the table and nodded. "Yes, I suppose so." He stood and wound his way over, Jadzia following. As they grew closer, they could hear snippets of the conversation. The officers noticed them approaching and quieted down. "Is something the matter?" Julian asked.

"No sir." Jadzia recognized the lieutenant that answered as a member of her department.

Julian sighed. "Lieutenant, half the mess hall probably heard your argument. I could see it from our table. You know the orders forbid discussing it with other crew members unless it was to sort out operational difficulties between departments."

"Yes sir." All four officers replied this time.

Julian glanced at them and sighed. "Look, I know that not many people agree with what we have to do but this had better not interfere with any of your duties."

"This shouldn't be affecting you any," one of the lieutenants spoke up, losing his temper again. "After all, this is old news to you. You sold your soul years ago doing the same thing."

Julian bit his lip and nailed the younger man to his chair with a glare. "Watch what you say lieutenant or you'll be court martialed so quickly and buried on some small planet in the middle of no where so fast your head will spin. Believe me, I've seen it happened." He stormed off, half the mess hall staring at him in shock. Jadzia took several moments to regain her own composure before following him. She was startled when she spotted him walking into the holodeck and darted after him. She paused at the doors to see what program he was running but didn't recognize it. She opened the doors and walked in to find herself in the middle of a verdant meadow. Dax gazed around for a moment and then walked further in. "Julian?" she called. She walked to the edge of the field and entered a small forest. She followed the path until she came to a small clearing near a lake. Julian was standing at the edge, angrily skipping stones over its surface.

"Julian?" She saw his shoulders stiffen in surprise but he didn't turn. Jadzia walked up and rested a hand on his shoulder. "Want to talk?" she asked softly.

Julian features darkened briefly but he managed to control his temper. "I'll be fine," he said, his voice taut.

Jadzia sighed and sank down onto a nearby rock that lined the bank. "I noticed," she said, gazing at him. She scooped up a stone and tossed it into the lake. It sank the second it hit the water. She frowned.

"Find a flat stone and snap your wrist when you throw it," Julian said, tossing his last stone in the water. Dax watched as it skipped six times before sinking. He sighed and walked over and sank down next to her. "Is that really what happened?" he asked after a brief silence. "Did we really sell our souls last time?"

Jadzia glanced at him. "If that were true, you wouldn't be having such a difficult time with this," she said, running a hand through his hair.

He sighed softly and ran a hand through the stones on the bank, searching for one to throw. "Perhaps. But why do I feel like he's right?"

Jadzia gazed at him and gently touched his chin. "Listen to me," she said softly. "We did what we felt we had to. Nothing more. We didn't like what happened then and we don't now. But we don't have any more choice in the matter this time around either."

He gazed at her and sighed softly, closing his eyes. "I know. I just keep thinking that we could have done something different." He gazed at her, smiling slightly. "Thank you."

Jadzia smiled and gently kissed him. "You're welcome." She glanced out over the lake. "I don't suppose you have time for a quick swim."

Julian glanced at her, amused. "Now?"

Jadzia sent a teasing gaze his way. "I won't tell if you don't," she smiled. Julian laughed softly and kissed her, pulling her close.

*******

"We've received clearance to depart," Meleria said, turning to look at Marek.

Marek nodded. "Contact the other ships. Tell them to proceed to the nebula at warp five."

"Aye sir."

Marek sat back. Star Fleet command had sent her an encoded message the other day saying that some old Dominion 'protectorates' had given them a hint as to where to start. According to the informer, the T'p'tari Nebula held an M class planet in it's center. It had been used as an old Dominion supply center for various goods during the war. It was possible that the Founders had retreated and regrouped there. Star Fleet hadn't had a chance to explore that area of space. 'It's a start,' Marek thought. She took a deep breath and glanced at Braen. "Set a course for the nebula. I'll be in my ready room."

"Aye Captain," she replied. Marek stood and walked off the bridge. She got a cup of coffee from the replicator and took a long sip. She had been informed by both Braen and Bashir about two different occasions where the crew had breached their orders, once rather offensively. Marek had hauled the lieutenant that had verbally assaulted Bashir to the brig herself. Since then, things had seemed to be under control. Gloria paused for a moment and then tapped her commbadge. "Marek to Dax."

"Dax here," the Trill responded.

"Report to my ready room. There are a few things I want to go over with you about the sensors."

"Aye Captain. I'll be right up. Dax out." Marek was just draining her cup when she appeared. "What can I do for you, Captain?"

"I was simply wondering how the sensors will function in the nebula," Marek said.

Dax paused and then reached for Marek's computer. "May I?" she asked. Marek nodded and Dax called up the statistical information on the nebula. She paused, studying it. "They'll be limited," she said after a moment. "But with the upgrades, they'll still function better than without them. I'd say we'll be in pretty good shape."

Marek nodded, pleased. "Good. That's probably the best news I've had all day."

Dax clasped her hands behind her back. "Having a bit of trouble?"

"Nothing since the incident Julian reported." Marek glanced up at Dax. "How is he doing? He seemed rather upset when he came to tell me about it."

