DS9--Blood Island

[DavidFalkayn]

I liked the scene with Sisko and the admiral--Starfleet was always uncomfortable with Sisko's dual role and you did a good job bringing that out here. Again, I do have to admit to a certain concern, and please don't take this the wrong way, that the story might fall into the pitfall of the stereotypical religion=bad trap; but you've impressed me with your previous work, so I'm confident that you'll be able to navigate these treacherous shoals and give us yet another good tale.

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek
Deep Space Nine
BLOOD ISLAND
(When reading this, please remember this story takes place during the early part of season)

Minister Jerev’s ship dove through the clouds of Bajor, and soon banked out of them. Bashir, who sat with Neline and Kira in the aft compartment, looked out the windows and was impressed with the beauty of the Bajorn ocean. In the distance he could see a large land mass.

“The Island, I presume?” Bashir asked out loud.

Kira, who was not impressed with the scenery, and more specifically the Island, didn’t even bother to look out the window toward their eventual destination.

“Yes Doctor,” Kira replied, with a tone of irritation, “that is the Island.”

Neline, who was still laying in a special med bed, opened her eyes at the sound of Kira’s voice.

“The Island,” Neline said with a small burst of energy, considering her condition. “Is it true? Are we there? Now I can see my daddy!”

She tried to sit up but Bashir walked over to her to calm her down.

“Now you listen here,” Bashir said to Neline, “you need to keep your strength up. I’m sure we will see your father soon enough.” Bashir said, as he looked over at Kira.

Kira’s look on her face conveyed that of someone who had little interest of meeting the girl’s father, who was most likely a traitor of some kind in Kira’s eyes.

The ship made its final bank and soon prepared to land. Dax sat with Minister Jerev, and the pilot of the Transport, in the command compartment.

“Why such the long approach pattern?” Dax asked Jerev. She also noticed a large construct that appeared to be some kind of generator. “And what is that building?”

Minister Jerev looked to her. “The Bajoran Infrastructure Department is building a shield generator, and today they were to practice field levels on this part of the Island.”

“Why is there such a need for a shield generator?” Dax inquired.

“Security precautions, I admit.” Jerev replied. “I won’t lie to you Lt. Dax. The Bajoran Science community is very worried that someday, in the near future perhaps, this virus may mutate to an airborne variety. Such an evolutionary adaptation could jeopardize the entire population of Bajor. We can not allow that.”

Dax nodded in agreement. “I would agree that is a possible threat. But Minister, why hasn’t Bajor asked for outside help on this matter before? Unless Neline had become ill on Deep Space Nine, all of this would still be a secret even now.”

“I think you know why.” Jerev replied. “We knew the external pressure that would come had we taken this to the Federation. Your Admiral Satav’s attitude was like that of an adult talking to the punished child. This virus is not only attacking the body of the Bajoran people, but it is also attacking our very souls. My people must come to terms with this in our own way.”

“The Federation would never allow Bajor to become a member under circumstances like this. So why not let us help now so that your inclusion in the Federation is less doubtful.”

Jerev smiled. “I have great respect for the Federation, I really do. Your assistance with ending the Cardassian Occupation will always be a special connection between us.”

Dax was about to respond, but Jerev held up his hand to hold her off, and then continued.

“I have read much of the Federation’s past. And even you must admit that there are matters that only an indigenous population can really find answers to. Some of the issues you, your commander, and the admiral have raised, I share. But we must deal with them in our own way with out the mighty Federation showing us the way.”

“We’re talking about innocent lives.” Dax pressed. “Even you can’t be blind to that.”

The Transport vessel settled down on the large landing platform. In the distance a large city could be seen. It was modern in more ways than even the capital of the planet, Dax deduced.

Bashir watched as several attendants came aboard and prepared to take Neline off the vessel and to the medical compound. Satisfied they were sufficient, Bashir waved goodbye Neline for the time being. The attendants took her away.

Dax came back and joined Bashir and Kira, as they too, prepared to leave the vessel.

“This Island is about as modern as anything I have seen on Bajor.” Dax told Kira.

Kira seemed unimpressed. “It should, Jadzia. It was the den of the traitors. It was paved with the blood of the rest of the planet. In the resistance we had a name for this Island. We called it Blood Island.”

Kira stormed past Dax, and headed for the exit.

Bashir and Dax exchanged worried glances.

Continued--

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek
Deep Space Nine
BLOOD ISLAND

The medical complexes on the Island were vast. Adjacent to the medical complexes were the numerous housing structures where the citizens, all inflicted with the virus, lived. Bashir, Dax, Kira and Jerev sat in a small shuttle that flew over the modern city that flourished on the Island below.

“No one could deny you are putting a lot of investment in to the comfort, and lives, of these people.” Bashir said to Jerev. “Perhaps I was out of line earlier.”

“With all due respect to Minister Jerev,” Kira said to Bashir, “most of these buildings were built by Bajoran slave labor, under the watchful eye of Dukat’s henchmen and Bajoran collaborators..”

Jerev nodded. “Kira is right,” Jerev said, “but regardless of why they were built Major, they are providing homes for these people.”

“Whatever you say, Minister Jerev.” Kira said with a forced smile.

Dax looked down upon a grass field that they were flying over. There was a large gathered crowed observing some kind of sporting event with what appeared to be younger children.

“I notice that there are a lot of children, younger children, who have the disease.” Dax said. “Neline seems to be the oldest child I have seen who has the virus, and she is nine years old.”

Jerev nodded. “As I told Commander Sisko, even as recent as ten or so years ago, after nearly thirty years of the occupation, it was becoming apparent the occupation wouldn’t last forever. We suspect that it was around that time the Cardassians began to put the virus into the food supplies and water here on the Island, where most of the collaborating Bajoran population lived.”

Bashir picked up Dax’s line of questioning. “So when did the first victims start showing any signs of having the virus?”

“Nearly three years ago. It took that long for the virus to start showing its effects.” Jerev said.

“Excuse me Minister,” Bashir said, “a seven year gestation period can happen, but it is very rare, especially in a closed population such as the one on this Island.”

“Julian, what are you trying to say? It was triggered?” Dax asked.


Bashir looked out the windows and saw that the shuttle was returning to the medical complex, the tour was soon to end. “I’m not sure Jadzia, and I won’t be until I read some of the data they have. But the more I think about it, the more I think this virus was created with much forethought. And, if I am correct, who ever created it had a very detailed understanding of Bajoran DNA.”

