Slowly but surely the Orion freighter, Jalard, emerged from the mouth of the wormhole and proceeded to dock at upper pylon 2. The crew would not be there very long; they were only interested in a certain item Quark had managed to acquire from the Talosians on Talos 4. Odo was waiting outside the airlock when the Orions exited from their ship. Abiding by his standard protocol, the Orions were forced to remove their weaponry before they were allowed onto the Promenade.

"This is an outrage!" roared Tomax, captain of the Jalard. "Do you realize that in our culture one is considered naked without his weapons? Why do you dishonor us so?" he demanded.

"Well, Captain, in our culture if a person is naked then he can't do much harm," Odo stated matter-of-factly.

Now the Orion captain burned with savage fury. He pulled a concealed dagger from the sleeve of his raiment and attempted to skewer the humanoid blocking his path. The green figure's momentum carried him forward, but a moment before the deadly blade connected, the form was no longer there. Without any resistance, the blade sliced harmlessly through air and the Orion tumbled to the deck; the dagger skittered across the grating safely out of reach.

Cowering just inside the airlock, the crew watched in shock as the constable evaded their captain's advance by rearranging his molecular structure to that more of mercury; in a sense, he went liquid. His humanoid form split in two, allowing the overbearing Orion to pass harmlessly through him. Afterwards, once the immediate danger had passed, his body solidified to that of his previous state.

Odo turned and walked toward the stupefied captain. "Now, Captain, if you would please," he said, extending his hand calmly.

This time the Orion captain handed over his weapons without question as he picked himself off the deck. He nodded to his crew and they too dropped their weapons before leaving the airlock.

"See how simple that was. Now why couldn't you have just done that in the first place? It would have saved both time and possibly your dignity," Odo said as he picked up the weapons that cluttered the airlock.

The Orion just grunted and walked away, eager to find Quark...and the item he so dearly desired.

Odo watched the Orions until they rounded the bend in the corridor before signaling Commander Sisko. "Odo to Sisko. Our Orion guests are already on their way to the Promenade."

"Very well, Constable, but why was your report overdue? You should have called in over ten minutes ago."

"There was a slight...conflict between priorities, but we managed to come to a suitable agreement."

A brief silence ensued and Odo heard Chief O'Brien remark, "Yeah, he probably wiped the deck with their carcasses."

Before Odo could reply, Commander Sisko interrupted, "Constable, I want you to keep a close eye on our guests, especially on Quark. Find out what he's got cooking down there and keep me informed. Sisko out."

Odo chuckled to himself. "There's more than one way to skin a cat, or a Ferengi for that matter." He walked down the long corridor, away from the docking ring, and headed for his office. Now was not the time, but he would be ready.

The Orion traders walked across the Promenade to Quark's establishment and ordered Saurian brandy. Quark glanced up from beneath the bar and smiled. The first of his guests for the upcoming auction had just arrived.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen," Quark greeted them. "I assume that you are here on business rather than pleasure," he commented.

"You are correct, little man," Tomax replied. "We are here on business...business which does not concern you," he snarled.

"Are you supposed to meet someone here?" Quark pried.

"That does not concern you, little man!" Tomax said in anger. "If you insist on pressing further into matters which do not concern you...you may find your life severely shortened!" he said as he grabbed Quark by his collar and pulled him down to the bar.

The Ferengi's eyes widened with fear as the Orion rose from his seat, still holding Quark by his collar.

"Listen, Ferengi. Tell me where I may find Quark, now, or I will break your scrawny little neck," Tomax promised.

The Orion captain released Quark and the Ferengi backed away from the bar to compose himself. He smiled faintly and cleared his throat to address the Orion.

"There will be no need for violence; I am Quark."

"You liar!" Tomax shouted. He attempted to grab the Ferengi again but his first officer, Andor, restrained him.

"Sir, you must control your anger. Do you wish for him to call security?"

"Listen to your first officer, Tomax. Odo's not a very nice person to contend with."

Tomax snorted and laughed. "I have already met the security chief. He dishonored us by forcing us to remove our weapons...but I shall have my revenge."

Quark's eyes lit up with interest. Tomax's revenge was something he didn't want to miss.

"If it'll make you feel any better, I'll give you the first bid on the item you're here for."

"Show me now!" he demanded.

"Not until the other prospective buyers arrive. Be in holosuite 3 at exactly 0300 hours tonight. Don't be late."

With a sigh, the Orion nodded in agreement and walked off with his crew to the far side of the Promenade.

Unknown to any of them, Odo had heard every word. Now, he had Quark right where he wanted him.

Over the past several hours, four more freighters arrived, all of which had come to see Quark and this 'item' he possessed. This particular entourage consisted mainly of renegades from various cultures and star systems, each of which Odo searched personally. Because of the unusually large groups of marauders in the Promenade, Odo's security detail had to work double shifts to prevent any unforeseen accidents from taking place. Odo also noticed that Quark was beaming with pleasure to see that his guests were running the security officers ragged. The security chief shook his head in displeasure and approached Quark.

"Quark, may I have a word with you?"

"Uh...sure, Odo." He finished wiping the counter and followed Odo to a quiet corner.

"Quark, what are all these people doing here?"

The Ferengi glanced nervously around, "Drinking?"

"Besides the obvious," Odo said impatiently.

"Planning to rebel and throw you off the station?" Quark said sarcastically.

"In your dreams. Now, why did you invite all these people here?"

"I didn't invite them here," Quark replied defensively. "They came because they wanted to drink, gamble, and have a good time, unlike some people around here."

"Are you implying that I don't know how to have fun?" Odo asked.

"Yes. You're about as much fun as a lump of vanilla pudding."

"Oh? And I suppose that you're a hot fudge brownie delight."

"I wouldn't go that far, Odo. You need to loosen up, live a little."

"You mean gamble and cheat my way through life?"

"Well, Odo, after all, money makes the universe go round."

"Am I to assume that you'll be receiving some of that money soon?" Odo asked.

"Now, I did not say that!" Quark retorted.

"No, but you implied it."

"I did no such thing!"

"Come on, Quark, what are you up to? Orions, Ferengi, a couple of Cardassians, and maybe a hint of Andorians all under the same roof? They wouldn't be here without some common objective. What is it this time, a stolen Federation starship, or maybe some priceless gems from the Gamma Quadrant?"

"Odo, you have no right to pry into my personal life. Now, if you will excuse me, I have customers waiting."

Quark stalked off angrily as Odo watched in amusement. He knew there was something big going on, that he was sure about.

It was late, almost a quarter till three by standard time, but not everyone was asleep. On the contrary, all the guests that Quark had invited were now gathered in Holosuite 3. The Orions were seated in the front row, followed by the Ferengi and Cardassians. The Andorian traders elected to stand along the wall to watch for possible danger. As they all settled in, none of them noticed the lone chair stationed by the door.

Quark held up his hands to quieten the crowd. "If we all could settle down, I would like to begin."

The group lowered their voices as they focused their attention on their host.

"I would first like to welcome you all here and extend my most humble apology to the Orion captain, Tomax. Odo acted a bit irrationally and I apologize for his behavior."

At that statement, a subtle, "Quark, I'll get you for this," emanated from the back of the room.

Quark motioned to his brother, Rom, who in turn stepped behind a curtain to retrieve the long awaited item. As he emerged from the back room, everyone gasped in awe at the magnificence of the chalise. It was mercury colored and had streaks of silver all along its exterior, while brilliant gems and rhinestones studded it in diamond patterns.

An ignorant Andorian spoke first, "What the hell is that?" he demanded.

