Veena was taken with the concern shown by the Cardassian. Still a little dumbfounded she stood up...more than a little embarrassed. She straightened out her dress and rubbed her head, which was starting to throb a little from the tumble she took.

"I'm really sorry. I am little clumsy. I should really pay
more attention to what I'm doing."

Pari was still somewhat apprehensive about the Cardassian Ensign, but she also felt somewhat at ease that she had got to meet him face to face, instead of just wondering and imagining, even though she would have wanted to meet him on better terms.

"Soooo...." Veena said, breaking the silent tension between the two. "You are an Ensign, we have something in common. I'm still trying to get use to the ship and the crew. It's my first assignment."

**** Leget ****

"Turning to meet the young Ensign's eyes. I am Ensign Leget in security. It is my first assignment as well. You see know we have two things in common."

After Leget said that he gave a broad smile to the young woman.

"I'm new here, I don't believe I was given your name. Say, would you like to go to Dinner so we can see what else we have in common?"

**** Pari ****

Veena stared up at Leget and was a littler nervous due to his request. She knew he would not and could not harm her, but still..the fact that he was Cardassian. Pari knew that she would some day have to get over her fear of Cardassians, and maybe this was fate's way of telling her that time was now.

"I'm Ensign Veena Pari." The young Bajoran said as she reluctantly agreed and tried to ease her tension by smiling. Leget motioned for her to lead the way and she walked ahead, at a slow pace.

"Wh.....where are we going Ensign?" Veena asked, her voice a bit trembly but hoping it didn't show.

**** Leget ****

Leget walked next to Veena as they proceeded down the corridor.

"I believe Ten Forward should be open. We can talk there."

Hearing the nervousness in Veena's voice, Leget continues to speak: "Ms. Pari, there is no need to be nervous around me. I have absolutely no intention of harming you. All us Cardassians aren't evil, you know."

Leget winks at her after he says that.

**** Pari ****

Veena frowned at the Ensign.

"Please call me Veena, Leget." She said, her eyes not turning to meet his glance. "Ten forward it is then." Veena was somewhat relieved that the Ensign seemed to try to ease her tensions, but she still was somewhat uncomfortable. "I am very much aware that not all Cardassians
are 'evil'. Nor do I think they are all horrible. It would be very simple minded of me to blame an entire race for what certain members of that race
have done."

She stopped walking and looked at Leget. "But am I not entitled to feel a little insecure around you? You may not be responsible for the monstrosities inflicted upon Bajorans, but I hardly know you, sir. I don't make it practice to trust ever person I meet at first glance."

Pari then turned back around and continued to walk.

**** Leget ****

Hearing Veena's tone, Leget realized what was meant by the human phrase "open mouth and insert foot."

"I must apologize Veena. I didn't mean to offend you by what I said. You are correct, you have every right to distrust me."

Leget shut his mouth before he could say anything else that might sink him into the mud even farther.

**** Veena ****

Veena stopped at the entrance to ten-forward. She turned to the Ensign.

"You didn't offend me. Sorry if I seemed a little cold, it's not one of my favorite subjects." She then gestured for Leget to enter. "After you."

She broke a small smile and followed him inside. There were a few crew inside but it was no where near crowded. Pari walked over to a small table near a window and sat down. She settled herself in her chair, and caught another Ensign
looking in her direction. She immediately turned back towards Leget, trying to ignore the stares.

"So, Ensign...what do you drink?"

**** Jadzia Dax *****

"Why's there a Cardassian on our ship?" Laizia asked in wide-eyed innocence.

"He has been assigned here," Jadzia said. "Starfleet felt he would be an asset on this mission."

"Bajorans don't like Cardassians," Laizia said.

The truth was, not many races *did* like the Cardassians, but that was another story entirely. Jadzia met Worf's eyes but he merely shrugged his broad shoulders. Jadzia knew her husband was having some issues with this Ensign Leget being on board, but he really had no control over the situation. If Starfleet deemed that Leget should be posted to the Valjean, then what could anyone say or do short of resigning?

"That is true," Jadzia said, deciding not to sugar-coat the truth.

"Why?"

Jadzia sighed. This was really not the time to get into a discussion on Cardassian/Bajoran relations, especially with the Romulans hovering on the port side of the Valjean.

