Part III

The helpless Jem'Hadar ship carrying General Martok, Worf and several Klingons crashed on the asteroid. The support beams in the bridge collapsed pinning several including Worf. When things settled down, General Martok rose to his feet to survey the damage. He felt fear seeing Worf's unconscious body.

"General, we must leave this ship," the Klingon helmsman indicated.

"Help me free Worf and get him out."

"General, he is dead."

"No! He is not dead."

"He will not survive, General," another Klingon said.

"HIlob," Martok hissed. Obey me.

Obediently the two Klingons helped Martok free Worf and get him out of the ship. On the asteroid's surface they located a cavern where they could stay. Seven Klingons survived the crash and one was unconscious.

"General, you must perform Hegh'bat," the female Klingon suggested. "Worf is no longer capable of facing his enemies. He is already dead."

"HitlhochQo'," Martok warned the young Klingon, drawing his mek'leth. Don't contradict me.

"General, it is our way," the Klingon helmsman countered. Martok made swift movements throwing off the young Klingon to the ground and pinning him with the mek'leth.

"Worf, is not dead. You may just die ahead of him."

"Yes, General," the helmsman answered feebly. Martok released him and looked at the rest.

"I made a promise to Jadzia Dax that Worf would return to DS9. I intend to keep my word."

The young Klingons all were baffled by this. It was not their way as warriors to tend to the wounded. But they all knew that a Klingon's promise was never broken.

Martok walked over to where Worf's unconscious body lay. "Worf, qaQan. Now don't make me break my promise to Jadzia." I protect you.

*****

Odo and Garak had taken the female Changeling to the Infirmary when they arrived. After Julian had taken a scan of her, she was taken to a holding cell.

"Why are you doing this?" she asked Odo.

"I am trying to help you," Odo replied.

"Help me? You can help me by returning with me. Come back and join us. We are your people."

"I know about the disease afflicting the Founders."

The female Changeling was somewhat surprised that he knew about this. "Weyoun-6 told you?"

"Yes. Dr. Bashir thinks that he can find a cure."

"Weyoun-6 was unable to find a cure for us. What makes you think your humanoid doctor can?"

"If anyone can, he can."

"Odo," Kira called, entering the room.

"Why do you keep him here?" the female Changeling asked Kira. "You are not one of us."

"She is not keeping me here," Odo corrected. "I choose to stay here because I love her. I suggest you rest. You don't look well. I'll return soon."

The female Changeling was having a difficult time retaining her solid form. She was far too weak to break out of the holding cell as well. All she could do was sit and wait. "Weyoun-7 will launch an attack soon," she thought comfortingly not knowing that the rescue mission had already failed.

*****

"Thank you, Odo," Kira gushed.

"I mean it, Nerys."

"I know," she replied, kissing him. "Do you want to go see Jadzia in the Infirmary? She has just given birth."

*****

"The Ch'Tang has docked, Captain," an ensign informed him.

"Good." Sisko left Ops to meet the returning crew at the airlock.

"Captain Sisko, the Jem'Hadar shipyard was completely destroyed," the 2^nd officer of the Ch'Tang proudly announced.

"Good, congratulations. Chief, welcome back."

O'Brien's grim face told Sisko that something was wrong.

"Why the long face?"

"General Martok and Worf are not with us."

"What?" Sisko turned to the Klingon standing beside him. "What happened?"

"They were killed in battle," the Klingon replied unaffectedly.

"You don't know that for certain," O'Brien objected.

The Klingon cursed him and stomped away.

"Tell me what happened?" Sisko inquired.

O'Brien told him what happened and how the 2^nd officer of the Ch'Tang had easily given up searching for General Martok, Worf and the other Klingons.

"Two Jem'Hadar ships you say?" Sisko asked grimly.

"Yes. There's still a chance they may have made it."

"We'll find them. Chief, is there a way the sensors can detect them in the plasma storms?"

"It would be difficult. I'll see what I can do Captain."

"Good, do that."

"What are you going to tell Jadzia?"

"I don't know yet," Sisko said, knowing that it would break her heart to hear that Worf was possibly dead. "Let me worry about that. You worry about finding a way to determine their location in the Badlands."

"It'll be like finding a needle in a haystack, but I'll do my best."

*****

"She's so beautiful." Ezri was cradling Ka'riza in her arms.

Jadzia beamed watching them. She had just come home with the baby minutes ago. Ezri had helped her settle in.

"Enter," she intoned when the chime rang.

"Hello, we've come to see the baby," Kira told Jadzia.

"Oh, and I thought you came to see me," Jadzia teased.

"Congratulations, Commander," Odo greeted.

"Yes, congratulations," Kira seconded. "What's her name?"