Quark smiled, bearing his sharp jagged teeth. "This, my friends, is the Sacred Chalise of Power, sold to me by a dissident of the Talosians on Talos 4." He explained further that the chalise was supposed to hold the key to the supreme mental capabilities of the Talosians, and whoever discovered a way to unlock its secret, would hold the ultimate weapon.

"How do we know that is the original?" asked Tomax. "You could have easily switched it with a duplicate."

"How could I, a mere bartender, replicate such an exquisite piece of art?" questioned Quark.

"Your contact could have lied to you, and that could be just an ordinary clay artifact," commented one of the Cardassians.

"What about the gems and rhinestones?"

"They could have easily been replicated and glued on," Tomax sneered.

"Very well, you leave me no choice. I will just have to open it myself and claim whatever is inside," Quark taunted.

"No! Give it to me!" roared Tomax as he leaped for the chalise.

"Stop him!" shouted a Ferengi. "I want it!"

An Andorian shouted something incomprehensible as he too grabbed for the chalise.

Suddenly, all the guests began to shout and struggle for the priceless item. One of the Andorians actually managed to gain the upperhand but was forced to his knees when Tomax slugged him from behind. The huge Orion grabbed the chalise and ran for the door but was stopped in his tracks by Odo. The security chief had appeared out of nowhere, and was blocking the exit. Startled, Tomax dropped the chalise to the floor, shoved Odo out of the way, and rushed down the corridor. The constable turned to give chase but Quark pulled him back.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Odo."

"And why not?" he asked, a bit perturbed at the moment.

"Because he has sworn to avenge his 'dishonor'. If I were you, which I'm glad I'm not, I would watch my back until they leave."

"I'm not worried about his empty threats, but I am curious as to why you are concerned about my well-being."

"I'm getting soft in my old age. Besides, Sisko would blame me for any unfortunate mishap."

"In that case, Quark, I believe the good commander would love to see what you've been doing down here," Odo said as he knelt to pickup the chalise.

Quark and Odo reached the floor at the same time and both grabbed for the Chalise of Power.

"Give it to me, Quark!"

"Never! I paid good money to get this thing and if I can't sell it, then I'm going to keep it!"

The consistent tugging on the chalise revived the age-old artifact's sensory mechanism. Sensing the familiar touch of its owner, it opened, sending millions of tiny spores into the air. Dismissing the spores as ordinary dust, Odo laughed as the microorganisms settled on both the Ferengi and he.

"Here, take it. Maybe you can use your precious chalise as a good punch bowl."

"So you think this is funny," Quark said furiously. "I paid that man one million in gold- press latinum for this junk, and you think it's funny. You want to know something else, Odo? I hope Tomax gives you what you deserve, I really do." He threw the chalise across the room and stormed out of the holosuite.

Odo glanced over to where the shattered chalise lay in ruin. Feeling satisfied, he followed the angry Ferengi back across the Holosuite and into his bar.

The chalise itself had been invented by the shapeshifters as a device of execution for those who broke the law. Because of this, it would only open when the tissue of the criminal came in contact with the sensory pads secretly placed in the gems and rhinestones. Unknown to Odo himself, for he was only a baby at the time, the chalise had come through the wormhole with him and his family as punishment for taking the law into their own hands.

"Iko and Ena, you have been found guilty, by decision of the High Council, on the charge of murder. Is their anything further you would like to add to your defense before sentencing?" asked the Chief Elder.

The metamorphs refused to answer, and instead of shrinking in size to accept their guilt, they held themselves upright with pride in defiance of the Council. Even now, as they faced certain death, they would never concede guilt for the justice they deserved but did not receive.

"Very well, you leave me no choice. It is my decision to sentence both of you to death. By taking the law into your own hands to serve what you call 'justice', you have condemned yourselves and your only child to die. Killing the man who raped and murdered your daughter was not the way to handle the situation. The sentence will be carried out tomorrow morning onboard your own starcruiser."

Two other shapeshifters ushered Iko and Ena out of the room through the backdoor. Hushed whispers rose from the crowd as they were lead out the front doors and onto the street. They had never witnessed an execution carried out by the Chalise of Corona (retribution), tomorrow would be the first but certainly not the last.

Early the next day, Iko, Ena, and their infant, were lead onto the ship by the Chief Elder and two of the other High Councilmen. They restrained the two adults with electrically charged metal bands into a couple of the passenger seats and placed their child in another. The Chief Elder unwrapped three small chalises and placed two of them into the laps of Iko and Ena, while he put the other on the floor between them. He backed away from the criminals and instructed them to open the chalises. They refused and tried to knock them onto the floor by squirming in their seats. The two High Councilmen approached them from behind and forced them to touch the gem and rhinestone patterns that dotted the outside. Obediently, the chalises opened, spraying into the air their deadly spores.

In only a few hours, the shapeshifters would no longer be able to change. Shortly afterwards, all cellular divisions and regeneration processes would cease. Without the ability to shapeshift, they would grow weaker and die.

They left the third chalise on the floor between the child's parents, knowing that very shortly he would investigate the shiny object and eventually open it himself.

Selecting a course for an uncharted section of space, they activated the autopilot and left the starcruiser. As it blasted off, the crowd stared bleakly at the ship and said their final good- byes before heading back home.

Iko and Ena knew that they would never see their only child grow to adulthood and that he would have no chance at survival on his own. Time was of the essence, but they still had an ace in the hole.

A short while ago, during a routine exploration mission, they discovered a space/time distortion leading to a wormhole, only three days away from their present position. Taking a risk and knowing that they could possibly be trapped on the other side forever, they ventured into the wormhole. Passing easily through it both ways, they realized that they had just found the very first stable wormhole.

As the seconds slowly ticked into minutes, and the minutes dragged into hours, Iko and Ena had to make a decision, before it too late. Gathering all their remaining strength, they managed to slip out of the restraints that held them in place. Tossing the chalises across the room, they stumbled toward the front of the ship. Releasing the autopilot, they changed the course heading and set it directly for the wormhole. They would pilot the starcruiser as long as they could, and then activate the autopilot again for the duration of the trip.

Their little boy never once looked at the third chalise lying on the floor between his parents' seats. Even at his young age, he could sense that it was evil, and not once did he venture close to it. He just sat helplessly in his chair and cried for his mother and father, not knowing that they could not hear him, and never would again.

Shortly after the starcruiser had passed through the wormhole, the chalises' personal transporters were activated and they were beamed off the ship into space. The two that were already opened were sucked back into the wormhole, while the third one managed to elude it. The final, unopened chalise was later found by a Talosian trader on his way back home to Talos 4.

Odo was sitting in his office reading over a few reports when a call from Commander Sisko interrupted him.

"Constable, our Orion guests will be ready to depart in five minutes. I would like for you to accompany them to their ship. We wouldn't want them make a slight detour and take the scenic route to the docking ring."

"Of course not, Commander. I'm on my way."

Odo closed the file and shut off the terminal before leaving.

Quark watched from the behind his bar as Odo walked away from the Promenade. Grinning from ear to ear, he stealthily followed the metamorph in the shadows.

In only a few minutes, Tomax would have his chance for revenge, and Quark wanted to be there. After all, it wasn't everyday that you got to see an Orion get his butt kicked.

As Odo neared the docking ring, he could see the last of the Orions filing onboard the Jalard, or so he thought. At the sound of approaching footsteps, the Orions turned around.

"Captain," Andor whispered, "it is time."

Tomax's eyes flashed with vengeance as he nodded in acknowledgment.

"Leaving so soon?" Odo asked as he stood in front of the Orion captain.

"Not quite," Tomax sneered.

Before Odo could respond, the remaining two members of Tomax's crew grabbed the shapeshifter's arms and pinned them behind his back. The security chief struggled to free himself, but the strength of the green men overwhelmed him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Tomax lean over to pick up a long, steel pipe from a corner in the corridor. Time was running out for Odo, and he knew he had to do something quick.