"It's kind of like when Kang takes your toys," Jadzia said. "You don't like that. Well, the Cardassians came in and took things that belonged to the Bajorans. In fact, they took the whole planet and occupied it for fifty years. That's one of the reasons why Bajorans and Cardassians don't get along."

"And they are dishonorable," Worf growled. Jadzia smiled indulgently; she could have predicted that response from her extremely honorable husband.

"In what way?" Laizia persisted.

Jadzia shot Worf a warning look. The last thing she wanted to do was to tell Laizia of some of the crimes Cardassians were guilty of.

"They are guilty of many things," Worf said. "Many of the crimes are unspeakable."

"Like the prison camps?" Laizia asked. "Where they did experiments and shot people who didn't work hard enough?"

"Where did you hear about those?" Jadzia asked sharply.

"In the messhall," Laizia said proudly. "They were talking about it, some of the Bajorans."

"And what were you doing in the mess hall?"

Laizia was about to answer when the entire ship rocked back and forth.

"What is that?" Jadzia exclaimed as Worf tapped his communicator.

"Worf to Bridge."

"Lan here. Sir, we have been fired on."

"By whom?"

"Unknown, sir. We are scanning now and cannot detect any trace of a ship or anything else that could have fired on us."

"Could it be a meteor or a plasma wave?" Jadzia's science officer instincts came to the forefront.

"Unknown."

Worf and Jadzia looked at each other.

"Go to red alert," Jadzia said. "Laizia, you stay here. Don't go anywhere."

Husband and wife left their quarters and Jadzia paused only for a moment, "Dax to Janor."

"Janor here."

"Lieutenant, run a wide spectral analysis scan and see if you can't figure out what's out there."

"Aye, Janor out."

Jadzia looked at her husband grimly, "If it's the Romulans..."

"After today's meeting, I have not doubt that it is the Romulans," Worf said.

And with that, the two quickened their speed.

**** Emallia Janor ****

After my first whole night's sleep in a while, I still wasn't looking forward to getting up out of my nice warm bed. I'll omit the word comfy, because, well, it's like sleeping on a rock. I had found the letter that Julian had left me, but I just couldn't work up the nerve to read what it said. I mean, come on, this letter could say anything. Things like this are better left to be read on the way home. I had just started contemplating my return to duty which was slated for to night. The gamma shift. Nice, easy night work. In other words, I wasn't planning on doing a whole lot that shift, but, as usual, someone had other plans.

"Dax to Janor." Came the voice of Jadzia through the comm system.

"Janor here." I said as I fell out of bed from trying to stand up before untangling myself from the sheets.

"Lieutenant, run a wide spectral analysis scan and see
if you can't figure out what's out there." She said.

"I take it you don't want me to do this from my quarters?" I asked as I limped to the closet for a uniform. My back was still bothering me.

"No. I want it done on the bridge like all the other officers," she said. I could hear her smile.

"Aye, Janor out." I said as I shrugged on my top, pulled my waist length hair out of the way and into a simple braid that hung down my back. If something was going to go right for me, I was hoping that it would be the fact that I got off the bridge soon. Within moments, I was out the door and down the hall. I wasn't moving as quickly as I would have liked to, but, Romulan phasers, hell Romulans in general, had a way of screwing things up.

As I got onto the bridge, Jadzia immediately noticed the fact that I was still limping.

"Are you all right, Lieutenant?" she asked me as I sat down in my chair.

"Fine. Why?" I asked as I began the scan.

"You're limping. Still." she added in a stern tone.

'Well duh!' I thought to myself. 'A phaser in the back will do that to you.'

"I know. Things are still a little `new' back there. It's getting better though." I said as I started reading the preliminary data.

"I'll let you know if it doesn't get any better, okay?" I said.

"Sure. Just don't push yourself too hard too soon."

It took all I had not to laugh at that statement. This from a woman who returned to duty after 2 weeks of maternity leave after her first child. Okay, so I wasn't here, but I do have some good friends in high places. Well, Going out with one of them does help a little.

"Crud," was all I said after getting the results of the scan.

**** Leget ****

After Veena motioned for him to enter Leget walks into Ten Forward. He notices the few crew members that were already there sit up and take notice of the two of them walking in. Leget chuckles to himself it must have been some sight a Cardassian and a Bajoran walking and talking together instead of being at each other's throat.