"Ka'riza," Ezri answered for Jadzia.

"Lovely name. I'm sure Worf would love it, too."

*****

Jadzia had laid Ka'riza in her crib after Ezri, Kira and Odo had left. "Your father will be home soon," she told her sleepy daughter. She touched Ka'riza's baby-smooth skin and hummed a Trill song her own mother had sung to her as a child. Soon enough, the baby was contentedly asleep.

The chime rang again and Jadzia left the baby's room to see who it was. Jadzia let Sisko in and proudly showed him her sleeping Ka'riza.

"Would you like to hold her?" Jadzia offered.

"No, let her sleep. She needs her rest because soon enough she'd be a dynamo."

Jadzia remembered how worn out Dax's previous hosts were when the children started walking and getting into little mischief. Sisko motioned Jadzia to follow him into the living room. "Jadzia," he said hesitantly once they were in the living room.

"What is it Benjamin?"

"The Ch'Tang has returned," he started to relate.

"Oh good. Where is Worf? He'd be ecstatic to see Ka'riza."

There was a long silence that hung between them. Jadzia was worried. "Benjamin, where is Worf?"

"The 2^nd officer of the Ch'Tang claims that they were killed in the Badlands," he said sadly.

"No!" Jadzia cried out. "This can't be happening. He promised to return to me and our baby." Jadzia was so unnerved by the news she broke down and cried.

"Jadzia," Sisko tried to comfort her. "There may still be a chance that they are alive. Chief O'Brien is working on the sensors to be able to track them down. We'll launch a search and rescue mission as soon as things settle down. I promise you we'll do all we can to find them."

Jadzia nodded feebly and stopped crying. "I'd like to be alone," she finally said.

"Are you sure?" Sisko was not about to leave her this vulnerable.

"Yes, I'm fine. I need some rest, I'll see you in the morning."

"I'll ask Julian to come see you later."

"It's not necessary."

"I insist," Sisko persisted. "You shouldn't be alone. I'm sure Dr. Bashir feels the same way."

"All right."

After Sisko had left, Jadzia entered Ka'riza's room, lifted her out of the crib and walked over to sit on the recliner nearby. "If Worf had died in the Badlands, Ka'riza is all I have of him," she thought. That and the wonderful memories of the past few months. She stifled her tears not wanting to disturb her sleeping daughter laying contentedly on her chest. "No, he's not dead," she thought, pulling herself out of her misery. "I'll find him for us, Ka'riza. You will enjoy many years learning about Klingon tradition from him."

*****

All the senior officers were in the wardroom planning the search for Worf and the other Klingons when Jadzia arrived at Ops. All eyes turned to her when she entered the wardroom.

"Jadzia," Julian was first to speak. "You should be resting."

"I'm fine Julian. I've asked Leeta to watch over Ka'riza. Are you planning the search for General Martok and his crew?" She had not mentioned Worf trying hard to hide her personal interest.

"Yes," Kira replied.

After the mission was laid out and each assigned a task, the meeting was adjourned. Everyone filed out leaving Sisko and Jadzia.

"Captain, I want to be part of the mission."

"Jadzia," Sisko said warily, noting that she addressed him as Captain. "Let us handle this."

"No," she insisted. "I can do this. Let me take the Defiant. Please, Benjamin."

"You know why I don't want you to do this. I'm afraid that you'll be thinking about Worf and become careless."

"Benjamin, let me do this," she pleaded. "I need to do something. I can't just sit around here and wait."

"Think about Ka'riza."

"I am thinking about her. I want her to grow up with her father. I want her to learn Klingon tradition from him and not me." Jadzia had that determined look on her face that Sisko knew so well. "If you don't let me be on this mission, I can go on my own and I don't care if you court martial me," she added.

"Very well," Sisko conceded. "You'll be in charge of the Defiant."

"Thank you, Benjamin. I won't let you down. We'll find General Martok and his crew."

"Be careful, Old Man."

*****

The Defiant undocked from DS9 and was heading out to the Badlands to the coordinates of the rendezvous point. Jadzia sat stoically in the command chair as Nog plotted the course for the ship. Ezri, Leeta and Nerys had all volunteered to take turns taking care of Ka'riza while she searched for Worf.

"Commander, we're ready to go," Nog informed her.

"Maximum warp, Nog."

"Should we raise shields?"

"No. We'll go cloaked." Jadzia turned to look at O'Brien. "Chief, are the sensors ready?"

"Yes, Commander. I think the adjustments I've made to the sensors can filter out the plasma fields adequately."

"Good. It's now or never."

*****

The Defiant entered the Badlands on yellow alert and started its sensor sweeps. "Anything?" Jadzia asked.

"There's still a lot of interference," O'Brien told her, setting off to work to fine tune the sensors.