Willing his body to become liquid, he could have easily slipped out of the Orion's hands, but didn't. Something was wrong. He tried again, but the effort was futile. There was no escape. This time, there would be no shapeshifting to get his butt out of this sling.

His eyes widened with fear as Tomax stood beside him wielding the steel pipe. Odo desperately reached for his communicator, but the Orion was quicker. He rapped the metamorph's arm hard with the pipe and beamed with pleasure as Odo yelled in pain.

"Now we'll see who gets the last laugh," Tomax replied.

Smiling, he swung hard at Odo's midsection and connected. The shapeshifter doubled over in agony as a wave of pain shot through his body. Before he could catch his breath, Tomax swung again, this time connecting with his skull.

Fighting to retain consciousness, Odo shoved the two burly Orions out of the way in a desperate attempt to flee his attackers. Instead, he was stopped short of his objective by a sharp blow to his right knee that sent him crashing to the wall.

Before he could recover, Tomax slammed the pipe across the back of the shapeshifter and watched him crumple to the floor. Deriving immense pleasure from watching the security chief writhe in agony on the floor, Tomax began to pummel Odo with a series of devastating blows. With each attempt by the metamorph to rise, Tomax beat him even harder to drive him back to the floor.

A horrified Quark stepped from the shadows and into the corridor. Realizing Odo was unable to shapeshift to defend himself, Quark knew he was in serious trouble. Overcoming his fear of the Orions, Quark rushed down the corridor shouting, "Hurry, you must leave now! A security team is heading this way!"

Knowing what would happen if they were caught, they entered the airlock and boarded their freighter without asking any questions. Moments later, they were gone.

Quark rushed to Odo's side and knelt beside him. Unsure of how to help the injured man, he tried to rouse Odo from unconsciousness. Lightly shaking him, the Ferengi whispered, "Odo...Odo, can you hear me?"

Still unresponsive, Quark grew very concerned for...his friend. He noted, in the dimly lighted corridor, the metamorph's labored breathing and the multiple lacerations that covered his chest and back. Quark had never seen Odo this badly injured before, in fact, he had never seen him hurt at all.

Odo stirred slightly and groaned as a sudden intense wave of pain overcame him.

"Odo," Quark murmured, a hand tentatively going out to gently touch his cheek and turn his head slowly towards him.

Eyes opening slowly, Quark's features blurred above him, fading in and out of focus. Parting his lips, he barely whispered, "Oh God, they sent me to the wrong place." He took a deep breath, then added, "Did they kill you too, or did I manage to take you with me?"

"Even on your deathbed, Odo, you're still a smartass."

"I try..." He winced as a spasm of excruciating pain racked its way throughout his body, then continued, "Quark,...you...you saved...my life. Why...?"

Quark sat there for a few moments before replying, "Well, Odo...that's what...uh...well, Sisko would blame it all on me."

Odo knew what Quark was trying to say, but his pride and probably even his ego were standing in the way. Until today, Odo had never really thought about the Ferengi as being his friend. Most of the time, he was so upset with Quark and his opportunities, he hardly had time to think about anything else other than his duties. Now, as he laid helpless on the floor, he began to realize that the Ferengi was the closet person he had to a friend. "Quark...I'm...I'm sorry..." he gasped before collapsing once again.

Quark knew Odo was dying and that he needed immediate medical attention, but he had no communicator with which to call the infirmary. He would have to leave Odo behind and bring the doctor back with him. He took one final look at the shapeshifter before leaving to find Dr. Bashir, but suddenly a realization hit him. Odo was wearing a communicator. He wouldn't have to leave him after all.

Reaching across the chest of the metamorph, careful not to touch the wounds, the Ferengi tapped Odo's communicator, noting the slick dark liquid that coated it.

"Quark to Bashir. Medical emergency."

Almost instantly, the voice of Dr. Bashir filled the comlink. "Bashir here. Quark, what do you want? Have you poisoned another one of your customers?"

"No, Doctor," Quark answered sarcastically. "I'm standing just outside upper pylon 2 beside Odo. He's been beaten very severely, possibly by the Orions that just left."

"What?"

"Never mind the how's and why's," Quark interrupted. "Just get a medical team down here, Doc!"

"All right," he said bewilderedly. "I'm on my way."

Closing the channel, Bashir grabbed a medkit from the counter and rushed out of the infirmary, across the Promenade. Within minutes, he was running down the long corridor that led to the wounded shapeshifter and Quark. The entire way there Bashir tried to imagine how Odo could have possibly been injured, but nothing came to mind. He finally decided that the devious little Ferengi was probably lying, that is, until he reached the upper pylon.

"Quark, what the hell happened here?" Bashir demanded.

"He tried to bungy-jump outside from the docking ring."

"He did what?"

"He slipped on a banana peel, what do you think happened?" Quark said disgustedly.

"You did mention something about Orions."

"Ah, the man's a genius. Want to take a chance for the grand prize?" Quark asked.

"If the Orions did do this to Odo, then why didn't he just morph?"

"BINGO!" Quark replied.

"Quark, grow up. This is no laughing matter."

"Who's laughing?" Quark said, "I'm just as surprised as you are."

"Really. How do I know that you didn't do it yourself?"

"Me? I would have paid someone else to do it for me. A Ferengi never stoops below the level of his enemies."

"Enemy, huh. We'll see about that," Bashir promised.

"Oh, so now you think I paid someone to knock him off. Cute, Doctor, real cute. I may not like him very much, but I am no murderer."

"Whatever you say, Quark, whatever you say."

The Ferengi had no chance to argue because a dismal moan from Odo grabbed the doctor's attention. Whipping out his tricorder as his mind kicked into high gear, Bashir scanned the semiconscious form of the shapeshifter.

"Well?" prompted Quark.

Bashir shook his head as he realized that Odo had been right. Seeing the security chief lying on the floor in front of him, hovering near death, he remembered the conversation that he had with Odo his first day on the station.

He told Odo that he'd appreciate any data that he had from his physicians on Bajor so that he would know how to treat him in case of an emergency. Odo responded by telling him that he had no data and that he had no need for a doctor. He went further to explain that even if he were hurt, he doubted that a humanoid doctor could do anything for him. Bashir told him that he would be surprised at the advances made in technology but Odo interrupted to say that he didn't need the doctor, in fact, he had no use whatsoever for his technological advances.

Now, Dr. Bashir realized how true the shapeshifter had been. He had no idea how to treat Odo's injuries, nor how to stop his severe blood loss. There was one thing though that bothered the doctor. As far as he could tell, there was nothing wrong with him that could have possibly interfered with his ability to shapeshift. That is, nothing he could detect.

"Quark, I'm going to be perfectly honest with you."

"That'll be the day," the Ferengi muttered. "When can you ever trust a doctor to be honest?"

Ignoring Quark's last comment, Bashir continued, "As I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, there's nothing I can do for him."

"You can't be serious."

"Oh, I am very serious, Quark. I know next to nothing about his species, and what I do know doesn't help very much. All I can do is try to make him comfortable and monitor his vital signs. Without the ability to shapeshift, his regenerative system is useless, and because of the severity of his wounds, he may as well be dead."

Bashir shook his head and sighed as he tapped his combadge and opened a channel to Ops. "Bashir to Commander Sisko."

"Sisko here. What can I do for you, Doctor?"

"Commander, there's been an...accident."

Sisko's tone grew to that of concern as he asked, "Accident? What sort of accident?"

"Odo..." he managed to stammer as he tried to hide the grievous sound that resonated in his voice, "Odo has been...severely beaten,...possibly by our recently departed guests."