When they arrived at a table Veena asked:

"So, Ensign...what do you drink?"

"No allow me. What are you drinking?" Leget replied.

When Veena gave him her drink order Leget walks over to the bar to get them. As he approaches the bar a crewmen chimes in:

"Don't let me catch you off guard, Cardie."

Leget just shrugged his comment off. He was used to other members of Starfleet antagonizing him by now.

When Leget returns to the table he hands Veena her drink and sits down. He takes a sip of his raktajino.

"So, Veena how long have you been serving Starfleet?"

**** Pari ****

Veena sipped her Kanar, which oddly enough, she was fond of.

"This is my first assignment." Pari responded. She tried to be curtious and keep her eyes on Leget, but she was often distracted with other crewmember's reaction to the Cardassian sitting across from her.

"I bet you get this a lot, huh." Veena asked as she motioned to the gawking Bolian male, sitting kitty corner from their table.

Leget smiled, indicating his answer. "I think it would be awful, and terribly hurtful."

Pari tried to keep a positive out look on the outing, and she wasn't having a horrible time...as she assumed she might.

**** Xenia Rafko ****

After breakfast, I got dressed and somehow made my way to sickbay - I was very much lost in my thoughts, still amazed that Nu'Daq had proposed marriage and even more amazed I had accepted his offer. Was I insane?

I got to sickbay and settled myself into my office. Bringing up the logs from the past week, I noted that Bashir had treated Lieutenant Janor for a phaser burn; it was time to look at that wound again to make sure it was healing properly, so I asked one of the nurses to track the lieutenant down and make sure she came in today for a quick check up.

The ship shuddered then all of the PADDs on my desk went flying off one end. I decided to leave them on the floor; if the inertial dampers had given out or if we were being attacked, there was no use picking up the PADDs - they would be on the floor within minutes.

It was only then that I was aware that I was not alone. I turned my chair and faced Gavin Rosaire. He leered at me. Hadn't they captured him yet?

"How did you get here?" I hissed. He was well-hidden from the rest of sickbay since he was kneeling on the floor in the space between the wall and the side of my desk.

"This," Gavin held out a slim device. "You do recognize this, don't you?"

I stared at it, "We've been through this before,
Gavin, not too long ago."

"Well, do you recognize it?" he persisted.

"Yes, it's an inter-dimensional shifting device," I said reluctantly. "You shouldn't be using that... Starfleet says it causes damage after prolonged use and can be fatal if even off by a micron in your spatial coordinate grids. Frequent use of it can disrupt the very fabric of space, causing fissures and small pockets of chroniton space."

"Very good, Dr. Rafko," he applauded. "It is Dr. Rafko now, isn't it? You've gone back to your Terran name, haven't you? Already tired of the Bajoran solidarity, are you?"

"What I call myself is none of your business," I said sharply. "Do you have a reason for being here, Gavin? I will call security."

"I have no doubt that you will. The security chief apparently responds to every single on your calls without delay. I find that... fascinating."

I was getting angry, "What are you doing here?"

Gavin thumbed the device in his hands, "Don't you want to know how I am able to use this device without any side-effects?"

I couldn't speak; I gripped the handrests of my chair tightly.

"You know all about this type of transporting," he said slowly. "The Cardassians chose you for the honor of testing it and you've been paying for it ever since."

"Get to the point, Gavin," my hand was reaching for my communicator.

"What would you say if I told you that I had a way of reversing the effects?"

"Reversing the effects?" I repeated.

"Yes."

"How?"

"When you left me there... on Kendalia Five to die, I was captured by the Cardassians," Gavin said. "I made friends with some and they let me spend some time in their lab. Apparently, they were impressed by my... medical knowledge."

"You were a drop-out!" I hissed.

"Does it matter? Apparently, the Cardassians had tested this device using some of their own people and now, overcome with remorse, they were trying to counter the effects. And they were successful. I took quite a supply with me when I left the lab and I have enough for you, doctor."

"What's in it for you?" I asked sharply.

"Out of the goodness of my own heart..."

"I don't believe you," I looked over at the sickbay. Minor injuries were starting to stream in. It would be only a matter of time before someone came in and interrupted our conversation.