"There, I think I've got it Commander."

Jadzia got up and looked at the console over his shoulders. "Yes, it's working. Now all we need is a sign from them."

Hours had passed and they saw nothing. O'Brien kept tweaking at the sensors trying to squeeze every ounce of sensitivity he could get.

Then out of nowhere they saw a beacon signal.

"What kind is it?" Jadzia asked with anticipation.

"It looks like a Jem'Hadar one. It's hard to say. Do you think it's them?" O'Brien tried to discern. "Will the Jem'Hadar send a beacon up like that?"

"No. I don't think they would. There's only two reasons why that beacon is there. Either Martok or one of the Klingons put it there or the Jem'Hadar are baiting us. Can you scan life signs on the asteroid's surface?"

"No, too much interference from the asteroid's magnetic flux," O'Brien replied. "We're barely able to filter the plasma fields. Should we go see for ourselves?"

"Worth a shot. But we'd have to be careful. If it's a Jem'Hadar bait, we're in big trouble." Jadzia returned to the command chair. "Nog, set a course for that asteroid where the beacon is. Red alert."

"Yes, Commander."

Arriving at the asteroid, they waited for any indication of a Jem'Hadar attack. None was forthcoming.

"I think we could assume that it's all clear," O'Brien said at length.

"Chief, take some ensigns with you on the shuttlecraft and check the asteroid's surface. At the first sign of trouble, I want you out of there."

"Yes, Commander."

"Chief, I hope you find them." Jadzia called after him.

"I'll try my best. If they're down there, I won't leave without them."

*****

The Defiant's shuttlecraft landed on a clearing. Chief O'Brien and several ensigns armed themselves with phaser rifles before they ventured out to search for the Klingons.

"Now remember, keep your eyes and ears peeled. The Jem'Hadar soldiers can come out of nowhere."

O'Brien used his tricorder to locate where the beacon signal was coming from. The team was almost there when a phaser fire passed between them.

"Take cover," O'Brien shouted to the ensigns. He hated being in the line of fire. He heard a discernible Klingon voice rumble on the other side. "General Martok?" he shouted.

"Chief?" Martok shouted back, recognizing O'Brien's voice.

Slowly both sides came out of hiding.

"Chief," Martok repeated, clasping O'Brien's arm roughly. "It is good to see you! I knew Captain Sisko would come and find us."

"Captain Sisko isn't here," O'Brien informed him. "Commander Dax is leading this search and rescue mission."

"Jadzia?" Martok inquired.

"Yes, she wouldn't rest until she found you … all of you," O'Brien said, looking at the other Klingons who were exchanging looks among themselves. He did not see Worf among the assembled Klingons. "Where's Worf?" he asked tentatively, fearing the answer to his question would be that Worf had not survived the crash.

"He is in the cavern," Martok replied. "He was injured during the crash."

"Well, let's get everyone to the shuttlecraft," O'Brien ordered. "Let's go get Worf," he told Martok.

The two Klingons who have initially suggested Martok perform hegh'bat voluntarily went to carry Worf to the shuttlecraft. They both thought that it was the least they could do to thank Jadzia for relentlessly searching for them in the Badlands.

*****

"Chief, I think you should delay reporting Worf's condition to Jadzia."

O'Brien agreed. He understood what Martok meant. Jadzia had her hands full and should not be concerned with Worf. The Klingons were brought to sickbay when they arrived on the Defiant. Julian was shocked to see Worf's immobile body. "What happened?" he asked Martok.

"He was pinned down by a beam when the Jem'Hadar ship crashed."

"I'll have him up in no time," Julian said, setting off to work. The nurse in sickbay started mending the other Klingons including Martok while O'Brien headed to the bridge.

*****

"Shuttlecraft secure," Nog informed Jadzia.

"Good. Take us out of here ensign." Jadzia was relieved to know that part of their mission was complete. She just hoped that they could make it to DS9 with no further hitches. She was tapping on her console, debating on whether she should call and see how Worf was doing. Her debate ended when O'Brien entered the bridge.

"I gather your rescue mission was successful?"

"Seven Klingon warriors on board Commander. They're a bit grumpy for being thrown about in the Jem'Hadar ship when they crashed." O'Brien tried hard not to let Jadzia catch on that Worf was in bad shape.

"Well, soon we'll be back on DS9 and they can sing about their gallant effort of destroying the Jem'Hadar shipyard. Ooh, I just hope I don't have to drink too much bloodwine."

*****

Julian had Worf beamed immediately to the Infirmary when they arrived at DS9 hours later. He was quite worried that Worf had not regained consciousness. All his internal organs were working thanks to brak'lul, the redundancy in Klingon physiology. But Worf had somehow fallen into a coma due to his concussion. He placed neural stimulators on Worf's forehead hoping it would rouse him. Now all he could do was wait.

