Path: news.inforamp.net!news2.toronto.istar.net!news3.ottawa.istar.net!istar.net!news1.vancouver.istar.net!news.vancouver.istar.net!west.news.istar.net!van-bc!uniserve!news.sol.net!spool.mu.edu!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.wwa.com!buffnet2.buffnet.net!usenet From: Lynda Simhomer Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative Subject: NEW: "Garak's Friend: the Sequel" (5/6) Date: 2 May 1996 03:56:59 GMT Organization: BuffNET Lines: 324 Message-ID: <4m9bqb$7g6@buffnet2.buffnet.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: fppp26.buffnet.net Mime-Version: 1.0 X-Mailer: Mozilla 1.22 (Windows; I; 32bit) Status: N "Garak's Friend: the Sequel" by simhomer@buffnet.net (Lynda Simhomer) Part Five: "Garak! Wonderful to see you again! Wonderful! I trust my daughter has filled you in?" Garak nodded to his former mentor. "To a small extent." "We haven't gone into details, Father," said Malada. "I knew you'd prefer to do it yourself." Enabran Tain took Garak firmly by the arm and led him aside. Odo watched them walk away with growing consternation. Deceit. Betrayal. He had expected it from Malada Tain... but Garak? Why had the tailor's part in all of this surprised him? Yes, he'd once witnessed Garak display remorse; and he'd even begun to think that they shared a common bond. But apparently Garak's exile hadn't-- Odo's thoughts were interrupted as one of the Founders assumed a female humanoid form and approached. "You've done well, Malada. Where is Torias?" "I'm sorry. He was detained on DS9. We'll have to proceed without him." "Then we shall." She turned to Odo. "Hello, Odo." "So," he said gruffly. "Was this entire ordeal staged for my benefit?" "It was necessary to bring you here." "For what reason?" Malada answered. "No Changeling had ever killed another, Odo, until *you* struck the first blow. Surely you didn't think such an act would be overlooked indefinitely. The time has come for you to face the consequences of your action." The Founder stepped nearer. "But despite what you've done, we are willing to extend mercy to you. You have the option of reuniting with us." "Why?" "Because we're incomplete without you. And you know that you are incomplete without us." Odo paused to contemplate this. She was right, of course. Everything within him desperately wanted to return. To no longer be an outcast, but to be with his own kind. In spite of his moral objections to who they were, they were still his people and he belonged with them. It was a hard choice. Except, did he *really* have a choice? If so, what was the alternative? "And if I refuse?" The Founder was openly saddened by the prospect. "Regretfully, we have considered that. If you reject our forgiveness, a swift end has been arranged for you." Odo looked at Malada's phaser. "So, you're the executioner?" Malada nodded. "But I sincerely hope it won't come to that. You've misjudged the Founders, Odo. They aren't heartless subjugators. You have no idea what the Gamma quadrant was like before they brought harmony to it. Discord running amuck, savage factions fighting one another, famine and plagues wiping out entire civilizations... The Dominion put an end to all that." "You really believe that?" "Yes, I do." "We don't claim to have created paradise," said the Founder. "But we have produced orderliness." "The inhabitants of the Gamma quadrant are not unhappy," Malada said. "They have security, strength... backbone." "The ones I've met are terrified of the Dominion," Odo said. "And the Jem'Hadar are nothing more than genetically programmed fighting machines. They have no choice. And they have no freedom to become anything else." "The Jem'Hadar were the most brutal offenders of all," Malada replied. "We're all much better off having them controlled. And mark my words: if they're ever freed, *everyone* will regret it." The Founder fixed its gaze on him. "But you do have a choice, Odo, and we are awaiting your reply." He scoffed. "To join you or die?" "No," Malada corrected. "You can accept clemency, or opt for judgment." Obviously, they expected an immediate answer. Odo tried to stall for time. His very essence screamed otherwise, but if joining with his people meant joining the Dominion... How could he do it? He had too many friends among the solids. Kira, Sisko, Bashir... even Quark. They weren't subservient. How could he consider himself superior to them? It wasn't right. But he didn't want to die either. Odo switched his