“Or just maybe,” Kira said to Bashir, “there are forces at work that are more powerful than Cardassian and Federation scientists.”

They all knew what Kira meant by that subtle, yet straight forward statement.

The shuttle landed at the large medical complex. The passengers stepped off of the shuttle and headed towards the main medical complex. Another male Bajoran, and a younger Bajoran female, came out of the complex and headed toward them. They stopped to greet Jerev and the others. One of them was an older Bajoran, just like Jerev, who had a name badge that read Gyem. The female had a name badge as well, her name was Anthier.

Jerev spoke to Kira, Bashir and Dax. “Let me introduce you to the Islands senior administer, Doctor Gyem. He is, with out doubt, one of our foremost leading scientists.”

Gyem bowed his head.

“And this beautiful young woman Doctor Anthier,” Jerev said with a smile, “not only is she Gyem’s chief assistant, she also happens to be my daughter.”

Anthier shook her head. “Oh father,” Anthier said, “do you always have to state that to everyone?”

Jerev smiled at his daughter. “Well, what kind of father would I be if I didn’t show pride in my own daughter?”

Kira, and Dax, could tell that Bashir was quite taken with the beautiful Bajoran doctor.

Gyem, looked to the guest, and then spoke. “Let me show you our medical center. We are quite proud of what we have accomplished here.”

The others followed Gyem towards the complex. Dax walked to the side of Bashir and leaned closer to him.

“Don’t get distracted, Julian.” Dax said with a twinkle in her eyes as Bashir saw that she had caught him admiring Anthier, who walked just ahead of him.

Bashir nodded.

They entered the large medical complex.

--

Meanwhile, aboard Deep Space Nine.


Chief O’brien and Odo sat inside of Odo’s office at security headquarters. The door opened and Commander Sisko walked into the office.

“I got your message,” Sisko told them both. “What’s wrong?”

Odo looked up at Sisko. “After the tour of the Island, they went inside the main medical complex.”

Sisko nodded. “Well, with any luck, we will know soon if the effort there is real, or just a facade.”

O’brien shook his head. “Sir,” O’brien said, “we’ve lost track of them.”

Sisko did not like the sound of that at all. “You’ve lost contact; how is that possible?”

“Some kind of dampening field,” Odo replied. “They don’t want anyone looking inside that place unexpectedly.”

“Great,” Sisko said softly, “just great.”

--countiued—

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek
Deep Space Nine
BLOOD ISLAND

Bashir and Dax, after completing the tour, headed straight for Neline’s hospital room. The main hospital complex was the largest building in the medical compound. Bashir had never seen anything like. The medical staff was quite large, and the current patient population was nearly six thousand. The hospital was for those who had the more serious symptoms, and who faced death.

Bashir and Dax walked through one of the many corridors, while on their way to see Neline. Bashir was speaking with Anthier while Dax spoke with Gyem.

Bashir looked to Anthier. “So you’re telling me,” Bashir said, “that once the symptoms reach the critical stage, like Neline's, death comes in a couple of weeks, if not days?”

Gyem nodded in the affirmative.

Bashir continued; “But before that happens, the Island population lives with-in the various housing complexes we saw on the tour of the city, and when they start showing the serious symptoms they are finally sent here, to the hospital; to die.”

Anthier nodded. “Yes, a very general description, but yes,” the Bajoran female replied. “This disease is insidious Doctor Bashir. I might add that it is quite possible that someone could have the virus, not even know, contaminate others, and die weeks after the symptoms arise. That is why the Bajoran government wants to know the whereabouts of all those contaminated.”

Gyem looked to Bashir, “Had Neline not been hidden from us, we may have been able to stabilize her condition with medicines that may have extended her life far longer. But sadly, due to her father’s shortsightedness, she will die; quite soon.”

Bashir was going to respond, but Dax beat him to it. “Doctor Gyem,” Dax said, “I don’t understand why someone would knowingly evade coming to the Island, especially knowing the deadly conditions it can manifest.”

Gyem thought for a moment. “I won’t deny there is a growing stigma in Bajoran culture about coming here to the Island. Many of the adults don’t believe it is fare to put their infected children on this Island, just to spend their last years waiting to die.”

“And let me guess,” Bashir said coldly, “since its all by the will of the Prophets, well then to hell with any dissention.”

Anger came to the face of Gyem, and his words. “Please refrain from attacking our belief system Doctor Bashir. They have served us well for thousands of years.”

Bashir came right back at Gyem, “What is the penalty for hiding a child inflicted with this virus in the general public, off the island?” Bashir asked.

Anthier, wanting to disolve the tension, answered for Gyem. “The child will not be punished, of course. But the father, and his sister, Neline’s aunt, purposely lied about her not having the disease. The aunt took her in, and had she not joined the choir, and gotten sick up on Deep Space Nine, she may have contaminated many more in the process. Their case will be decided in a court set-up for such violation of the law.”

Bashir shook his head. “You have told us the only way some one can get the virus is by birth, or the exchange of bodily fluids. I don’t believe Neline is engaging in such behavior.”

“True,” Gyem said, “but what if she had been injured, and blood from her wound came into contact with someone not infected.”

Dax shook her head, “What are the chances of that really happening?”

“Enough that we have decided to send those people here.” Gyem said. “And then, once they are here, we treat them and try to find a cure.”

Before Bashir could press the issue, they arrived at the door to Neline’s hospital room. A Bajoran security officer waited outside the door.

Anthier spoke to one of them. “Is her father still visiting?” she asked.

The guard replied. “Yes Doctor, he is. We gave him extra time to visit. But pretty soon we will be taking him for processing over at the holding camp.”

Bashir didn’t like the sound of that at all. “Excuse me,” Bashir said to Gyem, “but Neline doesn’t have long to live, according to you. Couldn’t he be given an exemption for punishment for now?”

“Do not be worried, Doctor Bashir,” Gyem replied. “Once he has been processed at the holding camp, he will be allowed to visit her for two hours a day.”

“Why not let him stay with her, day in and day out, until she is gone?” Bashir pressed.

“I’m sorry Doctor,” Gyem replied, “but these rules and regulations have been implemented for the safety and well being of not only the patients, but the staff and general population of Bajor.”

Bashir looked to Dax who looked gave him an empathic look, but there was nothing they could do.

“I would like to see her now,” Bashir said softly.

