CAPTAIN'S LOG: STARDATE 9802.10

We have arrived ar Space Station Deep Space Nine without incident, or any further complications from the Dominion Forces. Captain Benjamin Sisko has welcomed my crew and I back from our mission in the Gamma Quadrant and has given me some disturbing news concerning the Federation's relations with the Dominion.

We are at war.

The SAREK will remained docked at Deep Space Nine for the next standard week, its officers briefed and debriefed by Captain Sisko, Major Kira and Lt. Commander Worf.

END LOG.

_________________
 

" . . . To that end Admiral Greene wants that SAREK to report to Earth and receive its assignment from there. There is a full-fledged war going on at the moment and we can't afford the loss of our only diplomatic ship," Sisko finished.

Captain T'Leia Karia gazed at the reports before her and her senior officers.

"Captain, had not the Federation already tried to make peace with the Dominion before now?" the Vulcan asked.

Sisko sighed deeply and got up to pace.

"Yes, we've tried. Lord knows how we've tried, Captain Karia. But the Dominion wants nothing short of the Federation's unconditional surrender and to become the ruling  force of all our member worlds," he answered.

"Then I fail to see the logic behind the SAREK's assignment," T'Leia said.

"Tell that to Admiral Greene," Sisko muttered to himself.

T'Leia raised her eyebrow just as the door to the conference room opened and . . . a Vorta and 2 Jem'Hadar soldiers came through it, followed by Dax and Chief O'Brien. Sisko glared at the Vorta and then looked at Dax.

"Sorry, Benjamin, but he wouldn't wait to see you," she explained.

"We'll talk about this later, old man. What do you want, Weyoun?" Sisko asked, none too friendly. He almost glared at the Vorta, and Weyoun raised his hands as though Sisko's tone and words wounded him.

"Now, Captain, is that any way to talk to a Dominion diplomat?"

O'Brien snorted from behind mustering, "If you're a diplomat, I'm a Founder."

"That's enough, Chief. Dax, you and the Chief return to OPS immediately," Sisko said, a growl in his voice.

"Yes, sir. Sorry, sir," O'Brien apologized.

He and Dax left and Sisko resumed his seat at the head of the table. The SAREK's officers and Captain studied the Vorta carefully. Weyoun spread his hands in a gesture all too familiar to Kira and bowed in Dantar's direction.

"Founder, we're honored by your presence," he said.

"Weyoun, if we can get on with whatever it is you want, we're rather busy," Sisko said.

The Vorta snapped out of his adoration and turned to Sisko with a smile. "Of course, Captain Sisko. The Founders have sent me with their authority to reopen negotiations with the Federation in hopes we can end this unnecessary bloodshed and bring peace between the Federation and the Dominion," the Vorta said.

"As far as I'm concerned, Weyoun, the Founders can just all go to hell because the Federation's not going to become your slaves or the doormat you wipe your feet on," Sisko replied in a low voice.

"The Founders don't have feet. Is that how Starfleet feels about it, Captain, or is that just a personal reference as to where the Founders may go?" Weyoun asked, his voice bordering on sarcasm.

Sisko was about to reply when T'Leia stood to her feet. "Gentlemen, this is neither profitable for either side, nor is it logical."

"Finally, someone from Starfleet with a cool head on her shoulders. My name is Weyoun, the Vorta Ambassador representing the Founders," he said walking around to face Karia.

"I am Captain T'Leia Karia of the Federation starship SAREK," T'Leia replied.

"Ah, yes, the starship that just returned from a five month mission in the Gamma Quadrant. I hope you and your crew weren't too harassed by the Jem'Hadar during your mission, Captain, they tend to be a little bru-"

"Weyoun, if you'll please just deliver your message," Sisko said, impatiently.

"I'm here because the Founders wish to call for a cease-fire effective immediately. Assuming, of course, you'll consider sitting down at the conference table with us in the first place. Will you?"

All eyes were glued onto Captain Sisko . . .

________________________
 

On the SAREK, T'Leia stood outside the holodeck's doors, adding last minute specifications to the program. She had been working on this particular program since before she accepted command of the SAREK.

"Program complete. You may enter when ready," the computer informed her.

