Part I

Worf lay in bed but could not sleep. He kept staring at the picture on his nightstand. It had been months since he felt this restless. At that time, he had a reason to feel troubled. He knew that his par'machkai was not in Sto-Vo-Kor. Jadzia died not in battle but in a senseless way that he could not comprehend. He had gone off to battle on the Defiant thinking that she was at least safe back at the station. He couldn't believe it when Dr. Bashir gave them the news. He rushed to see her in the Infirmary hoping that she would be all right. She had been at the brink of death before when they returned from the Badlands but she recovered then. He had made a silent pledge then that he would do everything in his power to prevent any harm befalling her ever again. But he had failed to prevent his par'machkai from dying. Not even his desperate prayers to Kahless helped. He had lost his beloved Jadzia.

After his death wail, Worf had tried to go on as best that he could. As a Klingon, he knew full well the inevitability of death but somehow he just couldn't accept that Jadzia was gone. What bothered him most was that she would not be given passage to Sto-Vo-Kor because she did not die in glorious battle. He had hoped that he'd be able to stumble upon a group of Jem'Hadar ships during his convoy duties on the Defiant. That would have given him a chance to win a glorious battle in Jadzia's name; one which would grant her entry to Sto-Vo-Kor … his last gift to her. And maybe one day when it was his turn to cross the River of Blood, he would be reunited with his par'machkai.

General Martok's offer to join a perilous mission couldn't come at a better time. Worf was in the holosuite when General Martok joined him. He would be the first officer of the Rotarran when it sets out to destroy the largest Jem'Hadar shipyard. Somehow he felt that O'Brien had something to do with this. He had told O'Brien what was bothering him after several bottles of bloodwine the night before. "It did not matter," Worf thought to himself. At least now he had his chance to fight … and if he died in this mission, then he'd be with her sooner than he had hoped.

He had not anticipated that O'Brien and Dr. Bashir would join the mission. His scowl deepened when he saw the Ferengi, Quark, join them on the bridge. General Martok reminded him that they, as Jadzia's friends, had the privilege to join. "Besides, the Rotarran is undermanned," Martok had declared. Worf conceded.

The mission was successful and Worf had to admit that he could not have done it alone. When it was all over, he sang solemnly about it and somehow knew that Jadzia was pleased with his final gift. With that, Worf realized with finality that Jadzia was indeed gone and he was once again alone.

When they arrived at Deep Space Nine, people were celebrating the return of Captain Sisko. And that was when they caught a glimpse of the new host of Dax. Worf was livid. He was all too aware about the Trill taboo on reassociation. "Why then was Dax back on the station?" Worf thought as he stomped away vexed by the turn of events.

It had been a tense meeting. Worf had tried to avoid Ezri as much he could. But it was unavoidable. He ran into Ezri in one of the corridors and she did not make it any easier. "I was your wife," she had said.

"You are not Jadzia!" he countered rudely. "I do not know you nor do I wish to know you." He knew he shouldn't have said that but it was his way of distancing himself. Memories were still too fresh and too painful for him.

"How would Jadzia have wanted you to treat Ezri?" O'Brien asked him. "Certainly not this," Worf admitted to himself. So, he decided to speak with Ezri before she left the station. She had decided to stay on Deep Space Nine and he had learned to be civil with her. He had even made an effort to attend when Captain Sisko promoted her to Lieutenant.

Months have quickly gone by and he thought that Ezri was finally adjusting to all the memories of Dax from its previous hosts. But he was very wrong. Ezri had not been trained to become a joined Trill as Jadzia had been. She was easily confused and overwhelmed by Dax.

Today, Ezri had not only placed her life in jeopardy. She had almost killed her symbiont by having Dax removed from her. Worf had wanted to kill the alien doctor who performed the surgery but Odo was quick to place him under arrest. Dr. Bashir had placed both Ezri and Dax in stasis awaiting the decision of what to do next from the Trill Symbiosis Commission. A group had been dispatched from the Trill homeworld to Deep Space Nine … perhaps with a new host for Dax. What is to become of Ezri, Worf could only surmise. "But let them bring a male Trill host," Worf wished. With that thought, he finally drifted off to a fitful sleep.

*****

The door to Worf's quarters opened quietly and a shadow sneaked in. The figure looked around the room scanning for a suitable weapon. "A d'k tahg would do nicely," the figure whispered. With ease, the figure treaded towards the bedroom. The room was slightly illuminated by the stars peering through the window. It was enough to outline Worf's sleeping body. The figure hesitated before approaching the bed where Worf was lying. His uneven breathing and wrinkled brow meant that he was having trouble sleeping … a bad dream perhaps. "All the better," the figure thought. With a swift movement, the figure bent over Worf's sleeping form.

*****

When Worf finally drifted off to sleep, he dreamt of Jadzia. He saw her fatally wounded body lying on the ground in the jungle of the Soukara. He tried to touch her but she was just out of his reach. With each step he took, she seemed farther and farther away. Then when he did finally reach her, she was lying on the biobed in the Infirmary. Her usually cold hands were limp. He kissed her thinking that she was just asleep. The kiss did wake her up. Worf was relieved and kissed her again. The kiss felt so real … but it was only a dream Worf chided himself. And then he woke up to the feel of someone kissing him.

With Klingon agility, Worf pushed away the figure and got up to his feet. "Computer, lights!" he demanded. And there before him stood Jadzia. But it couldn't be her. "Jadzia is dead!" his mind shouted at him. All he could do was stare.

"Hello, my love," Jadzia said with a grin.

Worf almost rushed to her side but he restrained himself. His mind reeled trying to find a logical reason to what he was seeing. "Who are you?" he asked gruffly.

"Worf, I'm your wife … unless, of course, you've gotten a new one," Jadzia answered teasingly as she winked at him.

Worf reached for a phaser and aimed it at her. "I will ask you again. Who are you?"

"It's me, Worf. Dax … uh, well, no, that's not right since Dax is no longer my symbiont. But I still am Jadzia."

"You are not my wife! My wife died months ago."

"Ok, then who do you say I am?" Jadzia asked as she rolled her eyes at him.

"You must be a Changeling posing as my dead wife."

"Ah, I knew you'd think that," Jadzia retorted wryly. "Well, I'll prove to you I'm not a Changeling." With that said, Jadzia wielded the d'k tahg she picked up on her way in. Worf raised his phaser in anticipation of her attack. He was not prepared for her next action. She used the d'k tahg to cut her left palm.

