Set not long after "First Contact
"You're awfully quiet."
Worf didn't respond. His gaze was fixed on his raktajino.
Jadzia sighed, "This is about the meeting today, isn't it?"
He finally looked up, "Why do you say that?"
"Because, whenever I even *mention* the Enterprise, you get all pensive and testy. Now that we'll be working directly with the crew, you're having a nervous breakdown."
"You exaggerate, as usual."
"Maybe I do exaggerate a lot, but I'm not now. I know you miss being there."
"That does not mean that I want to go back."
"No one said it did."
He grunted, which let Jadzia know that that was the root of all of his tension, "You do want to go back, don't you?" she asked.
"That is not what I said."
"It's what you meant. It's what you've been thinking about."
He let out a deep breath, and finally opened up to her, "Captain Picard offered me my old position."
Her voice was in disbelief, "And?"
"I would rather not talk about this here."
"Are you going?" she couldn't believe this was happening.
"I have not given him an answer."
Had they been in his or her quarters, Jadzia would have blown up right now. Since they were on the replimat, she tried here best to keep her composure, "How could you even be *considering* it? How could you even think about leaving the station? Go back to being a *security* officer? All you ever talk about is becoming a Captain, that'll never happen if you go back to security. And," she was hurt now, "What about us?"
"I really did not want to tell you like this. I have not agreed to go back Jadzia."
"But you're thinking about it?"
He was silent, which she took as a yes.
"How could you do this to me?" Jadzia whispered, her voice was horrified.
"I wanted to talk to you about it. Actually, what I really want is for you to talk me out of it."
"I'm confused now."
"After I was on the Enterprise, when we encountered the Borg, Picard sent me a letter stating that he wanted me to return. I never answered it. Back on the Enterprise, the old one, my life was actually peaceful. Everything was the way I wanted it to be. My life made sense."
She reached for his hand, "Becoming a member of the Enterprise crew isn't going to restore your house. It won't bring your brother back, it won't make things right with your son. You have to do all that on your own. And I know for a fact that you'll be able to better accomplish them here than there. You once told me that there was virtually no chance for advancement for you on that ship. Yet here, you're the commander of the Defiant, the most powerful ship in Starfleet. You would never be happy going back to scheduling battle drills and firing phasors on the captain's command," She smiled sheepishly, "And besides, if you left, who would you have to lose your Klingon operas?"
"You're right, as always. I suppose I just needed to here you say it. I could never leave you, Jadzia."
"You'd better not."
Worf couldn't understand why he felt so nervous. This was just a routine briefing in order to set up strategic operations. That was supposed to be his field of expertise. He felt torn between his old life and his new one. The Enterprise was the first ship he'd ever served on. It was the first time he ever felt totally comfortable and accepted in his environment. He felt a profound loyalty to that crew.
Yet he could not forget Jadzia's words. And in all honesty, he loved DS9. It was so diverse, it didn't really matter that he was different, everyone was different. He loved the work he did, and he especially loved the Defiant. Maybe he didn't get along with everyone, but he was definitely in love with Jadzia. He had never been this genuinely close to any woman in his whole life, not even K'Ehleyr. She was reason enough to stay right where he was.
When he and General Martok entered the ward room, Captain Sisko had already begun the introductions. Picard had not brought his whole senior staff, only Riker, Data and Troi. Kira and Dax were already there.
"Ah yes," Sisko began, "This is General Martok, the head of the Klingon task force here on DS9. Martok, I'd like you to meet Captain Picard, his first officer Commander Riker, Counselor Troi and Commander Data."
"It is an honor," Picard said.
"And everyone already knows Commander Worf."
They nodded.
"Well, we should get started," Sisko went over to the viewer, which displayed a picture of the sector, "Our sector will undoubtedly be the main focal point for all Dominion advances. The wormhole is the only way that the Dominion can get back to the Gamma Quadrant, that we know of. Starfleet's main goal is to keep ot well fortified. That's why the Enterprise is being assigned to the sector, at least until the immediate threat has diminished."
"Have you considered closing the wormhole?" Riker asked.
