Part II

"How did this happen?" Worf asked, lying on their bed with Jadzia resting her chin and hands on his chest. He was still quite happily bewildered by the news of her pregnancy.

"Well, let me see there's you and there's me. We got married and decided to have a baby." Jadzia was enjoying every minute that Worf had the mawkish look on his face.

"Jadzia," he grumbled. "You know what I mean. Dr. Bashir had said that our DNA's do not match."

"Well, remember that Julian subjected me to DNA resequencing when we first planned to have a baby? He told me it was working, that was why I went to the Bajoran temple, to thank the Prophets for listening to Nerys' prayers. I know it probably wasn't related but I would have thanked anyone at that time."

"So you had another dose?"

"Actually no, I didn't. Julian thinks that I retained the resequenced DNA when my body was zapped by the pah'wraith rendering me inanimate but not dead. So, when the wormhole aliens revived me, I still had the effects of the resequencing. And just maybe they might have made it permanent." That was the only logical conclusion she and Julian could think of. Her last statement remains to be proven and she hoped it was true.

"Have you told anyone yet?"

"No, well, not directly that is. Julian knows about it because he did the tricorder scan and Keiko knows because she sensed it."

"I suppose you want to make an announcement tomorrow then?"

"Oh, you know me very well my love. But first, let's get some rest." She kissed Worf before drifting off to sleep.

*****

Jadzia and Worf arrived at Ops early the following morning. It was Jadzia's idea to announce to everyone about her pregnancy before the regular briefing session in the wardroom. Kira who stood closest to her hugged her. "You must tell me how you convinced him," Kira whispered teasingly into her ear. Ezri, Odo, O'Brien and Julian took turns congratulating the parents-to-be.

"Have you decided on a name yet?" O'Brien asked Worf.

"It is still too early for that. I am more concerned about her pregnancy. Dr. Bashir has informed us that it would be a difficult one."

"Don't worry Worf, I'll do all that I can to help," Julian assured him, patting him on the back.

"Well Old Man, I think I'd better stop calling you that now," Sisko said, hugging the radiant mother-to-be. "I'm glad that there is at least some good news to hear. Now, let's get down to business shall we?" All the senior officers proceeded to the wardroom with a lighter mood.

*****

Word about Jadzia's pregnancy spread like wildfire. Quark was still reeling with disbelief when Jadzia, Kira and Ezri entered his bar. He hurried over to their table to confirm what he had heard. He wanted to hear for himself with his large Ferengi ears.

"Is it true that you are having a baby?"

"Yes, Quark," Jadzia confirmed with a dazzling smile. "And if I recall correctly, I told you I wished my baby would look like Worf."

Quark winced. He quietly hoped that the baby would not look anything like the surly Klingon. "Even if I have to bribe the Blessed Exchequer for it," he thought.

Leeta came by their table with Rom in tow. "I heard the news. I'm so happy for you. I wish you all the best."

"Uhm, yes Commander, we both wish you well," Rom added.

"Thank you both. How about you two, are you planning to have a baby soon?"

"Maybe a little later," Leeta replied. "But we are thinking about it."

"They look so happy together," Ezri noted as the couple left.

"Yes, and I think you should soon find someone yourself," Jadzia addressed Ezri.

"Me, why me?"

"Well, Nerys has Odo. To tell you the truth, I was beginning to worry that they would never end up together. Nerys was oblivious to Odo's feelings for her. It was very clear even Worf saw it."

"I thought we were just friends," Kira defended herself.

"I know, Worf thought the same thing until I persuaded him to explore our relationship beyond friendship," Jadzia replied, winking at the two. "I guess in your case the roles were reversed. I'm just glad Vic talked Odo into revealing his feelings for you."

"Yes, and he didn't even know it. He thought I was a hologram Vic created. When he found out I was for real, he walked away."

"But you wouldn't let him off easily," Ezri concluded.

"Yes," Kira confirmed. "I love him very much. I guess that was why I allowed him to join Laas in his quest for the other Changelings sent out by the Founders. It was the hardest decision I had to make, letting him go. I wanted him to stay but I didn't want him to do so only to please me and be unhappy." There was a hint of sadness in Kira's face.

"But he decided to stay," Ezri added cheerfully.

"Yes he did," Kira smiled. "Now, if you tell me your requirements, I'll see if I can find some nice date for you," she requested, changing the subject and taking on the role of matchmaker.

"Don't look at me," Jadzia replied to Ezri's pleading look. "She tried finding me dates, too."

After lunch, Jadzia and Kira were headed back to Ops while Ezri lingered at Quark's.

"The Defiant should be back by now," Jadzia told Kira. "Why don't you go on ahead. I think I'll go meet Worf at the airlock first." Kira nodded as the two parted ways.

*****

"Hello Chief," Jadzia greeted O'Brien as he stepped out of the airlock. "Is Worf still inside?"

"No, he left as soon as we docked."

"Oh," she mumbled disappointedly. "Well, I'll try to find him on the Promenade then. See you later Chief." Jadzia walked away hoping to catch Worf before he got to Ops.

*****

Ezri was on her way to the Infirmary when she heard that distinctive voice call out her name. She turned to see him approaching her.

"Hello Worf," she greeted sweetly.

"I need to speak with you." There was urgency in his voice.

"Ok, what's it all about?"

*****

Jadzia was on the upper level of the Promenade when she saw Worf. He was talking with Ezri. She was glad that Worf was making an effort to make Ezri feel at home on DS9. She was about to descend to the lower level when she saw Ezri stroke Worf's arm. For some reason she felt uncomfortable seeing that. Equally unsettling was to see the two walk into Quark's bar. Instead of dwelling on it, she decided to head off to Ops. "They probably wanted something to drink," she thought comfortingly.