"No!" Worf heard himself say, a bit too late to stop her from doing the deed.

Worf rushed to her side and took the d'k tahg away from her. Her blood had started to drip and some stained the sharp blade he took from her. Jadzia looked at Worf with a triumphant smile ignoring the pain that was slowly creeping into her hand. Instantly, Worf's distrust turned to concern. He went to get a dermal regenerator to heal her self-inflicted wound. While he was attending to her left hand, Jadzia used her right hand to brush his cheek. She had missed the feel of him.

Once done, Worf sat on the edge of the bed with a pained expression on his face. Jadzia plopped right next to him.

"Worf, aren't you even going to give me a hug?" She couldn't mask her impatience as she spoke.

"You … you can't be Jadzia," Worf began saying. "You look like her but she's dead. I saw her die in the Infirmary. You must be the Jadzia from the alternate universe."

"Worf, what are you saying? Do you think I don't know who I am? I'm your par'machkai and I'm definitely not from an alternate universe. I don't think the Jadzia and Worf from the alternate universe would be married like we are much less friends. If I recall correctly from Nerys and Benjamin's reports, they're enemies. Besides, how could she know what our last few moments together were like?" Jadzia trailed off as Worf stood to look out the window … towards the stars hoping to get a glimpse of the casket Sisko had launched into space many months ago. Worf felt foolish then … of course, he would not be able to find it in that vast star-studded space.

"Our baby... would have been so beautiful." Jadzia's words pierced through Worf's thoughts. "I really felt terrible saying that. I knew we've been looking forward to having a baby and just when everything seemed to be going well …" Jadzia stood to stand next to him. "Worf, Duj tIvoqtaH, reH bang larghlu'," she said in Klingonese. Always trust your instincts, love is always smelled.

Worf cut her off then. He hugged her so tightly that she felt some of her ribs crack. But that didn't matter as much. At least this meant that Worf didn't doubt who she was, Jadzia thought pleasantly.

"How is this possible? I saw you die." Worf released and looked at her incredulously.

"Well I'm not sure myself how this happened. All I can remember is waking up and seeing a bright light wash over me. Then I saw Benjamin, or I thought it was he until I heard him speak. He spoke about it not being my time. Then figures like you, Curzon, Kira and Julian appeared. I guessed then that they were the wormhole aliens. They told me that Costamogen had been expelled and that they were righting the wrongs done.

Worf listened in silence. He found it hard to believe and yet there she was, her Trill spots, her scent, her voice. "Yes," he thought to himself, "she is Jadzia. His par'machkai, Lieutenant Commander Jadzia Dax." Then suddenly he remembered Dax.

"Jadzia, we must go to the Infirmary at once. Dax is in …" Worf hadn't finished when a wide-eyed Jadzia exclaimed "Dax is here?"

"Yes, Dax is in stasis awaiting the arrival of the group dispatched by the Trill Symbiosis Commission."

"But that can't be possible. It's been months since my encounter with the pah'wraith, hasn't it?" Jadzia queried as she tried to think back

"Yes, but since then, Dax has had a new host. Her name is Ezri …"

Again Jadzia spoke before he could finish. "Was she injured in battle?"

"Jadzia!" Worf called out with slight menace. "Let me finish." He looked to make sure she would be silent before continuing. "No, she was not in battle. She, … she had Dax removed by an alien doctor."

"What?" Jadzia was about to blurt out but managed to stifle it.

"Ezri was not a Trill-initiate like you were Jadzia. She was unprepared to become a host. She would not have become a joined Trill if the shuttlecraft that was transporting Dax back to the Trill homeworld had not crashed. She was the only Trill on-board so the doctor decided to operate on her to save Dax." Worf explained in length.

"Oh, poor Ezri. She must have been overwhelmed by eight lifetimes of memories Dax had." Jadzia said with pure concern.

"I suppose so," Worf said flatly. "The Trill Symbiosis Commission delegates will be arriving at 07:00. But we could go see Dr. Bashir now."

"No, my love, I'd like to sleep for a while first," Jadzia replied. "I didn't get much sleep on the ragtag transport ship I was on coming here." She knew there was nothing else she could do anyway until the Trill delegation has arrived and reassessed the situation that Ezri and Dax are in. Besides, she missed the feel of Worf's body sleeping next to her. "Don't you want to keep me all to yourself a while longer?" she teased. "Once news of my presence here gets out, I'm sure I'll be quite busy proving that I'm who I say I am and not a Changeling as you did," she said, winking at him playfully. Worf scowled and felt bad about doubting her. He, as her husband, should have known his par'machkai instantly. "Oh Worf, stop scowling. You promised to smile as much as I want you to remember?" Jadzia coaxed to dispel the mood he was in.

Worf conceded with a weak smile and lay back on their bed while Jadzia snuggled closer. With one final look at the bloodstained d'k tahg on the table, Worf kissed his beloved and went to sleep.

Jadzia stirred in her sleep. Worf woke up and feeling Jadzia's body next to him was reassured that he did not dream what had just happened. Carefully, Worf got out of bed and went to stand by the window looking out toward where the wormhole was. He could not understand why or how, but was grateful that the wormhole aliens have returned his Jadzia. He then said a silent thanksgiving prayer to Kahless.

*****

Jadzia woke up alone in bed. She looked around the room dreamily. The smell of raktajino wafting from the replicator in the other room hinted that Worf was getting ready for his shift at Ops. She got up and walked over to their closet. She hesitated before opening it. "Worf must have removed my clothes by now," she thought. She was amusedly surprised to see all her things still in their shared closet. All her uniforms, their matching exercise clothes, her favorite nightgown, everything.

"Jadzia, wake up," Worf was saying as he entered their bedroom. Jadzia spun around to look at her sentimental Klingon husband. "Worf … " she began to speak but couldn't find the words as she felt tears forming in her eyes. She knew full well that Klingons accepted death quite easily and was ready to move on after the death howl. "Wasn't Worf the one who kept reminding her that they were at war with the Dominions?" she thought. But no matter how much he claimed to be a traditional Klingon, Worf had a definite sentimental streak. Jadzia felt a bubbling sense of warm pride for her husband. Underneath that harsh exterior, he hid a warm loving heart. And she loved him even more for it. She ran into his arms and kissed him for a long time. She started to protest when Worf pulled away from her embrace. But he reminded her that she had a lot of proving to do to their friends and that the Trill delegation would be arriving soon.