“Of course, Doctor Bashir.” Anthier replied.

The guard pressed a button on the door and then the door slid open. Anthier entered, and the others followed.

--
Continued

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek
Deep Space Nine
BLOOD ISLAND

The door to Sisko’s office in OPS slid open, and then Odo and Quark entered. Sisko sat behind his desk, holding his baseball. He studied it again, and then placed it back on its stand. He looked up to Odo and Quark who each stood before his desk.

“Please,” Sisko said, “sit down.”

Odo and Quark sat down. And before Sisko could utter another word, Quark did instead.

“Commander Sisko,” Quark said, “if this has anything to do with that illegal shipment of Divarian Frog legs, I already told the constable on the way here that I will take any profits earned from the Frog Legs out of my idiot brother’s paycheck and use the monies to fund a new Bajoran orphanage on Bajor.”

Sisko looked to Odo.

Odo smirked, and looked at Quark. “The first I heard of that shipment of Frog Legs was on the way here to Ops, Quark.” Odo said with his usual gruffness.

The Feringi bar owner realized that he had just volunteered too much information to Sisko and Odo. “Um, could you forget that last statement of mine? It was not taken under oath.” Quark asked softly.

Sisko was pleased that Quark had made the error. It was another bargaining chip to use, and right now, Sisko needed all of them.

“I will consider,” Sisko said to Quark, “looking the other way, provided you assist me in another matter.”

A gleam returned to Quark’s eyes. “You mean, I scratch your back and you scratch mine?” Quark asked coyly.

“You could say that,” Sisko agreed. “The Constable has informed me that Gul’Dukat left behind a sizable amount of credit at your bar.”

Quark nodded. “Yes he did Commander,” Quark acknowledged, “and, no, you can not confiscate those funds. The Cardassians may have abandoned the station, but any of them who did so, who still owed me a bar tab for example, is still expected to pay. Likewise, any credit they still have is legally theirs. Gul’Dukat has assured me that he will make sure his men pay, and I agreed to honor their credit.”

Sisko nodded. “I have no problem with that arrangement,” Sisko said to Quark. “The Cardassians, for the most part, are allowed aboard DS9, with in reason.” Sisko said. “And if they want to frequent your bar, I can not stop them.”

“Then why bring up Dukat’s credit at all?” Quark asked, getting straight to the point.

Sisko cut to the point as well. “I want to know all there is to know about this virus that has inflicted so many Bajorans.”

Quark smiled, “Commander, we both know why,” Quark said with a smile, “The will of the Prophets. Listen to me; if a planet of crazy people want to let a bunch of their own crazy people die because they think it is some sort of punishment, well then who are we to interfere? The way I look at it is this; there will be a lot less crazy people than before.”

“Well,” Sisko said to Quark, “I suppose one could see it that way, but I don’t. Now,” Sisko continued, “Odo’s contacts on Cardassia have told him that it was Dukat who commissioned the science work to create the virus, and then he ordered its use on the population years ago when it was apparent the Occupation was nearing end. I doubt we will ever prove that Dukat gave that order, but what I want is the name of the scientist who created this virus.”

“I don’t know the name.” Quark said defiantly.

“You don’t,” Odo said to Quark, “but Dukat does.”

Quark finally saw where the conversation was heading. “You two want me to hold those funds, those quite sizable funds of Dukat’s, until he gives you the name. Now why would I do such a thing like that?”

Odo leered at Quark, “There is the matter of the Divarian Frog legs. If I recall, it is a felony on Divaria to even deal in the Frog Legs. Bajor does have an extradition agreement with the Divarians. If they were to find out you stonewalled Sisko’s request to help deal with this virus, they would probably give you to them with out even a hearing. I might add? The penalty for the buying and selling of Divarian Frog legs is life in prison with out parole, and hard labor.”

Quark looked worried, but pressed on. “The evidence is all circumstantial, Constable. You would never be able to prove it in court.”

Odo’s stare became even colder. “Try me.”

Quark thought for a moment. Then he looked to Sisko. “I’ll see what I can do,” Quark said to Sisko. “But I have your assurances this matter about the Frog Legs will be dropped.”

Sisko nodded. Quark gave them both one last look, and then headed out of the office. The door closed behind him as he left.

Odo looked to Sisko. “Commander, what if Quark hadn’t blurted out the Divarian Frog Leg shipment in the first place?”

Just as Odo asked the question, the wormhole opened up, and then two ships dived into the swirling light show.

“Sometimes,” Sisko said to Odo, as well as to the wormhole light show, “it all seems as if there is some kind of plan to the order of the universe.”

“I see,” Odo said with a watchful eye on the closing wormhole. He stood up and left Sisko alone in the office.

CONTINUED

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek
Deep Space Nine
BLOOD ISLAND

There was no greater joy for a doctor than to see a patient, especially one who was a child, reunited with a parent. Bashir, Dax, Dr. Anthier and Dr. Gyem entered Neline’s hospital room and found the girl, still in bed, holding the hand of her father; Kylth. The young girl, though very ill, was able to smile.

Kylth and Neline both looked to Bashir.

“You must be the Federation doctor who has been caring for my little girl.” Kylth said to Bashir.

“Yes, I am.” Bashir replied. “I hope to find a cure for her, and all the others, who have been stricken with this virus.”

Kylth nodded in understanding. “My wife walks with the Prophets, and should it be their will, so will Neline.”

“But you also found it necessary to keep her from this island.” Dax said to Kylth. “Why?”

There was an exchange of glanced between Kylth and Dr. Gyem.

“I was wrong about that,” Kylth said. “And because of that decision, Neline’s condition is getting worse.”

“Well,” Gyem said, “lets not get into that again, shall we?” Gyem looked to Bashir. “Now that she is with us, Neline will receive he best care we can offer her.”

After making sure that Neline was in good care, Bashir, and the others, left Neline alone with her father.

“We hope,” Anthier said to Bashir, “by seeing her, with her father, you can see that we are not the cold administrators you have made us out to be.”

Bashir nodded in agreement. “I never said you were,” Bashir said to her. “But she’s here now, and so are we. I would like to see the labs that you have working on the virus. I graduated second in my class at the Academy, and hopefully I can be of service before,” Bashir looked back at Neline’s room, “before its too late.”

“Of course Doctor,” Gyem said with a knowing smile. “We will take you there now.”
--

Sisko sat behind his desk and stared at the com screen on his desk. The screen came to life and the cold Cardassian face of Gul Dukat came into view.