attention to the two Cardassian men. "What of Garak?" Malada followed his gaze. "Elim has his own choice to make." "Reinstate the Order?" Garak asked. "Yes." Tain continued strolling away from the other group. "If the Dominion can bolstered a worthless, insignificant organization like the True Way, just imagine what they can do with the Obsidian Order." "To what end?" "For the restoration of Cardassia, Garak. Since the loss of the Order, its regression has been appalling. Absolutely appalling! The Cardassian people have become powerless. They lack hope. But the Founders can restore us." "In other words, the Dominion has promised to be generous to Cardassia, if we help them to gain control of the Alpha quadrant?" Tain nodded. "How do you think the most dominant races in the Gamma quadrant gained their positions? It's true that some resisted the Dominion, but the wiser ones supported them - and benefited from their cooperation." Garak took Tain's words into consideration. If one believed that the Dominion's victory was assured, siding with them was a very prudent choice. "How will you convince our people to cooperate?" "I won't have to - at least not right away. When I return, I'll gather as many scattered operatives as possible and buttress their sorry excuse for intelligence department. I can recruit more as needed, but the bulk of our ranks will consist of Changelings." "And the Dominion will control Cardassia via the Order." "Cardassia will be strengthened, Garak! Remember, the Dominion's goals are far nobler than the conquest of a single, vanquished race." "But there may be objections to your return. After all, it's fairly common knowledge that you survived the Jem'Hadar ambush and are now working for the Founders." "Is it?" Garak thought for a moment. In light of Tain's interrogation of Dax, that certainly seemed to be Starfleet's assumption. But what was the general consensus of Cardassia? He wasn't certain. He ventured to ask about the Trill. "Where is Jadzia Dax?" "Exactly where she should be, Garak; safely on DS9. And by now, she's been located. Captain Sisko will realize that my daughter tricked him; and not knowing her intent, he'll choose to pursue her. It's then that he'll uncover Malada's true design." "Which is?" Tain paused and lowered his tone for dramatic effect. "It was all a ploy to rescue her defenseless father from the clutches of the *evil* Dominion." "And your good intentions in helping Dr. Bashir will be firmly established, painting you as loyal to the Alpha quadrant and a traitor to the Dominion." Tain moved on again. "Precisely." Garak followed. "And how will you account for the cooperation of the Changeling?" Tain stopped short. "Which Changeling?" "The one which impersonated Dax. If Malada was on the run from the Founders, how did she know that a switch had been made? She must have had inside information. That, or it was a very fortuitous coincidence. Either way, it's bound to raise suspicion." "Ah, I see. Very astute, Garak. That's where you come in. You will say that my daughter lied about being on the run. Instead, she had struck a deal with the Dominion: my life for Odo's. Since she was unwilling to make the actual exchange, she came to you seeking assistance." "Malada is perfectly capable of setting up a ruse, Tain. She wouldn't need my help." "True, but Starfleet doesn't know that. Besides, your affirmation will make it sound more convincing. Captain Sisko trusts you; or at the very least, he has accepted you." Garak turned his eyes to the other group. "But what of Odo? What will happen to him?" "That's up to him now. Either way, expediency won't permit him to return to the Alpha quadrant. His position on DS9 is too vital to us. After all, what better cover for a Changeling than another Changeling?" Garak could see the benefits. "Odo's substitution would be virtually undetectable." Tain nodded. "It'll be a regrettable loss to DS9," he continued. "I mean, if you should choose to return to Cardassia with me. But they'll understand. This is your chance to regain *everything* that you've lost... and more." He turned to face him. "What do you say, Garak? Will you join us?" "No. I'm sorry. I can't." Odo's face manifested his struggle and the Founder seized upon it. "You could be happy here, Odo." "I know." He wavered. What was he to do? Suddenly, an idea occurred and his face changed. "You've justified your actions here, and perhaps you are correct. I've heard how persecuted