Dax paused. "Well, his initial reaction wasn't very...typical. But he'll be fine." She managed a slight smile.

Marek nodded. "I suppose." She spun the computer back to her and deactivated it. "Thank you Commander."

"Of course, Captain." Dax walked out calmly. Marek smiled slightly. She had a pretty good idea of why Julian was able to keep his temper for the most part. Dax practically oozed calm and serenity. Having such a calming presence around would keep anyone sane.

*******

Dax collapsed on the bed later that evening. Julian glanced at her from the desk in the main room. "Are you alright?" he asked, walking in.

"Yes," Jadzia replied. "Just tired."

Julian sank down next to her and gently ran his hands over her back. "You're more tense than I am," he commented. "That takes some doing."

Jadzia laughed softly and glanced at him. "I wonder why," she teased. "You're stressing me out."

"I am?" he asked, working at her shoulders. He smiled as her eyes shut as his hands hit a knot at the nape of her neck. "I'm sorry. How can I make it up to you?"

Dax laughed and started to prop herself up but his hands pinned her shoulders to the bed. "How come you're in such a good mood?" she asked, undoing her hair clip and tossing it onto the nightstand.

"I wonder why," he teased. He gently kissed her. "Actually, I just got a letter from our parents. They said they're at the Ishikawa's family property and Cati and Ian are having a blast."

Jadzia smiled and glanced up at Julian. "There's more?" she asked, catching the look on his face.

Julian smiled. "According to your dad, Ian finally grew a spine."

Dax grinned. "He's sitting?"

"A bit," Julian replied. "About as much as can be expected for a three month old." He saw her eyes lite up with maternal pride. He smiled and gently kissed her again. "I suppose this is how we're going to remain sane, isn't it?" he asked.

"What do you mean?" Jadzia asked, smiling as he started massaging her neck and shoulders again.

"I mean that it's things like this that keeps some sort of normalcy in situations like this." He kissed the back of her neck. "And I'd say this crew needs all the sanity it can get."

Jadzia smiled and glanced at him. "You're still smarting, aren't you?"

"I'll be fine," he said, smiling at her concern. He gave her shoulders one last squeeze. "Well, Commander. The only thing that's going to get that knot out of your neck is a long hot shower."

"Hmm," Dax sighed, rolling onto her back. "Is that all?"

"It'll be a start," he smiled.

Dax laughed and gently touched his chin. "My we *are* in a good mood." She gently rubbed at the five o'clock shadow, smiling. "I wonder what you'd look like with a beard."

"Not good," he smiled. "And you'd hate it more than anything."

"Who says?" she grinned, her eyes laughing.

"Me," he laughed. "Because I don't want to grow one."

Jadzia smiled and sat up. "Well, I think I'm going to take your advice."

"Good," he smiled. Julian kissed her and gave her a tiny push towards the bathroom.

*******

"Approaching the T'p'tari nebula."

"Slow to impulse. Hail the other ships. Tell them to assume search pattern delta lambda and begin scanning."

"Aye sir."

Marek felt the ship slow and she glanced over at Dax who was manning the science console. "Commander?"

"The other ships have fallen into formation," she said. "Beginning scanning."

Dax tipped her head and began concentrating on the readouts. She glanced up briefly as Julian entered, a padd in hand. He nodded in her direction and headed down to the main command circle. "Captain," he said, handing her the padd. "The results of the latest drill."

Marek glanced over the numbers and smiled. "Faster than they have been. Good. Hopefully we won't need it but it's good to know."

Julian nodded, accepting the padd back. He walked back to Dax's station. "Anything of interest?"

Dax shook her head slowly. "Not particularly. However, it's nice to be cataloging this area of space. Saves us some time."

Julian shook his head. "Like I said, it'll be the little things." Dax sent him a warning look and he grinned. "I've gotta get back to Sick Bay. I'll see you at home."

"Of course," Jadzia smiled.

Julian nodded and walked back into the 'lift.

*******

"Captain," Dax said slowly. They had been combing the nebula for three days and had only now found something anomalous. "I'm picking something up on long range scanners....It appears to be a station...there's a small fleet of ships in orbit..and it is orbiting an M class planet...barely M class."

Marek glanced up. "On screen." A small planet appeared with a station in high orbit. Three ships, similar in design to the others that attacked them were visible. "Alert the fleet on a secure channel. Tell them to halt their advance. Go to red alert. Senior staff meets in the conference room in fifteen minutes."

*******

Julian walked into the conference room to find it full. Not only was the senior staff present but the captains and select officers from the other ships were there too. He glanced at Jadzia, who was sitting at her usual seat. Captain Riker was next to her, talking with her quietly. Julian recognized a few other faces among the crowd but didn't spot a place to sit. He stood quietly in one corner, leaning against the wall. He heard the doors slid open and turned to see Captain Sisko enter. Julian smiled and bumped himself up off the wall. "Captain," he said in greeting as Sisko walked over. "I wasn't aware you were a part of this."