The doors opened and T'Leia stepping in, onto the "soil" of her native world. In the room's foreground, a silhouetted figure stood against the setting sun of Vulcan. The figure wore a hood, and indeed, T'Leia wore her native dress. She walked at a calm pace toward the figure. He turned upon hearing her approach . . .

T'Leia raised her hand in the traditional Vulcan greeting. "Peace and long life to you, Sarek of Vulcan," she said in her native tongue.

The simulation of Ambassador Sarek of Vulcan raised his hand in order to return the greeting, "Live long and prosper, T'Leia Karia," he replied.

He turned again to face the sunset and T'Leia turned with him. She had programmed this simulation with every piece of information available on the Vulcan ambassador, from logic to his negotiating style, and had just updated his "knowledge" concerning the Dominion and the war. She had come here to seek his advice in how to deal with this war. But before she could speak, her communicator beeped. She had programmed it to appear as a native-style Vulcan communicator.

"Excuse me, please, Ambassador," she said and he nodded. She walked a few paces away from him and opened the communicator. "Karia, here."

"This is Lieutenant. Fanar on the bridge. Captain. Lieutenant OraOwl, Ensign Travis, and Ten Forward Hostess Xander Shinobi's transport has docked at DS9."

"Acknowledged, Counselor. Could you ask Commander Nadira to join us. And. Lieutenant, I want you present as well," T'Leia said.

"Aye, sir."

"I will meet you in 10 minutes in my ready room. Karia, out." She turned to Sarek again. "Forgive me, Ambassador, duty calls. Live long and prosper."

"Of course. Live long and prosper, T'Leia Karia."

"Computer, save and discontinue program."

Vulcan vanished. T'Leia left without looking back.

_______________
 

As Katianna walked around Deep Space Nine once more, she found herself smiling. Though her last visit she had caused quite a ruckus, she had made amends . . . But it didn't mean she couldn't have a little fun. So once again, she found herself at Quark's. The meeting she had attended where Weyoun had decided to appear had not affected her in the slightest. It hadn't been the highlight of her day, but her spirits were still quite jovial.

She walked into Quark's, this time in her Starfleet uniform. As always, her flame colored hair was in a dazzling bun with gold chains laced throughout. As she glanced around the room, she didn't see who she was looking for. Then, she saw Quark and walked right to the bar.

"One Talashian Sparkler," she ordered, as she took a seat.

Instantly, Quark stopped taking inventory of his shelves. He knew that voice. As he turned around to see his unwanted visitor, a look of disdain crossed his face. "Oh-no . . . Not you. Aren't you tired of coming here yet?"

"Now why would that happen," she replied, trying to stifle a smile, "Since I always have such a good time at your establishment."

"Oh-brother . . ." Quark replied, fixing her drink. "You just come here to make my life miserable, don't you?"

"Not really," she replied honestly, taking a sip of her drink. Suddenly, a devilish gleam entered her eyes. "But that can  be arranged, if you'd like."

"Isn't there anyone else on this station for you to torture?' he asked, annoyed.

"No one as fun as you," she replied, beaming with laughter. "Quark! Lighten up! I promise I won't do anything to you this visit!"

"Yeah, right . . ." he replied with disbelief.

"Besides," she continued, slyly, "I'm waiting for someone."

"Oh-really," Quark replied with sudden interest.

"As a matter of fact, I see him now," she said taking another sip of her drink and staring toward the entryway.

In moments, Julian Bashir entered. As his blue gaze met Katianna's green, they exchanged smiles. He swiftly made his way to the bar and took a seat next to Kat.

"Sorry I'm a bit late . . . Hazard of being a doctor," he explained, before turning to Quark. "I'll have a Raktajino."

"So what shall we do this time?" she asked with a hint of mischief in her eyes.

"Well . . . how long will you be staying this time?"

"An entire week," she purred.

"Then we have some time . . ."

Slowly, they drew closer to one another, their lips almost touching.

"Really now, doctor," Quark interrupted, "Do you have any idea what you're getting yourself into?"

Tenderly, he caressed Katianna's soft cheek, as their gaze stayed locked. "Oh-yes," he replied, "I know exactly what I'm getting myself into.

In less than a second, they kissed . . . Quark, the bar and the universe forgotten. As they finally parted, Katianna giggled like a young, school girl. He smiled.

"Let's say, we get some dinner," Julian suggested, "Perhaps a little dancing and then we could see from there."