“Ah,” Dukat said with a very forced smile, “Commander Sisko. With the time difference between Cardassia and Deep Space Nine, I have to think that this conversation is taking place during what should be your sleep cycle; Such a shame.”

“Yes,” Sisko acknowledged, “it is. Yet, I must point out that I am the one sleeping in the commander’s suite. I have you to thank for that.”

Dukat nodded at the point. “You are correct,” Dukat replied. “Now, if you would excuse me Commander, I have important issues I am dealing with, so can we get to the point of this communication?”

Sisko did as he was asked. “I am aware that you, and many of the Cardassians under command, left sizable accounts at Quark’s.”

Dukat nodded. “Yes, Quark sent me a message, only an hour or so ago, telling me of your plans to confiscate those funds under some archaic Federation law. I don’t have to point out that your Cardassian neighbors would see that as an unwarranted act.”

“I’m sorry you see it that way, I really am.” Sisko said in a sympathetic tone. “But my hands are tied. However, if I had your assistance on another matter I might be able to change the minds of the Federation officials who are asking about those funds.” Sisko had learned the art of poker play years ago. He was using all his efforts to bluff his way through the conversation.

“What matter would that be?” Dukat asked.

Sisko showed Dukat the picture of Neline. “This is a picture of a Bajoran child who has become very sick thanks to a virus that you ordered used on her parents, and other Bajorans who assisted your occupation.”

Dukat became stern. “That is a very offensive accusation Commander.”

Sisko pressed on. “Listen to me Dukat,” Sisko continued, “I don’t have time to dance around the facts. You and I both know the proof of your involvement is no doubt well covered. All I want is the name of the Cardassian doctor who created the virus. No blame will fall on you, you have my word. I just want to find a way to save this young girl, and others like her, who face certain death just as so many already have.”

Dukat thought for a moment, and then he continued. “Commander, I would suggest you drop this matter. You are dealing in decisions and events that happened years ago. It would be wise not to reopen old wounds.”

“I can’t afford the time to do that, Dukat,” Sisko pressed, “and I don’t think you can either.” Sisko said, alluding to the credits at Quarks.

The former Cardassian commander of Terek’Nor took a deep breath, and then continued. “Very well, Commander Sisko, I will put you on the right path.” And then Dukat leaned closer to the screen, “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Moments later Sisko emerged from his office, situated just above Ops. O’brien was at his post and looked up to Sisko. The look on Sisko’s face betrayed his thoughts.

“What’s wrong?” O’brien asked.

Sisko looked to O’brien. “Chief, I want you to prêp a Runabout for launch, immediately. Also, inform Constable Odo to meet me at the launch bay.”

O’brien followed his orders and Sisko stepped into the turbolift, on his way to the Runabout.

--
continued

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek
Deep Space Nine
BLOOD ISLAND

The Federation Runabout made its approach toward Bajor. O’brien piloted the craft, as Odo and Sisko sat in the passenger compartment. O’brien looked back to Sisko. The ship had departed from DS9 several hours earlier, with only O’brien listed as a passenger. He had promised to bring three generators to Bajor nearly a month earlier for general use, and using that as a reason, he checked out a Runabout. Bringing Commander Sisko, and Constable Odo, was not noted on the ship’s manifest.

“Sir, two Bajoran perimeter ships have been launched, and are on an intercept course.” O’brien reported.

Sisko nodded. “Well,” Sisko said, “we expected some kind of reception after your so called distress message.”

“They should be on us in about five minutes.” O’brien added. “I should be able to mask our readings with radiation overloads, and approach the planet and beam you down near the coordinates, but not as close as we had hoped.”

“Just get us down there in one piece.” Sisko said.

Odo spoke next. “Won’t they be able to detect our beaming down?”

O’brien nodded, “There’s a slight chance, but I learned this little trick some time back. And since I am sending you both down to a remote area of the most southern continent, the magnetic field should mask your Transport signals long enough.”

“I don’t think the Bajorans are going to be too pleased should they ever find out you were part of a covert mission like this on Bajor.” Odo warned Sisko.

Sisko nodded. “Perhaps,” Sisko agreed, “but right now I can’t worry about that. If we’re lucky, this will all play out the way I think it will and they will understand why I had to take such measures.”

Odo shook his head. “I don’t mind saying that I deplore missions that depend on luck for a positive outcome.”

Commander Sisko didn’t reply to that bleak statement from Odo because; Odo was right. Sisko directed his next words at O’brien.

“Chief, once we get down there,” Sisko told O’brien, “you’ll have to do some really good acting when those interceptors reach your position.”

O’brien grinned. “I was pretty good in elementary school,” O’brien reported. “This should be a piece of cake.”
--

The Runabout zoomed toward the planet in a chaotic way, and entered the planet’s atmosphere. Moments later O’brien beamed Sisko and Odo down to the planet, into an area with a very concentrated amount of shrubbery and trees. Once he was confident they had made it, O’brien banked the craft into a more stable position, and then banked up, ever so slightly, and then back into the atmosphere just as the two Bajoran interceptors closed in on the Runabout’s position. It was then, after several moments of Oscar caliber acting, his Bajoran ‘rescuers’ escorted the Runabout to a space-yard for repair.

--

Sisko and Odo materialized in a very dense area of foliage. Sisko used his Tricorder and scanned the surrounding level.

Odo could tell they were not where they should have been. “How far off are we?” Odo asked.

Sisko pointed through a break in the trees, and at a hill in the distance. “There,” Sisko said.

“That is at least a two day hike from here.” Odo said.

“Then we better get started.” Sisko replied.

With out missing a beat Odo and Sisko started off on their way towards the hill in the distance. Sisko knew their chances were not great, especially since the operation relied totally on information Sisko had obtained from a most interesting resource; Gul’Dukat.

--
Continued

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek
Deep Space Nine
BLOOD ISLAND

Planet Bajor
The Island

The morning sun of Bajor was still several hours off. There was hardly any noise at all in the Island’s medical center as Bashir and Dax worked at one of the computers, crunching their numbers and formulas.

Jadzia Dax looked up from her consol. She and Bashir, and a scattering of Bajoran medical staff, were the only ones still awake at the early hour, making use of the lab equipment and computers. One of the large windows looked out over the ocean that surrounded the island. Dax had always loved to look at sunrises more so than sunsets. It was always a reminder, to her, that a new day of experience was ahead of her. She was about to continue with her research when she looked over at Bashir.

