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             *** This version is not a final release ***

NOTE 1: This is a draft copy of this story part as transcribed from my
        handwritten draft and has been altered/modified as I entered it
        into the computer. - Inconsistencies may arise because I can't pull
        together the whole story saga until all parts are typed up into the
        computer for further work. -- Typos are always a possibility.

        13-May 1997: Rev 5.0
        Changed/fixed: initial draft. -- It's been spell checked using a
        British-English software dictionary.

Note 2: See "Destiny Awaits" for a full explanation as to story syntax and
        timeline basis.

Note 3: This story follows on from "Destiny Darkened" - (the third in the
        Destiny saga.)




   --------------------------------------------------------------------
 "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine", and the characters of that TV series are
  copyright Paramount Pictures.

 This fan-fiction is neither supported nor endorsed by Paramount Pictures.

 The Bajoran Ambassador, The Bajoran Consulate concepts, and the treatment
 given to the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine series herein, is intended as
 personal creative expression of which no commercial or financial gain is
 obtained or sought, and is not meant to infringe on any copyrights held or
 implied by any individuals or companies. All such copyrights whether
 mentioned or not are hereby acknowledged.
   --------------------------------------------------------------------







                           - DESTINY UNCERTAIN -
                             -----------------
                    - the fourth in the Destiny saga -

                    a STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE story

                          written by Peter Bryce
                        between September 1994 - ?
                                 (c) 1994




Even at this late hour of the night O'Reilly looked up to see that Kira and
Sutton were having one of their usual dinners together in the upper level
of QUARKS.

He slowly shook his head then turned back to his drink just as O'Brien
slapped him on his back and smiled, "Sorry I'm late,....damn Cardassian
power relays. - Are you ready to be beaten again tonight?"

"Chief, I think we've just about exhausted all the holo-recreations that
I've got a chance of winning at. Let's just call it a lost cause."

"Oh c'mon! There's bound to be something that you're good at. We just
haven't found the right combination yet."

Quark fronted up asking, "The usual, Chief?"

O'Brien sighed, "Quark, haven't you got _anything_ that Mike and I could
sink our teeth into?"

"Not this holo stuff again? I thought you two would have given up after
O'Reilly killed himself three times in that glacier scaling contest of
yours."

"Look at the poor guy Quark. He spends most of his time shuttling the
Ambassador around and he never gets any excitement out of life. He needs a
challenge."

"Well......there _is_ something you two haven't tried yet...."

"What is it?"

"It's a program I usually keep for my Klingon clientele. It's a battle
simulation that I got from Ambassador Sutton."

"We'll take it."

O'Reilly frowned, "Look Chief, I don't know about--"

"Hey, do you want to spend all your off-duty time complaining or do you
want to enjoy yourself?"

Quark pointed out, "I gotta warn you that the holoprogram is pretty
realistic.....a bit _too_ realistic if you ask me."

O'Brien laughed, "It might be something like my old service days."

"Okay,", said Quark, "Holosuite two is free."

O'Brien stood up up, "No time like the present Mike. Let's go."

O'Reilly downed the rest of his drink then replied, "Alright Chief, but
lets play this thing co-operatively. I'm sick of being beaten."

"Fine by me."

As they made their way up to the holosuites, Quark sighed, "Don't say I
didn't warn you guys."



Sutton rested his head with one hand as he sat opposite Kira listening to
her relate the days events.

".....so finally O'Brien tried my suggestion, and wouldn't you know it, it
worked just like I said it would. I could have saved them at least three
hours work if they'd listened to me sooner. But you know how......."

She stopped talking and frowned, "Paul.....you haven't heard a word I've
been saying, have you?"

He smiled, "I just like listening to the sound of your voice, Nerys."

She shook her head and smiled back, "Well I'm glad _somebody_ does."

Kira looked down to see O'Brien and O'Reilly walking up to the holosuite
level. She commented, "It's good to see that O'Reilly has at least
_someone_ on the station that he gets along with."

Sutton glanced down and nodded.

Kira turned back to him and she said quietly, "It's too bad he doesn't get
on at all with Bajorans."

Sutton sighed, "I'm sorry Nerys. I've tried to get him to see things in a
better light but he just doesn't want to know. I think it was someones idea
of a sick joke to assign him to be my pilot,....even if it _is_ only a
temporary position."

"Well he doesn't get on with me, that's for sure."

Sutton sat up looking concerned, "What's happened? If he's done anything
that--"

"Calm down, Paul. O'Reilly and I have had our quarrels but we don't let it
get in the way of things."

"How come you've never mentioned these...'quarrels' before?"

"Because I _knew_ you'd be acting just like you are now. Lets just leave
things as they stand. He's only got a few weeks left and then he'll be
leaving."

"Just the same...."

"Leave it Paul."

Sutton frowned but saw that Kira was being serious so he let the matter
drop.

She smiled, "Since you're not interested in hearing about my day, then how
about some information?"

He nodded, "What have you got for me?"

"Oderan four has been having some hard times since the changes in their
seasons. Crop losses are high and so the Federation's moving in to assist."

"I'll see what I can do. Bajor might be able to help using our advanced
grain types or something."

"I also hear the Breons may be finally ready to start negotiating trade
again after their alliance with the F'lissians."

"Okay, I'll get Relen to organise a preliminary dialog with them straight
away."

Sutton sighed, "Nerys,.....does it ever bother you telling me all these
things that you hear of because of your position?"

"Listen, there's no way that I'm going to disappoint the Commanders trust
and confidence in me. I'm just telling you stuff that you would have found
out about sooner or later anyway. But if it's a choice between the
Federation and Bajor......then you know where my loyalties lay."

"And you know where mine lay too, Nerys. I hope I've proven that."

"You have."

"It's a pity not everyone realises it."

"You're never going to please everyone."

Sutton yawned and Kira frowned, "If I'm keeping you up then just say so,
Paul. You should get more sleep."

"I can't.....too much work to do......", then he added with a smile,
"...and I'm _certainly_ not about to give up our dinners together, even if
we do sometimes have to have them this late at night."

She smiled with him and replied, "Are you still reporting to Diora?"

"Regular as clockwork. Minister Rennic's been taking things easy since he's
had his illness. I have to say that I was impressed with how she handled
his position whilst he was away.......but don't tell anyone I said that."

"You don't like visiting her?"

"If I could avoid my official duties with her I would. But I have to report
to her in person, that's the rules."

He yawned again but this time wider so Kira said, "I think we're finished
for tonight. You need your sleep."

"You're right. I'm leaving for the Kalor trade meeting tomorrow afternoon."

They stood up together and he said, "The dinner was good but as always, the
company was far better."

Kira smiled as he gave a little bow, then she replied, "Goodnight
Ambassador."

He smiled back, "Goodnight Major."




* *** *



Quark looked up from polishing a glass behind the bar to see O'Brien and
O'Reilly walk down from the holosuite level with glazed looks on their
faces.

"Everything okay?  You two didn't last long."

They sat down and O'Brien ordered, "Two beers......_big_ ones."

As he poured the glasses, Quark replied, "See,...I told you it was pretty
realistic."

O'Brien grabbed his glass, took a large swig, and then replied, "It was
gruesome alright."

O'Reilly added, "All those bodies......the way the enemy just kept coming
and coming......"

"Well if you two want your money back then forget it. I gave you fair
warning. But the Klingons just love it."

"Yeah, I can see they would.", said O'Brien, "You want to know something? I
think that battle is based on real events. I seemed to recognise some of
the uniforms and weapons from quite a number of past wars, but it's all
mixed up together in the program."

"So,....", asked Quark, "that'll be the last holosuite adventure the two of
you will be having eh?"

O'Brien grinned, "You must be kidding!  O'Reilly saved my hide dozens of
times in there."

O'Reilly added with a smile, "We saved each other. If it hadn't have been
for those two squads coming over the hill at us we could have had a
chance."

Quark smiled and rubbed his hands together, "Same again tomorrow night
then?"

O'Reilly shook his head, "No, I'll be off tomorrow in the Gamma Quadrant
for a week. It's the usual thing, the Ambassador's got trade talks or
something to attend."

O'Brien laughed, "We'll keep it on hold until you get back. I'm not about
to let this one get away from us."

He drank the rest of his beer in one long guzzle, then walked out of the
bar.

Quark exclaimed to O'Reilly, "Oh, I almost forgot!"

He ducked down under the counter and then brought up a pack of data cards
that he put on the counter in front of O'Reilly."

"What's this?"

"Business cards. Whenever you're over in the Gamma Quadrant you could
distribute them to the trade delegates. It never hurts to advertise."

O'Reilly frowned, "I don't know Quark, the Ambassador wouldn't like it."

"So don't tell him! There's a discount for your next holosuite session on
your return if you do a good job."

"Well......"

"Oh alright!  And a free drink for you and the Chief."

O'Reilly pushed the cards back to Quark saying, "No, I'm sorry but I can't
take a chance on upsetting things before I've heard word on my
application."

Quark growled, "You've been spending too much time with that Ambassador!"

He grabbed the cards and put them back under the counter saying, "The least
you can do is to recommend my place to the delegates."

"I do that already but you have to understand that I don't have much
contact with them. The Ambassador makes sure of that."

"Bah!  You'd never make a good Ferengi. You don't make enough of a good
opportunity."

O'Reilly stood up and made his way out but he met Dax coming into the bar.

"Hey," she smiled, "I thought I'd find you in here. I've got some good
news. Captain Kate Wilson is coming to the station in a few days time."

O'Reilly groaned and she frowned, "What's wrong? I thought you'd be glad
to see her?"

"I'm leaving tomorrow for a week long trip in the Gamma Quadrant."

"Have you heard anything yet about your application?"

"No. I'm beginning to think I'm heading for an exciting life at the Orion
Research Station after all.", he replied sarcastically.

"Perhaps I could ask the Captain about your application to join her crew
for you?"

"No, don't do that. I don't know why she's coming here because if I was
going to be accepted then she would have told me by subspace."

"Don't be so pessimistic. I'm sure there's a valid reason for her coming
here."

"Yeah,...but I won't be here to find out what it is."

"Look, maybe I could have a word with the Ambassador and arrange for
another pilot so you could see her?"

"_I'm_ his pilot. He can't travel in the Gamma Quadrant without me. It says
so in the regulations."

But Dax smiled, "Leave it to me."

"Whatever you do, it had better be quick because we're due to leave early
afternoon tomorrow."

As he walked off, O'Reilly threw up his hands and angrily exclaimed to
himself, "Just perfect timing,.....absolutely perfect!"


Dax tapped her commbadge, "Dax to Ambassador Sutton....could I speak to you
in person?"

"-Dax, I'm in the Consulate settling up a few reports. You'd better be
quick because I'm just about to close-up and go to bed.-"

"I'll be there in a minute. Don't go away."

She tapped her commbadge again and said, "Dax to Sisko...."

"-What is it Dax?-"

"How would you feel if I took O'Reilly's place for a week as Sutton's
pilot?"

"-What's this about?-"

"Haven't you always said you'd like to know more about Sutton?  Well here's
another chance to find out."

"-Just _what_ is going on Dax?-"

"Think of it as an opportunity Benjamin."