Jadzia decided against wearing her Starfleet uniform. After throwing on her blue shirt and pants, she and Worf headed for the Infirmary. It was still pretty early so the Promenade was quite deserted. Worf had called Julian beforehand and asked to meet him there. "Julian's in for a surprise," she thought with a grin.

*****

"Julian!" Jadzia called out as they entered the Infirmary. The look on Julian's face was priceless. His lower jaw dropped as he stared in disbelief at her. "Well, at least you're not aiming a phaser at me," she said to break the ice. Julian's eyes switched back and forth between her and Worf.

"Am I dreaming?" Julian said when he finally found his voice. Worf assured him he wasn't by shoving him against the wall. "All right already!" Julian said between chokes. "You didn't have to do that again."

Jadzia doesn't remember Worf ever shoving Julian. "She'll have to ask Julian what that was all about … later," she told herself.

After repeating the story she had told Worf earlier and the routine tricorder scan, Julian confirmed who she claimed to be. "So now, with two people acknowledging she is Jadzia, it wouldn't be hard to convince everyone else," she thought pleasantly.

"What about Dax?" Julian queried.

"We'll have to wait for the Trill delegation to decide on that," she resignedly answered.

"But Jadzia, you are Dax's host," Julian started to protest.

"Was," she corrected. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm doing fine without a symbiont. I'm an unjoined Trill again. I can't explain what the wormhole aliens did. Whatever it was, they had the knowledge to restore my Trill physiology prior to my joining with Dax. Besides, someone else needs Dax more at the moment." With that said, Jadzia's eyes fell on the female Trill in the stasis chamber. "Is she Ezri?" she asked though she already knew the answer. "She's so young," she noted with a slight hint of sadness.

"Sisko to Worf."

The captain of Deep Space 9, her old friend, he'd be the next to find out she's on the station Jadzia planned.

"Worf here, Captain."

"Meet me at Ops Mr. Worf."

"I'm on my way, Sir."

"Mind if I tag along?" Jadzia asked.

"You'll probably need me along, too," Julian added.

Worf nodded and the trio were on their way to Ops.

*****

When the turbolift arrived at Ops, Jadzia pinned on her dazzling smile. Worf and Julian got off first. All eyes widened in disbelief when Jadzia stepped off and stood between the two.

"By the prophets!" Kira exclaimed.

"Yes, by the prophets or as I would have it, by the wormhole aliens," Jadzia declared.

Kira was about to say something when Sisko stepped out of his office. Sisko followed the dazed looks of his crew to a familiar face, a face he thought he would never see again, standing near the turbolift. Before Sisko could utter a word, both Worf and Julian reported "Captain, Jadzia is back" in unison. An irate Worf scowled at Julian.

"Hello Benjamin … Nerys … Odo … Chief," Jadzia greeted in turn.

After the initial shock, all those present at Ops listened to Jadzia recount what had happened to her. She could feel her friends' doubts wash away when Worf and Julian confirmed that she was truly Jadzia. Everyone hugged her and welcomed her home. "Yes, I'm home," she thought. The celebratory mood was broken when Kira announced the arrival of the Trill delegation.

"Well, no better time than the present to let them know you're here Old Man … I mean Jadzia," Sisko corrected himself.

Jadzia nodded, a bit unprepared to face the Trill group who would decide the fate of both Ezri and Dax.

"Mr. Worf, let's meet our guests shall we," Sisko said with his usual grin.

*****

The Trill delegation was surprised to find Jadzia present. They were flabbergasted to find Jadzia had regained her unjoined Trill physiology. Never had there been such a case in Trill history. It baffled and alarmed them. Sisko was quick to allay their fears and convinced them that the wormhole aliens, the Bajoran Prophets, only did this because they wanted to amend what the pah'wraith had done. He assured them that this would not happen again. The Trill delegates listened to Sisko's defense of Ezri and his proposal that Jadzia become Dax's host again.

"If you choose to become Dax's host, Ezri will die," the Trill Guardian addressed Jadzia.

"Ezri is not a suitable host for Dax," the Trill doctor stated matter-of-factly. "If we return Dax to Ezri, she may do more harm."

Suddenly Jadzia felt the weight of deciding Ezri's fate on her shoulders. She knew that Ezri might again have Dax removed. But she didn't want Ezri to die either. She knew she could survive without a symbiont now but part of her misses Dax.

The Trill Guardian sensed Jadzia's uncertainty. "Think about it for an hour. We will be at the Infirmary waiting to hear your decision then."

Worf and Jadzia walked toward their quarters in silence. Jadzia was still deep in thought when they entered. Worf was first to speak. "Jadzia, you must not worry yourself about Ezri. What she did was dishonorable."

"It was not her fault!" she replied. "She did not choose to be a joined Trill. I won't let her die because a freak accident has made her Dax's host." Jadzia's resolve was getting stronger as she said those words.

"She had chosen to kill herself by what she had done!" Worf countered.

"I've told you how difficult it was to be a joined Trill. It requires a strong host to balance the influence of the symbiont. Please understand Worf." Jadzia was quite disappointed that Worf still could not understand Trill ways as she understood Klingon ways. But she could not begrudge him of that. After all, she drew a lot of from Curzon's experiences with Klingons.

Worf knew that look on Jadzia's face. It indicated that she had made up her mind and was adamant. He wanted so much for her to become Jadzia Dax again but knew that she would have to make the decision herself. And he knew she would do the honorable thing. He still could not make sense of Trill ways but he was willing to compromise, if only for her sake.

"Would you love me less if I were not Jadzia Dax?" Her question pierced through his thoughts. "I would not have Dax's eight lifetimes worth of memories and knowledge but I still am Jadzia. I still love Klingon operas, raktajino and gagh. And I think I can still stand my ground in our mock Klingon battles."

Worf suddenly felt a pang of remorse. He did not intend to make her think that he loved her just because of Dax. On the contrary, he loved her as Jadzia. It just so happened that she was joined with Dax. "No, it is you who are my par'machkai and not Dax," Worf assured her. "I apologize for making it harder for you. I am confident that you will act honorably … and I will support you in your decision."