"Doctor, are you sure about this?" demanded Major Kira.

"Yes, Major. Quark found him barely conscious outside upper pylon 2, the same one the Orion's were docked at."

"Quark found him? Now why was Quark so far away from the Promenade?" Sisko asked.

"I don't know, sir, but I'm going to find out," the doctor replied as he eyed the Ferengi suspiciously.

"Where are you now?" Kira asked.

"We're still in the corridor outside the docking ring. Odo's a bit too heavy to carry to the infirmary."

"Understood, Doctor. Standby for transport." Kira turned around and motioned to Chief O'Brien to activate the transporter.

"Aye, sir," he replied.

Within seconds, Bashir and Odo were transported to the infirmary, leaving Quark alone in the stillness of the corridor.

The infirmary doors sluggishly slid open as Commander Sisko and Major Kira strode in. Glancing around, they found Dr. Bashir hovering over the inanimate form of Constable Odo. As they neared the occupied biobed, they could clearly make out some sort of lifesupport system hooked up to the shapeshifter. Dr. Bashir was intently studying the strange readings on the monitor above Odo when he noticed he had guests.

"Ah, Commander, Major, what brings you two down here?" he asked in mild surprise.

"We were concerned about the dear constable," Sisko answered. "How is he?"

"Commander, I have no idea how he's doing. I may not know today, tomorrow, or even next week. His body chemistry is so much more different from other humanoid species that I don't even know where to begin looking for an answer. Believe me, I wish it were as simple as taking his pulse and respiration."

"I understand that Quark has been here several times to visit Odo," Sisko replied.

"Yes, almost at every shift change. Somehow, he feels that he is responsible for what happened and regrets not doing something sooner to help."

"Commander, what I don't understand is why he was in the area to begin with?" Kira questioned.

"That is a good question," Sisko responded. "Has he mentioned anything to you, Doctor?"

"No, not really. He keeps avoiding the subject each time I broach it. It makes you wonder if he's hiding something, doesn't it?"

"Doctor, you should know that a Ferengi is always hiding something, but very shortly we'll soon have our answer. A Federation transport just picked up the Orions, and they should be arriving within the next couple of hours."

"In the mean time, I'll keep you apprised on any changes that may occur during the day."

"Thank you, Doctor," Sisko replied before both he and the Major left to tend to their duties.

As the last of his superiors filed out, Bashir returned his attention to Odo. He had done everything within his power to help the security chief, but it was still not enough. He had also given up on using the regenerator hours ago, once he realized the shapeshifter's wounds were not healing. Bioscans of Odo's body revealed nothing that could help Bashir determine the cause of the metamorph's illness. Had he been humanoid, the doctor would have thought his nervous system had failed.

Slamming his fists down on the bed in disgust, he picked up an electroprobe and began to prod Odo's chest, gently. He didn't know the probe was on full power, until a surge of electricity caused the shapeshifter to convulse uncontrollably.

"Damn," Bashir shouted as he threw the probe across the room.

He tried to hold Odo down until the seizure passed but it was easier said than done. All he could do was try to prevent him from rolling onto the floor. As the last of the tremors stopped, Odo's eyes flashed open. Dr. Bashir jumped back in surprise, stumbling over a table of sterile instruments. Hastily regaining his composure, he leaned over the metamorph to peer at him through concerned eyes.

"Odo, how do you feel?" Bashir asked softly.

"Like I was hit by a Galaxy class starship...at Warp 9."

"Do you remember what happened?"

"Yes, but it's definitely something I would love to forget."

"Please, it's very important that I find out."

"The Orions tricked me into believing that they were already onboard, except for the captain and his first officer. When I was close enough to them, the rest of Tomax's crew ambushed me. I decided to play along with them for a while, until he picked up a steel pipe. I tried to change, but I couldn't. Realizing the danger I was in, I tried to use my communicator to signal for help, but Tomax was quicker and very effectively prevented me from doing so. The rest is fairly obvious."

"You mean the Orions reacted with their usual tact and decorum."

"Yes, I guess...you could...say..."

"Odo, what's wrong?"

Odo grimaced with pain, but managed to stammer, "It is past...six...sixteen hours. My body...is trying to return...to a liquid state. It is slowly doing so...but not without put...putting extra stress upon my body. Whatever is hindering my shape...shifting is also prolonging the transformation."

"Returning to a liquid puts a great deal of pressure upon you, both mentally and physically, doesn't it?"

"It is very exhausting...having to change my appearance depending upon the situation. It is even harder to constantly maintain my...humanoid form. Now that the situation has changed, there is a major problem that may also arise."

"What sort of problem."

"I may not be able to return to my humanoid appearance. Without the ability to shapeshift...I would be nothing more than a..."

"Puddle?"

"Yes. I would still be alive, but...I would never be...fully functional again."

"So, in a sense, you may as well be dead."

"In a sense...yes."

A strange unwonted silence fell between the two as they reflected on the conversation they just had. Dr. Bashir never even considered the dire consequences of Odo's inability to shapeshift and the impact it would have. He had to find a way to help the security chief. There was no telling how much longer Odo would last.

Glancing back at Odo, Bashir noticed that the shapeshifter was already slipping back into oblivion. Before the doctor would allow Odo to rest, he had to ask him a very important question. Lightly shaking the still form, Bashir asked, "Odo, what was Quark doing at the docking ring?"

His head swimming, the metamorph motioned for Bashir to lean closer. He whispered, barely audibly, into the doctor's ear, "Quark...warned...Orions...security. Orions...leave. Quark..." His voice trailed away but not before a strangled range of noises emerged from his throat as he was overcome by a wave of pain and exhaustion.

Bashir only heard bits and pieces of what Odo had tried to tell him, but it was enough. "Damn you, Quark! You were with the Orions the entire time they were here. What did you do to Odo so he wouldn't be able to defend himself against them? You warn them about a possible threat and allow them to leave after they beat him. Then, on top of that, you call me and pretend that you found him in the corridor. You're going down for this Quark, I'll see to that personally."

The U.S.S. Nightshade slowed to one-quarter impulse as she neared docking pylon 5 to prepare for docking sequences. Her captain, Allen Baker, opened a channel to Ops.

"This is Captain Baker of the U.S.S. Nightshade requesting permission to dock at pylon 5, over."

"Major Kira here, permission granted. You may precede with docking procedures." She closed the channel and then opened one to Sisko's office. "Commander, the Orion captives are here. They are unloading at pylon 5."

"Excellent, Major. Have a security team meet me outside the airlock."

"Aye, sir," she acknowledged, then added, "Sir, request permission to..."

"Granted, Major. Now get that security team assembled, on the double."

Moments later, Commander Sisko, Major Kira, and four of Odo's security guards were waiting, outside the airlock, for the Orions to emerge.

The doors slid effortlessly open and the Orions were forcefully shoved out by four of Captain Baker's security guards, armed with phasers.

"Here they are Commander. Maybe you'll have better luck then we did," the taller of the four said.

"I'm sure we can find so way to make them talk," Sisko answered calmly. "If not, they'll rot in the brig until they do decide to cooperate."

They motioned each other farewell as the guards returned to their ship, and the others headed toward the Promenade.

"Major, take the prisoners to the brig until I feel like talking to the scum or until Odo can, whichever comes first." Then he added, "Oh, and Major, please feel free to offer any assistance you deem necessary during their stay here."

Grinning from ear to ear, Kira smiled, "Aye, sir," she replied as Sisko walked off. Turning her attention to the Orions, she shoved one of them forward, "Okay, you heard the boss, move it."

He whirled around, but received a blow to the groin and a phaser stuck at his oversized nose by the major.