Sisko sighed, "-Unlike Quark I don't jump at every apparent 'opportunity'
that presents itself.-"

There was along pause but then he added, "-This had better be worthwhile
Dax. I don't like bending over backwards just to suite the Ambassadors
needs.-"

"It's not for the Ambassador. I'll explain it all later. Just give me
permission to go and then I can take it from there."

"-Alright old man, but this had better not be a waste of our time.-"

"It won't Benjamin, you'll see. Thank you."

Dax smiled as she walked towards the Consulate saying quietly to herself,
"Now all I have to do is to convince the Ambassador."



She found him alone in the outer office at Relens desk with half a dozen
PADD's laid out in front of him.

Dax smiled, "Hard at work as usual I see."

He smiled back, "I told Nerys I was going to bed. Don't tell I was up
finishing these."

Sutton put the last one down and said, "I'm done. Computer,.....inform
Relen in the morning that these reports are to be filled and filed."

"<Affirmative.>"

Sax came closer and he turned to her asking, "Now, what's on your mind?"

"It's about O'Reilly"

"Oh?"

"I know his posting is almost finished but I'd like you to give him a weeks
leave."

"I can't. We're due to fly out tomorrow for a trade meeting."

"That's okay because you'll have a replacement pilot."

"Who?"

"Me.", she smiled.

Sutton stood up and came around from behind the desk to stand before her.

"What's going on Dax?  What's wrong with O'Reilly."

"Nothing. But it would be a big favour if you gave him this weeks leave."

"A favour? To O'Reilly?"

She smiled sweetly, "Or to me if you prefer."

"And what's the reason for this sudden desire for leave?"

"It's a career thing. It's to do with his application to join Captain
Wilsons' ship."

"Oh, _that_. - I thought he was turned down."

"Not that I know of. But if you give him this leave he could find out for
sure."

"Any other reasons?  Now tell me the _truth_ Jadzia."

"He.....wants to meet Kate Wilson. He hasn't seen her in a long time. It's
kind of personal I think."

Sutton considered things in silence for a short while but then he answered,
"No. He's coming with me as planned."

"But if his posting is almost over and he could--"

"No. Now if there's nothing else then I'm going to bed. - Goodnight."

Sutton walked past her but Dax exclaimed, "What's wrong with you Paul!?"

He turned around and she continued forcefully, "Hasn't he always performed
his duties well?"

"I suppose..."

"Hasn't he always made your position less stressful because he's at call at
all hours to pilot your ship?"

"That's his job."

She was quiet for a few seconds and then she said, "It's got nothing to do
with his work has it?"

"Listen Jadzia, O'Reilly is _my_ responsibility. If I say he goes, the he
goes and that's the end of the matter."

Dax had passed the stage of simply being annoyed and now she was angry as
she replied, "Don't pull your diplomatic rank on me!  What's the real
reason you won't help him out!?"

"You want to know the _real_ reason!? Then I'll tell you. He's got to
learn that you don't always get out of life what you wish for."

Dax looked puzzled and Sutton added, "And he doesn't respect Bajorans at
all, _or_ their culture."

She nodded, "Now I understand,....and for that you're willing to wreck
O'Reillys' career....._and_ his life!?"

Sutton didn't reply and she shouted, "What's the matter with you!?"

"Me!? - You should be asking O'Reilly what's wrong with _him_!"

"Oh no, it's _you_. You've never been willing to make life easy for him
since he arrived have you?!"

"O'Reilly's shown no interest in matters around here at all. All he cares
about is getting that position on Wilsons ship. He's a typical Starfleet
officer who sees nothing but promotion and career in front of him while
everything off to the sides can go to hell."

"Is _that_ how you see it!?  Well then, what about _me_!?"

Sutton looked a little surprised and he held up his hands saying,
"Jadzia,...when I said he was typical, I didn't mean of _every_ officer."

Sutton was even more surprised when she stabbed him in the chest with her
finger and exclaimed, "You're a damned hypocrite Paul Sutton! You condemn
O'Reilly for having a goal for himself but _your_ single goal is to make
Bajor strong!"

He stepped back as she narrowed her blue eyes at him saying with menace,
"You're going to give O'Reilly his weeks leave. You _owe_ me for helping
you with Kira."

"Those things you told me about Kira were minor. I'm a man of my word
Jadzia but I don't think I owe you for such small pieces of information."

She angrily looked at him for a short while trying to think of something to
say, and then she replied, "I challenge you to a contest."

"You what!?"

"Name a fighting art and we'll use that to decide whether O'Reilly gets his
leave or not."

"Hah! I've heard about your fighting skills with Klingon weapons Dax. I'm
no fool into letting you talk me into--"

"You're a coward.", she said flatly.

"I'm a realist."

"You're scared of a woman!?"

"Women often make the best warriors. Now if you've had enough of all this
foolishness then I'm going to bed."

He turned to leave but Dax said coldly, "If you don't compete against me
then I'll tell Kira that you got information from me so you could gain her
favour."

Sutton turned back and frowned, "You wouldn't do that,....would you?"

"Maybe I'd do it to teach you that you don't always get what you wish for
in life."

He held out his hands and pleaded, "C'mon Jadzia, let's not let this get
out of hand. O'Reilly is one thing, Kira and I are an entirely different
matter."

Dax remained silent.

Sutton sighed, "Alright, have it your way. We'll have this 'contest' of
yours tomorrow."

"We'll have it _now_."

"Now?"

"In one of QuarKs holosuites."

"No offense, but I don't think I want to be seen going into a holosuite
with you alone Jadzia. I mean people might get the wrong idea."

"Kira's going to be hearing from me if you don't.......and then she'll be
making ideas of her own you can be sure of that."




Rom looked up from wiping down the counter to see Dax and Sutton walk in.

She came straight up to him and asked forcefully, "We need a
holosuite...._now_."

Rom looked at the two of them for a second then answered, "Holosuite two is
free."

"We'll take it. I've got my own program that I can access."

"Uhhhh,...who do I charge for the session?"

"We'll tell you when we come out. - And Rom...."

"Yes?"

"Absolutely _no_ interruptions, got it?"

"No interruptions.", he nodded.

After they'd gone up the steps to the holosuite level, Quark came out of
the back room with a crate of bottles which he sat down heavily on the
counter.

"_There_ you are!", growled Quark, "_You're_ supposed to be doing this, not
me! Now put these bottles away."

"Ummmmm brother...."

"What is it?", Quark answered as he supervised Rom quickly unpacking the
crate.

"Dax and Ambassador Sutton have just gone up to a holosuite together."

"They what!?"

"She said she has her own holoprogram."

"I _bet_ she has! - For the love of latinum, why can't Sutton be satisfied
with Kira!?"




Inside the bare holosuite, Dax instructed the computer, "Run program Dax
eleven alpha."

The holosuite transformed into a barren flat plateau set amongst a
treeless, dusty landscape of small hills.

She faced Sutton and commanded, "Choose the weapons."

Sutton smiled, "You really _are_ serious about this aren't you."

"You'd better believe it, now choose!"

"Well,....lets see.....I'm certainly not going to choose anything
Klingon.......hmmmm, how about Mahren fighting staffs?"

"I've never heard of them."

Sutton smiled wide, "Perfect! - Computer,....supply two Mahren fighting
staffs."

Two long, wood-like staffs appeared between them. They were bound in the
centre with furry material where the user was supposed to hold the weapon.

He bent down, picked them both up and then tossed one at Dax. But she
deftly caught it with one hand which made Suttons smile disappear. Sutton
became even less happier when she skillfully swung it around in a few
practice fighting poses.

"Hey,", he complained, "I thought you'd never used these before?"

She smiled, "I've never heard of these exact types before but I've used
similar weapons like this many times. Are you giving up already?"

Sutton held up his staff in defence and that was his answer.

Dax did likewise and slowly they moved around in a circle eyeing each
others every move.

"Come on Jadzia,.....let's get it over with."

She recited, "Let the opponent attack first, for that shall be the
beginning of his downfall."

"What's that, something from an old Klingon song?"

"Actually, it's from an old Earth martial teaching."

Sutton suddenly attacked shouting, "Don't believe everything you hear!"

She blocked the strike and tried to move aside but he thrust his staff
under hers and almost wrenched it from her grasp. Dax faltered back and
blocked two more thrusts before she managed to spin around to swing hard
with the full length of her staff.

Sutton blocked the move but it was competent enough so that he had to
quickly step back to avoid another. As Dax's second swing merely swished
through the air, Sutton stepped around to corner her between the edge of
the hill and himself.

The drop was steep but it wouldn't be fatal is she fell, even if the
landscape had've been real. But even as it was, the fall might break some
bones.

Dax glanced behind her and realised that Sutton had manoeuvred her into a
compromising situation. So when she came at him again, Dax dealt him two
quick blows which he blocked, but then she swiftly thrust hard with the end
of her staff into Suttons stomach.

He bent over and then she brought her staff sharply up under his chin to
strike him hard.

Sutton fell to the ground but rolled instantly away with his staff. Dax
mentally noted that it looked like a very well practised move.

He sprang to his feet and painfully said, "Hey!  I though we were friends!"

"We are."

Sutton straightened up, stood his staff on its end and laughed, "Well don't
let that stop you from at least _trying_ to beat me!"

It was moments later that Sutton realised that he'd said the wrong thing to
Dax, and in fact if he hadn't have been so cocky he might have received
less bruises.

Dax whirled her staff around in front of her as she had done so many times
with a Bat'leth. Sutton tried to fend her off but out of every five of her
blows, two were hitting him painfully hard in various places of his body.

But he saw a slight opening and he swung his staff around to sweep her feet
out from under her.

Dax fell to the ground but she also rolled quickly aside and got to her
feet.

Sutton moved forward again but this time he was intent on driving her back
to the edge of the plateau.

Finally Dax's heels were at the edge but she was too busy blocking Suttons
strikes to notice. It was only when she felt herself falling backwards over
the plateau that she realised where she was.

But Sutton instantly dropped his staff and reached out with both hands to
grab her.

He pulled her back and smiled, "I can't have my opponents going away
without them conceding defeat first."

But she thrust hard into his stomach again with her staff and shouted, "The
game isn't over until it's over!"

Dax hit him once more very hard across the shoulder before he had the
chance to pick up his staff, stand up, and block yet another strike that
she made at him.

As he blocked her aggressive moves once again, Dax realised that he'd
definitely tired, much more than she had done, so she pressed in with her
attack until finally she beat him down to his knees as he simply held out
his staff for defence.

"Had enough!?", she shouted.

Sutton put one hand on the ground and panted, "Okay,.....you win..."

Dax stood over him and held out her hand. He took it and she helped Sutton
to his feet as she smiled, "So this means O'Reilly gets his leave, right?"

Sutton took some deep breaths and then he laughed, "Alright, he gets his
damned leave!"

She smiled wider and said, "Computer,...end program."

The landscape and staffs vanished, so did the dust from their clothes, but
their sweat and Suttons injuries remained.

Sutton rubbed his shoulder and winced, "Remind me never to do this again,
Jadzia."

Dax was now in good humour and as they left the holosuite she put an arm
around his shoulder and smiled, "I was hoping you'd be my regular sparring
partner. You're pretty good you know."

"Forget it!"