our people were under the old, chaotic system. The Gamma quadrant may indeed be better off with you in control." The Founder gave a satisfied nod. "But the Alpha and Beta quadrants are not barbaric. True, there is disorder and conflict, but there's also cooperation and peace. If you will halt your aggressive activity on the other side of the Wormhole, then I'll return to you." Malada sneered. "He's putting your benevolence on trial." "Perhaps," the Founder replied. She gave Odo a scrutinizing look. "But perhaps not. I don't believe that you comprehend the depth of our oppression, Odo. We were driven out, hounded; there were many who would have annihilated us." "And now you want revenge?" "No. We seek only solace. Where there is order and control, there is no fear. I wish we could accept your testimony, but we cannot. You say that the Alpha quadrant is different, but what we have observed reveals only similarities. In such conditions, peace carries far too many risks for us." Odo's shoulder's dropped. "I see. Then I am to be executed?" "Is 'no' your final word?" Odo steeled himself against the pain of his decision and nodded slowly. "Yes, it is. I could never fully take my place in the Great Link, not if it means dominating others - even if for the sake of security." He lowered his head. "I'm sorry. I may be a Changeling, but in my essence, I know that I'm not a Founder." The Founder didn't say anything. Finally, she spoke very softly. "We're sorry too, Odo. You have no idea how deeply we regret this, but we cannot permit your existence in the Alpha quadrant to continue unchecked." She looked at Malada. In response, the Cardassian raised her phaser. Garak focused on the ground, considering his response. To say that he wanted to return to Cardassia was an understatement; his desire was an overpowering lust. But under the Dominion? Had it really come to that? The sound of a phaser blast distracted him. He whirled to see Odo writhing in agony as he melted into a bubbling, bronze puddle. Garak's mouth dropped as Malada positioned herself directly over Odo. She adjusted the phaser and fired from pointblank range until all that remained was a smoldering indentation in the ground. Garak bolted over and snatched the weapon from Malada's hand. "What have you done!" "It was unavoidable," she said callously. "You should have foreseen it." He stared wordlessly at the ground. Tain placed a hand on his shoulder. "As regrettable as it was, Odo was a hindrance to our plans. He had to be eliminated." Garak's eyes moved to the phaser in his hand. It was turned up to the maximum setting. Unconsciously, he tightened his grip. "You still have that choice to make," said Tain. "And if I reject your offer?" "No, your life isn't being threatened, Garak. You can always return to your exile on DS9." Tain moved in nearer and lowered his voice. "Your tailor shop is still there, waiting for you. That is, if it's what you *really* want." Garak turned the matter over in his mind. He knew *exactly* what he wanted. Why was he hesitating? He turned his eyes to the ground again. Because of Odo? Yes, Odo was his friend, but this was *his* future on the line. His future. Was Tain's plan really that unrealizable? As an ally to the Dominion, Cardassia could be powerful again. He could be powerful again. Or he could go back to his seam fuser and the thrill of Morn's woolen underwear. Malada and her father silently waited. He could feel their eyes burning into him as he continued to deliberate. Finally, he settled the matter within himself. He extended the phaser to Malada, and she took it with a satisfied smirk. Then he switched his gaze to Tain. "I'm with you." * * * * * * The four figures materialized in the runabout. Garak escorted Tain to his seat. He glanced briefly at Odo. The Founder spy looked exactly like Odo. Exactly. And with the inability to blood screen him, Garak couldn't imagine how anyone would perceive the switch. Odo paused when he noticed the demolished pilot's chair. "Just a small show of force for Odo's benefit," Malada said offhandedly. She stepped past the wreckage to the helm and tossed a glance over her shoulder. "Odo was our copilot." The Founder nodded and sat down beside her. "Jem'Hadar sensors indicate that the Defiant is on it's way," it said in Odo's gruff voice. "Let's make this look good." * * * * * * "Entering visual range." "On screen." Sisko turned his eyes to the Defiant's viewscreen. The scene confirmed the