CAPTAIN'S LOG: STARDATE 9706.10

As part of a good will tour to the Federation's new allies of the Dreadian Empire of the Gamma Quadrant, the SAREK has been assigned extended duty with in this quadrant of the galaxy for the next three months. We will also be carrying several Federation ambassadors, and returning Ambassador Mira Solomin to her home on the homeworld of the Dreadian Empire, Dreadius.

We are presently docked at Space Station Deep Space Nine, as the ship is undergoing maintenance, and weapon upgrades are being installed before we depart for the Gamma Quadrant. We are scheduled to depart at 17:00 hours three days hence.

END LOG

_____________________
 

Miles Edward O'Brien sighed for the hundredth time that day as  the SAREK's computer yet again rejected his commands.  Beside him, Ensign Saba Nur, the SAREK's Chief Engineer chuckled.

"How do you work with this computer? Its about as frustrating as the stations' computer use to be," he said.

"I don't know. I've just gotten use to it, that's all. Besides, it helps when you've got clearance on board the SAREK," Saba Nur explained.

"Well, it also helps when you don't have a Vulcan design the blasted thing!" O'Brien replied back.

"Problems, Chief?"

Captain Benjamin Sisko stepped into the airlock where the SAREK had been docked the last 2 days. Beside him was Captain T'Leia Karia, who stood composed as thought she had not heard the engineer's crack about the Vulcan designer.

"It's just that this computer won't accept any of my commands, sir, without giving me a hassle about it," he replied.

"I can solve that problem, Mr. O'Brien. Computer, recognize voice pattern of Captain T'Leia Karia, Commanding Officer of the USS Sarek," the Vulcan woman said.

"Recognized," the computer chimed back.

"Computer, grant DS9's Chief Operations Officer, Miles O'Brien full engineering privileges. Confirm?" She said.

"Confirmed," it replied.

"There you go, Chief, I believe that solves your problem," Sisko said.

"Yes, sir, it does."

"Captain Sisko, if you'll excuse me, I must be returning to the SAREK. There are still several preparations to be made before our departure. Mr. Saba Nur, carrying on," the Vulcan said and opened the airlock to the SAREK.

_________________
 

" . . . and this is Deep Space Nine's Command Center, which we call Ops . . ."

It was Captain Sisko conducting a tour of the station to two of the ambassadors that had arrived on board the SAREK. Kira looked up as they neared her station.

" . . . This is my First Officer Major Kira -"

"Nerys!" Koram said, with instant recognition.

"Do you know each other, Commander Koram?" Sisko asked.

"Yes, Captain, we do. Before I joined Starfleet and before I was a vedek, I was in the Resistance on Bajor," Kale explained.

"You weren't just in the Resistance, you were the leader of one of the most courageous cells Bajor ever had," Kira replied.

Ambassador Solomin cleared her throat.

"Well, I'll leave you two to talk and I'll finish the tour with Ambassador Solomin. Excuse me," Sisko said with a smile.

"Its nice to see that the Emissary has not changed in these last few years," Koram said as Sisko joined Ambassador Solomin and continued walking.

"No, but you have, Kale. You look good in that uniform," Kira said.

"I'm beginning to understand the Prophet's call to me more and more as I move about Starfleet and the galaxy," Kale replied. He looked up toward Sisko's office. "Nerys, I need to catch up with the Emissary and Ambassador Solomin. But if it's at all possible, why don't we have dinner this evening on the Promenade. Say 18:00 hours for as they say on Earth "auld lang sine"?" Kale asked.

"I'd love to, Kale. See you this evening then," Kira replied.

He nodded, smiled, and left.

__________________
 

Katianna walked aimlessly around the Promenade wondering just how she should spend her three days of leave. Though she had heard much about Deep Space Nine, not much had really intrigued her about the place. Of course, meeting some of the inhabitance could prove to be interesting, she thought, as she spotted Quark's Bar.