The looked at each other and both laughed as they came down the stairs into
the bar.

Quark was looking decidedly unhappy as he asked, "You two have a good
time?"

Dax smiled, "It's none of your business."

Sutton said, "Put the holosuite on my tab, Quark."

"Whatever you say, Ambassador."

As they walked out with Dax still holding Sutton by having her arm across
his shoulder, Quark said to Rom, "Did you see the state of them!?"

"What do you think Major Kira would make of it?"

"I dunno, but I think I'll be leaving a little message for her......"




* ************************* *



As Doctor Bashir ran a tricorder next to Sutton sitting on his med couch,
Bashir asked, "And you say you had these injuries since...."

"Since a difference of opinion last night, doctor. Now if you could just
fix me up then I'll be on my way."

Bashir frowned then walked over to a storage unit saying, "I must say that
differences of opinion don't normally result in injuries such as yours. At
least not with Federation Ambassadors."

At that moment Kira walked into the infirmary and Bashir asked, "Something
I can do for you Major?"

But she ignored him and instead bluntly asked Sutton, "What's this I hear
about you and Dax having a holosuite session last night? - _Which_ I might
add was after we had dinner where you said you were _so_ tired that you
were going to bed?"

"It was nothing, Nerys."

"Nothing? - That's not what I heard."

"What _did_ you hear Major?", Bashir asked as he ran a healing device over
Suttons shoulder.

But Kira ignored him again and just kept staring at Sutton with the same
intensity since she'd walked in.

"Look Nerys, it was just a little contest of skill that Dax dreamed up to
settle an argument. I don't know _what_ you've heard but I can assure you
that if I'd have had my way then I wouldn't have done it. _And_ I wouldn't
be sitting here now getting my shoulder treated."

Kira looked at Bashir and he reported, "A fairly serious injury to his
shoulder brought about by a hard blow. There's other minor injuries as
well."

She turned back to Sutton and asked, "What was the reason for this fight?"

"It wasn't a fight......well, I don't think it was. - It was a contest."

"And?"

"And the reason was that she thought I should give O'Reilly a weeks leave,
but I disagreed."

"That's it!?"

"You can ask her yourself."

Kira folded her arms and looked at him with her dark eyes as she shook her
head, "It's not very becoming conduct of an Ambassador, is it?"

Bashir smiled, "That's what I was trying to tell him, Major."

Sutton jumped down from the couch and said in an annoyed voice, "When I
need lessons on how I should go about my business then I'll be sure to
send out invitations."

He walked briskly out of the Infirmary and Bashir quietly said, "He does
has a point I suppose."

Then he added with a smile, "I guess that's cleared all that up then."

Kira replied under her breath, "Not quite.....I still have to deal with a
little gossiping troll first."



* **** *


When Sutton walked into the Bajoran Consulate, Relen and O'Reilly knew
straight away that he was in a bad mood.

"O'Reilly, you've got a weeks leave starting from today."

O'Reilly was about to reply but Sutton held up his hand saying, "Don't
thank me, save that for Dax. - Relen, is there anything I need to attend to
before I leave today?"

"No sir."

O'Reilly cautiously asked, "Ambassador,......can I ask who's taking my
place as pilot?"

"Are you still here? - I thought I told you that you're on a weeks leave?"

He nodded and quickly walked out before Sutton had a chance to change his
mind.

"Relen, are you _sure_ there's no messages for me?"

He quickly checked but replied, "No sir, nothing at all. Were you expecting
something?"

"I don't believe it. I've got nearly six hours of free time for myself.
Maybe I should hide out in the Runabout and get a good undisturbed sleep
for a change."

Relen smiled, "I know how you feel, sir."

Sutton started walking out but he said over his shoulder, "I'll be in my
quarters if you need me for anything important."



* **** *


O'Brien walked into QUARKS to find him standing behind the bar completely
soaked. A bottle of synthahol lay on its side on the bar.

"What happened to you!?"

"Never mind!", he grumbled as he started mopping himself up with a towel.

"I've just spoken to Mike and I want to book a holosuite for tonight just
as long as we can use that battle program again."

"Okay Chief, consider it reserved."

"Are you sure you're alright?"

"I'm thinking about complaining to Sisko about this."

"About what?"

"Never mind!"




* ************************* *



When Sutton entered his Runabout he was taken aback to find Dax at the
controls doing a pre-flight check.

She glanced at him and smiled, "You look so surprised to see me here."

"That's okay. I'm not really used to seeing anyone else but O'Reilly
sitting there. Aren't you a hour early?"

"Yes but I'm about done. As soon as you're ready we can depart if you
like."

He took the seat next to her and accessed the controls. Then Sutton took an
isolinear rod from his pocket and inserted it into the panel saying,
"There's your course and destination information, Dax."

"Is this how you normally brief O'Reilly?"

"The least number of people who know where I'm going the better."

"Okay,.....course and destination laid in.....we're ready to depart."

"She's all yours."




The Colorado left the Wormhole and entered the Gamma Quadrant smoothly. As
the ship went into warp drive, Sutton sat back and said, "Well, that wasn't
too bad."

Dax gave him a sideways glance and replied, "Estimated time of arrival
is...fifty three hours."

She swung her chair around to face Sutton and saw him rubbing his shoulder.

Dax smiled, "Still smarting from last night?"

He frowned, "Oh go ahead and laugh Dax but my shoulder's been giving me a
lot of trouble."

"Why didn't you go to the Infirmary?"

"I did but......the treatment wasn't completed."

"That's not like Julian.", she replied in a puzzled voice.

"I had to leave before it was finished."

Dax got up and stood behind him before gently laying her hands on his
shoulder.

"Careful, it's still...owwh!"

"Sorry. - Now,.......does this feel better?"

She began massaging his painful muscles and he sighed, "That's a little
better."

"It's an ancient massage technique that I picked up."

Sutton smiled, "Oh,...and in which one of your past life professions did
you learn this then?"

Dax tapped his shoulder causing him to yelp in pain and she smiled, "Okay,
have it your way. I'll get the medkit instead."




* ************************* *



"So, Dax is with Sutton for a week?", Odo mused.

Sisko nodded, "And O'Reilly's on a weeks leave."

"What I called you in to see me about Commander was this....."

Odo bent down, tapped some keys on his desks' console and then pointed to a
screen on the wall behind him.

They both stood before it and Odo explained, "These are the Ambassadors'
flight logs from his Runabout for the past several months."

Sisko looked closer, "But these aren't complete. There's gaps all through
them."

"I know. Sutton's been deliberately erasing records of his journeys from
both sides of the wormhole. But there's more deletions whilst he's been in
the Alpha Quadrant. You might also notice that he's also used some phony
records in the early parts of the logs."

"Any theories?"

"None so far, but it' definitely all Suttons work."

"I suppose he's well aware that it's against regulations to erase logs?"

"Hah! Of course he knows but he isn't bothered by any 'regulations'."

Sisko rubbed his chin and frowned, "Any chance of retrieving the
information?"

"None at all. He certainly knows his job when it comes to erasing
information. Maybe that's why _any_ data about his past has been so hard to
come by."

"He did the same thing to his logs when he brought back that land
reclamation equipment. - We _could_ plant a recording device in his ship to
log his movements as a last resort."

"I don't think that would be a good idea Commander. If Sutton found out,
and there's every chance that he would judging by the way he's so paranoid
about his privacy, he'd make sure that it all exploded into a very messy
political affair."

"Then what's he hiding?"

"He _does_ spend a lot of time alone away from the station but unless we
have any hard evidence that he's doing something illegal then we can't do
anything."

"You seem to be taking things cautiously, Odo."

"I am, but I haven't closed my file on the good Ambassador since he arrived
on the station. There's circumstantial evidence of course but I'm sure he's
going to make a mistake sometime. And when he does,.....I'll be there to
spot it."

"Well I've had enough of all these incidents involving Sutton. It's about
time we gave him something to think about."

Odo almost smiled, "I was hoping you'd say that, Commander."



* ************************* *



Dax joined Sutton in the rear section of the Runabout and found him at the
table looking over some data on a PADD whilst sipping occasionally at a
cup of Raktajino.

She got herself a cup from the replicator and sat down opposite him.

Dax asked, "What does O'Reilly normally do to pass the time on these
trips?"

"Studies up on some manuals I guess. I don't really take much notice."

"You mean you've been with him all this time and you don't know?"

Sutton looked up and answered, "Normally I try to do three things when I'm
on these long journeys......catch up on sleep, review the information for
the trade talks, or simply read. I learnt long ago that O'Reilly's not the
sort of person I like talking to. We've got nothing in common and that's
why we usually keep ourselves to ourselves."

She smiled, "I hope you don't expect to ignore _me_ for this entire trip?"

"That,", he smiled, "would be impossible."

"So what do you read?"

"Just some things to help me relax."

Dax took a sip from her cup and said, "Reading books isn't all you've done.
I recognised some of those moves you did last night in the holosuite.
They've been well practised."

Sutton smiled a little wider, "And your moves are well practised too
Jadzia. I've got the bruises to prove it."

"Can I ask you something.....why did you stop and save me from going over
the edge?"

"I suppose I simply saw a friend who needed a hand."

"Well it cost you the contest."

He laughed, "I'm _so_ sorry! The next time I'll just let you fall!"

"You mean there _is_ going to be a next time?"

"Oh no!  What I meant was--"

"I know what you meant.", she said with a smile, then she added, "By the
way, I've played your battle simulation that Quark has."

Sutton frowned, "I thought he was only going to make that available to
Klingons?"
He shook his head and added, "I think I should've kept hold of it and never
given it to him in the first place."

"Why do you have such things at all? I mean simulations of a particular
battle is one thing but yours seem to be all the worst parts from lots of
wars."

"It was just to pass the time of day on the long hauls during my cargo
handling jobs."

"It's a pretty gruesome way to be entertained."

"Well.....it wasn't really for entertainment.", then he added with a smile,
"At least it kept my practice up for when I need to fight against Trills
who don't take no for an answer."

But Dax wasn't smiling. Instead she asked, "What's the real reason?"

He sighed, "The real reason? - It's to remind me that it's best to avoid
war. Things may look alright from space or in the air but when you're down
there on the ground fighting for survival you realise your life could be
over _very_ quick unless you look out for yourself."

Dax leaned closer asking, "It sounds like you've been involved in some
fighting in the past."

He sat back and sighed, "Enough talk about this, lets change the subject."

For a few moments it looked like Dax was about to press Sutton on the
matter but instead she replied, "Well,.....what's expected of me once we've
arrived?"

"Number one is to be at hand at all times. O'Reilly once wandered off and
it was _quite_ embarrassing to have my hosts track him down. It only
happened once but I made sure he didn't do it again."

"I can imagine."

"Number two is to remain in the background. If my hosts approach you then
that's fair enough but you're not to approach them."

"Ambassador...."

"Number three is--"

"Just how many of these rules have you got anyway?"

"Quite a a few."

"Well I'm not O'Reilly. I've had plenty of experience in formal and
diplomatic events."

"But you haven't been with me."

"Would you like to tell me what's so different?"

Sutton replied sternly, "I'm not here on behalf of the Federation. They may
provide me with a Runabout and a pilot, but I'm only here on the behalf of
Bajor and my own work."