"Sounds great," she replied, "But where should we go?"

"What are you in the mood for?" he asked.

She thought for a moment and then allowed her uniform to melt away and reform into a beautiful, floor length, black covered with lace. The sleeves her long. There was a sweetheart neckline and a slit up the right side, revealing her shapely leg. "Let's make it the most incredibly romantic night we can," she replied.

"You are definitely on, but I'm a little under-dressed. I could meet you in half an hour on the upper level of the Promenade . . . at our spot."

"All right," she replied, taking another sip of her drink. "I'll be there."
 

__________________
 

Time flew by as Julian met Kat wearing his tux.

"You're not under-dressed anymore," she smiled.

"Well . . . I thought, perhaps, after dinner we might want to go to the holosuites. I have the most incredible program of a 20th century Las Vegas night club."

"Now that sounds like fun!"

Dinner passed with pleasant conversation, catching up on the time they had missed together. After that, they headed back to Quark's. As Julian initiated the program, he gazed adoringly at Katianna. She was such a stunning creature, he thought.

"You are going to love this. The entertainer is Vic Fontaine and he's quite a character."

As the door slid open, the dim atmosphere of the night club took over Katianna's senses. She could see people sitting at tables and on the stage was a handsome, gray haired gentleman singing a number from Earth 1950's, she thought. As he finished his number, the lights came up. In no time, he had spotted Julian and came right over.

"Hey! How's it goin'? It's good to see you."

"You too, Vic," Julian replied, as they shook hands.

"And who is this lovely lady? The only other women you've brought her so far were Lt. Dax and Major Kira . . ."

"This is Katianna Nadira . . ."

"Do you work aboard the station?" Vic asked, without hesitation.

this immediately got Kat's attention. "No . . . I'm the Executive Officer aboard the USS Sarek . . . How do you know about the station?"

"He's not your typical hologram," Julian replied.

"That's right," Vic replied, "Are you kids here for the show?"

"Of course," Julian replied with a smile.

"Then let me show you to the best table in the house . . ."

Vic lead them to a table right in front of the stage and pulled out Katianna's chair. She sat down and gazed around the club. It was unlike anything she'd ever seen before.

"You mind if I steal Julian for a minute?"

"Not at all," she replied, still absorbed with her surroundings.

Vic walked away with Julian by his side. "So what's the deal between you two? You're more than friends, but less than love birds . . ."

"As always, you've hit it right on," Julian replied with a smile.

"And are you happy with this arrangement?" Vic asked.

For a moment, Julian was silent as he gazed at Katianna's form, sitting so still at the table. "She's unlike anyone I've ever known."

"She is a beauty . . ." he replied, getting a gleam in his eyes. "Go sit back down and enjoy yourself. It's time for me to start the next set."

Julian swiftly joined Katianna at the table as Vic took the stage. He sang a few more songs and then approached their table.

"Miss . . . would you care to sing a song?"

Katianna's eyes grew wide with surprise. "Me . . . ? And just what should I sing?"

Suddenly, the band began to play the intro to the song Fever - a popular Earth song in this time period . . . A song she knew quite well. But before she took the stage, she altered her appearance for flair. The lace dress became black satin. The length remained the same, but the sleeves shortened and long, black gloves appeared on her hands, stopping at her elbows.

"Wow, just like Odo . . ." Vic replied, with awe.

"Not quite," she replied mischievously, taking the mike from him. Almost instantly, she began to sing, and he movements became sensuous and sexy to match the feel of the song. Both Vic and Julian stared at her with their mouths open wide.

"She's right . . ." Vic stated, "She's nothing like Odo."

As the song came to an end, she was back at their table, playfully sitting down on Julian's lap and undoing his tie.

"What a . . . lovely way . . . to . . . burn . . ."
The crowd applauded with zeal as she stared into Julian's piercing blue eyes. She could feel what was going through his mind and she enjoyed it. She sensuously leaned closer and kissed him. The crowd went wild. Vic took the mike back, before Kat dropped it. It was obvious that Julian and Katianna were quite involved with each other and everything around them had faded away. Again, Vic took the stage.

"It's not unusual to be love by anyone . . ." he sang.

"Maybe we should go," Katianna said,  hesitating to leave Julian's embrace.