She looked at Bashir’s face and could see the determination mixed with growing fatigue.

“Julian,” Dax said softly, “you need to get some sleep.”

Bashir looked up from his consol, which had various statistics and formulas on it. He looked at her and, oblivious to what she had said, he pointed at the DNA strand on the screen between them. It zoomed in on an area of the strand.

“I’m confident,” Bashir said in a soft but determined voice, “that between the A and T basepairing we should see Tandem repeat sequences of a more ordered state, but we don’t.”

Dax nodded, “You said the same thing about the G and C pair two hours ago; we’re going in circles,” Dax said to him. “We need rest.”

Bashir looked at her with his bloodshot eyes. “The more we rest,” Bashir said, “the closer to death Neline is. I’m not going to stop, Jadzia, until Neline, and all the others like her, are safe.”

Dax pressed him. “What you’re trying to do, finding a cure, can take years, and you know this Julian. You can’t expect to just rush in here, and save the little girl with the snap of a finger. Life, trust me, is hardly ever that neat and tidy.”

“Well,” Bashir responded, “I guess I’m going to have to change your outlook on life.” Bashir said as he went back to looking at his screen.

Dax paused for a moment, and then she tried another tactic. “Julian, I didn’t want to have to do this, but I am ordering you to rest for a few hours.”

He looked up from his post. “You wouldn’t dare.” He said with defiance in his eyes.

“I can,” Dax said right back to him, “and I will. The rest-ops are right over there through those doors. I am ordering you to go in there and rest.”

“Don’t make me stop, Jadzia.” Bashir pleaded. “I really think it has something to do with these basepairings. All I need to do is find the receptor breakdown and I am quite sure there are answers waiting there. All I need is another eight, maybe fourteen hours to follow this lead.”

Dax shook her head. “Those tests you are running will take at least three hours on-their-own to filter through. So I want you to stop, go in there, and get some sleep. Don’t make me pull rank Julian.”

Bashir was about to counter her point when he realized she had been a good friend for the past few days, and he didn’t want to lose her support.

“Very well,” Bashir said, “I will take a rest. But you need one too. So, as your doctor, I am ordering you to go in there and rest too.”

Dax smiled, stood up and joined him. The two headed for the rest-ops area. As they neared the door, Bashir tried to turn around and head back to the computer lab.

“I just had an idea.” He pleaded with Dax.

“Sleep,” she reminded him, “NOW!” She accented.

Bashir gave up, and they both went to get some much needed rest.

--
On the other side of the planet, Sisko and Odo neared their destination.

“You’re sure the person we are looking for lives in that abode?” Odo asked softly.

Sisko nodded. “Dukat knows that I will take those funds the moment I think he double-crossed me.”

Odo pressed the issue. “I must admit, Commander, you are on shady ground. While I support taking Dukat for everything he has, I must point out that what you’re doing is borderline extortion.”

Sisko nodded. “I completely agree,” Sisko said with a smile. “But I don’t think the Bajoran officials will see it that way; do you?”

Odo nodded in agreement. “No, I don’t suppose they will.”

“Very well then,” Sisko said to Odo, “lets go meet the Bajoran doctor who created this virus.”

--continued--

 

[Mistral]

Bajoran doctor? I had a feeling....

I think you are doing a great job on this and I'm enjoying it thoroughly.

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek
Deep Space Nine
BLOOD ISLAND

Commander Sisko knocked again on the door of the humble abode that was snuggled in a large alcove of trees and brush.

Odo noticed the low hanging vines, and branches. The place was very secluded. “I guess who ever lives here,” Odo said, “doesn’t want any visitors.”

“Well,” Sisko said to Odo, “we’re not leaving until we find some answers.”

Odo looked to Sisko. “You’ve been away from DS9 for nearly three days. Isn’t Starfleet Command going to get suspicious?

Sisko shook his head. “According to them, and the Bajorans, I took some much needed leave, and headed for the Ajian colony.”

“And left your son behind?” Odo pressed, finding a big hole in Sisko’s story to Starfleet.

“Nog invited Jake to stay over for the weekend, and I agreed. I left Bajor for some rest and relaxation, or so they think.” Sisko said to Odo.

“Aren’t you worried about the Dabogirls who visit Rom’s at late hours?” Odo asked.

Sisko became worried. Then he calmed him self. “I wasn’t aware that they came there so late.” Sisko thought for a moment. “Well, I am sure that Rom will see to it that these visits don’t happen while Jake is there.”

Odo was about to continue when the door opened slightly.

“Who are you? What do you want?” A female’s voice asked.

“My name is Benjamin Sisko, and I have come to speak to the owner of this home.” Sisko said.

“The Emissary?,” the voice asked, “here at my home?”

Sisko nodded. “Can my associate and I come in? We have been hiking our way here for the past couple days, and we’re really thirsty and tired.”

“Well,” the woman replied, “come in if you must.”

She opened the door. Sisko and Odo entered the medium sized abode. The woman was in her late sixties, if not older, Sisko noticed.

Sisko looked around the space they were in. It was carpeted, and furniture was typical for Bajoran home décor. He also noticed several religious icons, and more interestingly, a vast amount of computer hardware. Most of it was old, and out dated, and just collecting in dilapidated containers.

The woman poured the two visitors some Bajoran sugar tea and brought it over to them. Sisko took his cup of tea, as did Odo, and they sat down on the comfortable seats.

Sisko smiled at the woman, “Thank you for the tea.”

She smiled back at them. “My name is Lee’nija. It is very rare I get any visitors my way, which, as I am sure you can tell, is fine with me. Dukat must have left you detailed instructions.”

Sisko became a little apprehensive at the sound of Dukat’s name. “I am sorry if my next question offends you, but I must ask it.”

“What is it Emissary?” The woman asked.

“Right now, on the other side of Bajor, there is an island.” Sisko told her. “The Bajorans on this island, and there are many thousands of them, are all very ill. They are ill from a virus that only recently, with in the past two or three years, has become very virulent. In my investigation I was led to Gul’Dukat, and he informed me that it was you who created this virus. Is that true, and if so, why?”

--
Bashir opened his eyes. Dax was sitting on his bed, looking down at him.

“Are you awake?” Dax asked him.