"Your own work?"

"What?"

"You said Bajor....and your own work."

"What I meant was.....", Sutton paused, then added in an annoyed voice,
"Dax stop asking questions will you?"

She got up, gave him a strange look, and then headed for the bridge.




* ************************* *




Kira answered, "Commander, I have no idea why the Ambassador's altered his
flight logs."

"Do you know if there's anywhere where he might have been that would've
made him do this?"

"No I don't.", Kira sighed, "Frankly Commander, I think you'd be better
off asking _him_ these questions rather than me."

Odo asked, "So what do you talk about at these dinners of yours that you
share with Sutton?"

Kira's eyes narrowed, "I'm surprised at you Odo, you know that's private."

"I'm more worried about Security than knowing about any....indiscretions."

She opened her mouth to let Odo have a piece of her mind but Sisko cut in
saying, "Alright, that's enough. We're here to discuss these logs."

Kira eyed Odo for a few moments and then replied, "So how did you find out
about the logs anyway?"

"Routine maintenance.", Sisko replied, "O'Brien needed to know the running
times of the Colorados' systems. Since the Ambassador has erased sections
of the logs, the computer maintenance schedule has also been affected."

"Doesn't the computer keep a separate running log?"

Odo replied, "Yes, but since that could also be used to determine where the
ship has been, Sutton has cross-linked the erasures with the main computer
records."

"Then why didn't O'Brien mention this sooner? Surely the Ambassadors' ship
needed maintenance before this?"

Odo replied, "Because I asked him to keep it quiet and report to me. I was
hoping to find a pattern in the erasures that could be used to figure out
where Sutton's been. The more logs I had to work with, the greater the
chance of success."

"So what happened?"

"As I told the Commander, Sutton is quite skillful at erasing any
information that he doesn't want to be seen. He could have erased the
entire logs but that would have really alerted us."

"He must've known it would have been discovered sooner or later?"

"My guess is that now he doesn't care. He has enough influence in
diplomatic circles to avoid some pressures and responsibilities."

Sisko said flatly, "The Ambassador will have some explaining to do once he
returns. Until then there'll be no discussion of this
matter,...understood?"

Kira nodded.

"And Major,....that means with _anyone_, including the Consulate or any
other Bajoran authorities."

Sisko turned to Odo, "Alright Constable, as soon as the Ambassador returns,
you and I will have a little talk with him."

Odo nodded, then Sisko left the Security office with Kira.

She remarked to Sisko, "Odo seems pretty determined."

"As I understand it Major, it was _you_ who originally instructed him to
investigate Sutton."

"But that was...."

Kira decided she didn't want to finish the sentence. Instead, she was about
to walk off but Sisko said quietly, "I understand that you have a
rather....._unique_ position of trust with the Ambassador."

"Are you asking me whether I'd put him ahead of you, Commander?"

Sisko didn't answer and she angrily replied, "This station and the uniform
I wear _is_ Bajoran,...but I'm under _your_ command. - Sir,....you have my
respect and my confidence. I hope I still have yours."

"You do Major."

Kira sighed, "There's something else you may not know."

"And what's that?"

"The Ambassador respects you a great deal."

"One can also respect ones enemy, can't they?"

"You've got it all wrong."

"Sometimes I wonder, Major......sometimes I wonder."




* ************************* *



When Dax walked into the Runabouts' rear section, she found that Sutton had
laid down on one of the bunks and looked to be asleep. He hadn't drawn the
curtain across and she could see that he must've been looking at a PADD
because it was on the floor beside him.

She walked over, grabbed the PADD, then sat down at the table with it.

When Dax activated it, she found that it contained several ancient Bajoran
texts along with notes by Sutton after he'd used the translator on some
sections.

"What are you doing Dax?"

She quickly turned around and saw that Sutton was half-awake.

"I.....you dropped this on the floor. I was...."

"If you want to look at anything of mine, next time ask me please."

He held out his hand, and so she turned off the PADD before handing it over
to him.

Sutton put the PADD under his pillow, rolled over, and went back to sleep.



* ************************* *



"Rom, where's Quark?", O'Reilly anxiously asked.

"He's checking out a new shipment in one of the storage bays."

"Which one?"

"Why do you want him?"

"Where is he Rom!?  C'mon, this is important!"

"He said he didn't want to be disturbed."

"Just tell me which bay he's in!"

"Seventeen."

"O'Reilly turned about and then rushed off as Rom shouted out after him,
"If he asks, don't tell him I told you, okay!?"


* ** *


"Who told you I was in here!?", exclaimed Quark, "I bet it was that idiot
brother of mine!"

O'Reilly glanced around at all the stacks of containers and replied, "I
couldn't care less what you've got in here Quark, all I want is to do some
business with you."

Quark threw up his hands and sighed, "Well why didn't you say? Alright,
what've you got in mind?"

"You know the Ambassadors table in the upper level?"

"What about it?"

"Since he's not on the station, I'd like to use it while he's gone."

"What for?"

"I've got a friend of mine coming."

Quark grinned, "You mean a female?"

"Well.......yes."

"Oh, I get it now. Okay,....for seven strips of latinum it's yours."

O'Reilly had come prepared. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a
pouch from which he handed Quark the latinum.

Quark eyed the pouch and added, "For another three I could guarantee you
quick service to your table."

O'Reilly handed over three more strips.

"You know....", mused Quark, "....I could supply you a great bottle of
drink at a discount price, and a meal that'll impress your lady friend."

O'Reilly frowned but then simply handed Quark the entire pouch into Quarks
eager hands saying, "Take the lot. I want the first dinner to be a
success."

"You can never be sure of that. You know what females are like."

O'Reilly left the storage bay with his pocket lighter, and Quark counting
his good fortune.



* ************************* *



When Dax and Sutton beamed down to Kalor, they found themselves met by
several important looking men and women.

Sutton moved forward, "Greetings from Bajor."

A man and women stepped closer to meet him.

The man said, "We're pleased that you're here Ambassador. I'm Vasla Olec
and this is Vasla Rinar."

Olec looked at Dax and added to Sutton, "I see you've also brought your
mate."

"Mate?", asked Dax.

Sutton smiled, "She's not my mate, she's only my pilot."

Rinar frowned, "How terribly unfortunate for you to have come all this way
without your mate."

Sutton sensed that Dax was about to ask him a question so he headed her off
by saying, "Kalorians believe in doing everything together as couples."

Rinar asked Dax, "Where is your mate?"

"I don't have a mate.", she replied, then Dax turned to Sutton and asked
with a mischievous smile on her face, "You don't have one either
Ambassador,....do you?"

Sutton frowned at her for a moment but turned back to Olec to say, "I'd be
honoured if you'd show me some of your beautiful city before our talks are
to begin."

Olec bowed, "It would be our pleasure."



* ************************* *



"The next time I tell you I don't want to be disturbed Rom, just make sure
you remember it.", said Quark as he mixed a rather exotic drink for an
equally exotic Niskian woman smiling to him from the far end of the bar.

"I still think docking me an hours pay is unfair!"

"It's the only way you'll learn."

Quark held up the glass looking at the multi-leveled layers of liqueurs
he'd created inside.

"Anyway,...", said Rom, "I would've thought you'd have told O'Reilly about
the Ambassadors arrangements before you made that deal."

Quark added the final layer to the drink and replied, "That's too bad for
O'Reilly. Females may be nice to look at but Latinum is nicer."

Rom glanced over at the Niskian and grumbled, "Then what about _her_!?"

"Listen,...when _you_ get to be the owner of a bar, _then_ you can make
your own rules. Until then, shut up and take care of things while I go and
entertain a guest."

As Quark headed off towards the Niskian wearing a big smile on his face,
Rom looked up and saw Kira sitting at Suttons table.

When Quark was busy chatting up the woman, Rom muttered to himself, "One
day brother, this bar will be mine.......and rule number one will be that
Quark is barred!"



* ************************* *



Dax sat down beside Sutton on a large sofa-like chair and remarked,
"O'Reilly would've really to have seen Kalor I think."

Sutton was busy going over something on his PADD and he jokingly replied
without looking at her, "You should have let him come then instead of
trying to kill me."

"You _know_ he's got a lot happening right now."

Sutton didn't reply and Dax leaned over asking, "What are you doing?"

He turned the PADD away from her sight and looked at her for a few seconds
before smiling, "Are you always this curious?"

"I guess.", she smiled back.

"Why don't you go out again and have a look at Kalor?"

"I did that yesterday......_and_ the day before."

"Well it's much better than moping around in my quarters."

"I'm not moping. Anyway, when are these talks supposed to be happening?"

"Now you're beginning to sound just like O'Reilly. If you must know, they
begin later today. The Kalorians don't like to rush things."

"You certainly have done your research on this place."

"Not really. Relen just assembles all the information that the Bajoran
envoys bring in. They do most of the groundwork but studying some of the
local customs of where I'm going also helps me a lot."

Dax smiled, "You should have warned me then. I keep getting chased out
there by people hoping I'll be their chosen mate. - At least I'm safe in
here with you."

Sutton turned the PADD off and smiled back, "Yes,.....you are."

He sat back and asked, "You wouldn't _really_ have told Kira anything about
you helping me with her,....would you?"

Dax didn't reply but instead just kept smiling.

"You've been a friend to me Jadzia, and I appreciate that. I don't have too
many on the station......not real friends."

She moved over and sat closer before answering, "You tend to annoy a lot of
people."

"Me!?", he laughed.

"You know exactly what I mean."

Dax snuggled a little closer and quietly said, "I feel that you might be
someone I could trust and be open with but......I can never be sure."

He looked into her blue eyes and smiled, "Why not?"

"You never share anything with me about yourself."

"Like what?"

"Well, how about your life before you came to the station?"

Sutton stood up, put the PADD down on the table, then went to another chair
where he sat down to study Dax.

"Jadzia......I'm glad that you _are_ my friend because otherwise I might
think you're trying to spy on me."

"I'm sorry. It's just that I don't like too many mysteries."

He frowned, "Ahhh yes,....it's this eternal curiosity you have, isn't it."

She saw that he was becoming quite sullen so she smiled, "You know,....you
really did fight well against me. Maybe you're just a bit rusty. Lucky for
me that you were I think."

"You mean lucky for O'Brien.", he replied rather harshly.

"Maybe when we get back you and I could have another match, a friendly
one?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"It's not something that I think of as "sport'."

"You're afraid of hurting me?"

"Perhaps I'm afraid of forgetting that you're my friend in there. Fighting
is for survival,.....not for recreation."



* ************************* *



"Captain Wilson's coming in on the next transport.", O'Brien smiled to
O'Reilly.

He added, "She's scheduled to meet with Commander and then as far as I know
she's free after that."

"That's great!"

"You want me to give her a message?"

"Tell Kate I've invited her to dinner at Quarks and to meet me on the Upper
Level at 18:00."

"You've got this all planned, haven't you?", laughed O'Brien.

O'Reilly grinned, "You bet I have!"



* ***** *


O'Reilly was starting to get worried. It was 18:10 and Wilson hadn't shown
up yet. He looked up and down both levels of the Promenade from where he
stood outside Quarks and there were plenty of people moving about, but the
one he wanted wasn't among them.