report of their long-range sensors. Directly ahead was their runabout, intact but under fire from three Jem'Hadar fighters. "I'm reading three lifesigns, Captain," Worf said. "They don't have much longer. Their shields are almost gone." "Shields up. Move us to within transporter range, and hail the Jem'Hadar." "No response." A shot of phaser fire struck the Defiant. "I think that's our response," Sisko said. "Return fire." He tapped his comm badge. "Sisko to transporter room. Can you get a lock on the runabout?" There was a pause. "I have it, Sir." "Don't lose it, Mr. Eddington," Sisko said. "We're going to be dropping our shields." He turned to his strategic operations officer. "Commander Worf, at the first opportunity, lower the shields." The Defiant rocked under the attack of the Jem'Hadar. "Well, at least they've abandoned their attack on the runabout," Sisko said. "Let's see if we can get them to extend the same courtesy to us. Fire at will." In the ensuing spray of weapons fire, one of the Jem'Hadar ships exploded. The remaining two veered off and repositioned themselves. "Now!" Sisko ordered. Worf lowered the shields. A moment later, Eddington's voice came over the comm. "We have them, Sir." "Raise shields!" They braced themselves for a fresh attack. Instead, the two fighters turned and sped away. Sisko watched the retreating Jem'Hadar, puzzled. He rose and tapped his comm badge. "Security, meet me in the transporter room." "What about the runabout?" Kira asked. He paused. "Lock a tractor beam onto it. We'll tow it back to DS9. No need to leave it for the Dominion." With that, he exited the bridge. Moments later, he entered the transporter room, accompanied by Starfleet security. Malada spoke at once. "I assume this means you found Dax." Sisko glared at her. "You have a *lot* of explaining to do." His eyes traveled from her to Garak; then he addressed the security chief. "Put them both in the brig, Odo. We'll sort this out back on the station." The Changeling nodded. "It'll be a pleasure." As they started past, Sisko touched his arm. "It's good to have you back in one piece, Odo. We were worried about you." "Thank you, Captain. It's good to be back." (end Part Five) simhomer@buffnet.net (Lynda Simhomer) Path: news.inforamp.net!news2.toronto.istar.net!news3.ottawa.istar.net!istar.net!news1.vancouver.istar.net!news.vancouver.istar.net!west.news.istar.net!van-bc!uniserve!news.sol.net!spool.mu.edu!usenet.eel.ufl.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.wwa.com!buffnet2.buffnet.net!usenet From: Lynda Simhomer Newsgroups: alt.startrek.creative Subject: NEW: "Garak's Friend: the Sequel" (5/6) Date: 2 May 1996 03:56:59 GMT Organization: BuffNET Lines: 324 Message-ID: <4m9bqb$7g6@buffnet2.buffnet.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: fppp26.buffnet.net Mime-Version: 1.0 X-Mailer: Mozilla 1.22 (Windows; I; 32bit) Status: N "Garak's Friend: the Sequel" by simhomer@buffnet.net (Lynda Simhomer) Part Five: "Garak! Wonderful to see you again! Wonderful! I trust my daughter has filled you in?" Garak nodded to his former mentor. "To a small extent." "We haven't gone into details, Father," said Malada. "I knew you'd prefer to do it yourself." Enabran Tain took Garak firmly by the arm and led him aside. Odo watched them walk away with growing consternation. Deceit. Betrayal. He had expected it from Malada Tain... but Garak? Why had the tailor's part in all of this surprised him? Yes, he'd once witnessed Garak display remorse; and he'd even begun to think that they shared a common bond. But apparently Garak's exile hadn't-- Odo's thoughts were interrupted as one of the Founders assumed a female humanoid form and approached. "You've done well, Malada. Where is Torias?" "I'm sorry. He was detained on DS9. We'll have to proceed without him." "Then we shall." She turned to Odo. "Hello, Odo." "So," he said gruffly. "Was this entire ordeal staged for my benefit?" "It was necessary to bring you here." "For what reason?" Malada answered. "No Changeling had ever killed another, Odo, until *you* struck the first blow. Surely you didn't think such an act would be overlooked indefinitely. The time has come for you to face the consequences of your action." The Founder stepped nearer. "But despite what you've done, we are willing to extend mercy to you. You have the option of reuniting with us." "Why?" "Because we're incomplete without you. And you know that you are incomplete without us." Odo paused