Jadzia was still on the Defiant's bridge when General Martok got there.

"Jadzia," Martok bellowed. "I thank you for coming to get us."

"It was my pleasure, General," she replied. "I believe you and Worf would be singing all night about your successful mission. Just don't keep us out too late. I have a surprise waiting for him at home."

Jadzia had not noticed that Martok had fallen silent.

"Jadzia," Martok said slowly.

"Where's Worf?"

"He was badly injured when we crashed on the asteroid."

Jadzia's eyes went blank when she heard this.

"Jadzia, I had asked Chief O'Brien not to mention this because I did not want it to interfere with your duty."

"Where is he?"

"He is in the Infirmary."

Jadzia leapt to her feet and headed to the Infirmary as fast she could. She wanted to know how Worf was.

*****

"How is he Julian?"

"All his vital signs are strong but he is still unconscious. He has fallen into a coma. I have placed neural stimulators to snap him out of it."

"Is he going to make it?" Jadzia asked, frightened she would lose him after all.

"I can't say. All we can do is wait."

"Can I see him?"

"Go ahead."

*****

Jadzia sat next to Worf's biobed holding his hand. She was not counting the hours that passed hoping that any minute he would open his eyes. She bravely fought the urge to cry knowing that it would do no good.

"Worf," she whispered. "Don't make me a widow. Not now, not yet."

Sisko came in and gently tapped her shoulder.

"He has to make it Benjamin. He has to."

"He will," Sisko assured her. "He has good reasons to and two of them are here on the station."

Jadzia looked up and it suddenly dawned on her what could possibly help Worf.

"Thanks Benjamin. You have just given me a brilliant idea."

"What is that?"

"A way to reach out to Worf."

*****

It was Kira's turn to babysit Ka'riza. She had done it many times before with Kirayoshi and felt that she was quickly becoming an aunt to a growing number of children. She was gently swaying Ka'riza when Jadzia entered.

"Hello there," Kira greeted Jadzia. "You have got a very adorable little daughter."

"Thanks," Jadzia replied, beaming with pride. "I hope it wasn't too much trouble."

"No, not at all. I quite enjoyed caring for her. Here you go." Kira gently handed Ka'riza over to Jadzia. "I heard about Worf. I'm sure he'll be up in no time. If you need a babysitter, anytime at all …"

"Yes," Jadzia acknowledge with a smile. "Ka'riza has her Aunt Nerys. Thanks again."

"Ok, I think I'll leave you two now. Just call me if you need me."

"I will."

After Kira had left, Jadzia told Ka'riza that they had found Worf. Ka'riza waved her little balled fists as if to cheer her father's return. Jadzia laughed at Ka'riza's reaction. "You and me both are glad he's back."

*****

Jadzia arrived at the Infirmary with Ka'riza in her arms. Ezri was first to speak. "Jadzia, what are you doing here? You should be resting."

"Ka'riza should be resting, too," Julian added, seeing the baby in Jadzia's arms.

"I know. I won't be here too long. I just wanted to introduce Ka'riza to her father."

Julian was about to comment how futile that would be given Worf's condition but Ezri picked up quickly what Jadzia was trying to do. "That's a good idea," Ezri said. "Children have a great way of bonding with their parents simply by being near them."

Jadzia smiled and took Ka'riza into the inner room. "Worf, my love, I know you can hear me. I want you to know that our baby is here. I've named her Ka'riza and she's as beautiful as we imagined our baby would be. I'm sure she would grow up just as honorable and courageous as you." She waited for some indication that he heard her before placing Ka'riza on Worf's chest. "Ka'riza, this is your father." The baby wobbly lifted her head, seemingly trying to get a better look of her father. Jadzia almost cried seeing this touching scene between father and daughter.

"Jadzia," Ezri called from behind. "Julian would like you to go home and rest. We'll look after him in the meantime. And you'll be the first to know if anything changes."

"All right," Jadzia acceded, lifting her daughter. "The minute he awakes …"

"We'll let you know," Ezri assured her.

*****

Jadzia awoke to the sound of crying from the other room. She swiftly got up, knowing that Ka'riza was hungry and needed a change. "There you go," she said, expertly taking care of Ka'riza. Before long, she had hummed her baby back to sleep. She watched for a moment at her daughter's contented care-free face before going to get her own breakfast. She was sipping her raktajino when her door chime rang.

"Enter," she intoned, walking toward the door. "General Martok."

"Jadzia," Martok greeted her. "Captain Sisko told me about your daughter. May I see her?"

"She's asleep right now. But you may see her."