O'Reilly gripped the railing tight and frowned before turning around to
head back into QUARKS thinking that perhaps she'd come in on the lower
level instead.

It was then he found Kira sitting at his table.

She was busily tapping away at her PADD with one hand whilst her other held
a glass of wine. By the look of the bottle on the table, it was Dal'th.

O'Reilly looked all around and still couldn't see Wilson, but now more than
anything he wanted Kira away from _his_ table.

He took a deep breath, then strode up to confront her.

"What are you doing at my table?"

Kira looked up and answered, "_Your_ table?"

"That's what I said. It's reserved  for _me_ tonight."

She looked at him for a few moments then casually took a sip from her glass
before replying, "Lieutenant,.....I suggest you ask Quark what's going on
before you use that tone of voice with me again."

O'Reilly looked down and saw that Quark was busy at the bar.

He stabbed the table with his finger and repeated, "But this table is
reserved for _me_,...._tonight_!"

Kira put down her glass and angrily said, "Talk to that weasel Quark
instead of bothering me O'Reilly. He knows that when the Ambassador's not
on the station that this table is reserved for me. It's been like that for
awhile now. If you weren't so busy getting drunk and having a good time in
the holosuites then maybe you'd have noticed that for yourself. Now go
away. I'm off-duty and I want to relax."

He looked down to see Morn saying something to Quark which resulted in the
people around the bar bursting out laughing. Whatever was said, O'Reilly
imagined it was about him.

O'Reilly turned back to Kira and demanded, "Did a woman come here asking
for me!?"

Kira sat back, took another sip from her drink, and then replied, "Wilson
was here, but she only stayed a few moments."

He moved closer and angrily asked, "What did you say to her!?"

This time Kira put her glass down and became very serious, "I only
said what needed saying. - You and I both know what I'm talking about."

"Kira,......if you've--"

"If I've what?!"

He clenched his fists but didn't reply.

Kira got up and stood close to him, "I know you hate me O'Reilly, we've had
enough arguments in the past to prove that. I was hoping that maybe you'd
change the views you have. - But if you're going to push me, then I'm going
to shove you right back, make no mistake about that.....and I'll probably
enjoy doing it."

O'Reilly turned around and began walking off but Kira said, "In the
Replimat...."

He didn't want to talk any further with her but he had to stop and ask,
"What are you talking about!?"

"Wilson might be waiting for you at the Replimat......but don't count on
it. If I was her, I wouldn't have anything to do with you."

Kira sat back down, took her glass and watched O'Reilly storm off.



* ************************* *


"I've already told you _no_, Dax.", Sutton said as he sat down heavily into
his chair.

She stood beside him and replied, "All I'm saying is that it would at least
put you in a better light with the Federation."

"Why don't you do something else instead of bothering me all the time? If
you want to pester someone then do it in your own quarters."

Dax walked off and returned with a glass of wine which she handed to him.

Sutton took a sip and said, "You're not my servant you know."

"No,.....I'm your friend.", she replied firmly.

Dax surprised him by pulling the glass from his hand and putting it aside
on the table.

She sat down next to him and sighed, "I'm thankful for you letting me sit
in on the talks but I'm not sorry for what I'm asking you to do."

He sighed and replied in an irritated voice, "I'm here to negotiate
Kalorian medical technology for Bajor......._not_ the Federation."

"Share it with the Federation."

"How many times do I have to say no before you'll listen!?"

Dax stood up and was about to walk to the door, but she leaned over and
with a deft flick of her finger, knocked Suttons glass over, sending its
contents across the table.

She gave him a short, mock smile, and then walked out.



* ************************* *



Wilson was sitting in the Replimat but there was nothing on the table in
front of her. Instead, her mind looked to be elsewhere as she gazed off
down the Promenade.

O'Reilly was hesitant but he forced himself to smile as he walked up to
her.

"Kate,.....I'm sorry but there's been a bit of a mix up."

He sat down opposite her and added, "It's really nice to see you again."

But Wilson regarded him without emotion.

"Kate, listen.......I can make it up to you........"

She sighed, "You're coming with me tomorrow."

His eyes lit up as he eagerly asked, "Where are we going?"

"Bajor."



* ************************* *



O'Reilly took a drink from his water canteen and then looked out ahead at
the most ramshackle buildings he'd ever seen. They were more like crude
shacks than anything else.

He quickened his step and caught up with Wilson as they continued their
journey.

"What is this place?", he asked wiping some sweat from his brow.

"A Bajoran settlement camp used when the Cardassians occupied Bajor."

The ground was quite bare and the winds blew up small dust clouds that
swirled around the abandoned buildings. Apart from the sound of the wind
and the occasional banging of loose roofing sheets, it was very quiet.

O'Reilly kicked an old beaten cooking pot out of his way and frowned, "You
think they'd have cleaned up these sorts of places by now."

Wilson regarded him in silence as they walked into the settlement.

She cautiously pushed open a door and it roughly swung aside to let the
outside light in on it's dusty interior.

They walked in and looked around with Wilson saying, "Twenty people were
expected to live in one of these huts. Can you imagine all those people
crammed in here?"

O'Reilly was silent as he watched her carefully examining the simple but
effective cooking stove that had also once served as a heater in the open
room.

Finding the whole situation uncomfortable, he went outside and waited for
Wilson to come out.

When she saw him she asked, "Something wrong?"

He shrugged, "I don't know......it's this place. It's depressing."

Wilson sighed, "Yes, it _is_ depressing but that's one of the reasons why
we're here."

O'Reilly looked at her and she shook her head saying, "You don't care much
at all about the Bajorans, do you?"

"What's Kira been saying to you?"

"Never mind what anyone's said, I want to hear it from you for myself."

He turned away and answered, "I don't think the Bajorans could fight their
way out of _any_ situation. They're just too content to argue amongst
themselves. It was the Federation that freed them, nothing more."

"That not a very considered or compassionate view, Mike. The Bajorans had
a beautiful and advanced culture long before we humans had even begun to
think about starting any civilisation of our own. But it was the
Cardassians who fragmented and tried to destroy Bajoran culture. I find it
remarkable that most of their culture _has_ survived despite the
Occupation."

"The Bajorans are quite content for the Federation to stand guard while
they struggle with their petty arguments trying to gain power. Someday
there'll be a final civil war and it'll send them back to the level of
throwing rocks against each other. - Face it, they don't care about any
other race but themselves. We don't need the likes of them in the
Federation."

They began to walk through the settlement and she replied, "I don't see it
that way at all, and I expect that's true of most people. Do you think the
Bajorans _liked_ to become ruthless in order to deal with the Cardassians?
To survive they had to do what _had_ to be done. No-one should pass
judgment on them because only the Bajorans themselves know what it was
like."

The walked on in silence until they passed the outskirts of the camp and
stood before a large area littered with stone markers.

"Do you see that Mike? There are _thousands_ of Bajoran people buried here.
Dead not because of civil wars and bickering, but because of starvation and
disease. Their lives were taken from them by those who treated them with
contempt. - I want you to remember that."



* ******* *



There were several more places that Wilson took him to, and at each one she
sought out his opinions and expressed her own. Each new place they visited
had been more troublesome than the last to O'Reilly because it challenged
the ideas that he had about Bajorans.

They inspected ancient buildings, thriving villages, schools and medical
centres. But of them all, it was the orphanage that they went to that
unsettled his views on Bajorans the most.

O'Reilly had expected the orphans to be sorrowful, vindictive little
individuals scheming and conniving against each other. But he was surprised
at their hopes not only for themselves and their future, but also for
Bajor.

The diversity of their goals and the enthusiasm they showed was in stark
contrast to the tales of horror and deprivation that they told him of. They
acknowledged their tragedies and expressed the feelings of loss that they
all shared but they always returned to showing their joy at being spared
to help Bajor regain what it had lost.

When they finally left the orphanage, Wilson saw that it'd had an effect on
O'Reilly and it was the one time that she didn't press him for his
opinions. Instead they walked quietly through the large town taking in the
sights and the ways of the people they passed.

At a marketplace they bought a meal and took it away to eat under some
trees together.

As they ate, Wilson smiled, "I see you like Bajoran food."

He shrugged, "Not particularly but I've gotten used to it a bit. The
Ambassador programmed the Colorados' replicators to serve Bajoran food and
not much else."

"So,.........how do you feel about Bajorans now that we've seen everything
today?"

O'Reilly stopped eating and looked at her but didn't reply.

Wilson stated firmly, "I haven't made my mind up yet whether I should
accept your application to join my crew. I'll be in this sector for a few
more days yet and I want to talk to Ambassador Sutton before I leave."

He put his food down and frowned, "Why can't you give me an answer _now_,
Kate?"

"Listen Mike, I'm not going to accept your application just because of our
Academy days. I owe it to myself and my crew to choose the right person for
the job. You'll have my answer when I've made my decision."

O'Reilly frowned a little deeper and she smiled, "In the meantime you and I
can see more of Bajor."



* ************************* *


The Runabouts' outer door opened and Dax stepped out to see Sisko, Odo, and
O'Brien waiting.

She smiled, "Benjamin I've got wonderful news. The Ambassador's negotiated
a trade agreement for medical technology on behalf of Bajor _and_ the
Federation."

"Fine, you can tell me about it later.", he replied stonily. "Right now the
Constable and I have got some questions for the Ambassador."

Sutton came out and frowned, "What's going on here?"

Sisko ordered, "Chief, you know what to do."

"Yes sir.", O'Brien replied and he walked past Sutton and went into the
Runabout.

"What the hell's going on!?", Sutton exclaimed, "What's he doing in
there!?"

Odo simply replied, "Come with me, Ambassador."

"Not before you tell me what you're doing!"

Sisko stepped up to him and calmly answered, "A little question of Runabout
logs, Ambassador. Now we can discuss this here or we can do it somewhere
more private. The choice is yours."

Sutton glanced at Dax and then reluctantly followed Odo away.

"What are you doing Benjamin!?"

"Something that should've been done a long time ago Dax. We're going to
rattle Suttons cage and see if we can make him sing."



* *** *



Sutton sat in the conference room with Odo watching him closely with folded
arms. Odo looked to be almost smiling.

Sutton spoke up and demanded, "I want to see Kira."

"She's not on the station."

"That's very convenient.", Sutton replied with more than a touch of sarcasm
in his voice.

"Take it anyway you like. The fact of the matter is that this is something
that concerns _you_ Sutton, not Kira."

The door opened and Sisko walked in carrying a PADD. He accessed a wall
unit and a large screen lit up with scrolling numbers and references, then
he turned back to Sutton to eye him coldly.

Sisko began, "As you can see, we are well aware of your activities in
erasing the Runabout logs and also supplying phony entries. We've known for
sometime. - Now we'd like an explanation."

Sutton got up and walked over to the screen to look at the figures.

Odo added, "It's no use trying to deny it. The evidence is all there."

Sutton turned around and calmly replied, "I've got nothing to say to either
of you."

Sisko shook his head and said, "This isn't just about you and the
Federation, Sutton. Odo here represents Bajoran security and we _all_ want
answers."

Sisko held up the PADD saying, "I've got a full report of your little work
and it's going to be forwarded to the authorities, Federation _and_
Bajoran."