Bashir rubbed his eyes. “Yes,” he replied softly, “let’s get back to work.” He told her as he began to get up.

She motioned for him to stop. “Julian,” Dax said as a tear came down from her left eye, “I just received word that Neline died about an hour ago.”

A blank stare came over Bashir’s eyes.

“I’m so sorry,” Dax said to him. “I know you must hate me now for making you take a rest.”

Bashir shook his head. “No,” he told her. “There’s no way I could have saved her had I slept or not.” Then a look of anger came into his eyes. “But now, more than ever, I want to find a cure to this disease that kills with out mercy.”

--
On the other side of the Island, Major Kira took a tour of the newly finished shield generator. She was impressed with the power outputs.

“This is a very impressive generator,” Kira said to Minister Jerev. “But I have to ask; if the projections are correct and the virus isn’t expected to evolve to an airborne variety, then why such a push to get it done now?”

They came out of the gated area upon a grassy field that over looked the ocean below.

“Oh, it’s really just a precaution, Major Kira.” Jerev said. “And for all we know, it could evolve more quickly than we think. Once activated, this generator will surround the Island with an energy barrier that will extend ten miles into the ocean in every direction. Any ship, or water craft, or diver, who tries to penetrate the field, will be met with a most power jolt of reality.”

“And would anyone trying to leave the Island suffer the same fate?” Kira asked.

Jerev nodded.

Kira stared at Jerev. Alarms were going off inside her mind. There was something more going on than just creating a bubble world for these inflicted people. She also felt worried about the fates of Dax and Bashir.

Continued--

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek
Deep Space Nine
BLOOD ISLAND


Sisko’s question was direct and to the point. He looked at the older Bajoran woman’s face for any gage of her emotion. She sipped on her tea, and then responded.

“Gul’Dukat does have a very interesting personality, don’t you think?” Lee’nija said with a wry tone to her voice.

Odo shook his head, “Interesting is hardly the word I would use.” Odo said for Sisko.

“I hate to disappoint you, Emissary, and your friend” Lee’nija said, “but I didn’t create the virus. But I was the one who designed the medical facility’s computer network, years ago, when it was built for the citizens of the island.”

“How did that come to be?” Sisko asked.

Lee’nija continued. “I had lived on the island for several years, decades even. If you do your research you’ll find that my late life-partner, and I, were both instrumental in creating, and maintaining, the computer system and infrastructure systems on that island. She and I were schooled at the most prestigious technical schools on the island.” She motioned to an old holographic picture showing Lee’nija posing with another Bajoran female. “Those were good times.”

Sisko did not like her caviler attitude. “The Cardassian occupation of Bajor were hardly good times.” Sisko said softly, but with disgust in his voice.

“Please, Emissary,” Lee’nija said back to him, “what you now call the Cardassian Occupation I called the Bajoran era of Reformation.”

Sisko searched for meaning in her words. “Can you enlighten me on the phrase Bajoran era of Reformation? I have never heard of that term.”

“There were some Bajorans,” Lee’nija said, “that welcomed the arrival of the Cardassians. My people, a very deeply religious people, were held back for centuries due to our belief structure. Our development, in terms of technology and social evolution, was far behind that of our Cardassian neighbors. I believe that resentment of Cardassian superiority is what drives most of the ill feeling my people have to this very day, in regards of Cardassia. They came in peace, and we doomed it to failure with the dogma of the Vedics.”

Odo spoke next. “Excuse me, but you seem to have an interesting way of looking at Bajor’s history with the Cardassians. They may have come to your world in peace, but ended up enslaving your entire population.”

Lee’nija smiled at Odo’s words. “The temper of history, as I am sure you are both well aware of, is generally shaped by those who control the pen and paper. Those who are bitter of our relationship with the Cardassians will point to the bad parts, and there were many. But they will leave out what good came of it.”

“And what good would that be?” Sisko asked defiantly.

“For one,” she said directly to Sisko, “the attempt to rid Bajor of this silly belief that the aliens who dwell in the wormhole are anything than that. The belief that there are Prophets who guide our way, who dwell inside a Celestial Temple, inside the wormhole, has done nothing but truly enslave us to archaic writings of our primitive ancestors thousands of years ago.”

“And yet,” Sisko countered, motioning to several Bajoran religious items scattered through out the abode, “you seem quite open to it now.”

Lee’nija suppressed a laugh, and then stood up and walked over a painting on one of her walls depicting the discovery of one of the Orbs. She looked up at it, then back to Sisko. “I don’t have this painting in my home,” then she motioned to the other religious items, “or any of these idols, because I want to. You seem to think I live here, in total isolation on this hill, because I want to. This was my sentence for being one of those who collaborated with the Cardassians.”

Odo looked at the religious artifacts, then back to Lee’nija. “Are you telling us that the Bajoran government has, in essence, put you under house arrest?”

She nodded. “When the Cardassians agreed to end the so called occupation, there were secret negotiations held with the provisional government on the fate of some of us who were more involved. Some, like my life-partner, and I, were forced to attend reclamation classes to reaffirm our faith in the Prophets. These items were given to us to reinforce certain aspects of the religion.”

“Why not just execute you for the traitors you were?” Sisko said, not affected at all by her story.

“Take a look around,” Lee’nija said to Sisko, “what do you see? You see religious trinkets, Emissary; why do you think that is? I’ll tell you why. Some of the most important collaborators are sitting, right now, in the Vedic Assembly. They know their hands are covered in the same blood ours are. If they executed us, they’d have to execute at least a quarter of the Assembly.”

Sisko shook his head. “If you’re telling me that the Vedic Assembly was involved with the occupation, I don’t believe you. The facts state otherwise.”

“Oh yes, the pen and paper again.” Lee’nija stated. “Listen to me; I didn’t create the virus killing many of my friends, and most of my family. I did create pathways in the computer net on the Island so that all medical research would be altered, filtered, away from any progress. It was all a part of my penance you might say.”

Odo nodded as he began to understand. “So, in essence, the doctors on the Island are unaware that any data they create, using the computers at the facility, is altered. Readings are slightly changed, false data is produced, and no one would really know because the changes are all coming from the same network.”

“Precisely,” Lee’nija said, “they may have found the cure four or five dozen times, but never knew it.”

“I still do not understand why?” Sisko said. “What purpose does it serve now? The occupation, as I still call it, is over. Why not let them find a cure?”