Jadzia led Martok to see Ka'riza. Martok beamed with pride. "Worf would be very proud." A short silence hung between them as both thought of Worf. "He will be all right Jadzia."

"Thanks for bringing him back home," Jadzia said. She knew that Martok had defied Klingon tradition for bringing back Worf.

"I made a promise that he would return to you, I just did not think it would be like this," Martok said sadly. "Two of my officers had asked me to perform hegh'bat but I would not hear of it."

"I know," Jadzia replied, knowing how difficult it was for him not to perform the ritual suicide on Worf. "I would understand if you did it because Worf could no longer stand and fight his enemies but I'm grateful that you did not. You have returned him to us and given him a fighting chance to live. All we can do now is wait for him to regain consciousness."

Martok had no words left to say. He just hoped that Worf pulled through.

*****

When Jadzia arrived at the Infirmary, Julian was busily running analytic scans on the female Changeling and Odo's morphogenic matrices. He had spent the entire night searching for answers to what was causing the disease on the Founders. He knew he had limited knowledge of Changeling physiology but hoped to find some clue as to how to cure the disease.

"Hello Julian," Jadzia greeted him.

"Oh, hello Jadzia," Julian replied a bit startled. "Is it morning already?"

Jadzia nodded. "Now it's my turn to tell you to go get some rest."

Julian nodded meekly. "Don't you have to be at Ops?" he asked before leaving.

"No, not today. Kira is taking my shift and Leeta is watching over Ka'riza for me so I can be here. Has there been any change?"

Julian shook his head sadly. "I wish I could do more for him."

"I know," Jadzia whispered. "Have you found anything new about what's ailing the Founders?" she asked, changing the subject. She looked at what he was working on.

"No, I just can't seem to find anything. It's similar to when Odo was having trouble maintaining his density. And yet it is different. I'm really boggled."

"May I take a look?"

"Sure, you're more than welcome," he replied a bit puzzled by her request.

"It will give me something to do while I'm here," she explained.

Shortly after Julian left, Ezri popped in. "Hello Jadzia. Is Julian here?"

"You just missed him."

"Oh," Ezri whispered with a hint of disappointment.

"Were you suppose to have breakfast with him?"

"Oh no, it's just that … well, I …"

Jadzia waited with a smile while Ezri struggled to come up with an excuse. "You know, I always tried to find an excuse to see Worf when we were just friends," she confided. "Whether it be a Klingon opera or a calisthenics exercise, I'd be happy just to be able to have him all to myself. That's where my knowledge of Klingon culture came in handy. But I take it you two are past the 'just being friends' stage?"

Ezri blushed. "He's such a sweet person."

"Have you told Nerys? The last time I talked with her, she was planning to introduce you to a certain Bajoran officer."

"I've completely forgotten about that," Ezri said, crinkling her nose.

"Well, I think she's picked up hints of you and Julian by now. So, is there anything else I can help you with?"

"No," Ezri said as she prepared to leave. "Has there been any change in Worf's condition?"

Jadzia shook her head.

"Do you want company?"

"No, I'm fine. Besides, I have work to do."

*****

Jadzia was absorbed looking at her PADD that she did not notice a slight movement from Worf. She stood up trying to get her circulation back. When she turned to look at him, she noticed his hand shift. She rushed to his side and held his hand. Slowly Worf opened his eyes.

"Hello, my love," she greeted him sweetly.

Worf stared blankly at her. It took him a moment to focus his eyes at what was before him. "Where am I?" he finally managed to say.

"You're on DS9," she answered tentatively, reaching for a tricorder and scanning Worf's vital signs. "Do you know who I am, Worf?"

"You are my doctor," he answered. Worf saw Jadzia's eyes widen. He reached for her hand and smiled. "You are my par'machkai."

Jadzia sighed with relief. "Don't scare me like that, Worf," she said, punching him lightly on his shoulder. "For a moment there I thought you had no recollection of who you were or who I was."

"How could I forget you?"

"You'd better not," she teased.

"How did I get here? The last thing I remember was when we went into the Badlands to avoid the Jem'Hadar ships. We took a direct hit and the ship lost power forcing us to crash on one of the asteroids." Worf concentrated hard trying to recall what happened next.

"We went on a search and rescue mission to find you on the Defiant. We found you , General Martok and the other Klingon survivors. General Martok told me how he would not leave you behind nor perform hegh'bat." Jadzia sat next to him on the biobed stroking his broad shoulders.

"He has a right to do so," Worf explained.

"Yes, I know. But I'm glad he did not go through with it. I don't think I want to find you only to learn that I've lost you forever."

"Jadzia, I am sorry for scaring you like that. I hope it does not affect your pregnancy."

