REGENT

Returning to the house he took her to her room and placed her on the bed. He called for Selar, then proceeded to his room where he dressed and prepared to transport to his ship, the Tiq'Dun. The Heart of Greatness, he no longer felt worthy of the ship he had commissioned after becoming Regent.

Selar came and examined Jadzia. The Vulcan could not comprehend what had happened. The night before they had looked like two people in love. Not that she had much experience regarding love. But she had seen others consumed by the passion and devotion that she saw in Jadzia's and Worf's eyes.

Selar reported to Worf that Jadzia would be fine, but she had detected some unusual readings in the symbiont. She would need to do more scans and some research. "Take care of her, Selar. I will return as soon as I can."
"Where do you think you are going, without me?" the doctor asked.
"There are matters I need to attend to. You will remain behind, and watch over her."
"But..."
"I will not hear any arguments." With that the Regent beamed to his awaiting vessel.

The Regent was gone over a week. During that time Selar stayed at the mansion with Jadzia. She was quite worried about the Dax symbiont. It was alive but she was not detecting any neural activity. Jadzia was up and about in a couple of days. Her body was fine, she ate, exercised and even played with the children. She would dine with either Leeta or Selar. But she would not talk about what had happened. Selar constantly questioned her about what Jadzia thought was going on with the symbiont. Usually she got no response.

"Dax has shut down. Most likely it is the result of traumatic stress combined with all the drugs I and the Intendant pumped into my body," Jadzia revealed one evening as she and Selar dined alone. "Before coming here, I did not take care of myself. I'm afraid the drugs and alcohol have taken a toll on Dax."

"Well that would explain a lot of the readings I've gotten. Perhaps it needs time to recuperate. Jadzia, will the symbiont recover?"
"I hope so, I believe so." Tears began to flow from the Trills eyes.
"What is it Jadzia? When I touch you I sense that you are deeply troubled. And not about the symbiont."

"I betrayed my husband." Jadzia looked down at her lap.
"I don't understand. Why do you say that?" Selar asked.
"My first husband. I betrayed him."
"Jadzia, he is dead. You think by making love to Worf, the Regent, you betrayed your deceased husband? I assure you, you didn't."
"He tried to rape me," she stated rather flatly.
Selar looked up. Her dark lashed blinked rapidly in unbelief. "Jadzia, I'm not saying you are lying. But I find that very hard to believe."
"Well he did."

"He didn't rape you though, you said he tried. I assume he stopped himself. You must give him credit for that, because if he had wanted to rape you, there is nothing you could have done short of shooting him that would have stopped him."

"Why do you always take up for him? Selar, why do you stay? Wouldn't you be more comfortable among your own people?"

"You are Trill, why didn't you choose a mate from among your people?"

"After I met Worf, I knew there was no one else for me. Don't try to change the subject. I asked you first. Why do you defend him so loyally?"

Selar stood and walked to the other side of the room. "I told you about being captured during the battle between the Nausicans and the Klingons. I didn't tell you that we were taken by the Klingons. Not the Nausicans." The Vulcan woman showed signs of distress as she recalled her past.

"There were two other females among the survivors. We were taken on board the lead Klingon vessel. I was chosen by the captain to accompany him to his quarters. My two companions were not so fortunate, they were left at the mercy of the rest of the crew. I am sure you understand a Klingon in blood-lust has no mercy. Especially when they have been in battle for weeks and are celebrating a great victory."

Jadzia thought she heard Selar's voice quiver. "I don't know exactly what happened to the other two, all I know is that when I was freed, I was told they both commited suicide. I suppose I was fortunate in that I was subjected to the brutal emotions of only one Klingon. And that was almost more than I could bear. Thankfully my captivity only lasted two days. Worf, who had been aboard another bird of prey, beamed over and saved me. But even after returning to my family and finishing school I was never quite the same. I don't think I could ever enter a relationship with anyone. I have major problems with people touching me. Of course I can touch others because I prepare myself mentally in advance. Any way I feel I owe the Regent for rescuing me."