"Thanks. I guess you already know what I've decided."

Worf nodded.

"Well, I guess I'd better tell them now instead of wasting time," Jadzia said as she headed to the door.

"Would you like me to accompany you?" Worf asked tentatively.

"No, I think I can do this on my own. I'll be right back. You and I have a lot of catching up to do." Jadzia beamed at him.

*****

"Enter!" Worf intoned when the chime rang after Jadzia had left. Julian came in looking for Jadzia.

"She had gone to the Infirmary," Worf informed Julian.

"What has she decided?" Julian inquired.

"She had decided to let Ezri live," he answered matter-of-factly.

"What? But Ezri will surely reject Dax again. How could you not have persuaded her to do otherwise?"

Worf was quite irked by Dr. Bashir's show of interference. "Jadzia can make up her own mind and I'm sure she will act honorably."

"Ah yes, Klingon honor above all else. But Jadzia is not a Klingon!" Julian retorted.

Worf glared at Julian. "She is to me," he said between clenched teeth. It took every ounce of his restraint not to harm the good doctor.

Julian sensed this and to avoid further confrontation, he decided to leave and look for Jadzia. Maybe he could reason with her.

*****

"Jadzia!"

Jadzia knew who called her even before she turned to look at him.

"I heard from Odo that you were on the station. I can't believe it!" Quark squealed with delight.

"Careful Quark, Worf might be offended. After all, he IS my husband."

"He isn't here is he?" Quark asked warily.

"No," Jadzia replied enjoying Quark's reaction.

"Well, between you and me, he said that he was jealous of me," Quark said with a sudden air of arrogance recalling the time they were on the mission to destroy the Jem'Hadar shipyard.

Jadzia gave Quark a puzzled look. She prodded him to tell her what he meant. He indulged her and told her all about it, the mission, Worf's apology, and emphasized his contribution to the successful mission.

Jadzia gained valuable insight to her beloved Worf from Quark's tale. "Well, I personally thank you for your courageous act Quark," she said gratefully. "But you still owe me 10 strips of latinum from our last tongo game. I beat you with a full consortium."

Quark was about to protest when she cut him off. "Quark, I'd love to stay and chat but I must go to the Infirmary now. Let's play tongo some time."

"How about tonight?" Quark said with eager anticipation.

"I'll have to check with Worf," she said.

Quark couldn't help but feel happy as he watched Jadzia walk away. "It doesn't matter that she is still married to Worf," he thought, turning back to his bar.

*****

Jadzia got to the Infirmary and met Julian at the entryway.

"Jadzia, Worf told me that you've decided to save Ezri's life. You must reconsider!" Julian pleaded.

"Julian, you of all people should want me to save her life."

"Yes, but given these circumstances…" Julian trailed off remembering his own Hippocratic Oath.

"Julian, I'll be fine. It's for the best." Jadzia ended their conversation abruptly and went in to talk with the Trill Guardian.

*****

Worf decided not to wait for Jadzia in their quarters. He went to the holosuite to do some Klingon exercises. He had greatly improved on her Klingon calisthenics program since. "She has improved greatly, too," he thought with admiration of his wife. He was completely absorbed in his match that he did not notice the holosuite door slide open.

"Computer, bat'leth," Jadzia commanded as she entered the holosuite to join her husband. "I thought you might be tired of fighting holograms," she said using the very same words from years ago.

"It won't be a fair match," he answered with a slight smile, remembering that day. "I'll go easy on you," she said with a twinkle in her eye. Husband and wife parried for a while, neither wanting to win or lose. When their bat'leths locked onto each other, Jadzia was first to speak. "The Trill delegation will be leaving soon."

"How is Ezri?" Worf inquired.

"They're taking her back to the Trill homeworld."

Worf looked at Jadzia questioningly.

"The Trill Guardian have decided that I am to be Jadzia Dax once more," she answered his unspoken question.

"What will happen to Ezri?"

"They will heal her in the symbiont pool, find a less ancient symbiont for her and provide her more training on being a joined Trill. She'll be back once her training is complete. And I am to become her mentor on her return."

"Is that wise?' Worf asked with concern.

"Oh come on, Worf. I've handled many Trill initiates as Dax before. Besides, I think I did pretty well with Arjin, my very own first Trill initiate. I don't see how Ezri would be a problem." She was a bit annoyed with Worf for doubting she could be Ezri's mentor.

"That is not what I meant" Worf answered in his defense. "I just think that Ezri might have a difficult time readjusting when she returns as … well, someone else."

"That's why I'll be there to help her adjust. And you're helping me." Jadzia decided to volunteer him out of whim right there and then.

Disarmed by her radiant smile, Worf could do nothing else but agree.

"Well, I don't know what you've got planned, but I'm definitely ready for lunch," Jadzia said invitingly.

"Computer, end program," Worf ordered before following his par'machkai out of the holosuite.

*****

"Nerys!" Jadzia called out to her friend at the Promenade.

"Hello, Dax,"

"I see you've been promoted, Colonel Kira."

Kira nodded in acknowledgement.

"So, how are you and Odo doing?"

"Oh, we're doing fine. He's just wonderful."

Jadzia and Kira talked lengthily about the goings-on at the station and the war with the Dominion.

"I'm glad you're back Jadzia," Kira said. "I just couldn't believe that you were killed in the temple. I tried not to think about it because I would not be able to go in at all if I did."

"It's all right Nerys."

"What were you doing in the temple anyway?" Kira asked.

"I went there to talk with the wormhole aliens," Jadzia replied. Seeing her friend's baffled face, she explained how after hearing that the DNA resequencing had worked she had wanted to thank them for listening to Kira's prayers. "I don't know if they had anything to do with it, but at that time I was willing to thank anyone." Jadzia thought back to her ecstatic demeanor prior to Dukat's unwelcome appearance.

"Well, are you still thinking of having a baby?" Kira inquired.

"Oh," Jadzia uttered, breaking from her stupor. "I still want to. But I'll have to talk with Worf about that. I hope he hasn't changed his mind."

"I'm sure you can convince him," Kira said with a knowing smile.

"Nerys," Odo called out sweetly from his security office.

"Well, I guess you'd want to be alone," Jadzia winked at her friend. "See you."

Kira gave Jadzia a hug before going off with Odo.

