Deep Space Nine was in range when Garak met with Goral one last time. Their last lunch together had been pleasant, and while the tailor had not divulged anything critical to the young officer, ducking his questions as was his particular skill, Garak had felt compelled to see him one last time and wish him good luck in his shared endeavors with Gul Dukat to fight back against the Klingon Empire.

Suk met him at the airlock once they had docked. Bashir was already hurrying along, impatient to step upon familiar ground, home, as it were, yet Garak paid no heed to him or his own eagerness to leave this ship. He watched Goral affectionately for a moment and then said, "While I've never approved of Gul Dukat's ploys in anything, I truly bid you luck in your travels."

Goral beamed slightly. "Thank you, Sir Garak. That pleases me to hear. If we return to Deep Space Nine, I will be certain to visit you. Pavs Gen," he smiled, raising his palm. Garak hesitated, then pressed his own against Goral's.

"Pavs Gen," he nodded, a bit uncomfortable with the warm farewell. He smiled more steadily when they parted. Garak turned, and headed out of the ship.

A barrier of sensations hit him with full force. Smells, visions, even the feel of the floor beneath his feet. He hadn't realized just how much he had missed this Gul-forsaken station. But by the Great Gul did he feel at home. In front of him, a small congregation of people were waiting for them, and already chatting animately with Julian. He joined them, pausing beside Bashir almost protectively.

"... so you see Captain, we really need to go back there. Children, sir - I don't care that the Prime Directive is in effect for this, I can't let children be used like this. Like we were."

Garak sighed inwardly. First thing Bashir had said. Not 'hello', not 'it's so good to be back' ... no, 'we have to go back and save those kids'. Wasn't this the kind of mentality that had gotten them in trouble the first time?

Sisko was regarding him seriously. Evidently, he didn't care much to be hit with this first thing in retrieving two DS9 citizens. After a moment, he said, "I'll expect a detailed report, from both of you," he added to Garak, who smiled casually and nodded. "Then we'll decide if I want you to go back in the mouth of the tiger." He glanced at Garak. "Regardess, it's good to have you back. Both of you."

Beside him, Kira looked as though Garak would have been better left there, while Dax smiled aggreeably.

"Thank you Captain," Bashir murmured, then with a slight look to Garak, he added, "Now if you don't mind, I think I'll retire to my quarters and have a long, hot shower." He smiled, then left the group. Garak peered at them curiously. They were looking at him with quite another expression now. Sisko advanced on him and pulled him aside. "Mister Garak," he said pleasantly, "If I suspect anywhere in reading these reports you and Doctor Bashir will submit to me that you had anything to do with this - I don't care how, some vengeful enemy of yours, or some ploy to gather more information to Cardassia, I won't be a very pleasant man to be around with. Are we understood?"

Garak never lost his cheer. "Of course Captain - I would never dream of letting one pass under you so quickly, as the Human expression goes, I believe." He glanced at the others. "Now if you'll excuse me, Doctor Bashir's suggestion sounds so very inviting, and I think I might adjourn to my quarters as well. Excuse me."

End for now