"So he is a knight in shining amour, or so you would have me believe. Selar, I know you are not telling me every thing. I am not stupid, nor am I ignorant of Klingon ways. The only way Worf was able to rescue you, was for him to kill the captain of that ship. Why don't you just say it? He murdered one of his own people, perhaps his commanding officer. But I do understand now why you and Leeta are so dedicated to him. And why you find my earlier statement hard to believe."

"Actually, Jadzia, Selar left out the most important aspect of her tragic story. Important as far as its impact on me." The deep baritone boomed across the room. Jadzia and Selar both jumped. His voice was just as powerful and commanding as his physical presence. His large frame filled the doorway. When he stepped over the threshold he dominated the room with his forceful personality. Jadzia found that he still made her heart skip a beat. Her breathing became shallow as she watched him move around the library. He sat on the edge of his desk.

"Welcome home, Worf. I see you returned in one piece. Are you in need of medical attention?" the doctor asked. Her demeanor had changed entirely. "No, Selar. Other than a few cuts and bruises, which I attended to myself, I sustained no life threatening injuries." Worf looked from the Vulcan to the Trill.

"In that case, I will leave. I have some research I need to complete. I will be returning to my own home tonight, but if you need anything Jadzia, feel free to call me." With that Selar left.

The two persons remaining in the room looked at one another warily. "You look to be in better health. I am glad Jadzia."

"So are you going to tell me about this important aspect of Selar's story. She has been attempting to paint a favorable picture of you. I must say she is a good confidant. Selar never reveals more than she deems necessary." "I know. That is one reason I am indebted to her. She and I have been through many battles. Selar knows many things about me."
"I am sure your first wife didn't care for her."
"B'Etor was jealous of the friendship. And you? I assure you we are only friends."
"I know. I can tell. Your relationship is a lot like mine and Benjamin's was. So are you going to finish the tale? Or am I to be left in suspense?"

"I will spare you the grisly details. Surely your imagination can fill that part in." Worf stood and walked to the wine cabinet and poured himself a cup of blood wine. He frowned, "The captain of the ship, the patak who took Selar and her companions as prisoners, was Mogh." He gulped down the blood wine as if to wash the name out of his mouth.

"Mogh," Jadzia whispered the name. Worf had killed his own father in order to save Selar. But why? This was definitely unexpected. Her Worf had always looked up to, almost worshipped his father.

"I did not get along with Mogh. He was a vile man. Yes, he trained me to be a great warrior but I detested the ground he walked on. You see he killed my mother. I loved my mother. She was glorious. Kalen was said to have been the most beautiful young woman on Khitomer. Her ancestral home was on this very spot. She was the only daughter of my grandfather." He moved to stand near the window looking out across his vast estate.

"Kalen had just reached the age of mating when Mogh spotted her. He was the first officer aboard a bird of prey scouting this area. He and several other soldiers had beamed down for supplies when he saw my mother in the town square. Mogh found out who she was and managed to get an introduction to her parents. They invited him to dine in their home. Even though he was an officer in the Klingon Defense Force with a promising future, Kalen was not attracted to him. You see she was already in love with a merchant named Joran. But Mogh was determined to have her. He violated her. She still refused to become his mate. So he threatened to kill the man she was in love with, if she didn't marry him. Kalen's love for Joran was so great that she married Mogh in order to save him." The Regent paused briefly.

"I lived here on Khitomer with my mother and younger brother until I was eight years old. Mogh had become a captain of his own vessel and was increasing in rank and status. He moved the family to Qo'nos. I was always close to my mother, the things she loved, I loved; art, music, nature. I also hated the things she hated. First and foremost her husband, my father."

"Perhaps he was not your father, perhaps Joran was your true father?" Jadzia wanted so badly to comfort Worf.