*****

"That is so sweet, Worf," Ezri said, unconsciously stroking Worf's arm. "I didn't know you felt that way."

Worf felt a bit embarrassed. "What do you think?"

"I feel honored that you chose me. I don't know what to say."

"I was hoping you'd say 'yes.'"

Ezri pretended to mull over his proposition. She knew she couldn't decline but liked seeing the Klingon fret for once. "I don't know, it would be hard to keep Jadzia in the dark," she said.

"I'm sure we can as long as we keep that Ferengi quiet," he assured, looking at Quark inside his bar.

"Let's discuss this further then," she replied leading the way into Quark's.

*****

Worf was already home when Jadzia got there. He was speaking with Alexander on the viewer.

"Jadzia," he beckoned. "I told Alexander that we have good news to tell him."

Jadzia walked over and linked her arms around Worf from behind. "Hello, Alexander."

"Father tells me that you have something to tell me."

"Yes, your father and I are having a baby."

Alexander looked at his father and then back at her. It was obvious he was surprised by the news. "Congratulations!" he finally said with a smile. "I look forward to seeing my sibling when I visit DS9."

"We look forward to seeing you soon," she replied.

Once the communication was over, Jadzia walked around and sat on Worf's lap. "And how was your day today?" she asked.

"It is the same as always," he replied vaguely. "I have already informed my parents about your pregnancy. They send their best wishes. I have also told General Martok. I hope you don't mind."

"No," she said, cradling her head on his shoulder. She was waiting for him to mention that he talked with Ezri earlier but it never came up. Instead, they discussed other matters. After dinner, she had forgotten all about it.

"You look tired," he said, massaging her shoulders from behind her seat. "Perhaps you should lessen your duty shifts. I can ask Colonel Kira to cover for you."

"Worf, my love, I'm pregnant not sick. I'll know when I need to slow down. But for now, I think Benjamin needs all the personnel he can get." Her head swayed gently as Worf's hands soothed and kneaded out all the tension on her back. She was about to fall asleep when she felt his powerful arms lift her and carry her into their bedroom. It had been a long day and she was glad that he was there to take care of her.

*****

Jadzia reached out for Worf only to find his side of the bed empty. "Worf," she called out. There was no reply. "Computer, time."

"The time is 0700," the computer voice chirped.

Jadzia got out of bed and hurriedly prepared to report for her duty shift at Ops. She knew she was going to be late.

"Hello Nerys," she greeted, getting off the turbolift.

"Finally, I thought you weren't coming."

"I'm sorry, I overslept. Worf didn't wake me up." She went straight to her station and started routine diagnostics while scanning the logs.

"Well, Worf took the Defiant out early today. Here's the duty roster for the next few weeks." Kira handed her a PADD from across her station and headed toward the turbolift.

"Ezri is assigned to the Defiant?" Jadzia did not intend to speak her thoughts out loud but did.

"Why, is there a problem?" Kira looked over her shoulder.

"No, nothing wrong Nerys. I just thought she … never mind."

"You sure," her friend asked, eyeing her curiously.

"Yes," she replied.

"Ok, see you later then. I'd better get some sleep before Odo catches me and asks me to go on our walks around the station." Kira turned and headed once more to the turbolift. She enjoyed every minute she spent with Odo but sleep just seemed more enticing at the moment.

Left alone, Jadzia tried to concentrate on her work at her station. The PADD carelessly lying on her console, however, was distracting her. She picked it up and looked at the roster again. "Why would Worf need her on the Defiant?" This would have been insignificant if she had not seen Ezri and Worf together yesterday.

"No," she chided herself. "I'm being unreasonable. Worf must have a reason to need a counselor on his patrol. Besides, she is a Starfleet officer and have a duty to perform like everyone else."

*****

Jadzia was already home when the Defiant docked at the station. She was eagerly awaiting Worf to come home so she was surprised when he called her on his combadge.

"Worf to Jadzia."

"Yes, Worf."

"I will not be home until later tonight. I have something to attend to. I hope you have not made plans for dinner."

"Can't this 'something' wait until after dinner?"

"No," he replied tartly.

Jadzia pouted. It was not like him to miss dinner with her.

"Jadzia, are you still there?"

"Yes, go on, go attend to your 'something,'" she replied with exasperation.

"I'll see you later then."

"Whatever!"

Once the communication had ended, she stared at the Klingon skull stew she prepared for dinner. If she had known earlier, she would not have gone to the trouble of making dinner. "Well, why let it go to waste," she thought, starting to eat dinner by herself. She felt angry at Worf and with each bite she felt more lonesome.

*****

Jadzia was preparing for bed when she decided to locate her wayward husband.

"Computer, locate Lt. Commander Worf."

"Lt. Commander Worf is in level 7, section 5," the computer replied.

"Quark's?" she thought. "Computer, locate Lt. Ezri Yal."

"Lt. Ezri Yal is in level 7, section 5."

Jadzia's suppressed jealousy came to the fore. The tables were turned and she, who had always been upset by Worf's jealous outbreaks when she met her and Dax's former lovers, was venting her jealous rage on her pillow. Once her rage had passed, she tried hard to go to sleep.

*****

Worf entered their bedroom as quietly as possible. He did not want to awaken his wife from her sleep.

Jadzia stirred when he took his place on their bed. He waited for her to speak but it was not forthcoming. He turned and looked at her sleeping figure and couldn't resist planting a kiss on her. He then closed his eyes to go to sleep.

"What kept you out so late?" she asked in the dark.

Worf was startled. "It took longer than I had anticipated."