"I said move it or you'll be singing soprano, your choice," she replied calmly.

He snorted, but turned back around to follow the others into Odo's office.

"Wise decision," Kira said as she holstered her weapon.

The security officers lead the Orions into separate cells and activated the forcefields.

Tomax stepped forward and demanded in an angry tone, "Human, why do you cage us like animals? We have done nothing to deserve this unjust treatment! I demand that you free us immediately!"

"You are in no position to demand anything from me! We cage you like animals because you are ! If you weren't behind that forcefield right now, I'd rip your damn head from your shoulders and feed you to a Denebian Slime Devil for dessert!" Kira responded.

"Talk, talk. All you humans do is talk."

"You're right, all humans do is talk." She leaned closer to the forcefield until it made her skin tingle in resistance, trying to push her back. Her jaw set firmly, and brown eyes narrowed in belligerence, "But I'm not human!"

Stepping back from the forcefield, she squared her shoulders and cast a glance toward the floor. "Well, thanks to you, our security chief is lying in the infirmary, helpless and close to death. What the hell did you do to him so he couldn't shapeshift to defend himself?"

"I don't know what you're talking about. Even if I did, I wouldn't tell you or Sisko, Major."

"Well let's see if I can refresh your memory, Captain."

Kira left the containment area to retrieve something from Odo's office. Moments later, she returned, brandishing the steel pipe Tomax used to beat Odo with.

"What is the meaning of this?" Tomax demanded with alarm.

"Don't you even recognize the weapon you used against Odo? See," she said as she held the pipe up so Tomax could examine it, "it's still covered with his lifeblood. The blood you shed before leaving the space station." She turned to face the guard manning the forcefield controls, "Frank, kill the field."

"Sir?" he asked questioningly.

"Just do it," she answered coldly.

The field flickered briefly before cutting off, allowing Kira to enter the holding cell and address Tomax face to face, with only the steel pipe as protection.

"What is this you're displaying here, bravery or stupidity, female?" Tomax mocked.

"Oh, I see. What we have here is a lack of communication. You think that just because I'm a woman that I'm inferior to you?" She swung the pipe and nailed the Orion squarely in the groin and watched as he dropped, in obvious pain, to one knee. "You think that just because I'm female that I'm weak and frail?" With unbelievable power she jabbed him in the abdomen and then whacked him across the face, sending him reeling backwards to the floor.

The guard was oblivious to everything that was happening inside the cell, therefore, he never even knew that the Orion captain was being beaten with the very same weapon he used on Odo.

"Listen pal, I suggest that you get your act together and answer my questions before I'm forced to do something that you may regret. In fact, you and Odo may be sharing the same coffin. Now, why did you attack Odo outside docking ring 3?"

Gasping for air, Tomax finally replied, "We were paid to kill him."

"By whom?" Kira asked impatiently.

"The little troll you have posing as a bartender."

"You can't be serious."

"Listen, Quark paid us to kill Odo after he disrupted the Ferengi's auction in Holosuite 3."

"Would you be willing to testify against him in front of a Bajoran arbitrary?"

"Only if we were granted our freedom afterwards."

Kira thought about his request for a few moments. There was a good chance that he was probably lying, but in the present situation, she would have to take that chance in order to find out what really happened. Besides, it was his word against hers.

"All right, I'll grant you amnesty. Now, tell me everything you know."

Leaving the Promenade, Major Kira and Doctor Bashir ran into one another as the two of them stepped into the turbolift that would take them both to Ops.

Bashir, with a grin as devious as the Cheshire Cat's, began to whistle, and Kira glared at him with an expression that said, Must you really do that? Noting the perturbed expression on the major, the doctor tried to stifle his joyous feeling of triumph, but failed miserably.

"Doctor, why are you so happy?"

"Does my happiness bother you, Major?"

"Yes. You're either drunk, or Mr. Happy finally got some attention last night."

Stunned by her attack on his, to date, non-existent sex life, Bashir smiled. "No, Major, but if you're volunteering---" he said as he unzipped his shirt slightly.

"Doctor, why don't you go jerk yourself!" Kira said with her hands on her hips.

"Why don't you give me a hand?" Bashir teased.

Almost as if it were heaven sent, the lift suddenly stopped, throwing its passengers to the floor. Kira glanced over at Bashir and saw him staring at the ceiling as he whispered something that sounded like 'Thank you.'

Ignoring the young doctor, she tapped her communicator, "Kira to Ops. What the hell is going on up there? What's wrong with the turbolift?"

"Sorry, Major," O'Brien apologized. "It's this bloody Cardie junk. It overloaded the turbolift circuitry, and I had to switch them off to repair the damage. It shouldn't take longer than 15 minutes to fix."

"Just hurry up, okay? I don't want to be stuck in here with Bashir any longer than I have to," she said before closing the channel.

"Why don't you just take this opportunity to relax, Major."

Sighing aloud, Kira said softly, "I guess the stress of this entire situation is finally getting to me."

Bashir smiled slyly and moved closer to the major. "Let me help you release some of the pressure, Major."

Kira backed up against the wall and said, "If you touch me, so help me by the prophets, I'll twist your arm around so many times, you could use it as a corkscrew! Now, Doctor, back it up."

The major's icy stare sent shivers up and down Bashir's spine as he backed away from her and retreated to the other side of the lift. "Chill, Major, it's just a joke."

Closing the distance so that she felt his breath on her face, she leaned closer and said, "Anymore jokes like that, and my knee and Mr. Happy will become very acquainted."

His adam's apple bobbing up and down, Bashir replied in a slightly higher pitched voice, "Understood," then applied emphasis on, "sir."

Smiling with satisfaction, Kira returned to the other side of the turbolift and sat down on the floor. Scant minutes later, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand, she sighed, "You know, Doctor, chilling out doesn't sound too bad after all."

"It does feel like it's getting warmer."

"Computer," Kira called. "Current temperature in this turbolift."

"34.5 degrees C."

"No wonder it feels like a furnace in here," Kira commented. "The environmental controls must have also been damaged. We'll roast alive if we don't get...out...of here..." Staring in disbelief at the doctor, she said, "What the hell are you doing?" when she noticed he was in the process of removing his unzipped shirt.

"I'm trying to stay cool, Major, and as your doctor, I suggest you do the same."

Shaking her head, "Oh no. You don't fool me. You're still trying to get in my pants, but I'm not going to fall for it."

"Major, if you want to have a heatstroke, be my guest. When you do though, don't say that I didn't warn you." Bashir leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes. "Of all the people on this station, why did I have to be stuck with the wicked witch of the west," he whispered.

Kira bolted upright upon hearing his comment. "Witch? I'll show you a witch!" She hurriedly unzipped her uniform top and flung it towards the doctor. "There! Now are you satisfied? Or do you want my pants, too? Perhaps my bra or panties would be more to your liking."

"Major, calm down."

"Calm down? We're sitting in the middle of an oven and you want me to calm down? Doctor, have you lost your mind?"

"Yes, Major, I probably have, but it's not the first time and it definitely won't be the last. If you would kindly sit back down, I may have a solution to our problem."

"Solution? Yeah right. What are you going to do? Make it snow?"

"No, Major, the hot air emanating from your mouth would make that just a little bit impossible, but I believe these would help," he said as he pulled out two catalytic cooling patches.

"Decorative patches? Doctor, I'm sorry but I think you've gone over the deep end."

"Please, spare me. These are cooling patches I use for the treatment of fever patients. Just squeeze the patch's edge to initiate the chemical reaction inside. It produces the equivalent of an old-fashioned ice bath, but more comfortable."

"Doctor, you can take those patches and shove'em up--"

Unfortunately, Bashir drowned out the rest of her order with, "Major, I don't care if you use it or not, just take it and stop complaining."