As she took a look inside, she noticed it was fairly quiet. There weren't many customers around. It probably had to do with the rumors flying about the Dominion threat. Slowly, she observed the place for a moment, and finally spotted the proprietor of the bar - Quark, a Ferengi. A sly smile touched her face.

'This could be very interesting,' she thought to herself with a bit of mischief. She could use a drink anyway. Her throat was dry. Casually, she made her way to the bar.

Quark noticed the woman immediately. For a humanoid, she was quite attractive. She was tall and slim, had green eyes that sparkled like jewels. He was sure he'd never seen her before. She wore a pastel pink jump-suit, made of a satiny material. Over it, she wore an embroidered vest in cream and pinks with the pattern of roses. Her bright auburn hair was placed on top of her head in an intricate bun accentuated by delicate gold chains woven in. But what really got Quark's attention was what she wore around her neck. It was a gold choker with a single, but large, sparkling blue star sapphire encrusted in it. By the look on the woman's face, she knew she looked good.

As soon as Kat took a seat at the bar, Quark was there.

"So what can I get for you?" he asked, letting his gaze fall to the jewel for an instant.

She had him hooked, she thought. This was going to be quite amusing. "I'd like a Diparin Sunset," she replied sweetly.

With a nod, he left to fill her order. Now the fun could really start, she chuckled to herself. But what should she change first, she wondered. Within moments, she had her answer. She wanted to start small. Concentrating on the image of her choker, she melted it away. In its' place appeared a silver necklace touching the base of her throat, encrusted  with three emeralds. She even changed the gold chains in her hair to silver. Now let's see if he notices, she snickered. Of course he'd notice! He was a Ferengi!

After a minute more, he returned with her drink. "Here you go."

"Thank you," she replied, taking a sip. "Mmmm, this is very good."

As Quark looked at her, he did a double take. 'Wasn't the necklace gold . . .?' he thought. He'd never been wrong about things like that before. But there was always a first time for everything. But the blue star sapphire was so striking, that it stuck out in his mind. 'But how could she have changed it so fast?' he reasoned.

"Is something wrong? she asked, with a sly smile.

With a start, he looked into her green eyes. The jewels she wore now, set them off beautifully. "Uh . . . it's nothing. Is there anything else I can get for you?"

'Perhaps in a little while," she replied.

Taking one more look at Katianna, he walked away as another customer came into the bar. Kat took another sip of her drink. It was sweet and lifted her spirits further. Now her mind was on what to do next. Should she change the color of her jump-suit? The style of her clothes? Or maybe something more subtle, like her eye color, and perhaps adding a colorful streak to her hair . . . Again, she shifted her appearance ever so slightly. The brilliant green of her eyes melted into a striking aqua blue and to her auburn trusses, she added a bright pink streak starting from her right temple and mixing in with her intricate hair design. But then she decided on one more change. The jewelry . . . she couldn't resist another change. Instantly, the silver stands in her hair turned to strands of white pearls. The necklace again became a gold choker, but this time it was encrusted with matching pearls. She even added pearl earrings to her appearance. It was more than she had originally planned, but she loved this look.

As Quark finished up with his other customer, he saw the woman trying to get his attention. He went to her, with an uneasy feeling building within him.

"Can I help . . . you?" His voice trailed off, as he took in her appearance again. He knew he wasn't going crazy. She had changed her jewelry! But this time, she had changed much more. Her eyes were different, and her hair . . .

"Yes, you can help me. That Diparin Sparkler was great, but I think I could use something with a little more of a boost. How about a raktajino, creamy and extra sweet."

"Yeah . . . sure," he replied, as he walked away to fill the order.

As he thought about the changes to the woman's appearance, there was one inescapable fact. The only person he knew that had abilities like that were Odo, and he was a Changeling. Could this woman be a changeling as well? he wondered, and if she was, what was she doing aboard the station? Glancing her way once more, she caught his eye and smiled at him. Uneasily, he smiled back, unsure as to what to do. Maybe he should contact Odo, he thought. It could be a matter of the Station's security. Not that he cared about that, but having a Changeling in the bar would be bad for business in the current climate on DS9. Taking a deep breath, he took the drink to her, and casually went into the back room. He was going to take care of this matter.
 