"The fleet wanted me here," Sisko frowned. He glanced at Bashir. "How have things been?"

"To what would you be referring?" Julian asked wryly. "The mission or the fact that the mission is theoretically Jadzia's and my honeymoon?"

Sisko laughed softly. "Good point. I hope the fleet gives the two of you extra time off after this."

Julian grinned. "Don't I wish."

Marek cleared her throat, catching the attention of the room. "If I could have your attention. It seems we have an extra issue to deal with." She drew up the present view of the station and planet below. "We will need a team to go over to the station and take care of things there as well as on the planet."

Riker frowned. "Granted. However, first we need a way to get through those ships."

"I don't think the ships will present too great a problem," Marek said calmly. "However, we need a way to get a boarding party on the station and have them destroy it."

"I suggest that the Melbourne take care of the station while the rest of the fleet concentrate on the planet," Sisko spoke up. "The Melbourne has sufficient firepower to take care of the station by itself."

Marek nodded slowly. "Agreed. Now, about the planet...."

Julian's mind drifted, not wanting to listen to the particulars of mass destruction. He studied the padd in his hand which had the specs on the station. Jadzia had given it to him to see if he could come up with an effective way to get their people in and out quickly with as little exposure as possible. Julian drew up the file on the shields and began looking for the weakest spot. He had moved on to the layout of the station when he felt Sisko nudge him quietly. Julian glanced up to see Marek studying him. "Doctor? Do you have the report on the station yet?"

Julian straightened and motioned to the padd. "I had just gotten the complete information. I'm working on it."

"Alright. Get that to me as soon as possible." She glanced around the room. "I'll contact all of you when we've come up with a feasible strike force." There were nods and the buzz of conversation started up again as people began filing out. Julian stood quietly, waiting for Jadzia. She was talking with Riker as she walked over, her features serious. He said something quietly and she nodded slowly. Riker glanced at Bashir. "Doctor. It's good to see you again."

"You too Captain." Julian extended a hand and shook his firmly. "Good luck."

"Thank you." Riker nodded at Jadzia and walked out.

"What were the two of you talking about?" Julian asked as he and Jadzia filed out.

"I was filling him in with what had been happening here," Jadzia said softly. She nodded to the padd in his hand. "How's in coming?" she asked.

"Slowly," Julian said. "I've only managed to get through the shields and part of the schematics when the meeting finished." Jadzia sent him and odd look. "Alright, fine. Slowly for me," he frowned. Jadzia laughed softly and kissed him as they stepped into the 'lift. They were off duty for the next hour to get a quick meal and rest a bit. Julian stepped out and started for their quarters. Jadzia lagged a bit behind. Julian glanced at her. "Are you alright?" he asked.

"I'm fine," she said, glancing at him. "I guess I'm just a bit tired." She tapped the release on the door to their quarters and walked in.

Julian followed. "Do you want anything to help you rest?"

Dax shook her head. "No. I'll be fine." She glanced at him. "Are you going to get some sleep?"

"In a bit. I want to finish this first." Julian held up the padd. Jadzia nodded and walked into the bedroom. Julian studied her back for a moment before sitting down on the couch and turning back to work.

*******

Marek gazed at her senior staff for a moment. "We're going to commence the attack at 2100 hours. According to scans, that's the period when there's the least activity on and around the station and it's also the time when there's a mild reduction in power output from the generators. It will make it easier for us to penetrate their shields." She pulled up a schematic for the station. "The strike force will beam into here and make their way to Ops where they will then activate a one minute auto-destruct. The team will consist of a mostly security contingent. Commander Dax will be spearheading one team and Lieutenant B'Ler the other." She saw Bashir start in shock. "Any questions?" No one said a thing. "Good. Dismissed. Commander Dax and Lieutenant B'Ler, please remain behind."

Julian filed slowly past Jadzia and rested a hand on her arm before leaving. He felt his stomach knot up in apprehension as he stepped into the turbolift and gave his destination. He had been in Sick Bay for fifteen minutes when Jadzia walked in. "Well?" Julian asked softly.

Dax bit her lip. "I need to have a transponder put in again," she said softly. She saw his eyes cloud over. He reached for the equipment and slowly went through the motions. After he had finished, he glanced at her. "Be careful," he whispered.

Jadzia slid her arms around him in a hug. "You too," she replied. She pulled back and kissed him passionately. Julian tightened his embrace, not caring that his entire staff was probably staring. She pulled back slightly. "I love you," she whispered.

He kissed her again. "I love you too." She pulled out of his embrace and smiled once before leaving.

*******

Marek signaled the transporter room. "Are you ready down there Commander?"

"Aye sir," Dax replied.

"Signal the fleet," Marek said. "Give the go ahead."

"Message sent,"Meleria replied.

Marek watched as the majority of the fleet swooped towards the planet, while the remainder engaged the three ships around it. "Commander, head for the station. Disable their shields." She watched as they fired three quick rounds of phaser fire at the station.

"Shields disabled."

"Begin transport."