"Where?" he replied, hoarsely, as she kissed him again.

"What about your quarters?"

"Are you sure?" he asked.

She smiled and kissed him again. I'm sure," she replied.

_________________
 

CAPTAIN'S LOG: STARDATE 9802.11

Despite Captain Sisko's warning about Dominion Ambassador Weyoun, I have agreed to meet with him here aboard the Sarek at the request of Starfleet Commander Admiral Greene. Lieutenant Commander Koram Kale and Counselor K'Elash Fanar will be present at the meeting.

END LOG.

__________________
 

Weyoun was smug when he received Captain Karia's invitation to come on board her ship last that afternoon. He accepted as per his instructions from the Founders . . . and Damar.

He shuddered at his last thought. That little Cardassian was worse than Dukat had been, and Weyoun had quickly tired of him. His commline beeped and the Vorta picked up his link.

"Yes?" he asked tersely to the Jem'Hadar at the other end.

"First Ham"Mur"KhaKhan here, sir. We are receiving a transmission from the Gamma Quadrant."

"Can Sisko's people detect it?" Weyoun asked.

"No, sir, it's on a secured frequency of the Founders. Shall I patch it through?"

"Yes."

Weyoun activated his small viewscreen and bowed as the image of the female Changeling appeared on it.

"How may I serve the Founders today?"

_____________
 

Lieutenant Commander Koram Kale hurried along the corridor, nearly late for the meeting. He and Major Kira Nerys had been praying together in the Shrine and time had gotten away from him. THe fact was that he was a rather distracted by the brief, but intense vision he had experienced there. A cup had floated before him, filled with scintillant, orange-colored liquid. Tranya, Koram had realized; one of his favorites. But, he had also perceived that this cup held danger for him, and opportunity.

He'd shared the experience with Nerys, she'd been as puzzled as he. "But," she had said, "Give it time, and stay alert. If it is from the Prophets the truth will reveal itself in its own time."

Koram had agreed, excused himself, and transported back to the SAREK, courting tardiness. Just as it was approaching the top of the hour, he came within sight of the door to the Conference Room. He was going to make it! Then, from a side-corridor, the Vorta Weyoun and his Jem'Hadar escort appeared to intercept him.

"Commander Koram," Weyoun cocked his head and made a slight bow. The smile that wreathed his face implied that there was no one in the galaxy he would rather encounter. "How nice to see you!"

"Ambassador," Koram nodded in return. "Shall we go in?"

"In just a moment. I was wondering if you were conversant with the current diplomatic situation?"

"I think so," Koram glanced at each Jem'Hadar, then back to Weyoun. "But I can't pretend to know everything about anything."

"An enlightened viewpoint. I was referring to Bajor's status as an ally of the Dominion, of course."

"The situation is a little more complicated than that --"

"Yes, indubitably. But that's quite natural. It takes a little while for prospective friends to get to know each other."

"I suppose it does."

"So, what are your plans, Commander? Do you find a Starfleet commission inconsistent with the political stance of your native world?"

"I'm told I have a choice in that."

"And have you made a choice?" the Vorta asked more anxiously than he seemed to.

"No, no as yet. Keeping my options open."

"Ah. I see. Very wise, I'm sure."

"Shall we go in now?" Koram suggested, starting for the door.

"Yes," said Weyoun, reaching up to wrap one companionable arm around Kale's shoulders. "Let's."

_______________
 

Captain Karia and Counselor Fanar were waiting inside. "Would you like something to refresh yourself?" Karia asked, her hand hovering near the replicator control.

"No, thank you, Captain," Weyoun replied. "But I am most grateful for your hospitality."

"We are a diplomatic ship," returned Karia. "Please be seated."

Koram used the opportunity to slip out from under the Vorta's comradely grip and take his own place beside Counselor Fanar. He noted her slightly elevated breathing rate, half-clenched fist, ramrod posture. She was tense. He wondered if Weyoun picked up in that as well. Probably the Jem'Hadar did. as they moved to flank his chair.

"Welcome to the SAREK," Karia formally stated. "You indicated that the Founders wanted to relay a message to Starfleet Command, and, I would imagine, The Federation Council."

"Yes, and I thought who better to carry that message than those dedicated to the peaceful resolution of conflicts."