*****

Jadzia was still thinking about how she was going to discuss having a baby with Worf when she bumped into Julian.

"Oh hello Julian."

"Dax, how are you feeling?"

"It gets a little getting used to, but I'm fine," she assured him.

Julian turned to leave but she caught his arm and asked. "Oh, Julian, I've been meaning to ask you about what you meant when Worf shoved you against the wall in the Infirmary. What was that all about?"

"Well," Julian said uneasily. "Worf was angry at that time. He went to the Infirmary to warn me to stay away from Ezri in honor of your memory. I think he saw me talking with her in the Replimat. And he must have misinterpreted it when Ezri covered my hand with hers. You see, we were talking about you. Ezri was telling me about her memories of you through Dax. She said, 'if Worf never came along, it would've been you.'" Julian felt sad remembering those words.

"Julian," Jadzia started to say.

"It's okay. I'm over it. Really." He smiled weakly.

"You've been a good friend Julian, you always have been," Jadzia said as she hugged him.

Julian saw Worf approaching them when Jadzia released him. "Er … Worf, … I can explain," he stammered apologetically.

Worf just stood there stoically. Jadzia turned and looped her arm in her husband's and pulled him away. "Don't worry Julian, I'm sure he understands."

Julian was quite relieved when he walked away with Jadzia. Truth of the matter, he didn't relish being manhandled especially by an angry Klingon.

*****

"You do know that it was just a platonic hug, don't you?" Jadzia asked her very silent husband.

"Yes," Worf muttered grudgingly.

"Worf," she said, spinning around to face him. "You have nothing to be jealous about. I love you and no one else."

Worf smiled and kissed her. "Come, I've made reservations for us in the holosuite."

"We've just been there," she started to protest.

"This is different. I'm sure you will like it."

Jadzia was intrigued by his smirk so she followed him. When they arrived, the holoprogram running was of Vic Fontaine. Jadzia was deeply touched by what Worf had done.

"Hello there kids," Vic welcomed them. "I've reserved the best seats in the house."

Once seated, Vic went on stage and sang her favorite song.

Worf observed her from across the table. "I hope you like it."

"Like it? Worf, this is very romantic! I don't know what to say."

"Well, you could say 'thank you'."

"Thank you," she said sweetly. "And I love you, Worf."

After the song, Worf got up and offered to get them something to drink from the bar. Vic walked over to chat with Jadzia while the band continued to play.

"Hello there, kiddo."

"Hello, Vic," Jadzia said cheerfully.

"You know, I'm glad to see you again. I was a bit worried when Worf came earlier and asked me to sing 'All the Way' tonight." Jadzia raised her eyebrows and perplexedly looked at Vic. "Why?"

"Well, he used to come here a lot when we all thought you were dead," Vic said, continuing his revelation. "Then he'd ask me to sing the song over and over again until my throat was sore. The last time he was here, he even smashed the place. My band was threatening to quit if he came in again. He loves you a lot. He just isn't complete without you."

Jadzia turned to look at Worf over at the bar. The entire day she had heard friends reveal how much he loved her. "Well, I'll show him just how much I love him tonight," she thought. She blushed just thinking about it.

By the time Worf returned with their drinks, Vic had started singing again. It was an enchanting evening and she was enjoying every minute of it.

*****

"tlho' SoH," Jadzia said, walking with her beloved back to their quarters. Thank you.

"qay'be'," he replied with a smile. No problem!

Worf took off his sash and picked up a PADD when they arrived. "Do you have a busy schedule tomorrow?" she asked, peering over his shoulder.

"Just routine," he answered, a bit bored.

Jadzia went to change while Worf made some plans for the Defiant's routine patrol the next day. She returned wearing her favorite purple chemise. "HIghoS la'," she said enticingly. Come here, Commander.

Worf looked up from his PADD and the sight of his beautiful wife standing before him took his breath away. He stood up and approached her. She locked her arms around him and stood on tiptoe to level her eyes with his. "I've heard a lot about what you have been doing while I was away," she said with a smirk. Worf drew slightly away. "Oh, don't worry, they all vouch for your undying love for me. And I think you told Ezri that you loved me with all your heart."

"You know I do," Worf said awkwardly.

"Then I think it's my turn to show you how much I love you," she said, leading him to their bedroom.

*****

Worf woke up early the following day. He carefully disentangled himself from Jadzia's embrace. But she woke when he left her side. "What time is it?" she asked sleepily. "It is much too early for you to get up. But it is time for me to get ready to take the Defiant out on patrol." Worf bent to give her a light kiss on her forehead and headed to take a sonic shower. "Worf," she called him. "Can't you call in sick?"

"Jadzia, how can you even suggest that," he scolded. "I am a Starfleet officer. I have a duty to perform as DS9's Strategic Operations Officer and I am in command of the Defiant."

"It was just a thought. Oh, never mind." Her voice sizzled with annoyance before she buried her head in her pillow.

Worf knew she was disappointed. "I'll make it up to her tonight," he thought. Before leaving, he kissed his sleeping wife. Jadzia rose slightly to loop her arms around his neck. "Won't you reconsider?"

It was a very tempting offer and hard to ignore. But Worf knew he had a duty to perform. "No," he said finally, trying not to let his pouting wife sway his resolve. "I will spend the entire evening with you doing whatever you please."

"Anything?" she asked mischievously.

"Yes."

"In that case, I look forward to this evening," she said, releasing him and going back to sleep.

Worf watched her for a brief moment before leaving.

*****

Jadzia was having her raktajino when the chime rang. "Enter," she commanded.

"Hello, Old Man," Sisko greeted, entering with his usual grin. "Have I told you how glad I am to see you again?"

"Really?" she teased.

"Yes. I felt I was to blame for what happened." The grin on Sisko's face faded and he spoke grimly now. "I kept thinking that if only I had understood what the Prophets were trying to tell me, you would not have died and the wormhole would not have closed."

"Benjamin, the wormhole aliens have never been clear on what they wanted from you as their Emissary. You shouldn't blame yourself. Starfleet Command decided that it was time to take the offensive and chose you to lead it. It was your duty as a Starfleet Captain to lead the attack on Cardassia." Jadzia couldn't believe she just said that when earlier she had tempted Worf to call in sick for the day.