Jadzia raised her head on her bent arm to look at Worf. "What was it?"

"I would rather not say."

"Fine," she huffed and went back to sleep.

Worf knew she was extremely upset. She had not snuggled closer as she used to. "It's worth it," he consoled himself.

*****

"Enter," Ezri intoned groggily.

Worf's body framed the door as he peered in. "I need to speak with you now."

"Isn't it a bit too early?" she complained.

"This is important," he insisted.

"All right, come in then."

*****

"Enter," Jadzia intoned when the chime rang.

"Hello Jadzia," Julian greeted chirpily.

Jadzia responded with a grunt.

"Someone got up on the wrong side of bed," Julian teased.

"Is there anything I can do for you?" she asked with annoyance.

"Well, I thought that your husband was the grumpy one. But compared to you now, he pales by comparison. Are you all right? Is there something bothering you?"

"No," she lied. "I'm fine."

"Worf came by this morning and asked me to come see you. He is worried that you might be ill."

"I'm fine, Julian," she reassured him, hoping he'd leave soon.

"All right then. You know where to find me if you need me … even just to talk." Julian had sensed that Jadzia was troubled by something but was unwilling to talk about it. He decided to leave and let her have some space.

Jadzia felt remorse that she was being rude to Julian. "I know," she replied with a weak smile. "Julian, when is your duty onboard the Defiant?"

"Actually, I'm suppose to be on it this week. But Worf requested that Ezri and I swap schedules."

Jadzia's eyes darkened and she felt her anger rise again. She was definitely going to have to talk with Worf about this when he returns.

*****

The Defiant had barely docked when Jadzia arrived at the airlock. She wanted to see Worf before he found another excuse to evade her. He was evidently surprised to see her waiting for him when he stepped out.

"Worf," she greeted him with a forced smile. "I hope you have nothing planned because I want you all to myself tonight." She mustered enough self-restraint not to wince when she saw Ezri come up behind him. She then wrapped her arms around his left arm possessively and led him away.

"Must it be tonight?" he said, looking back at Ezri.

"Yes," she insisted, pretending not to notice him looking back at Ezri.

Worf allowed her to lead the way to their quarters. They walked in silence and he distinctively felt the pressure of her hands on his arm. Once inside their quarters, Jadzia spun around to face him. "Is there something you're not telling me, Worf?"

Worf looked at her with puzzlement. "What do you mean?"

"You tell me," she said with a shrug.

"There is nothing to tell you." Worf had come this far with his plan that he had no intentions of blowing it apart no matter what Jadzia asked.

"Then why are you spending so much time with Ezri lately?" If he wasn't going to breach the subject, then she was going to.

"I have not," he defended, looking a bit surprised by her question.

"Oh no?" Jadzia tried really hard to remain calm. "Then why is it that you spent the evening with her last night?"

"Who told you that?" he asked. "If Quark said anything to her, he was going to break every Ferengi bone in his body," he thought harshly.

"He didn't deny it so that means he was with her at Quark's last night," she thought to herself. "No one, I just asked the computer to locate you before I went to bed last night. You were at Quark's and it just so happened that Ezri was there, too, right?" Jadzia's sarcasm was seeping into her voice.

"Yes," he replied, slitting his eyes.

"Oh, how convenient. And did you ask Julian to switch duty schedules?"

"Yes," he confirmed warily. "Are you checking up on me?"

"No, just tell me what's going on. I know you care about Ezri …"

"Who told you that?" he interjected.

"I have Dax's memories," she reminded him.

"I care about her just as I would Captain Sisko, Colonel Kira, Chief O'Brien, Dr. Bashir or any of our friends." Then it dawned on him what Jadzia was really asking him. The unspoken question was now evident. Worf had been worried that she would find out about his plan that he didn't realize she would jump to this conclusion. One that was far worse than if she had entered the unfinished holosuite program he was working on.

"How could you think that!" Worf was angry because she apparently thought he'd be dishonorable and disloyal to her.

Seeing his reaction, Jadzia realized that she was wrong to think that way about him. "I was jealous and that clouded my judgment."

Worf was silent. He thought back to the times he, too, had been jealous when he saw her with past lovers. "But that was different," he rationalized. "No, it was not," he amended.

"I'm sorry Worf, I should have known that you wouldn't do such a dishonorable thing," Jadzia tried to placate him.

Worf broke from his stupor and looked at his beautiful wife. "I will never do anything disloyal to you," he said grimly.

"Yes, I know that. Now more than ever." She closed the gap between them with one smooth movement. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him lightly. "I truly am sorry for thinking you'd be disloyal. I was jealous and …"

Worf drew away from her and walked past her. "Worf, I said I was sorry." He turned around to face her. He knew that it wasn't her fault for thinking that way. He had not given her any reason to think otherwise. With a sigh, he opened his arms that she ran into in an instant.

"yIlIjQo', I would never do anything disloyal to you," he reiterated. Don't forget.

"I won't," she whispered in his ear. She was so relieved that the tense moment between them had passed.

"Come, we have a holosuite reservation," Worf declared, leading his wife by the hand.

"Ooh, what is it going to be tonight? Klingon opera or Vic Fontaine?"

Worf didn't answer her. He just kept walking.

*****

Quark's was crowded as usual whenever ships dock at DS9. At times like this, Quark was pleased. The war with the Dominion had slashed his profits considerably. He was glad that his holosuites were all occupied. All except one, the one Worf had reserved. When he saw Jadzia and Worf, he hurried and met them by the door. "Hello Dax," he greeted merrily. He turned to Worf and greeted him uneasily.

"Is everything ready?" Worf asked impatiently.