____________________

Kat sipped the rather warm Klingon coffee. It was good, and would provide her with a boost to run her King Arthur program, since she had brought it with her, and wanted to use it in Quark's holosuites. Slowly, she pulled the program from the inside pocket of her vest and sighed with a smile. It was the best program she's ever had, and totally tapped her love of King Arthur. But suddenly, her thoughts were interrupted by a man standing next to her in a tan uniform. Gazing at his insignia, she instantly knew he was the Security Chief aboard the station.

"May I help you with something?" she asked.

"I am Security Chief Odo and I would like you to accompany me to Sick Bay for a few tests," he replied.

"Tests?" she asked, quizzically.

"Yes . . ." he replied, seemingly uncomfortable with the situation. "Apparently someone believes that you could possibly be a Changeling."

"Oh . . . I see," she answered, trying to hide her smile. "Of course, Constable, I'll go with you. But I assure you that I am not a Changeling."

"I wouldn't be surprised," he replied, giving Quark a harsh look.

As she left the bar with Odo, she took note that they were met at the entrance by two Bajoran security officers. It was a precaution, she knew, though not an effective one against a shape shifter of any sort.

"So, I guess I will get to meet Dr. Bashir," she smiled, trying to make pleasant conversation.

"Yes," Odo replied.

'He's not much of a conversationalist,' she thought. But before she could ask anything else, they were at Sick Bay, being met by Dr. Bashir. He looked very much like his picture in the Star Fleet database. Tall . . . thin . . . blue eyes, dark hair . . . cute smile.

"So, this must be our suspected Changeling," he said with a smile.

"Hello," she greeted, "It's nice to meet you."

"I take it that you have no objections to the blood test?" he asked.

"Why would I? I have nothing to hide," she replied with a sweet smile.

Swiftly, he was at her side drawing the blood. "What's your name?" he asked.

"Katianna. Katianna Nadira."

"Very pretty," he replied, as he watched the bright red blood pour into the tube. "And it would appear that you are certainly NOT a changeling."

"I didn't think she was," grumbled Odo.

"But where would he have gotten the idea that you were?" he asked.

Containing herself no longer, she started laughing lightly. "Well . . ." she began, "I'm Tanzaran."

"You are?" Julian replied with astonishment.

She nodded with a bright smile. "Yes . . . and I must admit that I was . . . well," she paused looking around at the faces before her, "I was messing around with him."

Julian instantly understood, and smiled. "Really?"

"I was bored and I just couldn't help myself," she explained.

"So am I to understand that you can imitate a changeling?" asked Odo.

Kat gazed at him with her green eyes. "You could put it that way," she answered. To prove her point, her image melted to the image of a black cat with bright green eyes.

"Amazing . . ." Julian uttered, barely above a whispered.

Within another moment, she was herself again. Odo stared with disbelief.

"And you're not a Changeling?" he asked.

"No," Julian answered for her, "Her people are humanoids with the capability of changing their appearance at will . . . But most of your people were killed weren't they?"

Instantly the smile vanished from her face. She nodded. "It happened almost 100 years ago," she replied, her eyes growing cloudy and dark. "My parents were killed . . ."

"I'm sorry . . ."

"That's all right. You'd think after almost 100 years I would have learned to live with it!" she replied, forcing a smile.

Suddenly there was an awkward silence.

"Well, if you're done with me, I'd like to go about my business."

"Of course," replied Julian, as she headed for the door.

_________________
 

Kat's mind stayed troubled, as she thought about her family and the attack. Though she was 127 years old, the horrors of the attack were still fresh in her mind. Everyone she knew and cared about had been killed . . . everyone except her twin brother Troy. But they had barely come out alive themselves. As she walked around the upper level of the Promenade, she changed her appearance. Her pink clothing changed into tight, black satin pants, and a black satin poet's shirt. Her auburn trusses were now brushed back with a black bow. Her aura exuded her somber mood. Suddenly, she saw Toruck conversing with a handful of other Klingons. Perhaps, she could pull herself out of this mood, she thought.