--continued--

 

[Mistral]

sick, sick stuff. Devious. Malicious. I like it.

 

[USS Fardell]

I like it also, I agree with Mistral about it there being maliciousness...

Though a question would be: Why is she calling Sisko 'Emissary' when she doesn't follow the Bajoran belief system?

Keep it up!

 

[RobertScorpio]

I like it also, I agree with Mistral about it there being maliciousness...

Though a question would be: Why is she calling Sisko 'Emissary' when she doesn't follow the Bajoran belief system?

Keep it up!

You know, I had a line in there that got edited out where her tone comes across as sarcastic, as he is about the icons and paintings of the Bajoran religion. I will put that back in soon...thanks for pointing that out!!!

Rob

 

[RobertScorpio]

Star Trek
Deep Space Nine
BLOOD ISLAND

Lee’nija set her tea down on the table that was between her and her two visitors.

“Contrary to Starfleet’s beliefs, the so called occupation of yours’ was going to come to an end, sooner or later.” Lee’nija told them. “Even Dukat knew this to be true. Towards the end, the cost of prolonging it had taken a toll on Cardassia. But it was also taking a toll on those who lived on the island. We knew, very well, that there would be retribution for what we had done to curtail the efforts of the resistance.”

“The resistance,” Odo said, “is what kept the situation from getting harder on the Bajorans than it could have.”

“Do you really believe that?” Lee’nija asked with a slight smile. “All it did was to cause the Cardassian’s to use more effort. I truly believe, had there been no resistance, the Reformation, which my people so desperately needed, would have been over in a few years, not decades as it turned out. We have the Resistance to thank for that, and,” she pointed at a painting of the Celestial Temple, “them. Our religion is what has retarded our development as a society, and it is what inspired us to resist against the natural progression of universal societal evolution.”

“The meek shall fall?” Sisko retorted.

Lee’nija nodded her head. “Yes commander, precisely. History, through-out our galaxy, shows that there is a penalty for stagnation. And one of those causes of stagnation is such belief systems that put artificial limitations on the natural instinct to survive and succeed. Those societies that free themselves from the shackles of beliefs are the ones who progress father, and faster. The Borg, the Romulans, your Federation.” Lee’nija motioned to the computer gear that also was quite evident in her home. “Only through technology, and intelligence, can we truly succeed. And nothing is more threatening to a belief system than technology and intelligence.”

Sisko shook his head. “I couldn’t disagree more.” Sisko countered. “I believe that those belief systems, some of them at least, can be the ignition to strive to a higher purpose. But, I am not here to debate galactic matters,” Sisko said to her, “I want you to come with us and help us put a stop to the virus that is killing so many innocent Bajorans.”

“I won’t help you, Emissary” Lee’nija said with a sarcastic tone. “Those of us who were among the leadership of the Island, decided long ago, that our inability to break our people from this stagnation would be our price-to-pay. If millions of us were to die for our resistance to believe in archaic Prophets, then it will be a lesson for future Bajorans to question the wisdom of believing in them as well.”

“We will expose you, the provisional government will too.” Odo said to her.

She chuckled at Odo. “No they won’t,” she said to Odo. “The provisional government does nothing more than prop up the very thing I am trying to end; belief. They, and more importantly, their Vedic Assembly puppet-masters, would be more than happy to see us swept a way in this manner. Our deaths help prolong their own shortsighted political careers. They know that millions of deaths will challenge dogma, in time, but they are willing to let it happen because religions, all of them, as their dominance nears collapse, will use every method they can to forestall their eventual end.”

“If you believe that to be true,” Sisko said to her, “why not expose them now. Wouldn’t doing so help you in your cause to break the Bajorans from their belief system?”

Lee’nija smiled. “We are all shortsighted: Even I am.”

Odo shook his head, “What is that supposed to mean?”

Sisko harrumphed. “I believe I know what she is getting at.” Sisko said to Odo. “Think of it Constable. Why are the Bajorans rounding up the inflicted, putting them on an island which will soon have a force field surrounding it to prevent escape?”

Odo thought for a moment, and then he answered. “We already know commander. So that they will all eventually die under the guise of a medical establishment rigged to fail?”

Sisko nodded. “That is part of it,” Sisko said to Odo, “but what about her? Why is she not on the Island?”

Odo looked at her, and slowly came to the only conclusion, “Because she doesn’t have the virus.”

"No," Sisko added, "she has been cured."

--continued

 

[RobertScorpio]

STAR TREK
DEEP SPACE NINE
Blood Island

Major Kira entered the large medical laboratory facility on the Island. Moments later she entered the office where Dax and Bashir were still continuing their efforts to find a cure to the virus.

“Good morning Kira,” Dax said, sipping on a small cup of coffee. “I thought you were going to the Capital today.”

“I was,” Kira said to Dax, “but I just had my early morning debrief with DS9. Did you know this is the second day Chief O’brien has given me the briefing; alone. According to him, Commander Sisko has been away from the station on some kind of leave.”

“What’s so surprising about that?” Dax asked.

“Jadzia,” Kira said, “I am the first officer of DS9. I should be there, running the station, when Commander Sisko is away. So, with that in mind, the provisional government is going to lend me a transport vessel; I’m going back to DS9 in three hours, and so are you two. We’re done here.”

Bashir looked up from the readings on this computer screen. “Major, please, I think we may be on to something.”

Kira looked to Dax, “Is he just saying that?” Kira asked.

Dax looked to Bashir, then back to Kira, “He has a strategy he is going to implement with two of the tracer nodes of the A and C receptors. But,” Dax said to Kira, “It will take two or three days to generate enough data to decide if we should continue.”

Kira shook her head. “Look, Doctor, I’m sorry about Neline, I really am,” Kira said to Bashir, “but we have to get back to Deep Space Nine. Besides,” Kira continued, “they are going to energize the force field around the Island tomorrow, and we have been asked to leave the Island.”

Dax reached down and picked up a data pad from the desk, as she sipped her coffee again. She handed the pad to Kira. “What about this?” Dax asked.

The data pad displayed information about several new measures that were being considered for legislation by the Vedic Assembly and the lower senate of the provisional government of Bajor. One of the items was a draft resolution that all Bajorans be tagged with transponders that would monitor their health. And should, at sometime, a citizen show signs of having the virus, a signal would be sent to orbiting satellites for easy tracking, and eventual transport, to the Island. The item was months off from being deliberated, but the motion had been set.