Odo nodded, "Now's the chance to say something about it before you get into
more trouble, Sutton."

"Trouble!?  Hah!  I know what trouble is and this isn't it."

"What have you got to hide?", Sisko asked.

Sutton started walking towards the door and Sisko firmly stated, "You're
bringing this upon yourself Sutton and you'll have no-one else to blame. If
you feel like telling me anything then you know where to find me."

Sutton stopped for a moment to listen to his words, but then walked out.



* ************************* *



Sutton entered the Ministers large office and walked towards the desk that
Diora sat behind waiting for him. She watched him come closer with that
intensity of hers that Sutton had long ago recognised as being a sign that
he would be crossing swords with her again.

Minister Rennic was still away recovering from his illness so that meant
that Diora was Acting Minister. But she had all the powers as if she was
Rennic himself.

"Sit down.", she ordered.

Sutton did so and she simply looked at him for a long time in silence.

Finally she began, "Why is it that whenever difficult matters are brought
before me that they nearly always involve _you_ in some way?"

"If I could just say--"

"I'm not finished yet.", Diora said coldly as she cut him off.

Sutton fell silent and she continued, "Bajor invited the Federation here to
assist us, which they have done and are continuing to do so. Relations with
them have been good overall but _you_ seem intent on destroying those good
relations. Until such times that Bajor is strong enough to stand on its
own, we still need the Federation for assistance."

"My objective _is_ to make Bajor that strong,.....but if Bajor chooses to
join the Federation, then so be it. I won't interfere with that course if
it's to happen."

"You've already succeeded in making Bajor strong in commerce, but without
the Federation around we have limited defences against those who might now
see Bajor as a choice prize to be taken."

"You mean the Cardassians?"

"I mean _anyone_."

Diora stared at him and Sutton realised that it unsettled him. He couldn't
figure out Diora's moods or state of mind at any time, and that also
worried him.

She bluntly asked, "Why have you been erasing the Runabouts' logs?"

"_That_,......is my business. It has nothing to do with you Diora."

"DS9's Commander, as well as the Chief of Security have both expressed
their concerns to me over this matter. That _makes_ it my business."

He sat back in his chair and she asked, "Is it because of something to do
with your past?"

"_No_.", he answered emphatically.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Then tell me the reason."

But he refused to answer and instead got up and began walking to the door.

Diora said loudly, "If you go through that door, life will become _very_
difficult for you Sutton."

He stopped, turned around, and slowly returned.

"Now sit down."

Instead he put his hands on the back of the chair and asked, "Are you
threatening me Diora?  Because you know I don't take kindly to threats."

"You have a high status but you're not untouchable. How far do you think
you'd get without a Federation Runabout?"

"What?"

"Sit down.", she ordered once again.

Sutton frowned but sat in the chair so she would continue.

"Now,...", Diora sighed, "I've been instructed that if a satisfactory
conclusion to this matter isn't reached, then you'll be denied access to
the Runabout forthwith."

He replied angrily, "In that case I'll have to see to my contacts in the
Government!"

She remained unmoved and simply looked at him.

Sutton added, "Who gave you these instructions anyway!?"

"Minister Rennic himself.", she calmly replied.

Sutton looked surprised and he quietly uttered, "I....thought that--"

"That what? That the Minister would allow you to cause trouble? - I think
not. And before you attempt to involve any of your 'contacts' in this
affair, I'm letting you know that so far this matter is being handled by
this ministry section alone. Should you wish to involve 'others', then it
will become a full Council matter I can assure you. Once that happens it's
out of all our hands."

Sutton replied without emotion, "I see you've tried to anticipate my every
move, Diora. Well then, if you're so clever, tell me what you imagine I'll
do next."

"Oh, I'm not about to try to guess what you'll do. But all you have before
you is two choices. Either tell me of the reasons for the log erasures, or
permanently lose the use of a Federation ship."

"But I _need_ the Runabout to travel because Bajor doesn't have anything
comparable."

"It's the Federations' idea to remove your access to a Runabout, not ours.
I know you require it to travel to remote places,....and the Federation
knows it too. Don't you think they'd like you out of the way so they could
bring in their own negotiators to take your place?  And you know what that
would mean. - Bajor would lose trade dominance."

"You're forgetting one thing Diora,..._I'm_ the key to unlocking the trade
agreements in the Gamma Quadrant. They won't deal with any others."

"You might think that Sutton, but now they've established trade with the
Alpha Quadrant they'll want to continue their commerce. Whether they do it
through the Federation or Bajor will matter little to them."

He leaned closer and said quietly, "Diora,...........Lena,....this is all
getting out of hand."

She leaned closer herself and replied, "You know you only have one choice.
You must explain the log erasures."

"I can't........and I won't."

"Do you have any idea of what's at stake here?"

"Of course I do, but my answer is still no."

"Whatever your reasons, they must be very important for you to sacrifice
your dream of making Bajor strong."

"Bajor is stronger than it was."

"But it's not enough is it?  You know as well I do that unless we keep
growing more influential, then we won't have true independence."

"Things will turn out for the best. I know they will."

"Sutton,......you've been spending too much time with your nose in those
old Bajoran texts you read. The reality is--"

"The reality is that ever since I've been involved in this ministry I've
been lied to, threatened, and my judgement questioned!  If you want to go
ahead and cut short my affairs, the _do_ it!  But don't come crying to me
when things don't work out exactly how you wanted because by then it'll be
too late to fix the damage!"

Sutton stood up and angrily marched to the large doors of the Ministers
office as she shouted, "Sutton, come back here!"

But he stopped at the door and glared at her, "Just remember that you said
you owed me a big favour Diora. I'm calling in that favour right _now_!
You get them all off my back or I'll make sure to let everyone know that it
was _you_ who was responsible for letting Bajors trade dominance go to
hell!"

He opened the door and walked out without shutting it behind him.

Diora sat back into her large chair and said quietly to herself, "Well, if
_that's_ going to be your answer......"




* **** *



Sutton wandered around the city buildings deep in thought without really
taking much notice of the people or where he was going. He sat down on a
stone seat by a large ornamental lake and blankly looked out across the
waters.


* ** *

"Ambassador Sutton.....it is good to see you again.", said an eloquent
female voice beside him.

He turned then smiled a little, "Vedek Meeras."

Meeras stood beside him and she contrasted brightly with her Vedeks robes
beside his own blue robe-like ambasadorial clothes.

Sutton made a move to stand up but she waved her hand, "No, please stay
seated. I can see that I have disturbed your thoughts."

He motioned with his own hand to the space beside him on the carved stone
seat and she nodded before taking the offered place.

"Tell me," she asked, "have you yet finished reading the last book I gave
you?"

"No, I've been......busy."

"Ahhh, I see. Then you do not find the material I gave you to be at all
interesting?"

"I find it very interesting Meeras, it's just that I really have been very
busy lately."

"And yet you find the time to be sitting _here_. - Am I mistaken that I
sense that all is not well with you Sutton?"

He smiled, "Perceptive of you always Meeras. I never could hide too much
from you."

"You still hide a great deal Sutton.......even from yourself."

He sighed, "There are days when I wonder if I'm going to get anywhere at
all. Today's been one of them."

"Perhaps you would consider visiting the temple nearby."

Sutton shook his head, "No Meeras. It's no use constantly asking me to go
because it's not for me. I haven't even stepped foot in the one on DS9."

"You still maintain this view that you 'have no right' as you once put it?"

He nodded.

"Then I will tell you once again that you are mistaken. The voice of the
Prophets speaks to you through your pagh Paul Sutton, but you however do
not always listen to it."

They looked out across the water for awhile in silence, but then Suttons
commbadge chirped.

Relens voice came through it asking for him.

"Yes, what is it?"

"-I have your documents for the next trade conference sir. You _did_ ask me
to notify you as soon as they were ready.-"

"That's okay, Relen."

"-The other parties have just communicated that they'll be ready for talks
in two days.-"

"Two days.....", Sutton glumly repeated.

"-Is there anything wrong sir-?"

"It barely gives me enough time to get back to the station, pick up a some
things and head for the meeting."
Sutton added, "Don't worry Relen, it's not your fault. Alright, I'll leave
for DS9 as soon as I can. - And Relen........have you heard anything from
the Ministers office since I arrived on Bajor?"

"-Nothing at all sir.-"

"What about from Commander Sisko?"

"-No sir. Is there something I should---"

"Never mind. Have everything ready to go for me Relen. I won't have time to
chat when I get back. Sutton out."

He stood up and turned to Meeras saying, "I'm sorry but duty calls."

She stood up and looked at him closely before answering, "Once again your
work takes you away from Bajor. Are you sure that you cannot spend more
time here?"

"I'm sorry, but I _do_ have to go."

"Very well. I hope your studies of Bajor at least give you some comfort on
your long journeys. - May the Prophets travel within you."

"And with you Meeras."

She watched him walk off in a hurry until he was gone and then Meeras
sighed to herself, "Trust in the Prophets Paul Sutton......they will not
fail you."



* ************************* *


"Where's that lady friend of yours?", Quark asked O'Reilly sitting at the
bar.

"Just give me a drink.", he said unhappily.

"Okay, the usual coming right up."

As he poured out the drink, Quark said, "Look, if it was me the Captain
came to see then I wouldn't be sitting here at the bar."

O'Reilly took a large drink from his glass and replied, "What would _you_
know about!?  Because of you her first night here was a total disaster!"

"Hey c'mon!  I gave you your money back."

"Yeah, but you didn't tell me about Suttons table and Kira, _did you_!"

"I thought you knew all about that. I thought you must've made a separate
deal with Kira or something. Anyway, I don't know what's special about that
table up there. I've got a whole bar full of them but why that particular
one seems to get all the attention is beyond me."

O'Reilly just went back to staring into his drink.

Quark leaned closer and said very quietly, "Listen, don't let this get
around but I'll give you a good table, food and drink for half price to
make up for things seeing how you're a regular and this means so much to
you. Now I can't be fairer than that can I?"

But O'Reilly wasn't listening and he said miserably, "I can forget about
being posted to her ship. She said she still has to talk to the Ambassador
before making a final decision. And I just _know_ that he's going to tell
her how unfit I am for the position. - Yeah, I can just see it now."

O'Reilly drank down the rest of the glass and said, "Give me another."




* ************************* *



When Sutton went to the Consulate office he found Kira waiting there for
him with Relen. She didn't say a word to him as Relen gave Sutton a PADD
and quickly briefed him on what he needed to know.

Once that was done, Sutton silently pointed to his office door and then
Kira followed him inside to talk alone.

"What happened on Bajor?", she quietly asked.

"The usual.", Sutton replied, "Argued with Diora and then I had a bit of
time for myself."

Kira wasn't satisfied with his remarks and she sighed, "We haven't heard
anything yet from the Ministers office. - So what's the answer going to
be?"

"You'll have to wait for an official answer."

Sutton grabbed another PADD from his desk and added, "I have to go."

As he walked past Kira, she grabbed his arm and stopped him saying, "You've
always been very secretive about everything. People don't like it.....and I
don't like it either."

"Are you saying you don't trust me anymore, is that it?"

"What's so secret that you can't even tell _me_ about, Paul?"

He gently peeled her hand from his arm and didn't reply.