"Greetings," she smiled, "How many of you think you could drink more than little old me?"

"Commander, what are you doing?" Toruck questioned.

"I'm offering a challenge! I want to know if anyone is willing to try to drink me under the table!" Of course, she knew Klingons well enough to know that they would never turn down a challenge. Within minutes they were all entering Quark's establishment.

"Drinks for the challenge!" they cried.

Drink after drink was served and Katianna kept up with the Klingons in stride, though, she began so show some wear as another drink was placed in front of her. Slowly, she picked it up and surveyed it carefully. She'd had a dozen different drinks and she couldn't quite remember what this one was. Oh - well, she thought, downing it. It was sweet,  and warmed her insides like a fruit liqueur. It was good.

"So I hear you are a shape shifter," one of the Klingon's spoke.

She turned to the voice. It was Kavar. "I am Tanzaran," she replied, "But yes, I can change my shape."

"Then let us see it!" he cried.

She nodded, the alcohol getting to her just a bit. "All right. What do you want to see?" she asked.

"What about a targ?" he replied.

"Better yet, what about a Nubian Slime Devil?" another laughed.

She smiled. "Why not just a cup of blood wine?" she asked.

Suddenly, her form melted into a golden goblet filled with the crimson liquid. But just as quickly, the goblet started to melt and the liquid began to spill. Almost instantly, she was herself again. She was perplexed.

"Let me try a cat," she replied.

As her form melted away once again, she became the funniest looking cat anyone had ever seen. The tail was too short. One ear was larger than the other. Her whiskers were white and way too long. Her paws and legs were all different sizes. She was like a jigsaw puzzle someone put together wrong. But to make matters worse, her fur was bright purple. Everyone began laughing, as she took her human form once more.

"Wow, this is weird!" she said, her face flushed with the alcohol.

Kavar came up to her and pat her back.

"That was good for a laugh. You are very amusing. We have a holosuite reserved and want you to join us."

She exaggerated her nod, not meaning to. "Sure!" she replied, "It sounds like fun!"

As she stood up to join the Klingon group, she nearly fell to the floor. Toruck caught her as he let out an annoyed sigh as the others laughed again.

"You are drunk," he told her.

"You don't say," she replied, breaking into giggles. "To the holosuites!" she cried, "Onward HO!"

___________________

Lieutenant Commander Koram Kale tipped the obsequious Benzite waiter and was lead to  the table at the center of the Stardock's main dining room that he wanted. Even as he sat down and looked out through the large central port, he was treated to the sight of the wormhole's sphincter quickly spiraling open to admit a transport with escort into the Alpha Quadrant. He marveled at the unique cobalt/azure color of the Celestial Temple's gate, even as it flashed shut again. It felt like a good omen.

He turned back to the main room just in time to see Kira Nerys approach.

"Sorry I didn't have time to change," she said, motioning to her Bajoran militia duty uniform. "Something came up in Ops at the last minute and, by the time we took care of it, I had the choice of being late to meet you or coming as I am."

"You made the right decision," Koram assured her, rising to pull out her chair. "It doesn't matter what you wear, anyway; you always look good."

"With that much charm," she joked, seating herself, "Its amazes me that you were never elected as Kai."

"I discovered what Kais actually do," Koram smiled, reensconsing himself in his chair. "I don't think I want the job."

"That's funny," she said, her voice catching a little. "Bareil once said exactly the same thing."

"Where do you think I got it?" Koram asked, and was rewarded to see her ensuing mistiness turn into a surprised laugh.

"Kale, you're good for the soul!" Nerys chuckled. "I hope the crew of the SAREK know what they've got!"

"The way I see it, Deep Space Station Nine is doing pretty well, too," he replied.

"Bajorans unite! Save the Federation!" Kira held up a pontifical finger and they both laughed. "Not that there aren't good people from planets, other than Bajor," she added after a moment.