to contemplate this. She was right, of course. Everything within him desperately wanted to return. To no longer be an outcast, but to be with his own kind. In spite of his moral objections to who they were, they were still his people and he belonged with them. It was a hard choice. Except, did he *really* have a choice? If so, what was the alternative? "And if I refuse?" The Founder was openly saddened by the prospect. "Regretfully, we have considered that. If you reject our forgiveness, a swift end has been arranged for you." Odo looked at Malada's phaser. "So, you're the executioner?" Malada nodded. "But I sincerely hope it won't come to that. You've misjudged the Founders, Odo. They aren't heartless subjugators. You have no idea what the Gamma quadrant was like before they brought harmony to it. Discord running amuck, savage factions fighting one another, famine and plagues wiping out entire civilizations... The Dominion put an end to all that." "You really believe that?" "Yes, I do." "We don't claim to have created paradise," said the Founder. "But we have produced orderliness." "The inhabitants of the Gamma quadrant are not unhappy," Malada said. "They have security, strength... backbone." "The ones I've met are terrified of the Dominion," Odo said. "And the Jem'Hadar are nothing more than genetically programmed fighting machines. They have no choice. And they have no freedom to become anything else." "The Jem'Hadar were the most brutal offenders of all," Malada replied. "We're all much better off having them controlled. And mark my words: if they're ever freed, *everyone* will regret it." The Founder fixed its gaze on him. "But you do have a choice, Odo, and we are awaiting your reply." He scoffed. "To join you or die?" "No," Malada corrected. "You can accept clemency, or opt for judgment." Obviously, they expected an immediate answer. Odo tried to stall for time. His very essence screamed otherwise, but if joining with his people meant joining the Dominion... How could he do it? He had too many friends among the solids. Kira, Sisko, Bashir... even Quark. They weren't subservient. How could he consider himself superior to them? It wasn't right. But he didn't want to die either. Odo switched his attention to the two Cardassian men. "What of Garak?" Malada followed his gaze. "Elim has his own choice to make." "Reinstate the Order?" Garak asked. "Yes." Tain continued strolling away from the other group. "If the Dominion can bolstered a worthless, insignificant organization like the True Way, just imagine what they can do with the Obsidian Order." "To what end?" "For the restoration of Cardassia, Garak. Since the loss of the Order, its regression has been appalling. Absolutely appalling! The Cardassian people have become powerless. They lack hope. But the Founders can restore us." "In other words, the Dominion has promised to be generous to Cardassia, if we help them to gain control of the Alpha quadrant?" Tain nodded. "How do you think the most dominant races in the Gamma quadrant gained their positions? It's true that some resisted the Dominion, but the wiser ones supported them - and benefited from their cooperation." Garak took Tain's words into consideration. If one believed that the Dominion's victory was assured, siding with them was a very prudent choice. "How will you convince our people to cooperate?" "I won't have to - at least not right away. When I return, I'll gather as many scattered operatives as possible and buttress their sorry excuse for intelligence department. I can recruit more as needed, but the bulk of our ranks will consist of Changelings." "And the Dominion will control Cardassia via the Order." "Cardassia will be strengthened, Garak! Remember, the Dominion's goals are far nobler than the conquest of a single, vanquished race." "But there may be objections to your return. After all, it's fairly common knowledge that you survived the Jem'Hadar ambush and are now working for the Founders." "Is it?" Garak thought for a moment. In light of Tain's interrogation of Dax, that certainly seemed to be Starfleet's assumption. But what was the general consensus of Cardassia? He wasn't certain. He ventured to ask about the Trill. "Where is Jadzia Dax?" "Exactly where she should be, Garak; safely on DS9. And by now, she's been located. Captain Sisko will realize that my daughter tricked him; and not knowing her intent, he'll choose to pursue her. It's then that he'll uncover Malada's true