Kira took a step back from him, threw up her hands and angrily said, "When
you decide you want to tell me what the hell's going on, then _you_ come to
_me_ because I'm not going to stick around waiting!"

She turned around and stormed out as he shouted, "Nerys!"

But she kept going as Sutton ran to the outer office to catch her.

Sutton grabbed her arm and she immediately spun around and knocked his hand
from her.

Kiras eyes glared as she exclaimed, "I've stuck my neck out for you a
hundred times or more since you came to DS9, and if you don't think I'm
worthy enough to trust then you can just carry on with your secrets.....and
don't you _ever_ ask for my help again because you won't get it!"

"If you want to play it that way then it's fine by me!", he angrily
replied.

She walked out of the Consulate but Sutton just stood there watching her
go.

He turned to Relen and simply said, "I'm leaving for the conference. I'll
be back within a week."

Sutton quickly walked out just as a commlink chimed on Relens desk.

Relen answered it and heard, "-This is Kate Wilson,....Captain Wilson. I
was hoping to speak with the Ambassador before he left the station again.
Is he available?-"

"No, I'm afraid he's just the left the Consulate. I......don't think it
would be the best time to approach him Captain."

"-Where's his ship docked at?-"

"Runabout pad C, but Captain I really think that you shouldn't--"

"-I'll catch him before his goes. Wilson out.-"

Relen shook his head and said to himself, "Rather you than I, Captain."



* ************************* *



As Sutton walked into the access corridor to his Runabout, he saw a female
Starfleet officer standing by the entrance.

He gripped the PADD's in his hand tighter and walked up to her saying, "I'm
getting in that ship and I'm leaving. If you want to argue about it then I
suggest you contact the Trade Ministers office."

She looked puzzled and replied, "I'm Captain Kate Wilson. Your pilot
Micheal O'Reilly applied for a posting to my ship."

Sutton looked surprised, "I thought that you were....uhhh, never mind. -
Look Captain, I'm late as it is I really have to be going. I'll be back
within a week."

"A week?", she replied shaking her head, "That's too long for me."

He sighed and said in a very annoyed voice, "Just what do you want
Captain?"

"I was rather hoping I could talk to you about O'Reilly."

"O'Reilly? - You want to know what I think about O'Reilly.........."



* *** *



Kira stepped off the turbolift and into Ops. She immediately asked Dax,
"Anything yet from the Trade Ministers office?"

"Benjamin's talking to the Acting Trade Minister now. The Ambassadors ship
left just a short while ago before the call came in."

Kira went up to Dax at her station and quietly asked, "What do _you_ think
Sutton's up to?"

"I haven't a clue. I would've though that you'd be in a better position to
know."

"Well I don't.", she answered sharply.

Sisko's office doors opened and the two of them looked up to see him walk
out and grip the railing with both hands.

They could see he was in a bad mood and he said loudly, "'Matters of
Bajoran security' is what she said!  When I pushed for answers, she told me
to tell Federation diplomatic staff to get in contact with her, but the
answer would still be the same. - Major,....are all the ministerial
sections on Bajor so adept at keeping people in the dark!?"

Sisko wasn't expecting a reply to his rhetorical question and instead he
ordered, "Dax, get the wheels of diplomacy turning. Inform Starfleet that
the Trade Ministers office respectfully informs us to go jump in a lake!"

"Those exact words?", Dax smiled.

"Words to that effect, use your imagination."

Sisko walked back into his office and once the doors had shut, Dax joked,
"The Ambassador _did_ mention that Minister Diora could be annoying."

But when she turned to Kira, she saw that Kira wasn't smiling.




* **** *


Quark saw Wilson just entering the bar and he leaned closer to O'Reilly to
say, "Look sharp Lieutenant, here comes opportunity."

O'Reilly noticed Wilson and replied, "Watch carefully Quark, this is the
exact moment when my life went downhill."

Wilson came up to him to say in good humour, "I hope my officers don't
spend all their free time in bars."

O'Reilly looked at her with a mixture of surprise and puzzlement.

She put out her hand and smiled, "Welcome aboard Lieutenant."

As he shook her hand in total amazement, Quark laughed, "This calls for a
drink to celebrate!"

He quickly poured two glasses from a bottle under the counter and gave them
to Wilson and O'Reilly.

As they clinked their glasses together, O'Reilly smiled, "Thank you
Captain."

"You should be thanking Ambassador Sutton, not me."

"The Ambassador!?"

"Yes, he kept me standing there for a full fifteen minutes as he praised
your virtues and gave examples of why I should choose you to join my crew."

"I don't believe it."

Quark smiled, "The Ambassador _does_ have a heart after all."

As Quark left them, Wilson added quietly to O'Reilly, "But you didn't get
off entirely without some criticism. The Ambassador _did_ point out that
you have some areas that need to be 'educated' as he put it, particularly
with Bajorans."

O'Reilly nodded, "I suppose that's true."

"Mike, you'd better know here and now that I'll be treating you just like
any other of my crewmen. There'll be no special privileges coming your
way.", then she added with a little smile, "But that doesn't mean things
can't develop between us."

He just looked into her eyes and smiled without saying a word.



* ************************* *


Kira walked into the Bajoran Consulate and asked Relen, "You wanted to see
me?"

"The Ambassador is almost three days overdue from his trip to Tarrell."

"Tarrell?  Isn't that near the Cardassian border?"

Relen nodded, "I contacted Tarrell and and they said the Ambassador left
four days ago."

"Four days?", then she added with a touch of scorn, "Maybe he's off doing
something on his own then."

"He would've contacted me because he knew that he was attending the
Arjenian trade conference in the Gamma Quadrant shortly after his return.
He was running a tight schedule and this was an important meeting. Even if
he arrives today it will be too late to attend the conference."

"And you're _sure_ he was planning to attend the conference?"

"Most certainly. I've contacted Arjenia and the Ambassador isn't there."

"It'd be a violation of his travel authority if he went into the Gamma
Quadrant without a Federation pilot."

Relen held up his hands and was at a loss for an explanation.

Kira frowned as she tapped her commbadge, "Computer......are there any
records of Ambassador Suttons Runabout entering the Wormhole in the past
week?"

"<There are no records.>"

Kira looked at Relen, and he quietly said, "I'm worried."



* **** *



Sisko looked across his desk at Dax and Kira before him.

He asked, "What did the Tarrellians say to you Dax?"

"They were adamant that he left four days ago."

"Hmmmmmm,......do you think that all this business about the missing log
entries made him decide to run off again?"

Kira answered sharply, "He _wouldn't_ have run off Commander."

"And why not?  He's done it before."

"Because he promised me he wouldn't."

"And you believe him."

"Yes."

"I see. What about you Dax?"

"I agree with Kira. - No, something's definitely wrong here Benjamin."

Sisko stood up and sighed, "Well we'd better look into it. I want both of
you to go to Tarrell and find out what's going on."

Kira nodded and Sisko added with authority in his voice, "This had better
be a genuine cause for concern because quite frankly I've had it up to
_here_ with the Ambassadors actions. -- Dismissed."




* ****************** *



As the Runabout flew towards Tarrell at warp speed, Dax noted to Kira,
"You've been very quiet."

Kira broke out of her reverie and tried to make herself look busy at the
controls.

Dax continued, "I don't just mean in the last hour or so, I mean all week."

Kira sighed and sat back in her seat, "Just before he left, I had an
argument with him about all his damned secretive ways."

"And what happened?"

"Ohhh I don't know.....I think we may have said some things to each other
that we didn't mean to say."

They looked at each other and Dax tried to reassure her by saying, "Don't
worry, we'll find him."

But Kira looked out of the viewport and couldn't think of anything else to
say.



* ************************* *



When Sutton came to, he opened his eyes to find a Cardassian looming above
him and smiling malevolently. As Sutton struggled to move away, he realised
that he was on the floor of a large windowless room that looked like an
empty storage bay of some kind.

He groggily crawled away on his hands and knees as the Cardassian handed to
his subordinate the hypospray he'd just used on Sutton.

"Leave us, and see to it that we're not disturbed.", the lead Cardassian
ordered.

The other one left the room through an access door and then the smiling one
advanced upon Sutton who now lay upon his side on the floor.

The Cardassian was in civilian clothes but the way he moved and had acted
to the one one made Sutton think that he was involved with the Cardassian
military in some way.

"Who are you?!", Sutton weakly spoke.

The Cardassian smiled wider, "You can call me Malrec."

"Where am I?"

"You needn't concern yourself with that."

"Am I on Cardassia?"

Malrec laughed, "Let's just say that you're not going to come to the
attention of any interfering Bajoran, Federation, _or_ Cardassian
authorities."

"What do you want!?"

"Want?  Why _you_ of course Ambassador Sutton. And as you can see I have
that already."

Sutton was very worried now.

Malrec smiled wider, "Your Bajoran friends can't help you here. There's no
escape from this place,.....not that you're going to get the chance to
try."

He kicked Sutton hard in the stomach, and as he groaned in pain Malrec said
calmly, "We know all about your thefts from the Cardassian Empire.
Unfortunately we found out a little too late to stop you. So I've been
asked to see to it that you pay for your deeds against us."

Sutton started crawling away but Malrec continued, "Those in the Empire who
collaborated with you have already been put to death, but at least they
helped us find out it was _you_ that was behind it all."

Malrec watched Sutton for a few moments before shouting, "Get up!"

He struggled to his feet but fell back against a wall for support.

Malrec came close, looked Sutton and and down then sneered, "The 'Healer of
Bajor'......hah!"

He reached out and roughly snatched off Suttons earring then threw it to
the floor.

Sutton bent down to pick it up but Malrec struck him hard across the face
and sent him sprawling to the floor. He painfully crawled towards where his
earring lay but as he reached for it, Malrec's heavy boot came down upon
his hand.

As Sutton cried out in pain Malrec growled, "Leave it! You're a human,
_not_ a Bajoran!"

Sutton spun his body around and kicked Malrec hard in the stomach sending
him back a few steps. But Malrec quickly rushed back to Sutton, hauled him
easily to his feet and snarled into his face, "I'm here to make you suffer
Sutton,.....and you _will_ suffer I promise you that! There won't be a
moment where you won't regret ever becoming involved with those Bajoran
scum!"

Malrec threw him as hard as he could against the wall where Sutton
collapsed to the floor in a heap. Then Malrec calmly straightened his
clothes as he looked down at Sutton laying beaten and bleeding upon the
floor.

"I'll be back Sutton,....and the next time I won't be so friendly."

He walked over to the door and left, leaving the loud clang of it shutting
ringing in Suttons ears.

The lighting faded out completely leaving Sutton in total darkness.



* ***************** *



Dax looked at the Tarrellian on the Runabouts' viewscreen as he said in
annoyance, "You've made a preliminary investigation yourselves and you have
our reports. What more do you _want_?"

Kira snapped, "How about the truth!"

"Major, may I remind you that Tarrell is a non-aligned world and as such we
are offering you are co-operation merely as a matter of courtesy. We don't
know _where_ your Ambassador or his ship has gone."

Dax replied, "So your final word is that he left in his ship as scheduled?"

"That's what our records show."

Kira shook her head saying, "You Tarrellians are very friendly with the
Cardassians and I've got no idea why the Ambassador would want to come here
in the first place."