"So, is it peace the Founders want?" Karia asked.

"It is, indeed."

"But that is hardly consistent with the actions of Dominion Forces in the Alpha Quadrant," the Vulcan pointed out.

Weyoun smiled, but abashedly. "Yes. Well, about that. In all honesty, the Founders in their . . . zeal to protect our territorial integrity, thought  the most expedient method - once the Federation proved uncooperative to negotiation - would be a quick, and relatively painless coup."

"Painless?!" Fanar inquired sharply.

"As much so as we could make it," Weyoun sailed on. "And, of course, once our interests were protected, we would relax our grip and life in the Alpha Quadrant would go on very much as usual."

"But it was a little more difficult than you anticipated?" Fanar suggested, with relish.

"True," Weyoun sighed. "The Federation and the Klingons have put up a most spirited, if ill-advised, resistance. And with the mysterious disappearance of our relief Armada in the wormhole -"

Koram had trouble stifling a smile at that.

"- our advantage is less overwhelming. While, of course, we would eventually triumph, the cost in lives and resources would be lamentable."

"Do you propose, then, a withdrawal?" Karia asked.

"Not precisely, no. This is subject to further conversations, of course, but I believe the Dominion would be willing to limit themselves to the Bajoran system, including access to the Wormhole, to the outer perimeter of Federation space. The galaxy is quite large, after all, and Dominion colonization could extend in that direction, with no further animosity between us."

"This is the message you wish us to carry to the Federation council?" Karia clarified.

Weyoun smiled, nodded, handed her a PADD. "You'll find the specifics here. This is, again. subject to negotiations. Perhaps an exchange-arrangement can even be worked out; mutual exploration, that sort of thing. What do you think?"

"We are due to leave for Earth in a few days," Karia noted. "We will relay your communiqué."

"Are you sure it's colonization you're interested in?" Counselor Fanar inquired. "We recently spent some time in the Dreadian Empire. Was that colonization you were doing there?"

"Oh, yes, the Dreadians," Weyoun sighed. "I'm told they have grown . . . recalcitrant, of late." He smiled at the three. "It sounds as if you do good work." He then focused on each in turn; "Captain, Commander, Counselor . . . for some reason you remind me of Captain Sisko." With a little shrug, he rose and left, the Jem'Hadar in his wake.

"Good!" breathed Fanar as the door slid shut.

Karia turned toward Koram. "Commander, did the Vorta approach you privately at any time?"

Kale nodded. "As we suspected, Captain. He made some overtures to suborn me. I gave no definitive answer, but implied I hadn't made a decision."

"You are still planning to spend some time on Bajor?"

"Yes. I'll check in with the Kai, see some family, maybe ask a few questions."

"Very good. You may proceed with your plan," said Karia. "But, I think, you should not travel alone."

_________________
 

The night drifted away as Kat and Julian snuggled together in his bed, their passion having died down to embers. She could hear the rhythmic pounding of his heart as she rested her head against his chest. Their hands still locked together, as if refusing to separate.

"I think I could stay like this for a century or two," Kat giggled.

"Well . . . I wouldn't mind," he replied, before becoming quiet. "So where do we go from here?"

She raised herself onto an elbow to look into his eyes. "I don't know . . ." she replied seriously. "Do you want it to go anywhere from here?"

Tenderly, he kissed her hand and caressed her cheek. "I do . . ." he replied.

Just as they drew close once more, Katianna's comm. badge chirped.

"Commander Nadira, this is Captain Karia. Report back to the Sarek at once."

Kat agilely rolled over and grabbed her badge on the night stand and tapped it.

"Commander Nadira here, Captain. I'm on my way."

As she sat up, she leaned over and tenderly kissed Julian good-bye, as he gently caressed her cheek. She would be back . . . but she didn't want to leave. She wanted to stay with him . . .

"We'll talk about this later," she whispered, "I promise."

Quickly, she shifted into her uniform and added her comm. badge. She gazed at him once more and left.

_____________________
 

Katianna had beamed to the surface of Bajor with Koram. She had been signed to be a body guard of sorts, and had chosen the shape of a reddish gold feline, so as not to be terribly obvious. His first order of business was to see Kai Winn. Kat understood why, but this was not a stop she looked forward to, but she would try to be on her best behavior.