"Very well, since you insist," a disgusting smile spread across his face. "The drugs for one night with you."

"No!" I got up from my chair. "Absolutely not! You're out of your mind!"

"You would reject this because you judge me mentally unfit?" Gavin's laugh was unpleasant in my ear. "Think
of it, Xenia. A long, healthy life, the ability to reproduce... think of your lover searching for his lost child. Yes, he is looking for the child and think how it feels when he brings that child home to you to raise and nurture knowing you threw away this chance I'm offering you now."

"No," I said firmly. I fumbled beneath my desk and pulled out a phaser.

"No need to shoot me, Dr. Rafko," he smiled. "I'll leave on my own volition. I'll be back in twenty-six hours though. Maybe you will have changed your mind?"

And with that, he disappeared.

I dropped the phaser on my desk and slumped back in my chair. At that minute, the nurse came in and said she had scheduled Janor to come in for her physical later that day.

"Thanks," I mumbled, feeling nauseous. The room was spinning and I cradled my face in my hands. What had I done? Already, I was regretting my negative answer to
Gavin.

But he would be back...

**** Nu'Daq ****

"I want to talk to Taite! Now!"

Nu'Daq could see in Okal's eyes, that she wasn't happy with his request... or more accurately; his demand to see Taite. Judging from her clothing, they had spent the night together... and maybe not just to sleep....

"I am not sure this is a good idea, Nu'Daq. There seems to be some hostility between the two of you, and in your agitated state of mind you two might act irrationally."

The truth was that she was afraid what Nu'Daq might do to
Taite. Although Taite sometimes had high thoughts of himself and his capabilities, Okal knew he was no match for Nu'Daq. Especially since Nu'Daq - as always - carried his mek'leth on his back.

"You misunderstand me, Catava." Okal noticed, that Nu'Daq used her first name. This was rare. "This is not a request. I demand to see him and talk to him. Trust me, I will not harm him, unless he makes the first move."

Nu'Daq was sincere about this. He did not want to hurt Taite, just to get the information about Lalaith and her child.

A male voice was heard from the background.

"Catava, my dear. Who is it? And why is he or she still there?"

A slight giggle could be heard. Nu'Daq's eyes passed the eyes of Okal. They both knew, what Nu'Daq would do next. They both knew, this conversation had to come one time or the other. And without protest Okal let Nu'Daq into the room.

Nu'Daq barged past her and went straight into the bedroom. As soon as Taite saw him, he jumped up from the bed clad only in the sheets. He looked rather silly Nu'Daq thought, as Taite opened his mouth and yelled: "You? Get out of
here, you bastard!"

Taite started dressing in a hurry. Nu'Daq stood still.
The sight of Taite jumping around on one leg, desperately trying to put on his pants without revealing himself was quite amusing, and for a moment Nu'Daq smiled on the inside. But soon his hatred towards Taite returned.

"I am here to learn what happened to Lalaith and her child. I am the father of the child and I have the right to know!"

Taite, who in the meantime had gotten his pants on, looked defiantly at him.

"Right? You have no rights after what you did to Lalaith. Her fate and the fate of Nienor are of no concern to you!"

So the child was named Nienor. A pretty name. And this meant the child at least lived long enough to get baptized. A good sign, Nu'Daq thought.

"I treated Lalaith with respect and love. Which is more than what can be said about her family."

Taite came towards him. His voice was harsh and firm.

"We looked out for her best, and it was definitely _not_ in her best interest to be dating a lowlife alien like you".

He pointed his finger at Nu'Daq, his hatred towards aliens obvious in his eyes. Nu'Daq heard a small gasp from Okal behind him. Obviously she had never suspected Taite to be a racist.

"That was her choice to make, not yours. Lalaith had a will of her own, she was able to make that decision herself." Nu'Daq moved towards Taite. "Tell me, or you will be sorry you were ever born."

Taite stared straight at Nu'Daq. "I am sorry you were ever born, you Klingon bastard. You destroyed my family, and for that you will pay."

Taite was now within reach of Nu'Daq, and he made a swing at Nu'Daq in an attempt to hit him. But Nu'Daq was quicker than Taite, ducked the blow and pinned Taite face against the wall in a rather painful arm twist.

Nu'Daq could hear Okal cry out "Stop!" but Nu'Daq dismissed her with a "Stay away, Okal. This is between Taite and me, for now...."