"We tried," Dax answered, "However, due to a changelling sabateur, the wormhole is stronger than ever. The force that it would require to close it would also destyroy DS9 and Bajor in the process."
"General Martok's Klingon fleet will be posted here at all times, and due to the new treaty, we will be working with them in every aspect of this."
"I must congratulate you Captain," Picard said, "Ending a war is no small feat."
"It was necessary," he said bluntly, "Now, Commander Worf and General Martok have been working together to devise the best means by which to upgrade our defensive capabilities, and to prepare ourselves for an attack."
The meeting went on for another hour or so, and it was actually productive. Sisko congratulated Worf on his presentation and on the work that he and Martok had put into this project. When it was over, Worf wanted to slip away with Jadzia and not have to face any of his former crewmates, but, that was inevitable.
"Commander," Picard called to Worf as they were all filing out. Jadzia lingered behind, as did Troi and Riker, "You have done some excellent work here on DS9, it seems that Command suits you well."
"It does sir. I am very pleased with my position here."
"I see," he said somberly, "I'd be lying if I said that you aren't missed, but, we are all glad that your career is progressing."
Jadzia wanted to say something badly, to tell them to stop making him feel guilty, to just leave him the hell alone and be happy for him.
"I hope it wouldn't be too much to ask you for a tour of the station?" Deanna asked. She noticed out of the corner of her eye that Commander Dax was still standing by the door, as if she were waiting for someone.
Worf looked back at Jadzia, a signal for her to step forward, "Right now?" he asked.
"Well," Deanna began, Jadzia was now at his side, standing unusually close to him, "Whenever you have the time. We have some catching up to do," Picard and Riker left the three of them there.
Worf looked to Jadzia again. He wasn't exactly sure where Deanna's feelings for him stood. He knew that at one time they were very amorous, but Worf had long gotten over that and assumed she had as well. Perhaps he was wrong, "Um, well, of course."
Deanna smiled, "I'll see you later. Oh, and, it was nice meeting you, Commander Dax."
"You as well."
Deanna was gone, leaving Worf and Jadzia alone, "What was that about?" she asked.
"You do not want to know."
"Yes I do."
"*I* do not want to tell you."
They left the ward room together, "Is she why you wanted to go back to the Enterprise?"
"No."
"I don't believe you. I think she likes you. Were you and her ever..."
He sighed, "Not exactly."
"Oooooh. I've got to hear this."
"It is a long story."
"And I want to hear it *all*."
Deanna Troi nervously wrung her hands. While Worf had been on the Enterprise- E during the Borg encounter, she hadn't had time to think about her feelings, or to talk to him about them. When it was over, he was so anxious to get home, and Deanna didn't know how to take that. She tried to push away her feelings for him, and, she thought she'd been successful. That is, until she saw him today. Everything that she'd felt for him came back. If only the Enterprise- D were still in commission. She and he would have never parted, they would be together right now. Instead, he was living here on DS9, and she was alone.
That was definitely about to change.
"May I join you?"
Jadzia looked up over the padd that she was reading. She should have known better than to try to get some work done while in Quark's, "Can I help you?"
Will Riker invited himself to a seat at her table, "You were in the meeting this morning, weren't you?"
"How observant," she said dryly.
"Oh, I see, I'm disturbing you. Well, I'll be brief."
Jadzia set her work down, "I really don't have time to "
"Have dinner with me tonight."
"You have *got* to be kidding."
"No, I'm not. I'm new to the station, and I'd appreciate a knowledgeable opinion of Bajoran cusine."
"So ask a Bajoran."
He smiled at her, not at all intimidated by her frigidness, "How could a woman as beautiful as you be so impudent?"
Jadzia was really getting annoyed, and she had half a mind to hurl him across the bar, "Look Commander, I'm sure this little act you put on impresses a lot of women, but, to be frank, you're not my type."
"Not your type? I'm every woman's type."
His cockiness was disgusting, "You don't know anything about me. I could be married with a family."
"Are you?"
"No."
"Good."
"However, I am involved with someone, and he would not be too happy about what you're doing."