*******

Dax moved silently with her team through the hallway of the station, heading for the command center. She paused at a junction and motioned to a lieutenant to cover her. She turned the corner, phaser raised as the lieutenant checked down the opposite way. Dax breathed out a small puff of breath. They hadn't run into any opposition so far. It was unnerving. She motioned to her team to move forward. They repeated this several times until they stood outside of the command center.

"This is too easy," she heard someone whisper.

Dax turned back. "It's possible that they've fortified Ops. Don't get confident yet." She tapped her commbadge. "Dax to B'Ler. We're in position."

"Good," came the reply. "On three. One. Two. Three."

Dax's hand tapped the release and the door slid open. Seven guards were inside the station and they raised their weapons. Dax fired quickly and ducked for cover. Her team followed her in. Between the two teams setting up a crossfire, they guards were quickly taken care of. Dax straightened at glanced at Arnwar. "Good work." She moved to the main panel and began working. "I'm setting the auto destruct for one minute. We'll have just enough time to get out."

"Lowering shields," Arnwar replied. He glanced up. "Ready?"

Dax nodded. "Get into formation. Slone, take the transporter controls."

"Aye sir." The young ensign moved over to a second panel as Arnwar's team got ready to beam out. "Beginning transport now."

Dax stared in shock as Arnwar and only half of his team dematerialized. Two ensigns from hers were beamed out also. Her hand flew to her phaser only to see the remaining officers raise theirs. "End the auto-destruct sequence, Commander," Slone said calmly. He tapped at another control. "The shields are raised. There's no way out. Now end the auto-destruct and you'll be free to go after we're out of harm's way."

Dax stared at her for a moment and then tapped at her console. "Auto-destruct ended," the computer intoned.

Slone smiled and glanced at another officer by the name of Harris. "Scan the area and send the signal."

Dax stood still, watching as the young woman worked at a console. "What do you expect to gain from this?" Dax asked.

"Commander, you just don't seem to get it. What Star Fleet is doing here is *wrong* and we're not going to be a part of it." Slone gestured at Harris. "We've been planning this since rumors started aboard the ship. We've hired a friend to come and get us out. Take us back to Federation territory so we can inform people of what Star Fleet has done."

*******

"Sir! The station's shields have raised!"

Riker glanced at his tactical officer. "Break formation. Head towards the station."

*******

Dax glared. "You know what that will do to the Alpha Quadrant. You know what chaos it will be thrown into."

Slone shrugged. "I lay that blame on your shoulders."

"The Falcon has entered sensor range." Harris glanced up. "We can beam out in twenty seconds."

"Good." Slone walked down to the center area where the rest of the crew was. "Lower the shields." Dax watched as Harris lowered the shields and went to join them. Slone smiled. "After we beam out, you can signal the Melbourne and finish your job. Ours has just begun."

Dax shook her head slowly. "I'm afraid not." She touched the panel in front of her.

"Auto-destruct resumed. Detonation in five seconds."

*******

Marek stormed up to where B'Ler was working. "What's happening over there?" she demanded.

"Their shields just dropped again." Armwar worked furiously. "The Seneca has entered transporter range of the station and an unidentified vessel is approaching also."

"Tell him to get them out of there now!" Marek glanced up at the screen.

"Sir!" B'Ler's voice became panicky. "The auto-destruct sequence has...." His sentence was cut off as the station exploded. Dead silence filled the bridge as the light from the explosion dimmed.

Marek was the first to speak. "Hail the Seneca. See if they were able to transport anyone off."

B'Ler tapped at his console numbly. "I have Captain Riker for you," he said softly.

"On screen." Riker's solemn face appeared. "Captain, were you able to transport anyone off?"

"I'm afraid not," he said, sadness shadowing his gaze.

Marek nodded slowly. "I see. Melbourne out." Marek watched as Riker's visage was replaced with the remains of the station.

B'Ler glanced down as his console chirped. "Captain, we're receiving a message from the fleet." He glanced up. "Mission accomplished."

Marek nodded. "I see. Send a message telling them to leave the nebula and proceed back to Outpost 6." She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I'll be in Sick Bay."

*******

Julian glanced up in surprise as Marek entered. "Captain, what can I do for you?"

Marek hesitated. "I need to speak with you in private."

Julian raised an eyebrow and motioned to his office. "I'm assuming that this whole mess is finished with."

Marek nodded. "Yes. We're on our way back to Outpost 6." She took a deep breath. "Julian, there's something you need to know."

Julian glanced at her, feeling his stomach knot up. "What?"

Marek took a deep breath. "There were some complications with the task force that was sent to the station. We don't know exactly what happened yet. The gist of things is that when the party began to beam back, several members were left behind. Then the shields were raised, the auto-destruct sequence was stopped. The Seneca broke formation and started for the station. At about the same time we detected an incoming vessel and the shields on the station were lowered again. Then, suddenly, the auto-destruct sequence started again and the station blew....still with several crew members aboard."

Julian stared at her for several minutes, not wanting to believe what he was hearing. "Captain, please tell me Jadzia wasn't..."

"I'm afraid so."