"Everything was going according to plan." There was pain in Sisko's voice when he started to speak again. "We were destroying the weapons platform in the Chin'toka System easily. Then suddenly I felt this gripping pain while on the Defiant's bridge. I knew something was wrong, it felt like the Prophets were reaching out to me. Kira took over and Jake took me to sickbay. It came as a shock to learn from Julian what happened to you. The instant we docked, Worf had rushed off to see you. By the time I got to the Infirmary, you were ebbing away. I knew how Worf felt. I felt that way, too, when Jennifer died. After the funeral, I had to go away. I couldn't think clearly. Somehow I felt that every Bajoran blamed me for the departure of the Prophets. And I blamed myself for losing a friend."

"But the important thing is you found the Orb of the Prophet and reopened the wormhole," Jadzia finished off for him.

"Yes I did, didn't I? The Bajorans were quite happy to know that the Prophets were once more looking upon them from the Celestial Temple. And now you're back. But there's still something that isn't quite right."

Jadzia shrugged, "What else could possibly be wrong?"

"I need my Science Officer back," he stated with a knowing grin. "I've contacted Starfleet Command and explained to them what happened. They've agreed to reinstate you. So, if you want to return to your duties, I'd be happy to see you back at Ops, Old Man."

Jadzia smiled, "I'm on my way Captain."

*****

Jadzia spent the day at her station in Ops. It was like she had never even left. It was business as usual. But she decided to leave Ops early. She wanted to be home before Worf returned from his patrol. She was happily humming when she heard the door chime.

"Enter," she intoned.

The door opened and she was surprised to see who it was.

*****

Everyone on the Defiant's bridge noted that Worf was less grumpy than usual. He still barked out orders that sent the ensigns scurrying away but his scowl was noticeably absent. Chief O'Brien has known Worf longer than anyone else and he was glad that his Klingon friend might yet enjoy marital bliss. He knew all too well how difficult it was thinking about the safety of loved ones when they were in the frontlines of this war with the Dominions. He had spent many hours thinking about Keiko, Molly and Yoshi. He had promised Molly that they would not be apart again. But the war had made him break his promise. He just hoped that the war would soon be over so he could spend time with his family.

The routine patrol was uneventful. By the time the Defiant had docked, Worf was eager to leave but he tried to hide it from the crew. "Chief, I think the forward sensors need recalibration." O'Brien agreed, "I'll get right on it first thing tomorrow. You need a rest you look tired. I'm sure we can handle it from here." Worf was grateful that O'Brien had provided him a reason to go.

No sooner had he stepped out of the airlock when he heard Martok's voice call him.

"Worf! Good to see you."

"General," Worf said curtly.

"Come, let's share some bloodwine."

"I have to decline, General. I have told Jadzia that I would spend the evening with her."

Martok eyed him suspiciously. That's when he realized that Martok have not heard of Jadzia's return. He told him what had happened. Martok listened with disbelief. "Are you certain it is her?"

"Yes!" Worf replied sternly.

"Then I am glad, Worf. You now have your wife and your son with you."

Worf looked puzzled. "Alexander is on DS9?"

"Yes, he came with me. He said he wanted to speak with you. I think he went to find you at your quarters."

"I must go, General," Worf replied with urgency.

*****

"Alexander!" Jadzia had not expected to see him.

The young Klingon was quick to draw his d'k tahg. "Who are you?" he demanded. "Where is my father?"

"Come in Alexander. Your father is on patrol onboard the Defiant. And I'm sure you know who I am." Jadzia turned and sat on the sofa in the living room.

"Jadzia is dead," he said sadly, warily watching the Trill in front of him.

"What is it with you Klingons? Your father drew a phaser at me and here you are with your d'k tahg." She knew it wasn't intentional but it was annoying her that so far the Klingons she had met has drawn weapons at her. "What would Martok do?" she asked herself.

As if on cue, Worf entered the room. He looked to make sure Jadzia was fine before turning to his son. "Alexander, put that away."

Alexander hesitantly stashed his weapon away. "Father, is she really Jadzia?"

"Yes," Worf replied.

"I think I'll leave you two to discuss this," she said, leaving father and son in the living room.

Worf and Alexander talked lengthily about Jadzia, the war with the Dominion and the situation in Qo'noS. Alexander had come to DS9 seeking his father to tell him his plans regarding his future.

*****

"Jadzia," Worf called her from the living room after Alexander had left. "Have you made plans?"

"Where's Alexander?"

"He has decided to join Martok at Quark's."

"Is he all right?" she asked.

"Yes, he has decided to return to Qo'noS. I would have wanted him to take a different path but it is best he follows his own destiny. I told him that I would respect anything he did and that I am proud of him." Worf turned to sit down on the sofa.

Jadzia was glad to hear that. She knew that his relationship with Alexander had been a bumpy one. She had been a father, too, through Dax.

"What would you want to do tonight?" Worf asked. Jadzia smiled seeing the gleam in his eyes.

"Actually, I thought of staying home and spending a quiet evening with you." Jadzia still hadn't decided how to breach the subject of having a child when she came out of their bedroom. She had hoped that talking about Alexander would lead them there.

"What is it?" He was learning to sense her moods and this was definitely one of those when she had something she wanted to tell him.

"It's about the baby," she said waveringly.

"You are pregnant?" Worf tensed as he asked.

"No, bIDogh," she replied, shocked by her husband's question. You are silly. She saw him relax a little. "I just thought … well, I was wondering if … if you haven't changed your mind … about having a baby," she said haltingly. She walked over to the sofa and snaked her arms around him.

Worf was silent. Jadzia misinterpreted his silence and worried that he had indeed changed his mind. She fidgeted and wished he would say something. "Worf, say something," she pleaded, caressing his shoulders. The tense muscles of his shoulders were just as tight as the knots in her stomach.

"How many babies do you want?" he asked at last.

Jadzia couldn't contain her joy as she hugged him. "I want puqmey," she replied. Children all over the place.

"Perhaps we should try one child first," Worf said soberly.

"All right," she answered giddily. She stood up and headed for the replicator. "What do you want for dinner?"

*****

"Hello, Alexander," Jadzia greeted him at the Replimat.

"Hello. I would like to apologize for drawing my d'k tahg on you yesterday. I meant no disrespect."