Koram presented himself to the Kai's secretary, holding a large, covered platter in his hand as Kat stalked along beside him.

"Vedek Koram?" the secretary smiled up at him. "How nice to see you again. The Kai is expecting you."

"Thank you," Kale smiled back, "It's nice to be remembered."

He followed the man's gesture to the Kai's study door, knocked and entered, the cat still trailing him.

"Vedek," Winn greeted him with low-intensity delight, rising from her desk. "Welcome home."

"Thank you, Your Worship."

"What is it that you have there?"

"This," Koram place the tray on Winn's desk and opened it with a flourish, "Is a Kai Winn Soufflé. I'm told Quark invented it just after we established peace accords with Cardassia. The Haligian tongue sauce is there on the side, in case you'd rather have your soufflé without it."

"That's very considerate of you. But I was referring to your . . . companion."

"Oh!" Koram smiled disarmingly. "This is my watch-cat."

If you only knew, Kai, Kat snickered to herself.

Winn, noting that he was laying out three plates, though only two spoons, on her desk asked, "Your watch-cat will be joining us then?"

"Certainly," Koram replied, motioning the creature up onto the desk, and putting a plate down for her. "She loves tongue sauce."

"Kale, Kale," Winn sighed, bittersweetly. "You've always tended toward the unconventional."

"We are who the prophets lead us to be," Koram remarked and pushed a piece of un- tongued chocolate soufflé over to her.

As they sat, she commented, "I notice that you've come in uniform. Does this mean you're not going to remain with us for long?"

"I try to stay open to the word of the Prophets. But when I can't hear them I just do the best I can."

"Perhaps you should listen more closely," she smiled.

"Perhaps . . ." He took a bite. "I had heard that the Dominion had sent people to . . . help us, in our current struggles. How is that working out?"

She blinked at the change in subjects. "Well enough, I suppose. Their technology has been of assistance in cleansing and re-aerating farmland. Their manufacturing techniques have made our factories more productive. They have provided a new market for some of our exports. Is that what you mean?"

"Partially . . . Has there been any trouble between our people and the Jem 'Hadar?"

"Are you asking as a concerned Bajoran," she questioned, "Or as a Starfleet officer?"

"As both," he avowed. "Winn, you and I have both been through the Occupation. We know what it is to have another race try to enslave you. I want to make sure that doesn't happen again."

Winn hesitated, then put a spoonful of soufflé back down. "There have been incidents," she admitted. "For the most part, simple misunderstandings. Our people are perhaps, over- sensitive to the concerns of which you've spoken. The Jem 'Hadar who guard the advisors are inclined to be . . . short of patience. It has taken some judicious mediation to allow us to work together."

"I see," Koram replied thoughtfully.

"The fact is, we could use your talents back here on Bajor at a time like this. Your skills as an arbitrator would be most helpful."

Oh-good grief . . . is she milking it, Kat thought, as she stretched out on the desk, staring at the Kai, her bright green eyes fixed on the woman. Kat did not like or trust her.

Koram paused. "Are you rescinding your blessing for my work in Starfleet?" he asked.

"Oh no, I would never do that," she replied, exchanging a glance with the feline and then taking a bite of her dessert, masticating daintily, then added, "I think it should be your decision to remain and help your people."

Koram took a breath. Then Kat, having finally lapped up the last of her sauce, meowed quietly, but assertively. Koram smiling, pushed the remains of his soufflé over to her. She affectionately nuzzled his hand and purred, as the Kai raised an inquisitive brow, not saying a word.

"I will meditate on it," he said, "and pray. I will listen for the Prophets' word."

"Then I am sure you will hear it," Winn smiled radiantly. "Have you visited with your family yet?"

"No. I thought I'd pay my respects here first, then call and work something out with Rosh. I'd planned to see Mynar and her family tomorrow."

"How nice. Perhaps my secretary can help with arrangements. That way we could talk a little more."

"That will be pleasant," Koram replied diplomatically.

Swiftly, Katianna jumped to the window ledge and laid down to sun herself. This was going to be a long day.

_______________________
 

There had been some changes since the last time Koram had visited Byre's Place. For one thing, the disrupter burns on the wall had been covered over with new paneling. The patrons, on average, were better dressed. And, for the first time since Koram had left the Temple complex, not a Jem 'Hadar was in sight.