"Worf, my love, I'm no longer pregnant. Which reminds me, this is the very first time you have broken your promise to me."

Worf looked at her quizzically, slow to perceive what she was getting at.

"You promised to be by my side when our baby arrives," she continued.

"You've given birth?" Worf stated the obvious.

"Yes, she's very beautiful Worf."

"A daughter?" he inquired.

Jadzia nodded. "You aren't disappointed are you?"

"No," he replied thoughtfully. "No," he repeated with more conviction. "I have a son and now I have a daughter. You have made my life complete." He raised his right hand and cupped her left cheek. "I did not mean to miss her arrival," he said remorsefully.

Jadzia pressed her index finger on his lips. "I know. And I'm sure Ka'riza doesn't mind."

"Ka'riza?"

"Yes, that's her name. I hope you don't mind that I named her that."

"It s a beautiful name. Where is she now?" There was a glint in Worf's eyes as he imagined what their baby looked like.

"She's at home. Leeta is watching over her while I'm here watching over you. I could go get her."

"No, it can wait. When can I go home?"

"Well, I think you can go now. But let's wait until Julian returns."

"Jadzia," he started to protest. Klingons hated being confined to sickbay. But Jadzia silenced him with a kiss.

*****

"Odo," Kira called him as she entered his quarters.

"Hello Nerys," he greeted cheerily.

"Have you seen the female Changeling?"

"Yes," he admitted. "I talked with her about the Founders and the Great Link. I could not convince her that there is nothing to fear from humanoids, or as she prefers to call them solids."

"I think that centuries of distrust can't easily be put aside."

"I suppose so," he agreed ruefully. " If Dr. Bashir is successful in finding a cure for the Founders' disease, perhaps we can bridge the gap."

Kira nodded sympathetically. "I'm sure Julian can figure something out."

"It should be soon. Before the Dominion can launch an attack to rescue her."

"The destruction of the Jem'Hadar shipyard has bought us some time."

Odo crossed his arms across his chest. "For how long?"

"Come on Odo, stop being pessimistic." Kira moved closer to him.

"Perhaps you are right," Odo brightened up a bit.

*****

Weyoun-7 was beside himself with anger when Damar returned without the female Founder.

"How could you fail?" he demanded in a huff.

"I had no choice," Damar defended himself. "It was an ambush. They knew we would come charging to overtake the Klingon ship that took her. The Klingons, Romulans and the Defiant were waiting for us. The fleet of Jem'Hadar ships you sent with me were all destroyed. My fleet of Cardassian ships barely even escaped."

"We must launch another attack," Weyoun-7 insisted. "We must rescue the Founder."

"We'll need more ships first," Damar replied.

*****

"How's the patient doing?" Julian asked as he entered the Infirmary.

"He's been asking when he could be allowed to go home since he woke up," Jadzia replied pleasantly.

"Well Worf, I think you're ready to go home," Julian declared.

"Thank you doctor."

"Thanks Julian," Jadzia seconded.

Worf got up a bit wobbly on his feet at first but quickly regained his balance. Julian watched as the two left. He was pleased that Worf had reawakened from his coma. "They both deserved a chance to enjoy having a family amid this war," he thought. He took one last look out the door before turning to his console to work further on solving the mystery of the Founder's disease.

*****

"Oh hello Jadzia," Leeta greeted her, catching a glimpse of Worf behind her. "Commander Worf, welcome back."

"How's Ka'riza?"

"She's doing fine but I think she needs a change soon."

"May I see her," Worf interrupted.

"Of course, Worf," Jadzia replied.

"Well, I'll leave you now," Leeta excused herself.

"Thank you, Leeta," Jadzia said gratefully. "I don't know how I would have managed without your help."

"Oh, think nothing of it. I enjoyed watching over her. She's such an adorable baby."

After Leeta had left, Jadzia followed Worf into Ka'riza's room. Worf was bent over Ka'riza's crib with his thumb firmly gripped by her small hand.

"She is a strong child," Worf said, looking up at Jadzia. "I wish I was here when you gave birth," he continued ruefully.

"Worf, the important thing is you're here now," she assured him. "But if it would make you feel any better, then I'm assigning you to changing duties."

"I accept," he replied resoundingly, grinning from ear to ear.

*****

Admiral Ross arrived at DS9 unannounced. Kira hid her surprise when she saw him arrive at Ops and proceed to Captain Sisko's office. She signaled one of the officer on-duty to take her post as she headed off to find Odo.

"Odo, Admiral Ross is here," she told him.

"Here? Why? Do you think he knows that we have the female Changeling on the station?"

"I don't know yet. He went to see Captain Sisko."

"He should not find out," Odo said with concern.

"Don't worry Odo. I came here not to alarm you but just to let you know what's up. I would've just told you over my combadge but I thought it necessary to tell you in person."