He tossed it over to her and waited to see her reaction when it landed in her lap. There was none. She simply picked it up, squeezed it, and then applied it to her face.

"You're welcome," he said, then he asked, "Computer, current temperature in main turbolift?"

"Current temperature is 42 degrees C."

Settling back against the wall, Bashir sighed aloud and closed his eyes. "Might as well catch up on some sleep while I'm stuck here," he thought to himself as his mind and thoughts slowly drifted away into dreamland.

He had been asleep for almost an hour and a half before Kira startled him, trying to rouse him from his slumber. She tapped him on his cheek once more before the doctor wearily forced his eyes open.

"Oh, it's only you. Whata surprise. I was just about to slide into home with Jadzia and you had to interrupt. Now, what is so damn important that you had to wake me?" Bashir asked as he stood up to stretch.

"Nothing really, except that you were snoring," Kira said truthfully.

"Gee, is that all?" Bashir asked sarcastically.

"Well...no. The snoring I can handle, but when you started to snuggle up to me and call me Palis, that really annoyed the hell out of me."

"If it annoyed you that much, why didn't you just push me away?" He came up with a devilish grin. "Or is it that you didn't mind as much as you said."

Returning to his seat on the floor, neither Bashir nor Kira noticed the subtle shift of the turbolift as it inched its way upward. If either of them had of looked up, they would have noticed the slight opening in the wall where the turbolift had stopped a few inches above the floor of Ops.

"Well, Major, I'm glad that I was able to provide you with at least a few minutes of pleasure."

"I'll pleasure you if you don't shut-up!"

"Oh, would you? Maybe just a quickie before we get out of here."

Kira knew that she had set herself up perfectly for his last remark and decided to ignore it for the time being. Tapping her communicator, she called to Ops, "Kira to Chief O'Brien. What the hell is taking so long? You said we'd be out of here more than 2 hours ago. What's the hold- up?"

"O'Brien here. You know damn well what the hold-up is as well as I do. OUCH!" The sound of exploding circuitry traveled over the comline. "Hell, I had...have to rewire the entire console...again. As soon as the turbolifts shorted out, the environmental controls went on the fritz. If nothing else goes wrong, I should have you out of there in 10 minutes, but this time I'm not making any guarantees."

A few minutes after the channel closed, O'Brien heard a strange noise coming from the direction of the turbolift. He had no idea that the doctor had just scrounged up a couple more patches. Walking over there to investigate, he saw that the top of the lift had stopped a few inches above the floor to Ops. Leaning closer to the opening, he heard what sounded like moans and groans coming from inside. He laid his tools down on the floor, and knelt down until he could hear exactly what was going on.

"Oh, God," Bashir moaned. "I should have thought of this earlier."

"I didn't think anything you could do would feel so good, Doctor," Kira said breathlessly as she rubbed the patch all over her face, neck, and chest.

"Please, call me Julian, and don't tell Sisko about this."

"Oh, don't worry about him. You've still got plenty left haven't you?" Kira asked.

"Yeah," Bashir confirmed.

"Then don't get your drawers all in a wad. He'll never know what we did in here."

O'Brien's mouth dropped as he scrambled to his feet. "He finally did it. I don't know how, but he actually did Major Kira," O'Brien thought to himself. Then, "And he doesn't want Sisko to know, which means he probably wants to keep it from Dax. Of course I'll just have to let it slip..."

Kneeling back down to the floor, he overheard Kira ask Bashir, "Can I have one more? I'm just so hot..."

"I don't know..." Bashir said hesitantly.

"Come on, just one more...Julian."

"All right, one more and that's it. Understand?"

"Oh, thank you. You'll never regret this."

"I hope not."

Chief O'Brien was still listening in on them when he felt a light tap on his shoulder.

"Chief, what on earth are you doing?" Dax asked.

"What am I doing? Nothing compared to what Bashir is doing to Kira in there. Or vice versa," O'Brien whispered.

"I don't understand," she said.

O'Brien picked his tools up from the floor and lead Dax over to the console he had been working on. "Lieutenant, Bashir is giving Major Kira the time of her life in that turbolift, if you know what I mean."

"I'm not sure I...what a minute. You mean..."

"That's exactly what I mean."

"But how do you know what's going on in there?"

"Why don't you go over there and listen for a while."

"Chief!" Dax replied in shock.

"Hey, I'm sorry, but they shouldn't have made it so noticeable. Geez, you could have heard their moaning and groaning a mile away," O'Brien said to defend himself.

"Are the turbolifts fixed?" Dax asked to change the subject.

"Turbolifts? Oh...uh...yeah. I was just about to call them when...you know."

"Well I think now would be a good time, don't you, Chief?"

"Sure, whatever," O'Brien replied disgustedly, mentally reminding himself to hose down the lift compartment when he had time. Pushing a button, "Here she comes."

"Chief!" Dax's outraged face met his gaze. "You didn't tell them you were bringing them up."

Shrugging, "They know now."

Kira reached across the lift for the discarded uniform tunic. Bashir simply sat there, drawing in several steadying breaths before attempting to regain his feet. With a jolt, the lift shot upward, sending its occupants to the floor in a convoluted heap. Abruptly Kira found the young doctor on her person, his face buried in her cleavage.

From a different voice, "Bloody hell!" Kira and Bashir froze, after he lifted his face from her chest.

Kira closed her eyes, "Please tell me this is not happening; oh, please let this be some horrific nightmare." Unfortunately, when she opened her eyes again she still looked into the astonished face of Chief Miles O'Brien, who, like most men would, grinned like a fool back at her.

"You lucky devil!" Bashir's face turned beet red, rubbery arms fumbling to pull on his shirt. The young doctor found his feet, moving quickly toward Sisko's office to escape scrutinizing eyes.

O'Brien swearing his feet never touched the stairs, Julian reached the doors to the commander's office, uniform tunic dangling from one hand. Bashir managed to slip it on and pull up the zipper almost before Sisko noticed his presence, but not quite. Sisko glanced up from the mountain of paperwork piled on his desk and noticed the young officer was flushed. "Doctor," obviously Sisko thought the CMO's entrance was quite unusual, "may I help you?"

Bashir nodded as Major Kira walked in a few moments later.

Sisko would have to be blind, deaf, and dumb not to notice the way the room temperature dropped when Kira entered. Bashir's blush deepened, and he gulped convulsively. It didn't take deductive reasoning for the commander to come up with the conclusion that Bashir had done something to get on Major Kira's bad side...again.

"Never mind. What I want to know is why the two of you are here instead of at your posts?"

Attempting to seize the upperhand, Kira and Dr. Bashir, at the same time, tried to tell the commander their news concerning Quark and the Orions. Each time one would open their mouth to speak, the other would jump in and interrupt before they could even get a sentence out. This eventually lead to an argument about whose information was more important and something about seduction. At this point, Sisko really did not care anymore.

Realizing this was getting them nowhere fast, Sisko interrupted, or at least tried to, the petty bickering between the two officers. Having little or no success, Sisko maneuvered himself between Bashir and the major, and shoved the two apart. The doctor retreated to a chair on the opposite side of the office, feeling he had been verbally abused enough today, but Kira would not budge.

"Major Kira, sit down now, or I will sit you down myself!" Sisko commanded angrily.

Turning her attention away from Doctor Bashir, Kira glared at Commander Sisko for a moment before slowly lowering herself to her seat.

"Thank you, Major, and now that I have both of your attentions, I would like to make one thing perfectly clear. I will not tolerate any more squabbling amongst my senior staff. If either of you persist to disobey my orders, you will be severely reprimanded and tossed in the brig. Is that understood, Doctor, Major?"