Julian felt his knees give out and he collapsed into a chair. Marek moved to his side, concerned. "She can't be dead," he said softly. "She just can't...what about the Seneca? Did they beam anyone out?"

Marek shook her head, resting a hand on his shoulder. "I've already contacted Captain Riker. I'm afraid they didn't get anyone."

Julian closed his eyes, fighting back tears. "Is there anything else Captain?"

Marek shook her head. "Take the rest of the week off, Julian. That's an order."

Julian glanced at her, suddenly cold. "Thank you, Captain. That's very kind of you." He stood and strode out.

*******

Julian walked into his quarters and slumped against the door as it slid shut behind him. His mind tortured him with the last time he saw her, the parting smile she had given him. Julian bit back a sob and walked over to the replicator. "Herbal tea," he said, knowing it wouldn't do him any good. He picked the mug up and sank down on the couch. He took a sip and set the mug down and buried his face in his hands. He pressed the heels of his hands against his eyes, praying to blot out her image. Instead it twisted and distorted until he was staring at Lara's face. Julian opened his eyes and his gaze landed on the picture frame resting on the coffee table. He reached forward and picked it up, wondering why it was there. He traced the frame, feeling his anger and despair welling up.

*******

Meleria jumped a foot as she heard a loud crash his the wall next to her. Her gaze snapped over, half expecting something to come charging through it. Her eyes widened as she realized where she was and she walked up to the doors to the quarters. She tapped the chime but there was no response. Meleria checked to see if it was locked and then opened the doors. She wasn't too surprised at the scene that greeted her. Julian was sitting on the couch, his face buried in his hands, his shoulders shaking from his tears. Meleria glanced at the wall and spotted a stain and the remains of a mug lying on the floor. She walked in and over to his side. She spotted a framed photo of him and Jadzia from their wedding resting on the coffee table. Meleria closed her eyes and sank down next to him, resting a hand on his shoulder. Julian didn't acknowledge her presence and Meleria simply sat next to him, not saying anything. Several minutes past before Julian looked up, scrubbing at his face. "Is there something I can do for you?" he asked softly.

Mel shook her head. "No. I heard a crash when I was walking by." She gently gave his shoulder a squeeze. "I'm so sorry, Julian."

Julian closed his eyes but didn't say anything for a long time. "Mel?"

"Yes?"

"Would you mind terribly if I asked you to leave? I'd like to be alone right now."

Meleria hesitated and then nodded. "Alright. Give me a call if you need anything though."

"I will," Julian promised. He watched as she left and sighed. He got up and walked into the bedroom and collapsed on the bed, grief overwhelming him again.

*******

Liam tapped at the chime to Bashir's quarters but received no answer. He glanced at the status and saw that the door was locked. 'Probably due to Arnwar's attempt to talk to him earlier,' Liam thought. The Betazoid had stopped by to offer his condolences and to see how he was doing. Julian had been livid when he let himself in and had all but thrown Arnwar out. Liam tapped the chime again and this time heard Julian call out, "Go away Liam."

Liam sighed. "Not this time Julian. Let me in." He waited for a full minute before tapping the chime again.

The door slid open and Liam walked in. "You're a real pain in the ass," he heard Julian mutter.

"Thanks," Liam said. He glanced around the quarters but couldn't see much. The lights were at about one quarter power. "Computer, lights." Both men were blinded. "Half lights," Liam corrected. He glanced at Bashir and sighed. He didn't look very different except for not looking like he hadn't slept in days, which he probably hadn't. "I thought you'd want to know we're arriving at Gamma Outpost 6 in about an hour." Liam gazed at him.

Julian scrubbed at his face. "Thanks," he murmured. Julian picked up some various items and put them back into place.

Liam glanced at his friend. "What are you going to tell Cati?"

Julian stopped as he was setting some dishes in the replicator. "I don't know," he said after a moment. He hesitated and hit the controls and the dishes dematerialized. He turned to Liam. "Is that all? I've got a lot of cleaning up to do and I need to shave..."

Liam hesitated and nodded. "Yeah. I just wanted to see how you were."

Julian nodded. "I'll be fine. I seem to be getting a lot of experience in this department."

Liam opened his mouth to say something but kept quiet and walked out.

*******

"Julian!" He turned to see his parents and Jadzia's heading towards them. Cati was skipping along next to his father, chatting to him excitedly. His mother crushed him in a hug. "Thank god you're safe. Where's Jadzia?"

Julian closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He pulled back and shook his head. His mother raised a hand to her mouth in shock. Julian turned to Jadzia's parents who were equally as shocked. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "I didn't even know about it until..." He felt his resolve break as her mother began crying.

"Papa!"

He felt Cati's arms wrap around his leg and he crouched down. "Hello Catilynn," he said, crushing her in a hug.

"Papa? Where's mum?"

Julian felt his throat tighten. He still had no idea of how to tell Cati. He let go of the little girl and rested his hands on her slim shoulders. "Catilynn. You know this mission was very dangerous for me and Jadzia, right?" She nodded solemnly, seeming to realize what he was saying. Julian took a deep breath and gently squeezed her shoulders. "Jadzia didn't survive, sweetie."