design." "Which is?" Tain paused and lowered his tone for dramatic effect. "It was all a ploy to rescue her defenseless father from the clutches of the *evil* Dominion." "And your good intentions in helping Dr. Bashir will be firmly established, painting you as loyal to the Alpha quadrant and a traitor to the Dominion." Tain moved on again. "Precisely." Garak followed. "And how will you account for the cooperation of the Changeling?" Tain stopped short. "Which Changeling?" "The one which impersonated Dax. If Malada was on the run from the Founders, how did she know that a switch had been made? She must have had inside information. That, or it was a very fortuitous coincidence. Either way, it's bound to raise suspicion." "Ah, I see. Very astute, Garak. That's where you come in. You will say that my daughter lied about being on the run. Instead, she had struck a deal with the Dominion: my life for Odo's. Since she was unwilling to make the actual exchange, she came to you seeking assistance." "Malada is perfectly capable of setting up a ruse, Tain. She wouldn't need my help." "True, but Starfleet doesn't know that. Besides, your affirmation will make it sound more convincing. Captain Sisko trusts you; or at the very least, he has accepted you." Garak turned his eyes to the other group. "But what of Odo? What will happen to him?" "That's up to him now. Either way, expediency won't permit him to return to the Alpha quadrant. His position on DS9 is too vital to us. After all, what better cover for a Changeling than another Changeling?" Garak could see the benefits. "Odo's substitution would be virtually undetectable." Tain nodded. "It'll be a regrettable loss to DS9," he continued. "I mean, if you should choose to return to Cardassia with me. But they'll understand. This is your chance to regain *everything* that you've lost... and more." He turned to face him. "What do you say, Garak? Will you join us?" "No. I'm sorry. I can't." Odo's face manifested his struggle and the Founder seized upon it. "You could be happy here, Odo." "I know." He wavered. What was he to do? Suddenly, an idea occurred and his face changed. "You've justified your actions here, and perhaps you are correct. I've heard how persecuted our people were under the old, chaotic system. The Gamma quadrant may indeed be better off with you in control." The Founder gave a satisfied nod. "But the Alpha and Beta quadrants are not barbaric. True, there is disorder and conflict, but there's also cooperation and peace. If you will halt your aggressive activity on the other side of the Wormhole, then I'll return to you." Malada sneered. "He's putting your benevolence on trial." "Perhaps," the Founder replied. She gave Odo a scrutinizing look. "But perhaps not. I don't believe that you comprehend the depth of our oppression, Odo. We were driven out, hounded; there were many who would have annihilated us." "And now you want revenge?" "No. We seek only solace. Where there is order and control, there is no fear. I wish we could accept your testimony, but we cannot. You say that the Alpha quadrant is different, but what we have observed reveals only similarities. In such conditions, peace carries far too many risks for us." Odo's shoulder's dropped. "I see. Then I am to be executed?" "Is 'no' your final word?" Odo steeled himself against the pain of his decision and nodded slowly. "Yes, it is. I could never fully take my place in the Great Link, not if it means dominating others - even if for the sake of security." He lowered his head. "I'm sorry. I may be a Changeling, but in my essence, I know that I'm not a Founder." The Founder didn't say anything. Finally, she spoke very softly. "We're sorry too, Odo. You have no idea how deeply we regret this, but we cannot permit your existence in the Alpha quadrant to continue unchecked." She looked at Malada. In response, the Cardassian raised her phaser. Garak focused on the ground, considering his response. To say that he wanted to return to Cardassia was an understatement; his desire was an overpowering lust. But under the Dominion? Had it really come to that? The sound of a phaser blast distracted him. He whirled to see Odo writhing in agony as he melted into a bubbling, bronze puddle. Garak's mouth dropped as Malada positioned herself directly over Odo. She adjusted the phaser and fired from pointblank range until all that remained was a smoldering indentation in the ground. Garak bolted over and snatched the