"No, my mother assured me Mogh was the only man she had ever been with. You see I had asked her that very same question. Although she was an obedient wife and had bore him two sons, Mogh became bitter toward Kalen. He knew that she didn't love him, would never love him. When I was about ten, we had a visitor, Joran. The visit was innocent. Unfortunately Mogh arrived home to find his wife and sons sharing a meal with his rival. He did allow Joran to leave without assaulting him. But after that he constantly harassed my mother, he even hired a spy to watch her. A month later Mogh sent Kurn and me away to school. This broke my mothers heart. I remember the day, the last day I saw her alive. She did not weep or beg but I could see the sorrow in her eyes. She gave me one last hug and told me to remember how much she loved me. I think she knew that we would not meet again in this life. Six months later our father came to the academy and told us our mother was dead. That was all he said. No explanation. But I knew. And when I was older, he confirmed my suspicions.

He was silent then, staring out into the black night. Jadzia could feel the pain emanating from him. She wanted to go and comfort him but hesitated. She didn't know how he would respond. So many things made sense to her now. But still his past was no excuse for the way he had treated her. 'But how has he treated you?' a little voice whispered inside her head.

Had that been Dax? The Trill still did not feel the familiar presence of the symbiont's mind. She moved to stand beside the Regent. They both looked out the window. Both somber in their meditations.

Worf was some how comforted by her nearness. She said nothing but he knew. Knew that if she could she would reach out and touch him, offer words of empathy. But she couldn't. He was not the Klingon that held her heart, he was not the man that made her blood sing. He could not let their life turn into a replica of Mogh's and Kalen's. Because surely if he could not have all of her love, he too might come to resent her.

"I must return to my ship. But there is something for you in your bedroom. If you will excuse me my Lady." With that he bowed to her and then quickly left the room.

Jadzia hurried upstairs to see what he had brought her. Sitting in the middle of her bed was a transporter device. One that would send her back to her universe. He had either been to DS9 or Bajor to procure it. She didn't even want to think about how many lives may have been lost in his effort to gain this prize. Jadzia wondered if the Intendant was still alive.

A padd on the bed instructed her that General Martok would arrive on the morrow to take her to DS9 so that when she transported she would be back at her old home. Or if she wanted the general would take her to either Trill or Earth or where ever she wanted to go. She was free to take any of the items he had given her during her stay. The message ended with a thank you from the Regent for teaching him to play Tongo so well. And one final word: Remember.

Jadzia packed only the things she would absolutely need for the trip. She listened for the Regent to return but he never did. Jadzia didn't sleep well that night. When she woke up the next day she found several vials of the antihistamine Selar had developed for her sitting on the dresser. She checked his room but he was not there. One of the servants told her that the Regent had briefly returned early before daybreak. Jadzia knew he had left the vials of medicine.

General Martok was waiting for her down stairs. Looking around the room Jadzia spotted the Tongo board, she decided to leave it for Worf. Maybe he would teach Selar to play. There was only one other item she wanted. Jadzia placed the statue of the fairy nymph carefully between the few articles of clothing in her bag. She had asked to be returned to her own universe. Why did she feel so empty?

***

A week later she was sitting in her quarters on DS9. The station was still standing but so much had changed. The Romulans had completely taken over. They had installed troupes on Bajor and several other Federation outposts. The Vulcan government had even allowed the Romulan military access to their space. It seemed that if the Dominion didn't take over the Romulans certainly would.

The wormhole was still collapsed. Julian was still on DS9. But so many others had been killed. And Dax was still dormant. Julian had run all kinds of scans and tests, to no avail. Jadzia knew she must return to Trill. She packed her things and also packed the transporter device she had brought with her from the other side. She might as well keep it. Maybe one day she would get a chance to study it. 'Or use it' that little voice said. *Remember* it said. Jadzia was beginning to become weary of this voice.

It was always whispering in her mind, bringing back memories she wanted to forget. Memories of strong Klingon hands that held her and loved her. Arms that protected her and comforted her. The warrior that had saved her life. Saved her from the Intendant and herself. Saved her from his own passions. But had reawakened deep passions in her that she thought would be dormant forever.