"Like the Emissary, for instance?"

"Yes, you know it took me awhile to get over the fact that I was working with a real historical, prophetic figure," Kira confessed. "Captain Sisko is a good man, though, and I'd respect him, even if he weren't the Emissary."

"I know you don't give such praise easily," Koram remarked. "But I'm glad to hear you say it. I'd be disillusioned, otherwise."

"I'd even go so far," Kira suggested playfully, "as to say that my Captain can beat up your Captain!"

"Don't be too sure," Kale grinned, thinking of the Vulcan, Karia. "I  do think it would be an interesting bout, but I know only that whoever did win would know that they'd been through a fight."

"Granted," Kira nodded, smiling. "And your loyalty is commendable. But . . . my Captain knows more about baseball than your Captain!"

"There, I think, you may have me!" Koram conceded.

They were sharing a laugh when suddenly a shadow fell across their table.

"Odo!" Kira greeted the tall man with the unfinished face. "I thought you were the waiter for a moment!"

"Hardly," Odo growled and continued to hover over them.

"The food's pretty good here, but the service is notoriously slow," Kira explained.

"And the prices almost extortionate," Odo added.

"Maybe," Koram agreed equably. "But you can't beat the view."

"If you like that sort of thing," Odo rejoined.

"I do. I really do," responded Koram as he watched the Gate of the Celestial Temple blossom once again.

"I don't believe we've been introduced," the Changeling said, somewhat pointedly.

"Oh, excuse me!" Kira spoke up. "Kale, this is Odo, Head of Station Security. Odo, Koram Kale; an old friend of mine from the Resistance. Also a Vedek of the Assembly on leave-of-absence, and a Starfleet Officer aboard the USS SAREK."

"You do get around, don't you?" Odo's tone sounded caustic.

"I try to walk with the prophets," Koram shrugged.

Just then Odo's commbadge sounded. "Excuse me," he said, and stepped a few meters away.

"I don't think he much likes me," Koram motioned discreetly to Odo. "Did I say something to offend him?"

"I believe he's feeling a little threatened," Kira informed him. "He's had feelings for me for a long time, and he just recently got around to telling me about them."

"I'd heard that you were seeing Shakaar," Koram remarked.

"Shakaar's a good man," Kira stated. "And I like him a lot, but its been awhile since we've been able to spend time together. I'm here, working on the Station; he's there, leading Bajor. We're both just so busy."

Koram sighed, "That's sad. And how do you feel about Odo, if I may ask?"

"I'm trying to figure that out," Kira said with good-natured asperity. "He's a good friend. He has many fine qualities. But love him? I just don't know."

"The Nausicaans are moving," Odo abruptly told them from beside the table. "I'll have to go, now."

"We've been after a smuggling ring for the last couple of weeks," Kira explained. "We suspected some Nausicaans that have been staying on the Station, but haven't found any hard proof against them." Her eyes suddenly brightened and she gave him a hopeful smile. "Would you like to come along?"

"Yes, I guess so," Koram decided. "It will be a little like old times."

"I can't guarantee your safety," Odo warned.

"Kale can handle himself," Kira urged, taking one of the changeling's hands in both of hers.

"I'll try not to get in the way," Koram offered.

Odo weighed his decision for a heartbeat. "Come along, then." His tone made he invitation sound grudging.

__________________

The three regrouped in Cargo Hold Four with three of Odo's deputies and a brace of Starfleet Security Specialists. "They've somehow shut down the cameras, sir," one of the deputies told the Constable.

"We'll figure out how they do that, once we catch them," Odo said drily.

"Are they in Hold Six right now?" asked Kira.

"Yes, sir," the enforcer said, and indicated a primitive periscope.

Kira peered in and offered Koram a look. When the Bajoran took his turn he saw three Nausicaans; two working to pry open a reinforced crate, one standing watch.

"We'd better move quickly," Odo opined, after another look through the scope. He turned to one of the Starfleet junior officers and said, "Start the vid now." The young woman nodded, and focused the correct attachments of her tricorder. One of the deputies remained with her; everyone else followed as Odo strode out.