weapon from Malada's hand. "What have you done!" "It was unavoidable," she said callously. "You should have foreseen it." He stared wordlessly at the ground. Tain placed a hand on his shoulder. "As regrettable as it was, Odo was a hindrance to our plans. He had to be eliminated." Garak's eyes moved to the phaser in his hand. It was turned up to the maximum setting. Unconsciously, he tightened his grip. "You still have that choice to make," said Tain. "And if I reject your offer?" "No, your life isn't being threatened, Garak. You can always return to your exile on DS9." Tain moved in nearer and lowered his voice. "Your tailor shop is still there, waiting for you. That is, if it's what you *really* want." Garak turned the matter over in his mind. He knew *exactly* what he wanted. Why was he hesitating? He turned his eyes to the ground again. Because of Odo? Yes, Odo was his friend, but this was *his* future on the line. His future. Was Tain's plan really that unrealizable? As an ally to the Dominion, Cardassia could be powerful again. He could be powerful again. Or he could go back to his seam fuser and the thrill of Morn's woolen underwear. Malada and her father silently waited. He could feel their eyes burning into him as he continued to deliberate. Finally, he settled the matter within himself. He extended the phaser to Malada, and she took it with a satisfied smirk. Then he switched his gaze to Tain. "I'm with you." * * * * * * The four figures materialized in the runabout. Garak escorted Tain to his seat. He glanced briefly at Odo. The Founder spy looked exactly like Odo. Exactly. And with the inability to blood screen him, Garak couldn't imagine how anyone would perceive the switch. Odo paused when he noticed the demolished pilot's chair. "Just a small show of force for Odo's benefit," Malada said offhandedly. She stepped past the wreckage to the helm and tossed a glance over her shoulder. "Odo was our copilot." The Founder nodded and sat down beside her. "Jem'Hadar sensors indicate that the Defiant is on it's way," it said in Odo's gruff voice. "Let's make this look good." * * * * * * "Entering visual range." "On screen." Sisko turned his eyes to the Defiant's viewscreen. The scene confirmed the report of their long-range sensors. Directly ahead was their runabout, intact but under fire from three Jem'Hadar fighters. "I'm reading three lifesigns, Captain," Worf said. "They don't have much longer. Their shields are almost gone." "Shields up. Move us to within transporter range, and hail the Jem'Hadar." "No response." A shot of phaser fire struck the Defiant. "I think that's our response," Sisko said. "Return fire." He tapped his comm badge. "Sisko to transporter room. Can you get a lock on the runabout?" There was a pause. "I have it, Sir." "Don't lose it, Mr. Eddington," Sisko said. "We're going to be dropping our shields." He turned to his strategic operations officer. "Commander Worf, at the first opportunity, lower the shields." The Defiant rocked under the attack of the Jem'Hadar. "Well, at least they've abandoned their attack on the runabout," Sisko said. "Let's see if we can get them to extend the same courtesy to us. Fire at will." In the ensuing spray of weapons fire, one of the Jem'Hadar ships exploded. The remaining two veered off and repositioned themselves. "Now!" Sisko ordered. Worf lowered the shields. A moment later, Eddington's voice came over the comm. "We have them, Sir." "Raise shields!" They braced themselves for a fresh attack. Instead, the two fighters turned and sped away. Sisko watched the retreating Jem'Hadar, puzzled. He rose and tapped his comm badge. "Security, meet me in the transporter room." "What about the runabout?" Kira asked. He paused. "Lock a tractor beam onto it. We'll tow it back to DS9. No need to leave it for the Dominion." With that, he exited the bridge. Moments later, he entered the transporter room, accompanied by Starfleet security. Malada spoke at once. "I assume this means you found Dax." Sisko glared at her. "You have a *lot* of explaining to do." His eyes traveled from her to Garak; then he addressed the security chief. "Put them both in the brig, Odo. We'll sort this out back on the station." The Changeling nodded. "It'll be a pleasure." As they started past, Sisko touched his arm. "It's good to have you back in one piece, Odo. We were worried about you." "Thank you, Captain. It's good to be back." (end Part Five) simhomer@buffnet.net (Lynda Simhomer)