"Yes, everything is ready," Quark guaranteed. "Holosuite 2."

Worf and Jadzia climbed the spiral stairs to holosuite 2. He punched the entry code and the door swished open. The room was dark. "I think Quark gave us the wrong holosuite."

"No," Worf said, leading her inside. "This is the right one. Computer begin program Worf Iota 43."

When the lights came on, everyone in the holosuite shouted "Surprise!"

*****

The holosuite was transformed into a lush garden, one of the most beautiful on the Trill homeworld. And all their friends were there, even Morn. "What's going on?" she asked.

"Happy Birthday," Worf greeted in Trill.

Jadzia's eyes widened. She had been so preoccupied the past few days that she had forgotten it was her birthday.

"Oh, Worf," she gushed. "You did this all for me?"

"I had some help from Ezri." Now it was clear why he had been spending so much time with Ezri.

The festivity was soon underway. There were all sorts of food served, most were her favorite dishes. But Jadzia was too flustered to think of eating.

"Well, Mr. Worf, I didn't think you could pull it off," Sisko said with a grin. "But you did. You sure throw one heck of a party. Remind me to ask you to coordinate my next party."

"Yes," Julian concurred. "This is by far the most wonderful surprise party I've been to."

"I do not think I would like to do this again," Worf replied uncomfortably.

"Oh come on, Worf," O'Brien urged. "Nice scenery, good food, and Jadzia looked really surprised. You've proven that you can do it."

"But that's because he was doing this for me," Jadzia cut in. Worf was grateful that she had done so.

"Ah, yes. What would a man, or Klingon for that matter, wouldn't do for his love?" Sisko winked at her. "Well, I guess it's time to give a toast to you, Jadzia. I hope you live a good many years among friends."

*****

"That was a wonderful party," Jadzia told Worf, wrapping him in her embrace. They have come home only a few minutes ago. The party had lasted well into the night, no one really wanting to leave.

Worf merely nodded in acknowledgement. He had been quiet since they left Quark's.

"I thought you hated surprise parties," she teased. He merely shrugged in response.

"Is something wrong, my love?" Jadzia couldn't stand his brooding.

"I do not wish to lose you, Jadzia," he said finally.

"Neither do I. Does this have anything to do with our earlier argument?"

"No, I was just thinking about what Captain Sisko said. About having 'many years among friends.'"

"Oh, Worf, let's not dwell on that shall we? We both know that we're still at war with the Dominion. There's never any guarantee how long we have together."

"I know. But it had been difficult for me to accept that you were gone. I don't know if I could." He had a pained look on his face. "Ever," he emphasized.

"It works both ways, Worf. I'll be devastated if anything happened to you. All we can do is hope that this war ends soon. Until then, we'll just have to take it one day at a time."

"I am a Klingon warrior and yet …"

"And yet you are afraid of dying or losing a loved one," she finished his thoughts for him. "I know the feeling Worf. And there's no shame in admitting that. I think there's immeasurable strength in admitting your fears."

Worf looked at his wife thoughtfully. She was right. "You are right, let us not dwell on this subject. We should be celebrating. It's still a couple more hours before your birthday ends." There was a twinkle in Worf's dark eyes. Jadzia returned his smile with a playful one of her own.

*****

"Well, I must say I'm impressed," Julian said, putting away his tricorder. "You're in the pink of health. Your isoboramine levels are holding up."

"I keep telling you, I've been through this five times," Jadzia said, smiling sweetly.

"But never with a half-Klingon half-Trill baby," he reminded her. "How's Worf taking all this?"

"He's just as excited as I am. He's even helped me prepare the baby's room."

"Have you decided on a name for your baby?"

"Oh," she sighed. "That's a bit of a problem. We can't agree on a name. We'll probably end up just calling our baby 'baby.'" Jadzia found that name appealing at the moment since she and Worf had argued all night trying to decide.

"Baby?" Julian crinkled his brows. "I sure hope not. It's getting near, have you at least narrowed it down?"

"No," Jadzia admitted. "Not even close. Let's change the subject, I'm hungry. What do you say we have lunch?"

Julian hesitated prompting Jadzia to raise an inquiring brow. "Julian, tell me I'm not that unattractive just because I'm pregnant."

"No … no … it's not that," Julian managed to say. "It's just that I … well, I already have a lunch companion."

"Ezri?"

Julian was both slightly shocked and embarrassed. "Am I that obvious?"

"Julian, I think I know you well enough by now. And, I have been a love struck Trill male many times myself. I've seen the way you look at her."

"I guess Worf was right in thinking that I was going to fall in love with her. At first, I thought I was attracted because she was Dax. Maybe it was, I kept comparing her with you even down to the eye color. But then as I got to know her better, things just happened … you know."

"Yes, I know," she nodded her confirmation. "I think you should go or you'll be late for your lunch appointment."

"You could join us," Julian invited half-heartedly.

"No, three's a crowd," Jadzia teased. "I think I'll go find Kira and Odo. She likes having me around because Odo just watches her eat. Where will you be?"

"The Replimat."

"Ah, trying to avoid Quark?" she teased.

"It's the only place where we won't have Quark coming by the table every 10 minutes," he joined her banter.

*****

"So, have you decided what your baby's name is going to be?" Kira asked.

"No," Jadzia replied, sitting down across Kira.

"Commander, just don't call your baby 'nothing,'" Odo remarked, sitting next to Kira.

"Odo," Kira placed her hand over his.

"It is important to have a good name," Odo stated, slightly disappointed at his own name.

Kira & Jadzia understood what he meant. "Odo, I love your name," Kira assured him, lifting his spirits up.

"Well, it's getting close and we'd better agree soon."