Just as she was about to step through the airlock, Julian came running toward her. "Jadzia! I need to tell you something. You never told me about what happened while you were in the mirror universe. And I didn't ask because I could see that you didn't want to talk about it. It is none of my business but you need to know this. You are two months pregnant. The child is a Klingon-Trill hybrid. I took the liberty of running a DNA comparison. The baby you are carrying is Worf's." Julian stared hard into his friends eyes.

Jadzia almost collapsed. Julian caught her. Pregnant. She was stunned and elated. Afraid to and yet eager to have this child. After regaining her composure and assuring Julian she would be alright Jadzia boarded the transport ship.

***

The physicians on Trill were unable to help Jadzia. Dax did not respond to any of the usual treatments. It had been weeks since Jadzia had last felt the mind of the symbiont. She was slowly becoming accustomed to the way life had been prior to her joining. Never the less she missed that part of her. She missed someone else also. Emptiness would have consumed her, had she not been carrying his child. This child she had wanted so badly. She knew she would love the babe as much as she loved the father.

'Love the father,' the voice whispered again. Had she, Lt. Commander Jadzia Dax actually admitted to loving the father of her baby. Not Lt. Commander Worf of Starfleet, but the Regent Worf of the mirror universe. Breathing in slowly as if for the first time, she faced the reality that she did love the Regent. She looked around her old home on Trill. She didn't belong here. She thought back to Julian on DS9, she didn't belong there either. 'Khitomer,' the voice whispered. "Khitomer," she said aloud. Jadzia then realized that voice whispering in her mind, was not Dax's but her own voice. It was her heart speaking to her. She packed her bag again, hopefully for the last time.

***

The servants were glad to see her when she arrived at the mansion. One of the soldiers informed her that his Lord the Regent was away but should return late that night. She asked all the servants and soldiers to keep her presence a secret.

Nothing had been changed she noticed as she walked around the room. Except the Tongo board was missing. She went to the library, it was not there. Jadzia went back to her bedroom and unlocked the door leading to Worf's suite. The Tongo board sat on a small table beside the window leading onto the balcony. She imagined him sitting there late at night spinning the wheel and looking out at the stars. When she turned to go back to her room she saw the lone statue sitting on Worf's dresser. Smiling she rushed to unpack her bag.

It was late and Jadzia could stay awake no longer. She had wanted to greet Worf when he arrived home. But she drifted into a peaceful sleep. The image of a small circular object floating in space filled Jadzia's dream. She was that circle floating through space. Suddenly she was surrounded by unknown objects. A figure moved through the barrier that separated her from the outside world. It was him, Worf. His thick luxurious hair flowed around his broad muscular shoulders. His magnificent chiseled body was naked as was she. He was perfect in her eyes. He came toward her and the two embraced. Their bodied blended and they became one. Then Jadzia was no longer the object floating in space but an observer looking on at the miracle taking place. She watched as the little cell grew and changed then implant itself in its new home. She witnessed it grow into a small child, tiny, yet perfect in every way.

'Dax?'
'Yes, Jadzia'
'Where have you been?'
'That is a stupid question. I have been here. Where else would I go.'
'You know what I mean. Why have you been silent? Why did you shut yourself off from me?'
'Jadzia, you needed to find your heart. I did not want to influence you.'
'But aren't we one?'
'Yes we are one. But you are Jadzia and I am Dax. I am also Kurzon, Emani, Torias, and all the rest. But you are not them. And I did not want them to influence your decision. You remember the near tragedy we had with Lenara Kahn. I wanted you to have no doubt about why you chose Worf, to love.'
'Did you influence me when I chose Worf from the other universe?'
'Not exactly. Would the shy, introverted Jadzia that had never been joined have chosen him? I think not. But I brought out characteristics that were apart of you all along. A part of you that you were afraid to face. A part of you none the less. The choice was yours. Just as this choice was yours.'
'If you had to make a choice what would it have been?'
'I cannot choose in such matters. This is your journey Jadzia. I am only here to journey with you.'
'Are you happy with my decision to return to Worf?'
'I think we will have a fascinating and exciting journey.'
'I think so too. Welcome back Dax.'
***

It was after mid-night when the Regent returned to his home. He had started to remain onboard his ship but was tired of the company of his men. He wanted to be surrounded by the things he loved. His mother's picture, his home, music, artwork, the board game Jadzia had left behind, the bed they had slept in, her clothing, and the garden she had walked in.