"Thank you, Nerys," Odo replied, smiling at the woman he loved.

"Well, I'd better get back to Ops before anyone misses me."

*****

"Admiral Ross," Sisko greeted him as he entered. "What a surprise to see you."

"Let's cut to the chase shall we?"

Sisko raised his eyebrow inquisitively.

"I've heard about your covert mission," Admiral Ross stated.

"What covert mission?" Sisko asked, feigning ignorance.

"The mission to destroy the Jem'Hadar shipyard. I've convinced Starfleet to let this one slide. Benjamin, we are in one team you know. You must inform us of your plans."

"Oh," Sisko replied, relieved to learn that the real secret mission had not been discovered. "I couldn't wait, I had to act while the iron was hot."

"What's your next move? Now that the Dominion-Cardassian alliance is weakened, we can push the Dominion further if not back to the Gamma Quadrant and quell the Cardassians."

"Admiral Ross," Sisko biding for time. "I don't think we have the fighting force to do that."

"Benjamin, this is the time to act!"

"So you want the Defiant to lead the attack?"

"Yes."

"How many more lives must we lose to this war?"

"We didn't start this war!"

"Yes, but perhaps we should find ways to end it," Sisko hinted.

"There is no reasoning with the Dominion. The only way to end this war is to destroy them. I don't think the Klingons can hold out much longer. The Romulans have remained on our side but if they should see the Federation's hesitation to act, they may just switch sides."

"They won't," Sisko guaranteed. "They've got far too much at stake now. Admiral, I think you should try convincing the Federation to find other ways to end this war."

"Is there something you are not telling me?" Admiral Ross inquired.

"Let's just say I've had a vision," Sisko said with a grin.

*****

Jadzia was headed to Ops when Kira caught up with her.

"Jadzia," Kira called her.

"Nerys, shouldn't you be at Ops?" Jadzia asked her friend.

"Yes, but I had to tell Odo that Admiral Ross is here."

"Here … do you think he knows that we have the female Changeling?" Jadzia asked in a whisper.

"I don't think so. Where's Worf?"

"Oh, he's babysitting today. You should see him with Ka'riza. He's just wonderful."

"I just can't imagine Worf taking care of a baby," Kira mused.

"Nerys!" Jadzia exclaimed. "How could you say that?"

"Oh, no offense. It's just that I always saw Worf as … well, I've just never seen the gentler side of him."

"Just because he doesn't show it as much doesn't mean he isn't," Jadzia replied.

They arrived at Ops in silence.

"Jadzia, I'm sorry," Kira apologized as they got off the turbolift.

"It's all right," Jadzia answered, turning to take one last look at Kira before heading to her station where Julian was waiting for her it seemed.

"Hello, Julian."

"Jadzia, I looked at what you were working on. Frankly, I make no sense of it."

"Oh, I was just tinkering with the idea that perhaps the problem wasn't biological but rather mathematical. I was running some multidimensional nonlinear mathematical analysis of the data you have when Worf woke up."

A flash of realization streaked across Julian's face. "You may be right. I must be concentrating on finding a compositional solution when perhaps it requires a mathematical solution. Can you continue with your analysis?"

"Sure, but it will take some time."

"Right about now, all I have is time."

*****

"So what you're saying is that you've found a mathematical cure to the Founders' disease," Sisko said, tapping on the PADD that Jadzia and Julian presented him.

"Well not exactly a cure," Jadzia replied. "More of an explanation to what is happening to them. I've been able to work out a set of differential equations based on the data that Julian has from both Odo and the female Changeling. Then I applied Chaos Theory which states that minor changes can cause huge fluctuations. My hypothesis is that each time a Changeling breaks from the Great Link, he or she uses this set of equations to define individuality; kind of like an attractor to gather up all the pieces. The fluctuations arise when a small change occurs, like when the separating Changeling takes a piece of another Changeling. Because that piece isn't naturally part of the Changeling, it tends to break away which explains why the female Changeling can not hold her form without consciously reconstructing herself."

Sisko was trying hard to comprehend the profound explanation he just heard. Seeing his confusion, Julian jumped in to explain further.

"What she means is that since the Changelings are not naturally solids, they have to construct themselves to take humanoid forms. But since they have pieces that aren't inherent to them, it makes it harder to retain solid form at longer periods of time than the regeneration cycle."

"So, they have to regenerate much sooner?" Sisko asked.

"Either that or be made aware to compensate for the difference," Jadzia answered. "Chaos Theory emphasizes on the overall behavior of a system thus giving predictability in an otherwise unstable system. I think with that knowledge, the Changelings can cure themselves."

"Are you sure it would work?" Sisko asked with concern.