Even as he strolled in, Katianna stalked beside him in cat form, he heard his name called.

"Rosh!" he shouted in return, and moved over to embrace his brother.

But something was wrong. Kat sensed Rosh was being deceptive in some way.

"Sit down, sit down," the younger man invited, motioning to a table. "I had Byre set up some Tranya for us. Some of your friends from the resistance cell will be joining us later, too!"

"The Monastery Brats?" Koram smiled.

"The very same. They'll want to talk over old times, of course. But before they come, you can tell me about . . . Adventures in Space!"

"What I want to hear about are the things that have been happening around here," Koram countered. "How's the family? Is your business working out?"

"I'll trade you, one for one," Rosh smiled. "But first: a toast! To . . . different paths."

Kat saw Koram reach for the mug, but something happened. He was concerned about it, yet he continued to raise it to his lips. He didn't want to drink, she realized. He suspected something and she didn't want to find out what. She needed to cause a distraction. Perhaps Koram could figure something out if she did. Suddenly, she spotted a couple sharing a tray of hasperat. Maybe, if she played her cards right, she'd cause a distraction and get a snack! Swiftly, she leaped atop the dinner table of Koram's culinary neighbors and sent a laden tray of hasperat flying. The tray made a terrible clatter as it hit the floor. Kale gratefully used the distraction to dump his drugged potable into a potted flower-gorse plant.

"What is that, a Klingon cat?" Rosh demanded.

"No, but she seems to like Klingons. Then, to the people at the next table, "I'm sorry, folks. My friend gets . . . excitable sometimes. I'll pay for your dinner."

Rosh resumed his seat, chuckling. "Your friend just got herself a tray of hasperat," he pointed out, as Kat enjoyed her treat.

"She often seems to get what she wants," Kale smiled back ruefully.

In the following interview, Rosh seemed determined to listen more than he spoke, encouraging Kale to talk about his life on the SAREK, his fellow officers, his recent experiences . . . Koram obliged, up to a point. He shared freely of non-classified material, progressively blinking his eyes, acting groggy, slowing and slurring his speech as if he had been drugged. Good rouse, Katianna thought, keeping a watchful eye.

After awhile, Rosh looked at kale closely. "You must be tired. Here, let me take you someplace where you can rest."

Koram let the other man help him up. As he was maneuvered towards the door, Byre, the owner, called from across the room, "Rosh! I was hoping to catch up with Kale myself! Where are you taking him?!"

"I'll bring him back after he's dried out some. The man's trying to drink his way past a hard week."

Accompanied by good natured jibes and laughter, the two Bajorans, and the cat, made their way out into the street.

Rosh pulled Koram along past a couple of doors, then turned down a narrow alleyway between aphotic stone buildings. At the end of the alley a loading door had been left open. As they approached, figures moved in the shadows. Abruptly, Rosh whirled, grabbed Kat, and dumped her into what appeared to be a garbage bin.

What the - she thought, as her feet hit the bottom of the bin.

As he reached for the bin's lid, she began to change shape and a single flea leapt from her hide, out over the edge. As the bin was slammed shut, a forcefield mechanism, hidden within it, activated, trapping the Tanzaran inside.

Koram had allowed himself to slip to the ground, but had palmed his hand phaser.

He feigned incapacity as he slurred out, "Rosh! Wha-what's going on?"

The thing that had appeared to be his brother grinned, the shimmered and changed forms.

"Y-you're a Founder!" Koram accused.

The creature nodded. "Quite correct." He signaled and pair of new breed Jem 'Hadar Warriors trudged out. "You, your brother, and Commander Nadira will be our guests for some time to come."

"You knew about . . . Nadira?"

"Yes, we heard you were traveling with a feline; her favored form, I believe. We did not have much time to prepare, but enough, it seems."

"But you forgot about Dantar," said an enormous spiked simian from behind the group.

While the Founder and Jem 'Hadar had been focused on Koram, the flea from the cat's fur had changed shapes, and now was employed in wrenching the lid from the top of the trash bin/ confinement unit - magnetic seals not withstanding.