"I need a diversion of some sort so I can get in close," he muttered.

"I think I can help you there," Koram suggested.
 
"I don't know -" Odo began.

"Oh, come on, Odo; he knows what he's doing," chided Kira.

They had arrived at the door of Hold number six. "How do you want to handle it?" Odo  sighed. he didn't have it in him to argue with Kira.

"Can you turn yourself into a bottle or a jug?" Koram inquired.

"What sort of bottle or jug?"

"The kind that might hold liquor."

"Ah," said Odo. "Yes, I see." His form burred, then recoalesced as a hefty brown jug. Koram levered him up finding him lighter than he would have thought, and noting a sloshing sound from within.

"I'm impressed," he allowed, as he used his free hand to muss his hair and dishevel his civilian garments. "When you hear," he told Kira and the guards, "Come in quickly." Then he crashed very audibly into the door, pushing it open and staggering in, singing:

(suggested tune: "Sweet Betsy from Pike")

"O, MY NAME IS DARK NARIS, I LEAD A BLACK LIFE:
I'LL STEAL ALL YOUR MONEY, RUN OFF WITH YOUR WIFE:
AND WHEN THE BRIGHT MORNIN' PUTS OUT ITS COLD STAR,
I'M AWAY TO THE FLESKIES, AND ISLANDS AFAR!
SO, SWEET LADIES, REMEMBER ME BODY SO BROWN,
AND THE NIGHTS WITH DARK NARIS YOU SPENT ON THE TOWN!"

By this time, Koram had stumbled up to the crate the Nausicaans had been working on. "Oh, look! he said. "Somebody left a box open. I'd better see what's in there."

"Get away for it!" blared a rough voice from the shadows. "It's ours!"

"I don't see your name on it!" Koram replied with mock-belligerance. "Who are you anyway?"

The three Nausicaans stalked out of the darkness, loosely surrounding him. All three glowered down, one brandishing a weapon. "Any other questions?" the gunner asked, menacingly.

"Maybe we got off on the wrong foot," Koram slurred. "I mean, I'd like us to be friend . . . wouldn't you (hic) like to be friends?" The Nausicaans chuckled evilly, and moved in. "You want a drink?" Koram asked, holding up Odo, as if to proffer the bottle to them. Then he flung it at the one holding the gun. Even as he flew the intervening distance, Odo was expanding and transmogrifying into something hard and aerodynamic. With an explosive grunt, the Nausicaan went down beneath his onslaught, dropping his gun in the fall.

Koram caught one of the other's by surprise with a flying drop-kick that sent him back into the crates, then rolled to his feel just in time to meet the charge of the last one.

They grappled for a moment, then the Nausicaan levered him up by main strength and hurled him back. He managed to land on  his feet, but then threw himself into a sliding dive behind some boxes as his opponent upholstered a disrupter. He need not have bothered though: even as the Nausicaan raised his weapon Major Kira Nerys nailed him from the door of the hold; her phaser set on heavy stun.

Odo rose up with restraints binding the Nausicaan he's taken down.

"Well," Odo rasped at Kale, his tone not-unkind. "Maybe there's a future for you in law enforcement, after all." He moved to Kira, his gaze somberly delighting in her. "And thank you Major. Always a pleasure to work with you."

"We make a good team," Kira granted him.

"Yes," the shapeshifter very nearly smiled. "We do. all right, officers, take them away."

As the group bustled off, Koram turned to Kira. "Well, that was fun; what do you want to do next? - racquetball, a long talk, actually have dinner?"

"Let's do it all!" Kira smiled. "We have a lot of catching up to do."

"That sounds very good," Koram smiled back. "And, while we're at it, I have some interesting shipmates that I believe I'd like you to meet . . ."

________________
 

Katianna became conscious with her head throbbing. What had happened, she wondered. The last thing she remembered was being at Quark's bar with Toruck and several other Klingons, but nothing beyond a few drinks. A moan escaped her lips as she sat up. There, she found herself facing Odo and Dr. Bashir once more. But instead of being in sickbay, she was in the brig. What had happened.