Cati stood very still, taking all of this in. "You mean she's with mommy?"

Julian smiled, fighting back tears. "That's right." Cati digested this and then hugged him tightly. Julian closed his eyes, holding her.

"Julian," he heard his mom whisper in Arabic. "I'm so sorry love. Do you need a hand with anything?"

Julian shook his head no. "No," he replied in kind. "I'll survive." He stood up, holding Cati in his arms and glancing at Jadzia's parents. He smiled slightly as he spotted Ian nestled in Jadzia's father's arms, sound asleep.

"We'll walk with you to your quarters," he said softly. Julian nodded in response and started off.

*******

Julian rocked Ian, studying him intently as the five and a half month old started to drift off. Julian felt a biting pang. 'He looks so much like her,' he thought. Julian smiled wistfully as Ian closed his dark brown eyes. Julian rocked him a bit longer and then gently set him in his crib. He walked out into the quiet of the room, half expecting Jadzia to walk over to him with a mug of coffee even though she had been gone for over a month. He sighed and went into his bedroom and changed into his pyjamas and collapsed onto the bed. Cati had gone to bed a half hour earlier so the quarters were completely still. Julian picked up a padd when the comm chirped. Julian sat up and grunted as he tapped the commbadge. "Bashir here."

"Doctor, report to the bridge."

Julian sighed and changed back into his uniform, contacting Sheria as he did so. She arrived a few minutes later and Julian headed up to the bridge. "Captain?" he asked as he stepped out.

"Ah, good. We're receiving a distress call from a nearby system. It's encoded however. I was wondering if you might be able to work on it a bit." Marek glanced up at him.

Julian sat down at the science station and called it up. He frowned. "It's a Star Fleet distress signal," he said after a moment. "And it's a personal distress signal. Automated." He worked a bit longer. "I don't think I can decode this within a reasonable time span...." He turned to Marek. "Request permission to take a shuttlecraft to the Joral system to investigate."

Marek considered for a moment and then nodded. "Commander Braen will go with you."

Julian nodded and headed into the 'lift and left for Sick Bay to gather supplies before Braen could get out of her seat.

*******

"Entering the Joral system," Braen announced.

Julian studied the readout. "According to the readings I'm getting, the distress signal is emanating from the fourth planet in the system."

"Setting course," she announced. She glanced back at him and sighed. "Anything else?"

Julian frowned. "Give me a moment." There was a long pause. "The signal seems to be coming from the capitol of the northern-most continent in the southeastern hemisphere."

"You can get all that?" Meleria asked, mildly surprised.

"It's a remarkably strong signal," Julian said. He tapped at the controls, changing the scan. "I've localized the reading. There's one lifesign there." He turned to her. "I suggest we beam whoever that is up here."

Braen frowned. "I don't know about that," she said. "There's no guarantee that this person is Star Fleet."

Julian frowned. "Well, whoever it is is unconscious. I don't think they'll be too much of a threat. If it makes you feel any better, you can set up a security forcefield around the transporter before beaming them up."

She stared at him and sighed. "Alright." She got up and went to the controls. Julian watched as a forcefield sprang to life around the transporter. "Beginning transport."

Julian stood and went over, carrying the medkit he had brought. He watched as the person materialized on the pad, turned away from him. Julian scanned them from where he was. "They'll be out for a good half hour," he said. "Lower the forcefield." Braen sighed and tapped at it. Julian moved forward and frowned suddenly at the readings. "What the..." He knelt next to the person and gently turned them towards him.

Braen raised an eyebrow as she heard the tricorder clatter to the ground. "Is everything alright doc...oh, my god." She stared in shock as Julian gently brushed the hair off of Jadzia Dax's face. "Is she...?"

Julian stared in shock, not hearing Meleria. "Jadzia? Dear god, how?" His hands flew to the tricorder and he began scanning her, falling into the habitual calm of a doctor, pushing aside questions till later. "Lacerations, bruises, broken bones." He growled low in his throat but didn't say anything aloud.

Meleria was started out of her shock as an alarm went off. "Doctor, we have company."

"Who is it?" he snapped, running another scan.

"It's a Defiant class vessel. They just decloaked." Her frown deepened. "They're demanding to know what we're doing here."

Julian glanced up. "Tell them about the distress signal but use a secure channel."

Meleria nodded and glanced back. "How is she?"

"She'll be fine," Julian replied. "I want to get her back to the ship though."

Meleria nodded and glanced up as the commlight lit up. "We're receiving an incoming message from Captain Riker," she said, shock filling her face.

"Riker?" Julian frowned. "His ship is the Seneca. What the hell is he doing here?"

Meleria shrugged and accepted the message. Riker's furious face filled the screen. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"I already explained about the distress signal. We came to help." Meleria glanced at Julian, who nodded. "We found one life sign at the source of the signal and beamed that person up. Captain, it's Commander Dax."

"You beamed her UP?!" Riker's face took on a look of sheer shock. "I'm afraid you're going to have to send her back."