"Jadzia," a familiar voice called.

"Hello, my love. You're back early."

"The Defiant required some recalibration. Chief O'Brien and Nog are working on it. I decided to locate you and ask you to have lunch. But I see I am too late."

"Well, Commander, you are most welcome to join us," Kira invited.

*****

The Federation and the Dominion had been in a stalemate for months. Casualties on both sides have been immense. On DS9, Garak had just presented his latest work. He had proven useful in decoding intercepted Cardassian military transmissions. The latest report contained information that troubled everyone.

"Any suggestions?" Sisko asked, looking around the wardroom. Those assembled studied the viewscreen mapping out the location of the new Jem'Hadar shipyard near Cardassia Prime. It was strategically located. If it were to become fully operational, it may tip the scales in favor of the Dominion.

"We must disable it before they get a chance to use it," Kira replied.

"The Defiant is ready," Worf informed the assembled officers.

"No," General Martok protested. "The Defiant must remain here to protect DS9 for a possible counter-attack. My ships can attack the shipyard and destroy their base. We will make certain of that."

"It's a suicide mission," Jadzia remarked. "You can't just go charging in and destroy the shipyard. There would be a swarm of Jem'Hadar warships against you not to mention the Cardassians."

"Not unless we find a way to get through without their noticing," Kira stated, hatching a plan in her mind drawing from her years as a Bajoran freedom fighter.

"Yes, but even though we've gotten through unnoticed, getting out won't be easy. Once we've destroyed the shipyard, every Dominion warship will be on our tail." Jadzia contended, playing the role of devil's advocate.

"We could plant an explosive device that will detonate once we're at a safe distance away," O'Brien suggested. "They won't know what hit them."

"But not too far away, because we must be certain that the shipyard is completely destroyed," Martok cautioned.

"We could position ourselves close to the Badlands. That would give us a better chance of evading the retaliation force." Worf saw a slight worried look on Jadzia's face when he turned to look at her.

"Even you would have a hard time maneuvering a ship in the Badlands," she replied grimly.

"But possible," he retorted.

"That might just work," Sisko stated. "Now, how can we slip into enemy territory without their noticing us until it's too late?"

"How about disabling one of the Jem'Hadar attack ships? I doubt they would fire on one of their own ships." Odo had learned enough about the weak points of the Jem'Hadar ships during the failed defection of the Vorta Weyoun-6. Not only that, he also learned about the disease afflicting the Founders. Much as he was alarmed to learn this, he still believes that his people are wrong and have no justification for this terrible war. He would help even if it meant the destruction of his people.

"Yes, we can beam into it and take it to the shipyard," Worf agreed.

"What about the Jem'Hadar? I don't think they'll relinquish their ship to you that easily." Jadzia persisted, poking holes at the plan.

"We could beam them out," Kira suggested.

"Yes, we could switch places … beam ourselves to the Jem'Hadar attack ship and beam them out to our ship," O'Brien's mind was churning away on how he could do this with the transporter instantaneously. "Of course, it's going to be a disabled ship so they can't fire back at us or hail their comrades." O'Brien added, anticipating Jadzia's counter argument.

"The trick would be to remember which ship is hostile," Kira pointed out.

"There will be no need for that," Martok replied. "Once the switch has been made, the rest will leave feigning retreat. That would draw away the Jem'Hadar ships except the one we have taken control of."

"Should work like clockwork," Sisko piped in.

"Captain, may I make a suggestion?" Julian, who had been quiet all throughout the discussion, suddenly had a brilliant plan.

"What is it Dr. Bashir," Sisko prompted.

"While we're infiltrating Cardassia, I think we should go and try to abduct one of the Changelings."

"Yes, then we can interrogate the Changeling," Martok quipped.

"No, no, that's not my intent," Julian said impetuously. "We know that there is a disease afflicting the Founders and I think by comparing the morphogenic matrices of the Changeling we capture and Odo's, I could come up with a cure," he explained.

"What?" Martok was enraged by what he heard. "Have you forgotten that these Changelings are our enemies? They have killed many Klingons not to mention Federation members like Humans." Martok singled out humans to drive home his point.

"Yes, but if I could come up with a cure, this may be the catalyst to end this war," Julian reasoned persistently.

Martok rose from his seat and growled at Julian.

"General!" Worf and Jadzia said in unison. Worf leapt to his feet ready to restrain Martok.

"I think Dr. Bashir has a point," Odo stepped in.

"Of course you'd see his point, after all they are your people," Martok sneered.

"General," Worf said, trying to calm Martok. "I see Dr. Bashir's point, too."

Martok was surprised that Worf would take Dr. Bashir's side. He felt somewhat betrayed. "They are our enemies!"

"General, the Klingons and the Federation were once sworn enemies as well," Jadzia reminded him. "But a simple act on the part of the Federation during the Khitomer massacre had galvanized peace between the two. Even Klingons and Romulans fight side by side and tolerate each other today."

"This war has gone on far too long and has taken so many lives," Worf added. "Perhaps it is time to find ways to end it. Kahless himself had said that 'losing a battle to save the empire is not a defeat.' I think in this case, we would like to save not only the Klingon empire but the Federation as well."

There was silence in the wardroom as everyone pondered Julian's proposal. "It is worth a shot," Sisko said, breaking the ice. "And if we're lucky, we can hit two birds with one stone. Mr. Worf, Chief, the two of you will team up with General Martok to destroy the shipyard."

"Gowron would not approve of this, helping the Changelings," Martok said warily, still thinking about Julian's proposed mission.