"In theory, it should but it's hard to say for sure," she replied.

Sisko pondered on what his next move would be. It was quite obvious. "Well, I guess the best way to test your theory is to go to the Gamma Quadrant, Old Man," he said after considering his options. "Assemble all the senior officers in the wardroom in an hour."

"Aye, Captain."

*****

"Worf, what are you doing?" Jadzia asked, looking at father and daughter on the floor.

"I was teaching her how to crawl," he replied, getting up to his feet.

"She's a bit too young for that don't you think?" she asked as she went to pick up Ka'riza from the floor.

"It's never too early to teach her. Besides, she is quite strong enough I think."

"Worf, don't rush her," she warned.

"What are you doing home so early?" he asked, changing the subject.

"Oh, Benjamin has asked all senior officers to meet at the wardroom. I've already asked Leeta to babysit for us. Why don't you go on ahead and I'll join you as soon as she arrives."

Worf picked up his sash and slung it over his uniform. "What is this about?"

"You'll see."

*****

Jadzia waited expectantly for Leeta's arrival. She was not expecting Quark to be with her though.

"Quark," she greeted him when he entered after Leeta.

"Hello Jadzia, I brought this for your baby," he said, handing her a Ferengi baby rattle.

"Thanks, Quark. Oh, I don't think you've met Ka'riza. Ka'riza meet uncle Quark."

Quark took a look at the baby in her arms. He had been waiting for an opportune time to come see the baby. "She's beautiful. I'm glad she doesn't look like Worf."

"Quark!" Leeta gasped.

"It's all right, Leeta. Quark, she hasn't formed her ridges yet. She will as she grows up."

"I think you should be going," Leeta interrupted, taking Ka'riza from Jadzia's arms.

"Thanks for coming at such short notice. You know where everything is …"

"Yes, now go," Leeta nudged her out the door.

*****

"Commander, are you certain that will help?" Odo asked skeptically, looking at the equations on the viewscreen.

"Yes," Jadzia replied. "I suspect that due to the vast number of Changelings in the Great Link, there have been a degradation in individual composition of a Changeling when one separates from the link."

"Odo has joined the Great Link and yet he is not affected," Kira stated.

"Yes. But Odo was only there for a moment. And besides, at that time it was a limited link. He therefore did not disperse himself too much to have suffered any lasting effect."

"In other words, each time a Changeling separates from the Link the greater the chance of collecting the wrong pieces," Julian added.

"Captain, how can we be sure that once we have given them the 'cure' that the war would end?" Worf inquired.

"There are no guarantees, Mr. Worf. All we can do is lay down our cards at the poker table and hope we win with this hand. Colonel Kira, you're in charge of the station. Everyone else, prepare for a trip to the Gamma Quadrant."

"Won't the Jem'Hadar ships destroy us before we even find the Changelings?" O'Brien asked warily.

"We'll be taking the female Changeling as our insurance of safe passage. Chief, I need you to make adjustments on the Defiant to prevent them from transporting her off the ship."

"Aye, Captain," O'Brien acknowledged. "I can keep a transporter lock on her at all times."

"Captain, is it wise to take all senior officers on this mission?" Worf asked warily.

Sisko knew what prompted this from his Strategic Operations Officer. "I need everyone for this mission," he replied. "I'm sure Colonel Kira can hold down the fort while we're away. Anything else?" Sisko took one look around the room. "All right then, we leave tomorrow at 0800."

*****

Odo went to see the female Changeling after the meeting. He tried not to give away much of the plan as he spoke with her. She was not at all confident that his friends were really doing this to help.

"Why would they help us?" she challenged Odo.

"Because they want this war to end."

"Odo, have you been so blinded that you do not see what they really are planning. They want to destroy us! All solids are our enemies!"

"No, not all," Odo defended his friends. "I think it is time to put aside our differences and end this war."

"Why should we?" she asked condescendingly. "Odo, I do not see why you continually refuse to accept who you are. You are one of us, you must join us."

"I do not refuse to accept who I am. I just think that what you are doing is unjust."

"And what the solids did to us was just?" she countered angrily.

"You can't judge all solids by whatever it was that some had done in the past," he reasoned.

"You are much too young to understand."

Odo saw that it was a futile effort to convince her that his friends were sincerely helping. He walked away dejected. At the corridor, he saw Kira.

"Hello Odo," Kira greeted him. "I was just on my way to see you. What's wrong?"

Odo shook his head slowly.

"You talked with her?"

"Yes," he replied. "But I could not convince her that we are trying to help. She is convinced that Captain Sisko and the rest are planning to destroy the Great Link."

"Maybe we can convince the other Changelings," Kira said optimistically.

"I hope you are right."

*****

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