He set the arm twist a bit harder, making Taite gasp, his shoulder was stretched almost as far as as possible. "You just made a serious mistake, Taite. Attacking a Starfleet officer, that is a no-no." Taite was silent. "How do you think this will look on your career record? It must be quite damaging to a young lieutenant's career." Nu'Daq let go of him. He turned around, he looked angry, but made no more attempts at Nu'Daq, realizing he was no match for
Nu'Daq.

Nu'Daq growled a bit and continued: "So tell me, Taite. What is new in your family?"

Taite gave Nu'Daq an angry stare. "As you know Lalaith died in child birth. Andorian Fever. There was nothing the doctors on Betazed could do. However the child survived. Her name is Nienor. She is almost five. She lives with
my parents now. And she is fine. You will never be a part of her life. Never. I will not allow it."

A smile came to Nu'Daq's face. The child was alive. A happy feeling started to develop in his stomach. A child. The fulfillment of his dream was within reach. He tried to hide his joy.

"We'll have to wait and see, what the Federation Family Law Department has to say about that. I'll be in touch."

Nu'Daq turned and left without another word.

As the doors to Okal's quarters closed behind him, the ship suddenly shook heavily.

"Computer, what was the cause of the disturbance in ship's
functions?"

The cold computer voice responded immediately.
"An unknown external disturbance".

One thought came to mind. The Romulans. "Nu'Daq to
Morgan."

The soft but unsettling voice of Nu'Daq's Vulcan acquaintance came promptly.

"Morgan here."

"I need you to come to the bridge and brief me on
what you found out about the Romulans. Now! Nu'Daq out."

As the red alert began to sound and blink Nu'Daq hurried towards the bridge. The situation seemed to have taken a turn to the worse.

**** Leget ****

Leget sipped his raktajino again and said:

"I don't find their comments hurtful. At times I even believe that I may deserve them. I just usually ignore them and go about my business. They can't help it if they are ignorant."

Leget pauses for another sip:

"Veena, I must thank you for giving me a chance. You didn't just shun me because I am Cardassian. Thank You."

He smiled broadly after saying this.

Leget found this woman to be very intriguing. He found most Bajorans to be very complex. He liked that about the Bajoran race.

**** Veena ****

Veena looked up from her drink. Leget seemed so insightful for a Cardassian.

*"Veena, I must thank you for giving me a chance. You didn't just shun me because I am Cardassian. Thank You."*

With a sight chuckle she looked at the Ensign. "You are welcome. It was difficult for me to accept your invitation, but I am glad I did. The only way I can move on is by doing things like this, I suppose. I really don't want to live the rest of my life hating."

Veena turned her face towards the window and gazed out.

"You are much different. Not what I expected from a Cardassian at all. But I suppose what I had in mind was the typical stereotype. And seeing you in a Star Fleet uniform proves you are far from that."

**** Leget ****

**"You are much different. Not what I expected from a Cardassian at all. But I suppose what I had in mind was the typical stereo type. And seeing you in a Star Fleet uniform proves you are far from that."**

Leget smiles broadly after hearing this.

"Indeed my life has changed for the better in more ways than one. However, there was a time I was just like that stereotype. But unlike most Cardassians I saw how wrong it was and changed. I see you enjoy watching the stars fly past the ship as I do."

**** Pari ****

Veena stood up still somewhat looking out the window.

"Yes I have enjoyed the stars ever since I was a small child." She then turned her attention back to the Ensign. "I have enjoyed this, very much, Leget. But I really must be getting along. It's getting late and I do need sleep."

The Cardassian nodded his head in acknowledgement as he stood up. "Shall I escort you back, Miss Veena?" The young Bajoran smiled and nodded and the two left Ten Forward. Along the way to Veena's quarters the two received quite a
bit of stares, but in the short time the two had spent together, Pari had almost come accustom to it.

"So how do you like the Valjean?" Veena said when the were inside the turbolift.

**** Leget ****

**"So how do you like the Valjean?"**

Leget thought for a moment about the question he was just asked.

"The Valjean is a great ship with an even greater crew. However, there are times when I question my decision to request a post aboard this ship."

Leget takes a brief pause then continues:

"But, now that I have gotten to know somebody things are looking up."

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