"Well, I think neither is Admiral Ross," Sisko replied. "I guess we'll just keep it between ourselves for now. As far as anyone outside this group, our mission is to destroy the shipyard being built. How long before the shipyard is complete?"

"Thirty days according to the transmission we received," Garak informed the group.

"Then we have enough time to learn to operate a Jem'Hadar attack ship and fine tune our strategy. We will launch our assault in fifteen days." Sisko intentionally planned an early attack. They needed the element of surprise on their side to pull this off. "Mr. Worf, prepare a holodeck simulation of the Jem'Hadar ship."

"Yes, Captain," Worf replied.

"Chief, find the weak point of the shipyard where we will strike."

"Yes, Captain," O'Brien replied.

"General, how many Klingon ships can you spare for this mission?"

"Three birds of prey, plus the Rotarran."

"Chief, do we have ships to spare?"

"We have one that's been badly damaged. Other than that, all the ships are out fighting the Dominion."

"Perfect, make it worthy to fly out to Cardassian space and install a cloaking device. We'll keep it cloaked until we are ready to beam out the Jem'Hadar soldiers. General, I leave the primary mission in your capable hands."

"Consider it done," Martok boasted.

"Odo, take Garak with you to invite our Changeling guest to DS9. Do whatever necessary to keep our guest under custody. Anything else?" Sisko looked around once. "Fine, you have your assignments, dismissed."

*****

"Nerys, is something wrong?" Odo asked when they were alone.

"I'm just worried that you'd be hurt in this mission. What if the Changeling links with you and infects you with the disease."

"You are aware that no Changeling has ever harmed another."

"What if that rule doesn't apply anymore?" Kira asked warily.

"Nerys, don't worry, I'll be careful," he assured her. "I would not be doing this if I didn't think we can pull it off. I'd better go and work out a plan with Garak. I'll see you tonight?"

"Of course," she smiled lovingly.

*****

Worf spent the entire day working with Chief O'Brien. He was so absorbed with his work that he had not noticed that it was already past his duty shift.

"Jadzia to Worf."

"Yes," he responded to her.

"When are you coming home, Worf?"

Worf saw O'Brien mouth the word "Go" seeing his hesitation to answer. "Soon. I have some more details to work on."

"Commander, I can take care of that for you," O'Brien insisted, knowing that Worf was eager to go home.

"Chief, you should go home, too."

"I will, just one more thing and I'll head home. You go on ahead."

*****

"You're home," Jadzia greeted her husband.

"Yes, so I am," Worf answered with a smile.

"Hungry?"

Worf nodded in response. He walked closer and drew her in his arms for a long passionate kiss.

"I can see you've got an appetite," Jadzia teased. "I've prepared Aubergine stew. And, for desert, we're having Rokeg blood pie."

*****

Damar was drinking kanar in his quarters when an obstinate Dukat beamed in.

"You … what are you doing here?" Damar demanded.

"I came to help you," Dukat taunted.

"I do not need your help. You had your chance to lead. Now it is my turn."

"Yes, and I see you haven't gotten much headway either. You need my help to defeat Sisko and the Federation."

"I do not need your help. You were a fool to close the wormhole. It did not help us defeat the Federation."

"But it defeated Sisko," Dukat said proudly. "If you had taken advantage of that, then the Federation would have been defeated by now."

"We will defeat them," Damar insisted. "The Dominion is building a new shipyard and that would create a fleet to crush the Federation."

"How long before it is completed?"

"Thirty days."

"Where is the female Changeling?" Dukat inquired.

"I have not seen her. Weyoun-7 had forbidden anyone from seeing her. The last time I saw her, she looked ill."

Dukat mused on this bit of information. "So, the Changelings are not indestructible. Perhaps the true powers are the pah'wraiths. I felt their power when one of them took possession of me." Dukat was awed thinking back. "I have a plan, to destroy the Federation. We must help the pah'wraiths defeat the Bajoran prophets. They must be expelled from the wormhole and when the pah'wraiths take their rightful place, Cardassia will experience it's Golden Years."

"And how do you propose to do that?"

"We must destroy all the Bajoran Orbs. There are two on DS9."

Dukat explains to Damar his plan to get on DS9 to accomplish his task.

"Where do I fit in your plan?" Damar asks with growing interest.

"You will create a diversion, a direct assault on DS9. You will draw their fire away so I can gain access to the orbs."

"Weyoun-7 will be curious as to why I'll be charging into DS9."

"I'm sure you'll find a reason."

*****

Dukat waited for Damar in his quarters. "Weyoun-7 agrees to the plan, an assault to take DS9. But he wants to wait until after the Jem'Hadar shipyard is complete. That would provide us with a powerful fleet to not only divert the Federation forces but take over DS9. Then you may destroy the orbs at your leisure."

"I can't wait that long," Dukat replied, impatiently waving his hand in the air.

"Would you rather do this alone?" It was Damar's turn to taunt his former superior.

Dukat hissed in anger. But he had no choice. He needed Damar to accomplish his goal. He would have to wait. "Very well, I'll be back in thirty days."

"Twenty," Damar corrected. "I was able to convince Weyoun-7 to step up the work on the shipyard. I told him thirty days was too long and risked Federation intelligence learning about the shipyard."

Dukat beamed out of Damar's quarters with an arrogant smile.

*****

Worf was studying his PADD when Jadzia entered their quarters.

"Oh, what a day," she complained, settling herself next to him vainly trying to massage her tense shoulders.

Worf put down his PADD and with deft hands started his relaxing massage. "How is your work with Dr. Bashir coming along?"

"Until we can scan the morphogenic matrix of the ailing Changeling, we have no idea what we're up against. But Julian thinks it might have something to do with the degradation of their matrix. All we can do is speculate. We really need a more definite sample to work with. I was actually helping him with something else today. We were continuing his work on getting the Jem'Hadar off the ketracel-white."