Kira read the pad. “Huh,” Kira said moments later, “I wonder why Minister Jerev didn’t mention this?”


“I’ll tell you why he didn’t tell you,” Bashir said to Kira, “because he knows that even you would find such an idea preposterous and offensive. If you read further down you will also note that senate members, and the Vedic Assembly, would be exempt from the tagging program.”

Dax looked to Bashir, “The fact that the government body is exempt from such a law is not extraordinary, Julian. Many world governments do the same thing through-out the Federation.”

“Yes,” Bashir acknowledged softly, “they do. But someday, somewhere, people are going to rise up and say; enough.”

Dax continued. “The people of Bajor, according to Jerev, and I believe him to be honest, support the rigorous efforts to track the carriers of this disease. Jerev will use that support to help pass this bill. I think its wrong, but Jerev will have the political will to do it with such high support.”

Kira cut in. “And that’s why it is wrong.” Kira stated flatly.

Both Bashir and Dax gave her looks of surprise.

“Look,” Kira said to them, “I fought in the Resistance most of my life. I hated the people, the fat-cats who lived on this Island, soaking up the good life the Cardassians gave them in exchange for information to use against the Resistance. But this program, to tag every Bajoran with a Transponder, crosses the line. Who is to say they couldn’t use this Transponder to track other citizens the government has issues with; dissidents. No, this goes too far.”

“What are you going to do about it?” Bashir asked.

“Well, first off,” Kira replied, “I’m going to get in touch with the Chief and have him contact Commander Sisko. He needs to be made aware of what is happening down here on Bajor.”

“Major; I don’t think that will be necessary,” a deep voice said from the doorway.

Kira, Dax, and Bashir, all looked to the door to see Commander Sisko and Odo standing there, along with an older Bajoran woman; Lee’nija.

--continued

 

[Mistral]

Ah, very good-now we'll see some heads roll.

 

[DavidFalkayn]

Whoa. I'm liking where you're taking this story. Very good work!

 

[RobertScorpio]

STAR TREK
DEEP SPACE NINE
Blood Island

Several transport ships could be seen approaching DS9, as Commander Sisko gazed out his window. There was a signal at the entrance to his office.

“Come,” Sisko said softy.

The door to his office opened, on the upper rim of Ops on DS9, and then Kira and Bashir walked in. Sisko turned around in his chair to face them as they came in.

“Commander,” Kira said to Sisko, “I just got word from the provisional government that the Island will be closed down, and the people there will be absorbed back into the general population.”

“Then I take it,” Sisko said to Bashir, “that the antidote has proven to be a success.”

Bashir nodded. “Yes sir,” Bashir said, “but I can’t help thinking about all those who died, nearly two hundred thousand in all, simply because their own traitor leaders like, Lee’nija, signed the death warrants of others out of some misplaced guilt, but also exempted themselves from the gallows.”

Sisko nodded in agreement. “Guilt does strange things, Doctor Bashir. Lee’nija, and the other Bajoran traitors like her, felt, ten years ago, guilty for not helping the Cardassians enough. And since they believed their own children, and grand children, would be labeled traitors through out time, they would have rather have paid the ultimate price than to face justice for their acts.”

“Neline, and others like her,” Bashir pressed, “should not have been the ones who paid that price, Commander. Had she not fainted on that stage we would have never known what her, and those people on that island, were going through, and worse, what was to come.” Bashir looked to Kira.

“What do you want me to say, Doctor?” Kira asked. “We were wrong. But our faith..”

Bashir cut her off, “It was that faith, Major, that justified the majority’s will to go through with an insane idea. Sure, let the guilty fall on the sword, even their children, and we’ll even provide the push. But point the finger at us, the believers, never!”

Sisko aimed his words at Bashir. “Doctor, our own world, Earth, often hid behind religious dogma to ostracize the non- believers, or, to justify the most reprehensible acts in our history, such as the treatment of women, and the enslaving of whole populations. And yet, thankfully, we survived that kind of archaic thought. So will Bajor.”

“That was hundreds of years ago, Commander,” Bashir replied. “And, as I recall from my history texts, the guilt of the religious leaders who supported those acts was swept under-the-rug, just as the Vedic Assembly will do with this travesty. It’s amazing how those who hold themselves to a higher power always seem to get a pass when it comes to justice.”

Kira shook her head. “Many people will face justice, Doctor. If it is proven they were part of this shameful plot, they will face a just penalty; I assure you.”

Bashir stared right back at her. “That’s my point, Major. The evidence is blurry, and some of it has been out right destroyed. And I have the sinking feeling that Lee’nija, and others like her, will be granted some kind of immunity for any more information they might have. On top of that, you have many in your government, and the Vedic Assembly, who were up to the necks in this witch-hunt. It is in everyone’s best interest to just forget what happened, and what was going to happen, on that island. The Federation will turn a blind eye, we will go on with our lives; and yet Neline is dead, but at least we have access to the Gamma-Quadrant and that justifies everyone.”

“That is enough, Doctor Bashir!” Sisko said loudly.

Bashir looked to Sisko. “Commander,” Bashier said, “I just wanted to make my point that…”

Sisko cut him off.

“Doctor Bashir,” Sisko said, “I believe it is best we just let it end here. I share some of your concerns about what is to be done about this issue, but its now out of our hands.”

“Understood,” Bashir said softly, “sir.”

The doctor turned and left Sisko’s office. Kira turned, but before she could leave Sisko spoke to her.

“He’s right,” Sisko said to Kira, “sometimes those who claim to be righteous seem to be above the law.”

Kira looked to Sisko, and without commenting, she left the commander’s office.

Sisko looked down at the baseball on his desk, and then he sat down at his desk. He turned on the monitor on his desk and looked at the long lost alphabet of Omega-334. It was a mystery, and would be a mystery long after Sisko’s life had ended. In the grand scheme of things the Island would be forgotten, as were the meanings of the symbols of the alphabet, through the cloud of time. Perhaps if both were remembered, so would any lesson that had been gained by such knowledge. Yet Sisko was confident that somewhere, far beyond the stars he could see, persecution would live to see another day.

END
Coming soon
Major Kira must find the way to inspire a young girl who reminds her too much of her self…

Star Trek
Deep Space Nine
“My Shadow”

 

[Mistral]

That was an excellent tale. I really enjoyed it. especially the "lack" of a resolution amongst the main characters. Well done!