"What?!" Julian stepped forward. "Excuse me Captain but there is no way we're going to send her back. She needs medical attention."

"I don't care doctor. This goes beyond you. As your superior off..."

Julian's hand shot out and cut the connection. "Set a course for the Melbourne."

"What?" Braen gasped. "Julian are you mad?"

"If you mean insane, no. Angry, hell yes." He glanced up, his features dark. "Mel, these aren't injuries from the battle. Dax was beaten."

Meleria froze. "My god, she wasn't raped, was she?"

Julian shook his head violently. "No! I'd have Riker's head if she had been."

Braen nodded slowly. She shook herself and turned to the console. "Setting course for the Melbourne."

*******

"Doctor, what is the meaning of this?" Marek stormed into Sick Bay, Riker on her heels. She stopped short at the sight of a bruised and beaten Jadzia Dax resting on a biobed next to Bashir. "What the hell is going on?"

"The doctor here disobeyed a direct order to stay put and beam Commander Dax back to the planet," Riker fumed.

"I did no such thing," Julian snapped. "I never received the order."

"Only because you cut communications before I could give it!" Riker roared.

"I was acting in my patient's best interest. As is obvious, she's been physically abused. She has several broken bones, contusions and a concussion." Julian's eyes flashed. "There was no way I was going to send her back to that planet."

"Is that your opinion as her physician or as her husband?" Riker snapped.

"BOTH!" Julian roared. "God dammit an hour ago I though she was dead and you want me to send her back to possibly be killed? Are you insane?!"

Marek stepped in between them. "That's enough!" She drew herself up and glared at Bashir. "Doctor, control your temper before you're busted back to ensign right before your court-martial." She saw Julian's eyes flash angrily at her but he relented. Marek turned to Riker. "Explain yourself now. I need a reason why I should send my Chief Science Officer back to the Jorel system in her condition before I do so."

Riker stared at her for several minutes before relenting. "Commander Dax offered her services to Star Fleet when she was approached for this mission. We've been receiving reports lately of several officers who have become...uncomfortable with the way things are." Riker glanced at Bashir. "Star Fleet approached her with this mission over two years ago. It was the reason she was posted to the Melbourne in the first place." Riker took a deep breath. "The attacks on the Melbourne were part of a carefully contrived plot by Star Fleet Special Services to flush out these 'dissenters.' Officers were hand picked and trained for this mission, knowing full well they probably wouldn't come back. They all underwent plastic surgery to make them appear like Founders or Jem'Hadar. Their ships were supplied and instructed to make it seem like the Founders had begun to gain a foothold in the Gamma Quadrant again. The whole attack of their 'home world' was planned by Special Services in order to find out who these people were." His gaze flickered from Marek to Bashir.

Bashir shook his head. "I don't believe this," he said softly.

"Who came up with the idea that it was the Founders?" Riker countered softly. "Who was placed in command of a team, even though any other security officer would have done the job just as well?"

Julian stared at him and then gazed down at Jadzia's still form. "Leave," he said after a moment.

Riker started to protest but Marek silenced him with a look and all but dragged him from Sick Bay. "You just told him that Star Fleet is responsible for his first wife's death," Marek informed him coldly. "I'd say that constitutes some time alone."

*******

Julian gently smoothed Jadzia's hair off her forehead. He had taken care of the damage and was waiting for her to wake up. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry or be absolutely furious with her. He still hadn't decided when she stirred, groaning softly. "Shh," he said softly. "Just take it easy." He saw her start at the sound of his voice and she opened her eyes, blinking repeatedly. Julian lifted a hand to block the light from her eyes. "Do you want the lights dimmed?"

"Julian?" she asked, confusion filling her gaze. "What are you doing here?"

"Jadzia, love, you're on the Melbourne." He dropped his hand next to hers and gave it a squeeze.

"The Melbourne?" Dax closed her eyes. "Could you reduce the light?"

"Half lights over bed two," he whispered. He felt his voice catch and he glanced down.

Jadzia glanced up at him and her eyes widened. "Oh, Julian," she whispered. She struggled to sit up and crushed him in a hug. "Oh, gods, I'm sorry. I wanted to tell you but I couldn't."

Julian tightened his embrace on her. "It's okay. I understand."

"No, it's not. Gods the hell you must have gone through." Dax pulled back, tearful. "Please believe me I did want to tell you. I begged Star Fleet. They wouldn't let me..." Dax's apology was cut short as his mouth covered hers in a passionate kiss. Dax closed her eyes and kissed him back, curling her hands around to his back.

"Don't you *ever* do that to me again," he whispered, running gentle kisses down her neck.

"I promise," she whispered. "Never again. I'm not cut out for this spy business." She pulled back shyly. "You should have heard the fuss Star Fleet put up when they found out I was pregnant."

Julian gazed at her and broke out laughing. "Oh, gods I've missed you," he sighed, resting his forehead against hers.

"I've missed you too," she whispered. Julian kissed her again. "How did you manage to get me here?" she asked. "I'm assuming Will isn't too happy."