"Yes, sir," both answered in unison.

"Good. Now, Major, you first." Bashir's lip immediately poked out.

Still trying to piece together her shattered ego, she nodded silently then began. "Commander, while I was with the Orions only a few moments ago, their leader, Tomax, revealed to me some startling information concerning a certain Ferengi whom we know very well."

"Really. What did our guests have to say about their host?"

"That...that Quark paid them to kill Odo."

"I see, Major. And do you really believe them?"

"Sir, I don't know what to believe anymore! Quark's not talking and this is the only lead we have so far!"

"Major, please calm down. Doctor Bashir, have you got anything else to add to her report?"

"Yes, sir, I do."

"Please, enlighten me."

"Well, Commander, I didn't quite get as much information as the major, but what I did get clearly corroborates the Orion's claim."

"How so?"

"Well, sir, Odo woke up shortly after you and the major left, but only for a few minutes. However, I was able to find out firsthand what happened at the docking ring. Odo told me that Quark warned the Orions about a security team coming down the corridor, and that they immediately left so no one would find them there. Then, his last words before he collapsed were, and I quote, 'Quark tried to kill me.'"

"Doctor, did you record your conversation with Odo?" Sisko asked.

Shaking his head, he replied, "No, sir, I didn't think about it."

"Without some tangible evidence against Quark, neither of you have a case," Sisko said plainly.

"But, sir, Quark himself told me that he would pay someone else to do his killing for him. We can't just stand idly by and let him walk free. We have to do something, now. Who knows, Commander, one of us may be next on his hitlist," Bashir pointed out.

Sighing aloud, Sisko knew that the only way to settle this once and for all was to confront Quark and find out his side of the story. Even if he were guilty, Odo was the only material witness at the scene of the crime, and he was certainly in no condition to testify on behalf of anyone.

"All right. I want both of you to meet me at Quark's bar at exactly 0800 hours tomorrow morning. Maybe we'll be able to clear up a few minor details after a good night's sleep. And I mean in your own quarters, Doctor, not on one of your biobeds so you can pester Odo if he wakes up again. Do I make myself clear?"

"As crystal, Commander," Bashir replied reluctantly in compliance.

"Dismissed."

At precisely 0800 hours, Doctor Bashir joined Commander Sisko and Major Kira on the Promenade for a drink to discuss a tactful way to approach Quark. Bashir thought it would be best to just walk right up to him and demand him to answer the charges being brought up against him, but Sisko whole heartedly disagreed.

"Doctor, wait here while Kira and I talk to Quark."

"But, sir..." Bashir added.

"No buts, Doctor. Either wait here or in your quarters."

Bashir wisely decided to wait at the table because a few minutes later when Sisko and Kira returned, he found out that Quark was in the infirmary with Odo, not at the bar.

Jumping to his feet, ignoring Sisko's warning, Bashir ran towards the infirmary, hoping to catch Quark trying to eliminate Odo once and for all. As the doors slid open, Bashir stormed in, only to find Quark lying unconscious on the floor. Choosing that very moment to walk in, Sisko and Kira rushed to the side of the Ferengi. Not fully understanding what was going on, Sisko looked up at Bashir with questioning eyes.

"Couldn't wait until he told us his side of the story?"

Kneeling beside Quark, Bashir shook his head, "I didn't do it, sir. He was lying there when I walked in." The doctor quickly picked up a tricorder and scanned the lifeless form of the Ferengi. After briefly examining the results, he muttered to himself, "This can't be right."

"Doctor?" Sisko prompted.

"How can this be?" Bashir whispered.

"Doctor Bashir, are you all right?" Kira asked.

"Uh...yes...I'm fine, but these readings aren't. According to this, there has been a massive buildup of acetylcholinesterase compounds, almost to lethal proportions."

"Excuse me, Doctor, but would you mind explaining what the hell you're talking about?" Sisko asked.

"I don't have time to explain the entire process, so here's a shortened version. These agents kill rapidly by inhibiting the action of the enzyme acetylcholine, resulting in lack of muscular control and in respiratory paralysis."

"Sort of like the nerve gases used in Earth's 20th century during chemical and biological warfare," Kira added.

"Exactly, but this is spreading like nothing I've ever seen before. Commander, help me move him to a biobed. I need to run a few tests."

After moving Quark to the nearest bed, Sisko told Bashir to notify him the instant he found something useful, no matter how insignificant, then Kira and he left.

Bashir didn't realize how close he really was to finding out the truth, nor how close he was to saving Odo's life. Soon he would find a vital missing link to the security chief's past, and possibly even his future.

MEDICAL LOG-Dr. Julian Bashir, C.M.O. DS9 I have just completed a series of blood tests on Quark to determine the nature of his sudden illness, and the results are quite startling. It appears that Quark's immune system is producing more than quadrupled the normal amount of T4 cells used to combat foreign antigens in the bloodstream, and it seems to me that they are winning the battle. I have isolated the antigen itself, and it's like nothing I've seen before. This tiny virus can actually mimic the properties of the nerve gases used during the Earth's 20th century in the Biological Warfare Era. Playing on a hunch, I have reviewed Odo's previous tests and have found that, in their own way, Odo's and Quark's tissue results are very similar. Somehow, they were both infected with this virus which seems to be deadly to shapeshifters. Using a sample of Quark's T4 cells, I will attempt to develop a possible vaccine for Odo that may or may not save him. I only hope that I'm not too late.

Sisko walked into the infirmary to find Doctor Bashir preparing to administer an injection to Odo. "Doctor, why are you still here? I thought I told you over an hour ago to prepare to beam down to Bajor with Quark."

"But sir, aren't you the least bit curious if this vaccine is going to work? If it does, we will be able to hear exactly what happened from Odo himself. There will be no doubt that Quark is guilty after Odo's testimony."

"You do have a point. All right, I'll give you 15 more minutes, no more. Then I want you down there. With Quark. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir."

As soon as Sisko was gone, Bashir pressed the hypo against the shapeshifters neck, and waited. The solution coursed itself throughout Odo's body, instilling itself in every fiber of his being. There were no immediate results, but a few minutes later, Bashir noticed that the security chief's vital signs were stabilizing.

"It's working," Bashir whispered.

As his vitals approached what Bashir thought to be normal for Odo, the metamorph's eyes fluttered as he struggled to regain consciousness.

Leaning over him, "Odo. Odo, can you hear me? Constable," the doctor called.

Moaning softly, Odo opened his eyes. "Where am I?" Glancing to his left, he saw Quark lying on the bed beside his, and groaned. "Why me? Why did they have to send me to Hell with you? The station was bad enough."

"Now, Odo, why do you have to be so rude to someone who just saved your life."

"Could you repeat that again? I don't think I quite understood that last remark."

"I'd be delighted to. Right now, Odo, you have my blood running throughout whatever that is you call a body."

"Doctor, you should of just let me die. Better yet, you can still toss me out an airlock."

"Well, Odo, I'm glad you're feeling so well right now. How would you feel about giving a statement against Quark in about five minutes?"

"What on earth for?" Odo asked curiously.

"They think I paid the Orions to kill you," Quark volunteered.

"Wait, I'm getting confused here. Did the Orions come back to finish what they started while I was out?"

"No, but they admitted that Quark paid them to jump you in the corridor. And you yourself said that Quark tried to kill you."

"Excuse me, but I believe I said he saved my life, not that I'm grateful or anything, but he did not try to kill me. In fact, if my memory serves me correctly, he warned me that Tomax would try something before he left."

"Odo, it was just a ploy to catch you off guard," Bashir insisted.

Odo shook his head in disapproval. "No. I got what I deserved. I should have heeded Quark's warning, but I simply ignored it. It was just too hard to accept that he was genuinely concerned about me, especially after I crashed his auction."