"Oh forget it Alexander. Think nothing of it." She ordered two mugs of raktajino and found them a place to sit. "Your father told me about your plans to return to Qo'noS. If you need any help at all let me know. I think Dax is still a pretty known name."

"Dax is an honored name among Klingons. Thank you for the offer. But I would prefer to do this on my own." Alexander's tone was one of a self-confident Klingon. Jadzia was pleased. "Well then, I guess all I can do is wish you luck."

"Dax!" General Martok bellowed from across the room. Jadzia stood to greet him.

"I could not believe it when Worf told me you were here. I am happy to see you again."

Martok told her about Kor's gallant act to lead a single Klingon ship as decoy and engage ten Jem'Hadar warships in Trelka Five allowing the Ch'Tang to escape. Jadzia was saddened to hear that her friend Kor had died. But she was also relieved to know that he had taken Worf's place. If he did not, then it might have been her beloved who had died.

*****

"Evade," Quark called out, watching the tongo wheel spin for the next play. Finally, he had gotten Jadzia to play tongo with him after days of prodding. He was glad Worf had not come. That meant he had her all to himself tonight. She hadn't lost her touch and she beat the Ferengis easily. "I win," she declared proudly. "Well, that's it for tonight. I have to go, Quark. It was a pleasure playing with you, not to mention profitable." Jadzia quickly gathered her winnings but Quark stopped her. "What's the rush? Won't you at least let me recoup some of my losses?"

"Don't be sore Quark. Besides, I have an early shift tomorrow. I wouldn't want to tell Captain Sisko that I was late because I stayed up too late playing tongo with you." Jadzia winked at the Ferengi and left.

*****

"Hello my love," Jadzia greeted her husband as she entered their quarters.

Worf nodded in response. "Did you win?"

"Yes," she answered, showing off her winnings to her pleased husband.

"You have a message from the Trill homeworld," he said, handing her the PADD in his hand.

"Oh," she whispered, taking the PADD from Worf. "It's from Ezri. She's coming back to DS9 next month."

Worf shifted uncomfortably on the sofa. Jadzia walked over and sat on his lap. "Oh come now, it isn't that bad. Besides, you volunteered to help me make her feel at home, remember."

"I did not volunteer," he reminded her. "You decided that I should."

"Well then, maybe I should make it worth your while and show you how grateful I am," she cooed, kissing him sweetly.

Worf lifted her up easily and carried her into their bedroom. He knew it was no use and he could never refuse her anything.

*****

Jadzia wrapped her arms around her husband's. He had been restless since they arrived at the airlock. She had not seen him like this for a long while. This was the day that Ezri was returning to DS9. And she didn't know why he was acting this way. "Worf, will you stop that. You're making me nervous."

"Must I really be here?"

"Worf!" she replied sternly. "I don't see why you should be so uneasy. Is there something I should know?"

"I just don't know how to act toward her. I never had. Before, it was because she was Dax and had all your memories. And now, she may still have your memories." Worf was really having a hard time understanding how joined Trills memories were shared between host and symbiont.

"I'm sure she is aware of all that. But you must remember that her memories of me were drawn from Dax. Now that she has a new symbiont, she won't have them. It's complicated I know, but trust me."

Worf had no other choice. At that moment, the airlock doors opened and the passengers of the transport ship were piling out. Then there she was, Ezri in her Starfleet uniform.

"Hello, Ezri! Welcome back to DS9." Jadzia hugged the young Trill.

"Hi Dax … Worf" Ezri greeted. Worf nodded and muttered a short greeting.

"So, how was your crash course?"

"It was alright. By the way, you know I'm now Ezri Yal, right?"

"Yes, Lieutenant Ezri Yal," Jadzia replied, emphasizing her Starfleet rank.

"I guess I'm back to being a counselor-in-training."

"No, I think you've gained enough to be a full counselor."

Worf listened to his wife and Ezri talk. After a while, he made his exit by announcing that he needed to check the Defiant.

"How is he taking it? I mean, my coming back to DS9." Ezri watched as the Klingon faded from view.

"He is handling it as best he could. Anyway, tell me all about you. I don't think I've ever met Yal."

"Well, Yal is about a century old. There had only been 2 previous hosts. Just my luck one of them had been a counselor. I've met them. I mean I've undergone my zhian'tara."

"That was quick. I didn't have my zhian'tara until after 4 years since I was joined. But I guess I've been avoiding it by not returning to the Trill homeworld since."

Ezri felt comfortable speaking with Jadzia. She felt right at home.

*****

Worf returned to their quarters to find Jadzia and Ezri happily chatting away.

"Oh hello, Worf. I've invited Ezri to have dinner with us."

The trio went to Quark's to have dinner. Jadzia felt it was best since Ezri did not like Klingon food. Quark was his usual self. Worf at least found solace that Quark had turned his interests on Ezri.

"Why, Quark, does this mean you no longer are interested in me." Worf scowled at his wife's statement. "Just kidding," she amended, stroking Worf's cheek.

Ezri enjoyed watching the couple across her. She's amazed at how easily Jadzia could dispel his irritation with a gentle stroke. "They are truly for each other," she thought.

Dinner was over quickly. Jadzia invited Ezri for a night in the holosuite but she declined. "I have to report to duty early tomorrow. Thank you for dinner. I'm sure Worf would want you all to himself now."

*****

Jadzia got out of bed, careful not to disturb her sleeping husband. She watched his sleeping form with loving eyes. "He has changed a lot since I first met him," she told herself, thinking of the first time they met. She had flirted with him but he was oblivious to her advances. If Grilka had not come along, she probably would not have challenged him like she did. And that would have meant a far longer wait for Worf to realize her feelings for him. After what seemed like a long line of obstacles, they were finally married. That was when she saw more changes in him. "I am a married man," he had said on their mission to the Badlands. "I have to make certain, adjustments, in my lifestyle." "And I'm glad to be a part of his life," she thought with a smile.

She silently walked out of the bedroom, headed to the food replicator and was about to order a raktajino. "No,

I'll have a glass of icoberry juice," she ordered instead. She took the glass of fine liquid from the replicator and sat down. She knew full well the allergic reaction she'd have after drinking it, but she just had to have her favorite beverage. Throwing caution to the wind she drank the delicious drink.