Julian's features clouded over. "No, he wasn't. He wanted me to send you back."

Jadzia sighed. "Unfortunately, I might have to." She saw a look of sheer shock and horror cross her features and gently touched his cheek. "I've got to finish this mission," she said softly.

Julian paused. "I don't *like* this Jadzia," he said softly. "I don't want you to go back. Have Star Fleet send in another operative."

"They can't," Dax said softly. She pulled back. "But perhaps I could convince Will to let me bring an escort back." Julian opened his mouth to say something but she covered it with her hand. "No. I don't want the two of us in this situation. It's too dangerous. One of us needs to stay here with Cati and Ian."

Julian sighed and relented. "You're right." He scrubbed a hand through his hair. "Look, why don't we get you back to our quarters and try and explain this to Cati. Then we'll call Riker and work something out."

Jadzia smiled and nodded, kissing him. "Who knows," she smiled. "I might even be able to convince him to let me spend tonight here *recovering* before heading back." She saw a hint of a smile touch the corners of his mouth and she kissed him.

*******

Julian opened the doors to their quarters and Jadzia walked in slowly. Julian helped her to the couch and glanced around for Sheria. "Hello?"

"Doctor! I didn't know you were going to be back..." Sheria froze at the doorway, staring at Jadzia in shock.

Julian smiled slightly. "Is Cati asleep?"

"No she's playing." Sheria glanced from him to Dax. "Commander, it's...good to see you again."

Jadzia grinned broadly. "It's good to be back. I know this is a bit of a shock."

Sheria nodded, amusement and astonishment filling her face. "That is it...I'll be going now." She ducked out quickly.

Julian smiled slightly and was about to go get Cati when the little girl darted out of her room. "Papa!" She slid to a halt, her blue eyes widening in shock. "Mum?"

Jadzia smiled slightly. "Hello Cati." She glanced up at Julian, who smiled gently.

Cati turned a very confused look to Julian. He knelt down in front of her. "Cati, I know this seems confusing...."

"You said that Mum was with Mommy," Cati frowned, glancing over at Jadzia.

Julian nodded. "I know. That's what I thought too. But it turns out that Jadzia was on a secret job. So secret I didn't even know about it." He glanced at Jadzia. "She's just stopping in for a visit and to clear things up before heading back."

Cati's face scrunched up as she tried to digest this. She glanced over and Jadzia and suddenly threw her arms around her legs. Jadzia smiled and lifted her up into a bear hug. "I've missed you," Jadzia said softly. She studied her critically. "I think you grew a whole inch since I saw you last."

Cati giggled and nodded. "A whole inch."

Jadzia smiled and ruffled her hair. "Have you been good?"

Cati nodded seriously. "Yes Mum."

Dax smiled and kissed her forehead. "Good." She set her down and Cati scrambled into her bedroom. Dax sighed and felt Julian's hands rest on her shoulders. "She's so big," Dax said softly.

Julian smiled and nodded. "I know. She had a growth spurt while we were on this god forsaken mission."

Jadzia shook her head wistfully. "I can't even imagine how big Ian has gotten."

Julian wrapped his arm around her shoulder, half expecting to wake up from the dream and find himself holding her pillow. "He's a terror," Julian smiled. "He's been sitting up for about a month now but every once in a while his spine telescopes and he falls back."

Dax laughed at the image. "Is he asleep?"

"Probably," Julian said. He gave her a small push. "Go check on him."

Jadzia glanced at him and smiled. She stood and walked into his room. He was sound asleep in his crib, one hand tossed above his head. Jadzia felt tears well up. She gently brushed at one cheek and watched as Ian stirred slightly. Dax shook her head slowly and turned to walk out when she felt a pair of arms snake around her waist. "I had a feeling you were getting misty eyed in here," Julian said softly.

Dax sniffled slightly. "I've missed so much," she said softly. "And I'm going to have to miss more...I don't think you could stop time so I wouldn't have to."

Julian smiled and kissed the back of her neck. "Probably not."

Dax sighed and started to walk out. Julian's arm stayed around her waist as he walked with her. "You're not going to let me go, are you?"

"Never," he said softly.

Dax glanced down. "I'm so sorry Julian."

Julian sighed and glanced down. "What's done is done. All that matters is you're here."

"Not for long," a new voice broke in.

Julian's furious glare snapped up to Riker, who was standing in the doorway. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"I let myself in," Riker said.

"Will," Jadzia sighed, gently tightening a hand on Julian's arm, silencing him. "Ring next time."

"When can you go back?" Riker asked, glancing at her.

Dax sighed. "Tomorrow? I'm stiff and sore and, to be honest, I really don't want to go back right away."

Riker sighed. "And how do I explain this?"

Dax hesitated. "I've been thinking about that....Would it be possible to have the Chief of Security of the Melbourne accompany me?"

Riker raised both eyebrows. "And how do you plan to explain his sudden appearance?"

"He found me," Dax said. "Took me to his place and took care of the bruises.."

Riker took a deep breath and puffed it out. "I suppose that would work." He glanced to Bashir. "Does this meet with your approval?"