"Good morning, starshine," Julian smiled, "Apparently you had a busy evening.

Holding her head, she looked at him with perplexion. "To be honest, I don't remember much, except a few drinks."

"You don't remember going into the holosuites with the Klingons?" asked Odo.

"Holosuite?"

"Yes. You and your new found friends destroyed most of it and then came out and took out half the bar."

"Oh-no . . ." she replied, lying back down. "Will one of you shoot me now . . . Please."

"Sorry, Commander," Julian replied, "But I do believe Captain Sisko wants to have a word with you."
Another moan escaped her lips. They had also found out she was with Star Fleet. Captain Karia was not going to be happy with her. Of course, she could look on the bright side. Maybe Sisko would shoot her!

"So when do I face the firing squad?" she asked.

"That's up to Captain Sisko," Julian smiled, trying to hide a laugh. At least this girl had a sense of humor. "But, if I might make a suggestion . . . perhaps you shouldn't drink so much."

"You're telling me!" she replied, sitting up once more. "I haven't been this wasted on alcohol since my 100 year birthday bash . . . Doc, you wouldn't by chance have anything for a nasty headache with you, would you?"

"As a matter of fact . . ." he smiled, "I thought you might need something."

"Now what about Quark's bar? The Klingons have been quite difficult on this matter," Odo said, getting her attention.

She sighed. "Tell Quark not to worry. I've got plenty of latinum to cover the damage. Just have an estimate sent to me aboard the Sarek before we leave DS9."

"I'll make sure it's a fair estimate," he replied, beginning to leave.

"I take it I'm free to go now."

"Yes. The Klingons have already been released, including your shipmate."

She nodded and sighed as he left. "Now it's on to the lion's den," she said, rolling her head from side to side, trying to loosen the muscles.

"Oh -  the Captain won't be that hard on you."

"Don't be so sure," she replied, "I don't think he appreciates visitors tearing up his lovely station here."

He nodded in thought. "You're right, but your making restitution . . . He'll probably just give you a lecture on setting an example for others, considering your rank."

"Yeah . . . " she replied, shaking her head in disgust at herself.

Slowly, she stood up and gained her balance quickly.

"So how long are you going to be here?" Julian asked.

"I have 2 more days, then it's off to the Gamma Quadrant . . . I wonder how much more trouble I can get into," she said sarcastically.

Suddenly, there eyes met. "I could keep you out of trouble," he smiled, "If you'll let me try."

"Oh-really?" she replied with a sudden smile, staring into his piercing blue eyes. "Do you think you're up for the challenge?"

He laughed. "Maybe . . ." he replied. "Meet me in sickbay after your meeting with Sisko and I'll see what I can devise."

"All right," she replied with a giggle. "I'll see you then."

With that, she left the brig feeling much better and not worrying so much about what Captain Sisko would say to her. But one thing was for sure. She was going to have a very interesting next two days . . .

_____________________

COMMANDER'S PERSONAL LOG: STARDATE: 9706.13

These last few days have been quite interesting aboard DS9. I met most of the Senior Staff, though not under the best of circumstances. Personal reminder to self - NEVER drink that much with Klingons again! But at least Commander Koram had an adventure of his own, helping out Odo, the Constable of the Station. But as for me, the last two days have been spent in a blur with Dr. Julian Bashir. Usually not the type I fall for, but there's something about him . . . His cute smile . . . Is sweet countenance . . . I find myself hoping that it won't be too long before we return here again.

END LOG

As Katianna stared at the screen, she remembered the last day she had spent with Julian. She had introduced him to her King Arthur program, though she had to do it on the SAREK since Quark's was out of the question. He had enjoyed it as much as she did.

Slowly she lifted a framed photo off her desk and stared at the blue eyes. I will be seeing you next time, she thought to herself with a smile. After all, he had told her to stay in touch, and she planned to do just that.