"Is that wise? They are very violent. If they no longer need the white, they may become uncontrollable. Remember when we worked with them to subdue the rebel Jem'Hadar soldiers?"

"Yes, I remember. But I think they're violent only because they need to show they are fierce so the Vorta will continue providing them with what they need, the white."

"I hope you are right."

"How's your drills going?"

"We are ready. General Martok and I have trained several Klingon warriors on how to operate the Jem'Hadar ship like it were our own bird-of-prey. Chief O'Brien had pinpointed the weak spot of the shipyard. And Odo has shown us where to strike to gain control of the Jem'Hadar attack ship."

"Well, no matter how well prepared you are, be very careful Worf," she cautioned.

"Jadzia, I will," he assured her. "I will return in time to see you give birth to our baby."

Jadzia was relieved to hear that. She knew she would only be able to relax once the mission is finally over. She tried her best to allay her fears. She did not want Worf to worry about her. There was enough he had on his mind.

*****

"Nerys," Odo greeted her when she came to his quarters.

"I was wondering why you didn't come to my quarters tonight."

"It was late, I did not want to disturb you."

"Odo, when did that ever stop you from coming to see me?" she teased.

"We will be launching the attack tomorrow. Garak and I will be back with the Changeling."

"Be careful," she warned.

"I will, Nerys," he assured her, wrapping her in his embrace.

*****

"Can I see you off?" Jadzia asked, watching her husband prepare to depart for the mission.

Worf hesitated to answer. "Yes," he finally acceded.

Worf and Jadzia met O'Brien on the airlock to the Ch'Tang. "Hello Commanders," O'Brien greeted before going in.

"Aren't you going to use the Rotarran?"

"No, the Ch'Tang is better suited for this mission," he explained. "I will be back soon."

"Our baby and I will be waiting," she answered weakly. She mentioned the baby to give Worf additional reason to return.

"She will be safe this time … Captain Sisko and Colonel Kira will make sure of that," Worf thought to himself. After kissing her, he turned to join the crew of the Ch'Tang.

"Jadzia," General Martok greeted her from behind.

"General, I wish you success in your mission."

"CHEGH-chew jaj-VAM jaj-KAK," he declared proudly. It's a good day to die.

Jadzia unconsciously winced. "I would rather drink bloodwine and sing of your victory, General."

"That we will do," he said, knowing how difficult this must be for her. "I promise to make Worf return to you."

"tlho' SoH," she said, comforted by Martok's words. Thank you.

*****

Four cloaked ships left DS9. O'Brien outfitted one of the consoles of the Ch'Tang to remotely control the U.S.S. Mimosa. Slowly and cautiously they made their way to Cardassia. Odo and Garak joined the Tr'kai crew.

"General, Jem'Hadar ships ahead," a female Klingon relayed.

"Is the Tr'kai in position?" Martok asked Worf.

"Yes."

"Drop cloak, raise shields, prepare to engage the enemy," Martok commanded.

"Chief, get ready to aim for the Jem'Hadar attack ship," Worf alerted.

Once the Klingon birds-of-prey dropped their cloaks, the Jem'Hadar ships charged them.

"General, the attack ship on our starboard is disabled," O'Brien announced.

General Martok, Worf and several Klingons left the bridge and proceeded to the transporter room. The Ch'Tang's 2^nd officer took the command post. O'Brien started beaming the Jem'Hadar soldiers out of their ship into the Mimosa.

"Transfer complete," O'Brien informed the 2^nd officer.

The 2^nd officer didn't hesitate to call for a retreat. The two birds-of-prey engaged maximum warp with the Jem'Hadar ships hot in pursuit.

"Are they all gone?" Martok asked his helmsman.

"Yes," the young Klingon replied.

"Set course for the shipyard then," Martok ordered.

*****

Once they were beamed in, Garak and Odo worked their way to the Changeling's quarters stealthily. There were Jem'Hadar soldiers posted at the door.

"How are we going to get past them?" Odo inquired.

"You will pose as Weyoun-7. And you'll introduce me as a doctor."

"I'm here to see the Founder," Odo addressed the soldiers. They let him pass but blocked Garak. "He is a doctor. The Founder wanted to speak with him."

The Jem'Hadar soldiers eyed Garak suspiciously.

"You don't want to keep the Founder waiting," Odo said impatiently, prompting the two soldiers to let Garak through.

The female Changeling was surprised to see Weyoun-7 and Garak. Before she could say anything else, Garak stunned her and the three were beamed out of the room.

Outside, the real Weyoun-7 approached the Founder's quarters. The two Jem'Hadar soldiers exchanged shocked looks seeing him again. Weyoun-7 sensed something was amiss and rushed into the Founder's room. "You fools!" he shouted at the bewildered soldiers.

*****

The Klingon-controlled Jem'Hadar attack ship made its way to the shipyard unobstructed. After planting the explosive devices as shown by O'Brien, the crew proceeded to rendezvous with the Ch'Tang near the Badlands.

Just as they had seen in the holosuite, the entire shipyard blew up in a great ball of fire.

"Qapla'" the Klingons shouted. Success.

*****

A panicked Weyoun-7 entered the war room. He turned livid once Damar had told him that the shipyard had been completely destroyed. "Destroyed?" he asked.

"Yes, by one of your attack ships," Damar informed him, drawing his attention to the viewscreen. "We've been tracking this ship and noticed it beamed something into the shipyard before it blew up."

"Rebel Jem'Hadar soldiers?" Weyoun-7 asked unbelievingly. "No, it must be the Federation."