"What auction?" Bashir asked.

"The auction he had the same night the Orions, Ferengi, Cardassians, and Andorians arrived," Odo explained.

"Yeah, the auction you ruined by breaking the Talosian Chalise of Power," Quark sulked.

"I didn't break it. I just picked it up from the floor, and it opened," Odo replied defensively.

"Odo, what exactly was in this chalise?" Bashir asked, suddenly interested.

"Oh, nothing but dust."

"Dust, huh," the doctor mumbled to himself. Then, as if he was hit by a sudden realization, he shouted, "I've got it!"

"Got what?" Quark asked.

"The answer to all our problems!"

"What problems?" Quark replied.

"Is it just me, or do your jaws flap constantly, Quark?" Bashir asked, highly annoyed by this time with the Ferengi.

"Please, Doctor, by all means continue," Odo added.

"Odo, I believe that there was something much deadlier than dust in that chalise, and I also believe that what you opened was not simply a chalise."

"A weapon of some sort?" Odo asked.

"Well it definitely wasn't a Horga'hn, and it couldn't have come from Talos 4."

"How do know? You weren't there when it was made," Quark remarked.

"Quark, if you say another word, I'm going to rip your head off and stuff it so far down your throat,..." Odo said.

"Okay, okay, I'll shut up," Quark said as he slinked away from the angry shapeshifter.

"Doctor, I believe you mentioned the chalise couldn't have come from Talos 4," Odo said.

"Yes. You may think I'm crazy, but I don't think a bunch of obnoxious telepaths would create something deadly to shapeshifters, but not to themselves."

"You think it probably came from the Gamma Quadrant."

"Not only that, I think it might have come with you through the wormhole."

"With me?" Odo asked, startled.

"Think, Odo. It should have opened while Quark was handling it, but it didn't, did it?" he asked as he turned to Quark.

"No," Quark answered sourly from across the room.

"Well there you have it. And if I didn't know any better, I'd say it was specifically designed for you."

"But I was only an infant when I was found. What could I have possibly done to deserve death?"

"That's the part I'm still unsure about, but..." Bashir started before he was interrupted by a signal from Ops.

He tapped his communicator. "Bashir here."

"Julian, Sisko has just sent me a message to inform you that if you're not down there in five minutes..." Dax told him.

"I...uh...we're on our way," Bashir said hastily. He turned to Quark, "Let's go, Quark, before I'm out of a job."

"Doctor, I'm coming, too."

"No, Odo, you need to rest."

"I've been resting for three days."

"Are you sure you won't just...well...you know what I mean."

"I still can't shapeshift right now, but what I have to say won't take long."

"All right, but you better take your pail...just in case."

"Doctor, you had better have a good explanation why you're late!" Sisko said as he stormed into the conference room where Bashir was waiting.

As soon as the doors opened though, he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Odo standing beside the doctor and Quark.

"Sir, I can explain..." Bashir stammered.

"Why didn't you let me know me something before I made a complete fool of myself in front of the Bajoran arbitrary. It would have been easier trying to stall them if I had known Odo was coming."

"I'm sorry, sir." Despite the fact that Bashir put on his big brown eyes and the 'Hey, mister, please don't shoot my dog.' expression, Sisko looked like he could have ripped his face off.

"You better be. Now can we please get on with this?"

Bashir, Odo, and Quark followed their commander into the adjoining room containing the Bajoran arbitrary and seated themselves beside him.

"Commander Sisko, have you anything further to add to Major Kira's last testimony?" the center arbitrator asked.

"No, I don't, but I believe Constable Odo has something he would like to say."

"Very well. Constable, please stand to address the arbitrary."

"Thank you, Madam Arbitrator. I shall try to be as brief as possible," Odo replied as he rose to his feet. "Quark didn't do it. The Orions acted on their own."

"But, Odo, you told Bashir that he did try to kill you," Kira said as she jumped to her feet.

"Major, Dr. Bashir is an idiot." For some reason Kira nodded. "But he can't help it, that's the risk you take when cousins intermate." Bashir's outraged reply was drowned out by Odo. "If the good doctor had of been listening instead of babbling like a brook, he would have heard me tell him that Quark, did in fact, save my life."

The arbitrator pounded her ball-like gavel to bring everyone to order. "After hearing all the evidence presented, there are only two logical solutions. The first of which, I hereby declare Quark clear of all charges. My next decision is that I am formally charging the Orions with attempted murder. They are to be escorted back to their holding cell where they will await another trial, a verdict, and probable execution." Pounding her gavel once more, the arbitrators exited to a back room.

Blinded by his rage with the outcome of the trial, Tomax leapt over the rows of seats in front of him and rushed headlong at Major Kira. He knew that she had tricked him, and he wasn't about to let anyone stop him from reaching his goal. Tackling Kira from behind, Tomax picked her up and threw her against the nearest wall. Upon impact, she groaned loudly and slipped to the floor, unconscious.

Odo abruptly turned away from Commander Sisko and Dr. Bashir just in time to see the Orion poised over the major's limp form. With the speed of cheetah, Odo raced across the room and barreled into the Orion. The sound of the two bodies colliding was thunderous as it echoed around the room.

Tomax was the first to recover, as he sprang to his feet with the agility of a cat, despite his overwhelming size. "I see you've come back for more. Very well. Prepare to meet your maker, changeling." He rushed at Odo and tried to grab the shapeshifter in a bear hug, but the security chief easily sidestepped his charge. Because he was still very weak, Odo knew he had to outsmart the larger man and not allow the confrontation to become physical.

Using simple martial art moves, Odo dodged and parried each of the Orion's advances. When he thought Tomax had sufficiently tired himself out, the shapeshifter launched an attack of his own.

Swaying heavily on his feet, the Orion kicked Odo's weakened right knee, the same one injured during their last confrontation. Tumbling to the floor, Odo painfully pulled himself to his feet.

Tomax grinned, showing he sharp teeth, and taunted, "Poor, Odo. Did I hurt you? Maybe I should give it another shot." He kicked the shapeshifter's knee again, and Odo crashed once more to the floor.

This time as he tried to pull himself upright, Odo was overcome by a familiar feeling he thought had been lost forever. "Not now," he gasped as he collapsed back to the floor. He tried again and whispered, "Not yet, please," between gritted teeth, as he slowly dragged himself to his feet.

"Back for some more?" Tomax asked.

Standing tall, Odo stood toe to toe with the Orion and said, "Before you leave, I have something I would like to return to you." Gathering his remaining strength, he swung his right fist with everything he had. With the force of a freight train behind him, his fist connected with the Orion's jaw.

Reeling from the sudden explosion of power from the metamorph, Tomax slammed into the wall behind him and collapsed to the floor beside the major, out cold.

Turning slowly, Odo mouthed something to the others and groaned aloud as a familiar, compelling urge coursed itself throughout his battered body. Understanding immediately, Quark grabbed the shapeshifter's pail and threw it to his newfound friend. Nodding with genuine gratitude, Odo released himself and flowed into the pail.

Sisko walked over to Kira and gently gathered her in his arms as Bashir scanned the two unconscious forms.

"Minor concussion. She'll be fine in a few hours," Bashir told the commander, then whispered, "unfortunately."

He nodded his approval as the Orion captain was carried out of the room, followed by his crew.

Anticipating his superior's next question, the doctor replied, "Odo should make a full recovery, now that he's...back to normal."

"I'm looking forward to reading your report, Doctor," Sisko said as they walked out of the room, followed by Quark, who was carrying Odo.

They boarded the runabouts waiting outside and sped away to DS9. Who knows what else lies in the beyond...waiting.