The Tarrellian smiled and answered snidely, "It seems the man appointed to
represent your people is a little more trusting of us Major. Perhaps you
should follow his example."

Kira reached past Dax and slammed the controls to end the commlink.

Dax turned around saying, "We're back where we started from. We've no idea
where he is."

Kira slumped down into her seat and angrily replied, "We know they're
lying!"

"But we can't prove anything Kira. If they say he came here, had his
meeting and then left, then we can't say otherwise without any proof."

Dax sighed heavily and said, "Let's look at the facts......we've spoken to
the people Sutton met and it showed that he _was_ here at least for a small
trade meeting. His ship is nowhere to be found and any warp signature has
long since dissipated. We've scanned for his commbadge but got nothing."

"That doesn't mean he's not down there."

"But he could be _anywhere_ Kira. For all we know he may not even be on
Tarrell."

They both sat back and pondered the situation in silence until Kira sat up
and said quietly, "How about scanning for this?"

She saw Kira pointing to her earring.

Dax shook her head, "I don't know. It's an awfully big planet to be looking
for such a small trace."

But Dax saw that Kira was standing firm on her idea and so she said aloud,
"Computer,.....begin a systematic scan of the planet below for bilitrium
laced diamide."



* ************************* *



Sutton had lost track of how long it was before the lights came on. It
blinded him after so much time in the darkness but he stood up and awaited
those who he knew were coming.

The door opened to let Malrec and two others enter, then it clanged shut.
Malrec motioned to the two fellow Cardassians to bring Sutton to him, but
Sutton backed away from them all.

As the two slowly advanced upon him, Sutton moved around the large room to
evade them.

Malrec smiled, "Come now Sutton, where are you going to go?"

One of them rushed at Sutton but he swung his leg up into the Cardassians'
chest at the same time as hitting him hard in the face with the palm of his
hand.

The Cardassian fell to the floor in a heap and lay very still, which made
the other one more wary of his approach.

Malrec watched as the two got closer. Sutton tried punching the Cardassian
in a sudden move but he grabbed Suttons arm and painfully twisted it to
bring him to his knees.

As Malrec was about to walk towards them, Sutton suddenly kicked out and
swept the Cardassians feet out from under him which sent him crashing to
the floor. Sutton jumped up and quickly moved away.

Malrec growled into his communicator, "I need two more men in here."

The door opened and more Cardassians quickly came in.

Malrec shook his head, "Bring Sutton to me and don't let him play games
with you."

All three of the Cardassians advanced on Sutton and he knew it was no use
trying but he still fought them for as long as he could until they finally
got him in their grip and dragged him to Malrec.

Malrec slapped Sutton hard across the face with the back of his hand and
said, "That's for wasting my time."

He looked at the dazed Sutton, "You're not wearing that thing on your ear
and I don't see it on the floor. - Search him."

One of the guards did so and then brought out the earring that Sutton had
hidden.

He handed it to Malrec who held it up in front of Suttons face saying,
"A lot of fuss over such an insignificant thing."

Then Malrec pulled the earring and chain to pieces before throwing it to
the floor with a smile.

He looked back to Sutton and asked, "Now,.....what have you done with the
property of Cardassia that you stole?"

Sutton spat into Malrecs face and shouted defiantly, "I'll never tell you
Malrec,....never!"

Malrec wiped his face and said coldly, "You'll regret this Sutton....."



* ************************* *



"Anything yet?", Kira eagerly asked as she came from the rear of the
Runabout.

"No...", Dax replied, "...and we still have half of Tarrell to cover."

Kira angrily replied, "I just want to get that Tarrellian and....."

"I feel the same but we have to do it this way or not all."

Kira sat down and said, "Go and get some sleep Dax."

She got up and put a hand on Kira's shoulder saying, "Try not to worry."

"There's not much else to do is there?"



* ************************* *



When Sutton regained consciousness he knew he was badly hurt. His whole
body was in pain and it hurt just to breath, let alone move at all. But
Sutton crawled around on the floor in the darkness picking up the pieces of
his earring.



* ************************* *



When the lights came on Sutton knew that he was in for yet another session
with Malrec. But this time Malrec was alone.

He walked up to Sutton who lay on the floor and he said with disgust, "Look
at you........the great 'Ambassador' reduced to this pathetic, stubborn,
fool. Tell me what I want to hear Sutton and I'll make the end quick for
you."

"I'd rather die."

Malrec shook his head saying, "I knew this wouldn't have worked from the
start. We should have just killed you like all the rest involved in this
affair. But procedures have to be followed and orders have to be carried
out."

"Who gave you these orders?", Sutton groaned.

"It doesn't matter. What _does_ is that you won't be around to do any more
damage Sutton."

Malrec reached down and hauled Sutton to his feet, then he put his hands
around Suttons neck saying, "This is what I've been waiting for......."

Sutton tried to pull his hands from his throat but he was too weak, too
beaten to have any effect on the superior strength of the Cardassian.

As Sutton gasped for air, Malrec smiled, "Say hello to your precious
Prophets if you see them Sutt--"

The phaser shot hit Malrec squarely in the side as he fell dead to the
floor pulling Sutton down with him.

Sutton choked but then felt himself being pulled from Malrecs' body as he
heard the door open and shouting happening.

More phaser shots sounded and he rolled his head to see Kira cradling him
on her knees as she fired again at the Cardassians pouring through the
door.

She tapped her commbadge and shouted, "Dax, get us both out of here _now_!"

Sutton closed his eyes and the next thing he knew was that they were on a
Runabout. He was on a couch in the rear section with Kira and Dax around
him.

Dax scanned him with a tricorder and shook her head saying, "It's bad Kira.
We have to get him to a medical facility as quickly as possible."

Kira was holding onto Suttons arm and she said worriedly, "There's only
Eramin 3 between here and the station, but they're allies of the
Cardassians."

Dax frowned, "I've done what I could but he needs a doctor......urgently."

Kira looked down at him and he weakly held out his hand. She took it in
both of hers and the pieces of his earring fell into her hands as he
gasped, "I'm sorry......."

Sutton went limp and Kira looked up at Dax in alarm, but she shook her head
saying, "It's okay, it's just the sedative I've given him. I've tried to
reduce the pain but........"

Dax turned away and went to the bridge where she activated the comms panel.
Sisko's face appeared and before he could say anything she reported,
"Sutton's been hurt...._badly_. We've got him aboard and we're heading back
to the station but he needs a doctor as soon as possible. I don't think he
can last the trip back."

"Alright Dax, I'll send Doctor Bashir in a ship to rendezvous with you
immediately."

"And one more thing Benjamin......the Cardassians are responsible."



* ************************* *



In DS9's Infirmary, Sisko stood next to Bashir as they looked at Suttons
medical report scrolling up the screen.

Bashir said, "As you can see, his condition was quite bad. Dax was correct
in assuming he wouldn't have survived the return journey without further
medical treatment. I've done what I can for him and he'll pull through
alright, but he's going to be recuperating for awhile. It's lucky there's
no permanent disabilities resulting from his injuries."

"And there's no doubt that these injuries weren't the result of any
'accident' as the Tarrellians would have us now believe?"

"None at all."

Bashir pointed to a large blinking alert on one of the bioscan reports and
added, "That's Cardassian without a doubt."

"Alright doctor. I'll need a copy of your report to send to Starfleet, and
the Bajorans will need a copy of their own. I'll handle that side of
affairs."

"Commander,......there's one other thing...."

Bashir leaned closer and quietly said, It's Major Kira. She's......well,
she's getting in my way a little and......"

Sisko nodded, "I'll take care of it doctor."

He walked through to the recovery room and saw Sutton on the bed with Kira
sitting at his side in a very protective manner.

When she saw Sisko her eyes widened but he put up his hand and said gently,
"Easy Major, it's just me."

Sisko walked up to them and said, "He should be regaining consciousness
soon I've been told."

Kira just looked at Sutton in silence.

Sisko sighed, "Don't you think that you should get some rest? After all,
you've been up for --"

"I'm alright Commander."

"And he's _is_ going to be alright, so set your mind at rest."

Sisko took another look at Sutton and said, "Let me know when you want to
resume your duties. - And Major......."

She looked up at him and he gave a little smile, "Try to let the doctor do
his job. He knows what he's doing."

Kira nodded and Sisko took one more look at the two of them before leaving
the room.

She leaned over the bed and propped herself up with one arm as she
whispered close to his face, "I'm sorry for what I said before you left.
Maybe you are too, but you can be so damned--"

"N....Nerys........is that you", Sutton said weakly.

She gripped his hand tightly and replied with a smile, "It's me Paul."

He slowly opened his eyes and said, "I....I can't see too well."

"That's okay......I think...", then she called out, "Doctor, he's awake!"

Bashir walked quickly into the room and Kira let go of Suttons hand saying,
"He said he can't see too well."

He ran an instrument over Suttons head and replied, "That should pass in a
little while. How do you feel Ambassador?"

Sutton smiled weakly, "Terrible, but not as bad as I did the last time I
was awake."

Bashir smiled, "You're going to be okay but you're going to have to take it
easy for awhile yet."

He ran another instrument over Sutton and nodded, "Just take it easy and
rest. You've been through a lot. But if you're up to it right now, you've
got a visitor."

"Who is it?"

"She said her name was Vedek Meeras. She was quite insistent that she see
you as soon as you came around."

Kira stood up and said, "Since you're going to be okay, I'll leave you in
the doctors care."

But Sutton grabbed her hand and asked, "Please don't go Nerys."

She looked at Bashir and smiled, "Alright, I'll stay with you for a little
while longer."

Bashir asked, "So,.....do I tell Vedek Meeras that you're up to seeing
her?"

Sutton replied, "Yes, and doctor......thanks."

Bashir nodded both to him and Kira. She noticed that he did it in the
Bajoran fashion which made her smile a little more.

After he'd walked out, Kira asked Sutton, "Who's this Vedek Meeras?"

Sutton smiled, "A friend of mine. She's been helping me with my studies."

"What studies?"

But it was Meeras herself who replied as she walked in saying, "Ancient
Bajoran texts."

Kira stood up and Meeras stood by the other side of Suttons bed.

Meeras smiled to Sutton, "It is the Will of the Prophets that you are here
with us Paul Sutton."

He turned to Kira and smiled, "I think they may have had a little help from
Nerys."

Kira smiled but felt a little uncomfortable so she replied, "Paul, I'll
leave you with Meeras. I'll be back in a little later to check up on you,
okay?"

Sutton nodded and Kira made her way out, very conscious of Meeras's eyes
upon her.

Once they were alone, Meeras smiled, "She is very beautiful, just as you
described her."

He rubbed his eyes and replied, "I still can't see too well but the doctor
says it'll pass."

"I came as soon as I heard you were laying here injured."

"How long _have_ I been here?"

"They say three days, but the news was late in getting to me because of
security concerns."

"I understand."

"There are many questions that people want to ask of you but before they
do, I have something for you........"

He felt Meeras put something in his hands and then he realised it was a new
earring.



     * ************************* *      * ************************* *


* ************************* *
* ************************* *
*       End of book 4       *
*    "Destiny Uncertain"    *
* ************************* *
* ************************* *


-end of file-