Will smirked, "What could your boyfriend possibly do to me?"
It was Jadzia's turn to confidently smile, "He could rip your arm out of its socket, break your neck or simply shatter ever bone in your body without breaking a sweat."
Her response caught him by surprise, "Well, um, I guess I sat down with the wrong woman."
"Yeah, I guess so."
Will stood to leave, but Jadzia spoke up, "I'll make sure to tell Worf I spoke with you."
He looked back at her in amazement, "Worf? Is he the bone shattering boyfriend?"
"Yep."
"Oh boy. Listen, don't, don't say anything to him about this, I apologize if I came on too strong, just, keep this to yourself."
She was really begining to enjoy this, "What happened to the confident man who sat down and *demanded* that I go out with him?"
"Wait a minute," Will sat down again, it was just sinking in, "You and *Worf* are together?"
"For several months now. You seem surprised."
"Maybe I shouldn't be saying anything," he paused, "But Counselor Troi definitely has feelings for him."
"Somehow that doesn't surprise me. I noticed today in the ward room."
"She wants to be with him again."
"*Again*?" Jadzia asked.
"You don't know?"
"He didn't want to talk about her."
Riker shifted in his seat, "I don't know all the details, but, towards the end of our tour of duty on the Enterprise- D, she and Worf got very close. Like I said, I don't know how close, but, It was obvious that they were more than friends. Since they've been apart, Worf has obviously moved on, but, she hasn't."
"Oh, now this is what I've been waiting for," she said, sounding pleased.
"Excuse me?"
"It's just that I have a lot more ex- lovers than Worf, and he gets very insecure around them. Now it's my turn."
"You're not going to tell him I said anything are you?"
"Of course not."
What am I doing, Worf thought, Jadzia would kill me if she knew what was going on.
"I'm glad we're here together," Deanna said, linking her arm in his.
Worf tried not to enjoy her company. He tried to tell himself that he was only being polite.
"What is this?" she asked him.
"Right now, we are at the highest point on the station, the top of upper pilon one. Out of this porthole, you can see the whole station, the wormhole, and Bajor."
She went up to the window, which was in a small, dark corner. Worf and Jadzia came here often, and most of the time when they left they were headed to her quarters to make love. It was a very romantic spot, one he wished he weren't at right now. Worf did not go up the steps and near the window with her.
"Aren't you going to come up here?" she asked.
"I have seen it many times."
"Oh, come on," Deanna said, "It's a beautiful view."
He tried to tell himself not to, but he just didn't seem to be listening. He stood at the window with her, praying that Jadzia didn't go by. He wanted to ask the computer to locate her, but he wasn't sure how Deanna would take that.
She placed her hand on his arm and gently stroked it, "It's been a long time since we were close like this."
"Yes..."
"I, I miss you Worf."
He looked down at her, not knowing what to say, "Deanna, I..."
"I know, things aren't like they used to be. We live in different places, we rarely see one another anymore. But that doesn't mean that our feelings have changed," she stroked his arm, "I don't think they have changed."
Deanna didn't seem to be as proficient in her telepathy as before, "More has changed than you realize."
She smiled, "Like what?"
"My feelings," he said, a little more blunt and harsh than he intended to.
Deanna's hopeful expression turned into a dismal one, "What do you mean?"
Worf had been hoping Jadzia wouldn't catch the two of them, but just then, when she walked up, he was relieved.
"I didn't mean to interrupt," Dax said, "I'd been looking for you, Worf."
His heart almost lept out of his chest, "Oh, Jadzia, I, you, um, you, you remember Counselor Troi don't you?"
Dax smirked, "Yes, I met her this morning."
"Oh, yes, you did," Worf was trying to find something to say, he wished that he knew what Jadzia was thinking, "Deanna, I have to end our tour prematurely "
"Why? We were just beginning "
"Jadzia and I have some things to discuss."
"Well, can we resume later?" Deanna asked helplessly.
"I don't think so."
"No, you should," Jadzia spoke up, "Why don't you finish now, you and I can talk later."
"Jadzia, are you sure?" he asked her.