Weary he entered his silent, dark room. He removed his clothing and poured a cup of blood wine. He went to the window. Nude he stood and stared out at the stars. Absently his hand touched the Tongo wheel and spun it. He remembered how her eyes sparkled as she would spin that wheel. He smiled. He prayed for her safety. Finishing the wine he walked to his dresser. He sat the cup down. His eyes had adjusted to the darkness, and he saw her. Her pearlescent form reflected the minute amount of light coming in the window. Her mate's dark onyx body glowed as it reflected the light from her body. They were together. Wings spread out, hovering in mid-air, their arms and bodies had been crafted so that they fit perfectly in each others embrace.

Worf rushed into her room. She lay there asleep. Her silky dark hair fanned out on the pillow. He carefully sat on the edge of the bed and watched her breathe in and out. She was magnificent! And she had returned to him. He felt whole again. Unable to resist any longer his hand brushed against her delicate cheek. Her thick dark lashes fluttered open and she looked up at him. He found himself drowning in the deep blue pools of her soul.

Jadzia smiled up at the liquid brown eyes that mesmerized her being. She sat up and wrapped her arms around him. "Worf, I love you."

"And I love you Jadzia, with all my heart." He pulled her closer and ran his fingers through her sweet smelling hair. "I see your fairy nymph has found her home."

"Yes she has, and so have I. We are both here to stay. I don't plan on going away again."
"I don't plan on letting you leave," Worf stated matter-of-factly as his hands began to stroke her soft body.
"Make love to me, Worf. I have missed you, missed your touch."
"As have I. I have dreamed of you every night."

Worf kissed her tenderly, savoring the taste and feel of her lips. Jadzia drank in his masculine flavor mixed with the blood wine. Their hands caressed each other slowly, exploring every inch of their hyper-sensitive flesh. The two lovers were in no hurry, they knew they had the entire night to rediscover the pleasure of one another.

Jadzia stared deep into Worf's eyes as she opened herself to him. As he entered her, became one with her, she knew true happiness. All the pain, fear, doubt and loneliness were washed away as she and the man she loved soared to higher heights of pleasure and love.

She lay with her head resting on his broad, solid chest, his arms wrapped securely around her and their legs entwined. "Worf, are you asleep?" Jadzia asked as she sat up in bed.
"No," he responded.
"Worf, I have something important to tell you." She was nervous, uncertain how he would take her next statement.
"I am listening." A frown wrinkled his brow.

"Well before Worf died, we decided to start a family. Dr. Bashir performed an experimental procedure on me that would make my eggs more genetically compatible to Klingon DNA. The same day I found out that my first husband was dead, I also found out the procedure had worked." Her voice was shaking because Worf had sat up in bed and was staring at her intently. Dax continued, "When I returned to DS9, Dr. Bashir examined me. I am pregnant. I'm going to have *your* baby."

Worf stared at Jadzia, speechless. He had given up all hope of ever having a family. During the past few weeks the Regent had also resolved himself to the fact that he might live the rest of his life alone. But then Jadzia had returned, bringing happiness with her. And now she had restored his hopes for a future filled with offspring. A baby, a child, perhaps the first of many. They were to be parents.

Unable to contain the joy he felt any longer, Worf pulled Jadzia into his embrace. "You have truly made me the happiest man in the universe!" He smiled lovingly into her eyes.
"And you have made me complete," she said, returning that smile.

~*~

~finis~