"Or Captain Sisko," Damar suggested.

"Destroy that ship!" Weyoun-7 ordered angrily. He also commanded a group of Jem'Hadar ships to take after the female Changeling's abductors warning them not to harm her. "Destroy them all once you have the Founder."

"Can I help?" Damar asked, quite pleased with the turn of events.

"Send all your ships and crush DS9," Weyoun-7 ordered acidly.

"My pleasure." Damar went to his quarters and contacted Dukat.

"It would seem that we are ready to attack DS9 now."

"Why?" Dukat asked suspiciously.

"Because someone had destroyed the Jem'Hadar shipyard and abducted the female Changeling."

"Sisko," Dukat said, his eyes blazed. "The time has come for Cardassia to rise to its pinnacle."

*****

"General Martok, Jem'Hadar ships approaching," the female Klingon informed him.

"What?"

"They must have tracked us down from when we left the shipyard," Worf said.

"How many?"

"Four."

General Martok hesitated before giving the order to retreat into the Badlands. The Jem'Hadar ships charged mercilessly and fired blindly barely missing them.

"Can we fire our weapons?" Martok consulted Worf.

"Yes, but like them, we would be firing blindly.

"Do it."

Out of nowhere, two Jem'Hadar ships charged into the Badlands and were within firing range of the Klingons.

"Firing weapons array," Worf called out before the bridge started to shake violently. They took direct hits from both ships before being able to hit back at one of the enemy ships.

"Shields at 70%," a male Klingon cried out.

"Firing weapons again," Worf shouted. This time he targeted the weak spot Odo had shown him instantly destroying one of the ships.

"Shields at 40%." They took another direct hit from the remaining enemy ship.

"Make this one count, Worf," Martok yelled.

Worf had fired and destroyed the second ship but not in time before their ship took another hit and this time damaging it considerably.

"Losing power, General," the Klingon helmsman shouted.

The Klingon team could do nothing else but try to crash land the disabled ship on a nearby Class-L asteroid.

*****

"Fire!" the Ch'Tang's 2^nd officer ordered. They have arrived a minute too late to beam their comrades back on board. They tried to prevent the Jem'Hadar ships from entering the Badlands but was engaged by two allowing the other two to go after their comrades.

"Aim at their weak spot," O'Brien called out.

The Ch'Tang easily destroyed the Jem'Hadar ships.

"Aren't we going in after the other two?" O'Brien inquired.

The 2^nd officer nodded. "Try to find where they are," he replied. The search proved futile given that their sensors were useless against the plasma storms. After hours of searching, the 2^nd officer decided to give up the search.

"You can't just give up," O'Brien objected. "General Martok and his crew are still in here somewhere. They may need our help."

"If they are still alive, they will find their way out of the Badlands," the 2^nd officer replied, seemingly unconcerned about his comrades.

O'Brien was going to object again but backed down when the Klingon growled at him. He could do nothing but scowl as the Ch'Tang set course to return to DS9.

*****

"Captain, Jem'Hadar and Cardassian ships approaching," Kira announced.

"Any sign of General Martok and the rest?"

"No," Jadzia replied scanning her console.

All right, Colonel, you're in charge of DS9. Dax, you're my first officer on the Defiant. Assemble the team at once."

"Yes, Captain."

The Defiant quickly moved to engage the enemy ships. Two Klingon ships attacked from the rear, one being the Tr'kai returning from Cardassia.

"Target their weak points," Sisko ordered. All the Jem'Hadar ships were quickly destroyed leaving Damar and his Cardassian ships.

"It's an ambush!" Damar said disgustedly. "Retreat!"

"You can't retreat," Dukat objected dejectedly. "We are so close and there are only 3 ships against us."

As if on cue, Romulan warbirds uncloaked behind the Defiant.

*****

"Captain, four Romulan warbirds have drop cloak behind us," Nog informed the bridge crew.

"Here comes the cavalry," Sisko grinned, watching the Cardassian ships retreat. "Hail the Klingon ship Tr'kai." Jadzia quickly opened a comm channel to the Tr'kai and nodded when they responded.

"On screen," Sisko told Jadzia.

Odo and Garak came into view. "Captain, I'm pleased to inform you that our mission was successful," Garak said with a grin.

"I'm glad. I hope you've kept our guest comfortable. Bring her to the Infirmary immediately. And try not to bump into the Romulans on your way." Sisko turned to Jadzia again and asked her to hail the Romulan ships. The Romulan commander came into view.

"Captain," he greeted Sisko. "You can thank me later for intimidating the Cardassians away."

"You came just in time," Sisko replied.

"We were on our way to Trelka Five to aid Federation troops there. Would you need more assistance to guard DS9?"

"No," Sisko replied, careful not to sound dismissive.

"Very well." The Romulan warbirds raised their cloaks and proceeded to their destination.

*****

"That was close," Julian said.

"Yes," Jadzia answered before wincing in pain.

"Jadzia, are you all right?" Clearly she was in great pain. She looked pleadingly into Julian's eyes. He understood almost immediately. "It's time."

"It can't be. Worf's not back yet. He promised to be back and be by my side when the baby comes."

"Well, the baby isn't waiting any longer. I'm sure Worf will be back soon."

The Defiant headed back to DS9 as fast it could. Jadzia was rushed to the Infirmary where she began her delivery. The baby's cry for life was music to her ears.

"It's a baby girl," Julian announced.

A tired Jadzia looked at her baby with tears of joy in her eyes. "She's beautiful," Julian said, tilting the baby so she could see.

"I wished Worf was here to see her," she said weakly.

"What would you name her?"

"Ka'riza."

*****

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