"Perfectly," she looked over to Counselor Troi, before lovingly caressing Worf's cheek, "Just come to my quarters later tonight."
He nodded, "Of course."
Jadzia's eyes met with Deanna right before she kissed Worf gently on his lips, "I'll see you later."
Dax walked away and Worf knew exactly what she was doing. She knew more about he and Deanna than Worf originally thought, and that little performance that she just put on was to let Deanna know exactly where his heart was. Well, at least it saved him the trouble of telling her. When he turned back to her, her arms were crossed and she was looking up. He could tell that her eyes were teary, and that she was trying to hold them back.
"Deanna "
"I feel like such a fool."
"You should not."
She wiped her eyes, "I came here, thinking that you and I could have something together. I was hoping that you'd come back home, that things could be like they used to be."
"I *am* home."
"I know. I can tell that you and Commander Dax are happy together."
"We are. I love her very much."
"She's probably better suited for you than I ever was. She's aggressive, confident, I'm.."
"Do not do this to yourself," he tried to be soothing, but it obviously wasn't working.
"I guess I wouldn't feel so bad about this if you and I had a definite ending. If you had just *said* that you didn't want to be with me anymore "
"I was not aware that we ever were together. Yes, we were close, and I did have feelings for you, however, they were never consummated."
Even though his voice was gentle, she felt like she'd been slapped. She couldn't think of anything to say to him, her whole world was being shattered. All she could do is run. Without another word, she left.
"Commander!"
Worf's shoulders sagged. He was on his way to Jadzia's, but was stopped by the call of Captain Picard, "Commander, do you have a minute?"
He wanted to say no, but, "Of course."
"I didn't know what to think when you failed to respond to my letter."
They began walking together, "I apologize. I was not sure how to put into words "
"The fact that you want to stay here."
"Yes sir."
Jean Luc sighed, "I understand. The oppurtunities for you here are amazing. This station has a lot more to offer than we do."
"Somehow, I feel like I am betraying my friends."
Picard laughed, "Loyal to the end. Believe it or not, we'll manage without you, Mr. Worf. I must say, I was very impressed with your presentation this morning. You're doing and excellent job here."
"Thank you."
"Are you adjusting well?"
Worf always felt comfortable around Picard, and now was no exception, "I have to admit, it has taken awhile to get used to being here, it has not been easy, but, I am glad I came."
"Captain Sisko thinks very highly of you."
"I admire him as well. I hope to become a Captain one day, and he has been very influential in my training. He is a brave and honorable man."
"And Commander Dax?"
Worf was caught off guard, "Excuse me?"
"I noticed how you looked at her in the ward room this morning. I like to think that I know you very well."
"You do. She and I are... close, to say the least. That is where I am on my way to right now."
"I don't want to keep you," they stopped, and Picard respectfully nodded, "I wish you success here, and throughout the rest of your career, Lt. Commander Worf."
"Thank you again. Thank you for understanding."
They shook hands, and Picard left.
When Worf got to Jadzia's quarters, she was sitting on her couch reading. She looked up, but didn't stand when he entered, "I didn't think you'd make it so soon. I thought you and Counselor Troi might make a night of it."
"You are enjoying this immensely, aren't you?"
"Yep."
"Jadzia,"
"Yes?"
"Come here."
She smiled, stood and came to him, "Yes Mr. Worf?"
He wrapped his arms around her, "You know I love you, don't you?"
"Affirmative, Commander."
Worf sighed, "I am not going to ever leave you. Wherever you are, that is where I will be. I love you so much, you and only you."
Jadzia looked into his eyes, "I've heard you say that many times, but, right now, I feel it deep inside me," she touched his face, "Oh, I love you so much. I love you more than I have ever loved anyone, ever. I don't ever want to leave you. Never."
"My life on the Enterprise, that is over. I will never look back to it again. I will never doubt what I have here on DS9. I will never doubt what we have together."
"You don't know how happy that makes me," she kissed him again, "It's late, why don't we go to bed?"
"I would like that."
~The End~
4/5/1997
Have something to say about this story? Visit the Discussion Area!