A roar sounded from within the bin, and Nadira, now a Capellan Power Cat, exploded out of her erstwhile prison. The Jem 'Hadar were just raising their weapons when Koram shot them down with a wide-angled phaser blast. The Founder began shifting to an avian form to try and fly for an escape, but Dantar downed him by whipping the lid of the metal bin at him, and then Katianna was on him. It was over in seconds.

"Good work," Kat finally approved as she and Dantar altered themselves back to humanoid configuration. "Koram, search the area. Dantar, cover us." As Kale slipped into the loading door to look around, the Tanzaran activated her comm. badge. "Nadira to Sarek."

"Karia here. What have you to report?"

"Dominion Forces on Bajor are not what you'd call friendly. They just tried to ambush Lt. Comdr.. Koram and myself. A Changeling was disguised as Koram's brother."

"I just found Rosh," Koram cut in on his own comm. badge from inside the building.

"Is he well?" the Captain inquired.

"Drugged, but I think he'll be okay. Fortunately they didn't get much time to set up their trap."

"Dantar," Nadira directed, "Give Mr. Koram a hand." Then back to her badge, she continued, "The only ones who knew where we were going and could have prepared so quickly to attempt our capture were Kai Winn and her secretary.

"We will investigate those leads," Karia answered, "Is there anything else?"

"The conversation so far that Commander Koram has had with Kai Winn, indicates that the fit between Bajor and the Dominion is not exactly comfortable. He can tell you at greater length when we return."

"Good. Have you taken any prisoners for interrogation?"

Katianna looked at the puddle that had been the Founder and the phaser-blasted Jem 'Hadar corpses. "No, sir," she said, "No prisoners. Their ambush didn't give us a lot of time for discretion and delicacy. In fact, we would have had a lot of trouble if we hadn't planned ahead for this contingency. They had expected me, but didn't anticipate Dantar coming along as a hitchhiker.

"We out maneuvered them," Karia agreed, "This time. Please bring your Away Team - and Mr. Koram's brother - back to the Sarek. I believe we have uncovered part of what the Dominion is doing here, but not the entire affair."

Katianna sighed, "I'm afraid you might be right."

___________________
 

Back on Deep Space Nine, Kat sat in a quiet corner of Quark's bar alone, sipping at a drink. She was in her uniform, but her usual sparkle was gone. Quark kept staring at her. Somehow he had gotten use to her outgoing personality, even if she had been a pain like that . . . and in an odd way, he wished her was like that at the moment. Instead, she was quiet and depressed, like the weight of the universe was on her. Fixing her another Gambian Rocker, he brought it to her.

"Here's another drink . . . on the house."

She cocked an eye-brow. "Isn't that a little out of character for you?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "I guess I'm having a bad day," he smiled.

She forced a smile in return. "Thank you . . ."

Suddenly, Julian entered. Quark saw him as Kat stared into her drink, her mind elsewhere. Quark approached him.

"Uh, Doc . . . she doesn't seem to be herself at the moment."

Julian looked at her with concern. "Something must have happened on her mission to Bajor . . ." He went to her and took a seat. Slowly, she looked up at him and forced a smile. "Hello, Julian . . ."

Tenderly, he took her hand in his. "What is it?" he asked with worry, "What happened?"

"It's going to sound so stupid and egotistical . . ."

"What?"

She let out a sigh as her green eyes alluded to troubled storms stirring behind them. "I'm so use to having the upper hand in almost every situation . . . but . . . For the first time in . . . I can't even remember how long . . . I was vulnerable . . . I was thrown into a trash receptacle, and a forcefield kept me inside . . . If Dantar hadn't been with me . . . Well, Koram and I would now be prisoners of the Dominion."

"But everything worked out, Katianna . . . You planned for that scenario . . ."

"I know," she replied, "It's just that I hadn't felt that helpless in a very long time . . ."

Gently he moved closer to her and embraced her. "It's all right . . . No one is invincible, Kat . . . No one . . ."

She rested her head on his shoulder. "I know . . . but having the abilities of a Tanzaran, very few people can get the upper hand with me . . . When it does happen . . . Well it's a bit . . . traumatic . . ."

"Is there anything I can do to help you?" he asked, caressing her hair and back tenderly, truly feeling her pain.

"Just keep holding me . . . don't let me go . . ."

Lovingly, he kissed the top of her head. "I wouldn't let you go for anything in the universe, Katianna . . . Not anything . . ."