As to be expected her Trill spots started to itch. Her whimpers woke up Worf in the other room. He came out to find her scratching her already red Trill spots. "Jadzia!" he exclaimed, alarmed by her discomfort. He picked up the empty glass on the table and sniffed it. "Icoberry juice. Jadzia, you know that you are allergic to this. Why did you drink it?"

"Please Worf, not now," she said ruefully. "Just get me something to stop the itch." Worf called Dr. Bashir. He, the dutiful doctor and friend that he is, came as soon as he can. After giving her a shot using a hypospray, the itching subsided. "Thanks, I needed that," she said gratefully.

"Might I inquire why you drank icoberry juice?" Julian had a funny look on his face when he asked her.

"I just couldn't resist," she muttered, like a child caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

"Well then, I guess you'll have to hang on to this in case you decide you want another glass," he said, handing her the loaded hypospray.

"Thank you, Julian." Flashing her beautiful smile was enough for Julian.

"Thank you, Dr. Bashir," Worf said as Julian turned to leave.

"Anytime."

Worf ran his fingers over Jadzia's slightly red Trill spots. "I'm fine now, Worf," she assured him.

The look on his face showed both doubt and concern. "I am really," she reiterated.

"Give me your word you will not do this without telling me first," he said sternly.

"Yes sir!" she saluted him. "It's still too early for both our shifts so let's go back to sleep." Jadzia took his hand and led him back into their bedroom.

*****

"Are you sure?" Jadzia was worried that there might be a mistake in the tricorder readings.

"I'm sure."

"Well, let's just run some more tests to be sure." Jadzia knew there should be no room for error in this matter. She had to know for certain.

"Jadzia, I'm the medical doctor," Julian reminded her. "And I don't think this could possibly be wrong. I thought you would be pleased by this."

"I am. I just want to be absolutely sure." Jadzia wrinkled her nose at him.

"Very well, we'll do the tests," he answered.

*****

Jadzia and Worf accepted an invitation by the O'Briens for dinner. When they arrived, little Yoshi ran up to Worf. He was waving his toy and saying "gung-gung-gung." Worf was quite pleased that he had imparted something to Yoshi while he was babysitting the little boy. Jadzia felt a warm feeling watching Worf with Yoshi.

After dinner, Jadzia helped Keiko clear the table. Worf and Miles stayed to play with the kids. Yoshi was enjoying clinging to Worf's leg as he walked lifting the boy easily.

Keiko regarded Jadzia silently as they put away the dishes and silverware. "Does he know yet?" she finally asked.

"What?" Jadzia was startled by her question.

"About you being pregnant."

"How did you know?" Jadzia was amazed that she knew. "Did Julian tell you?"

"No, Julian didn't say anything. But he did mention the sudden craving you had for icoberry juice this morning when he came by to look at Yoshi's bump."

"Oh," Jadzia muttered, a bit embarrassed. "Then how did you know?"

"There's an aura about you. One that is eminent of impending motherhood." Keiko looked toward the living room where her kids have gotten Worf and Miles into a game of horsey in the living room.

"Yes, I guess so," Jadzia replied, recalling years of memories of childbirth and rearing.

"Does he know yet?"

"No, I was planning to tell him when we were alone."

"In that case, I hope you won't think I'm rude if I asked you to go on home," Keiko said, flashing her dimpled smile.

"Oh, I'm in no rush. Besides, Molly and Yoshi are enjoying playing with him." Indeed Worf had gotten the two swinging and hanging on each arm. "How did Miles take it when you told him you were pregnant?"

"First he gaped but when the news finally hit him, he was ecstatic. I'm sure Worf would be, too. I still remember the look on his face when I delivered Molly on the Enterprise. First time I saw Worf panic."

"Ah yes, I've heard about that."

Jadzia and Keiko talked a bit more before joining the rowdy group in the living room. "All right, time for bed," Keiko announced. She ushered both kids to their room after they said their goodnights to Jadzia and Worf. After thanking the O'Briens, Jadzia and Worf headed home.

Jadzia wrapped her arms around Worf's as they walked home. When they finally reached their quarters, Jadzia could no longer contain her excitement. She tried her best not to give away her surprise. "Worf, I've got some news for you. Which one would you want first, the good or the bad?"

Worf looked perplexed. "The bad, I suppose."

"Well, I went to see Julian before dinner today. He recommends that I skip battling you in the holosuite." Worf was obviously irked by this. "Perhaps I should have a talk with Dr. Bashir," he seethed.

"You will do no such thing! Besides, I agree with him." Worf had a bewildered look on his face that she had to muster extra effort not to burst out laughing. "Now, do you want the good news?"

He stood livid reeling from the bad news. He could not believe that she would want to end their mock battle exercises.

"Worf," Jadzia called, drawing his attention. She could see the smoldering anger in his eyes. "It's time to put out the fire," she thought. "I think it's about time you tell me what 'gung-gung-gung' means. I wouldn't want to feel left out when you teach the words to our baby."

Jadzia watched and waited for the words to sink in. Worf's expression softened when it finally dawned on him. "Our baby?"

"Yes, our baby," she nodded, enjoying the wide-eyed look on his face. What once was angry fire in his eyes were now replaced by fire of pride and joy. He was smiling like a fool. Jadzia moved closer to link her arms around him and rested her head on his shoulder. "Quch?" she asked. Happy?

"Very," he managed to say. "Would it be a difficult pregnancy? Dr. Bashir had said that it would be a difficult one because it's a half-Klingon and half-Trill baby." He had lifted her and carried her over to the sofa. He sat down and cradled her on his lap.

"Well, we'll soon find out. Julian will start me on a benzocyatizine regimen to regulate my isoboramine levels just in case it drops dangerously low. But I'm sure it's no harder than the usual. Remember, I've been .. "

" … a mother five times," he finished off for her. "I wish I could do more to help you with this. I do not know much about pregnancies. K'Ehleyr never told me she was pregnant so I was never there. But I would like to be by your side every step of the way until our baby arrives. And I hope to be a good father to our baby."

"You will," she murmured into his ear. "Our baby will be just as strong and passionate as you are. But let me handle the sense-of-humor department."

"I have a sense of humor," Worf said, acting offended.

"Well, yes. But let's just say that between the two of us, I have a better one."

Worf let out a hearty laugh and she joined him in his laughter. "Perhaps you are right." He then lifted her up and walked toward their bedroom.

*****

You are visitor number to this page since 13 February 1999.