DESTINY

by Tess

Disclaimer: These characters belong to Viacom or Paramount or whomever. I've only borrowed them for a time to let them have an adventure, not for profit, of course.

This story is set after Ziyal died, but as it is pure fantasy, there are some changes: Jadzia is not dead and apparently some of the Next Generation characters had more fun than we ever realized.... To fully enjoy this story, let yourself believe in the possibilities... Now, put your seat backs up, lock your tray tables in place, and enjoy...

Comments welcome to: tess@medscape.com Be gentle...this is my first time.

 Part I : Sweet Anticipation

"I hate this dress uniform," Worf was pulling at his neckline, complaining to Jadzia.

"Hurry up! You look great" she cooed, patting him on the chest in a reassuring fashion. "Besides, it's not every day I get to see you in a dress!" Her laughter filled their quarters. Worf was not amused. He had never liked Star Fleet dress uniforms, but more than that, he was nervous about seeing her again. It had been many years since he had seen her, and their last meeting hadn't been pleasant.

"Come on!" Jadzia yelled. Worf finished preening in the mirror and chased after Dax, catching her in the hallway.

Jadzia Dax couldn't wait to see her. It wasn't every day she got to meet a woman who had been married to her husband before her! When word came that the Federation Ambassador to Vulcan was coming to negotiate the latest treaty between Bajor and Cardassia, Dax was only mildly interested That was until she realized that the Ambassador to Vulcan was her own husband Worf's former wife - Deanna Troi. She had seen pictures of Troi in the computer files, but was totally unprepared for the real thing. Everyone was unprepared.

The banquet hall was beautiful. Somehow Quark had managed to recreate a spring Betazed evening right there on DS9. There was even a slight breeze and the fleeting scent of gardenias in the air. He had really outdone himself. After all, he had much to gain by the peace that Troi could bring, or the war that would ensue if Troi failed.

The Cardassian presence on the station was unmistakable. Tensions had been high all week, with no hope of letting up anytime soon. Odo had been busy all week with the little skirmishes that inevitably broke out whenever Cardassians and Bajorans came together. Sisko felt the tension, too. It had been a long week and until Troi was finished and gone, there would be no time to relax.

Gul Dukat resented having to be on DS9, to be where he had lost everything, including his very sanity. He resented having to follow orders again, rather than give them. Most of all, he resented having to be nice. He'd been polite all week to the DS9 crew, even trying on occasion to be nice to Kai Winn. He had resigned himself to life without Ziyal, and these treaty negotiations afforded him the opportunity to prove himself again to his commanding officers. If he was successful with these negotiations, he would assure himself command of the Second Order again. Clearly this was a test to see just how sane he was! The doctors on Cardassia had tried, but the responsibility was all his. He therefore had to try. He just wished this negotiating was over. He wasn't sure how much longer he could be nice.

When Jadzia and Worf entered the banquet room, Jadzia quickly scanned the crowd for Troi. There was no sign of her. They saw Miles and Keiko O'Brien and greeted them eagerly.

"Is she here yet?" Jadzia asked, never taking her eyes off of the crowd.

"Not yet. Calm down" Keiko replied. "She's a very nice person, really," Keiko reassured her friend.

"Oh, it's not just nerves. I'm really excited about meeting her." Jadzia accepted a glass of champagne from Worf and continued, leaning in toward Keiko. "I just can't wait to see how she looks... and acts... I mean, her mother is so....flamboyant!" The two women laughed at that, leaving Miles and Worf standing there, uncomfortable in their attire. The small orchestra was playing in one corner of the room, so that Miles and Worf couldn't hear exactly what their wives were laughing about. Despite their disparate cultures, they both knew that men and woman reacted differently to Deanna; some women liked her, but men always loved her. They were relieved when joined by Captain Sisko and Major Kira.

Things were tense, but Benjamin Sisko always enjoyed gatherings with flowers, music, champagne, and people. Ever since Jake had gone to live on Earth, he had been terribly lonely. He told himself (and Dax, his confidant), that was why he had been trying to help Dukat back to a reasonable level of mental health. The truth was probably more that he had fought with and against Dukat for so long that he didn't know how to get along without him. He and Dukat were locked in the eternal struggle between good and evil, with both of them changing places on that scale from time to time.

Dukat drank the champagne, wishing it was kanar instead.

//When I ran this station, we had better liquor!// he scoffed to himself.

Kai Winn had refused to attend if there had been anything stronger than champagne, which she had objected to, before Sisko told her it was a Federation custom and was not up for debate. The Kai had not come to the reception yet, Dukat noticed with some relief. She was such an obnoxious old woman and he was at least grateful to have a little time free of her tonight. His mood soured.

//Dammit, where is this Troi? I just have to meet her, then I can get out of here!//

All of these people here - some he had never seen before - laughing and talking and having a good time just a few hundred feet from where he had lost his daughter, his future, his reason for living. It was almost too much.

//Come on, Troi. Let's get this over with!//

He cursed the air.

A signal went to the orchestra, which began to play the Federation anthem. The door opened and in walked Deanna Troi, Federation Ambassador to Vulcan, former wife of Admiral William T. Riker and mother of his two children, former wife of Commander Worf, daughter of Lwaxana Troi, thereby Betazed royalty herself, and the most beautiful creature any of the guests had ever seen. An audible gasp went through the crowd like a ripple on a pond as awareness of her presence filtered to every corner of the crowded room. One of the musicians strained to see her and missed the beat, losing concentration upon catching just a glimpse of her sweet face. The missed beat caught the attention of Gul Dukat, who had been leaning against the window, not wishing to mingle. When he heard the error, he laughed to himself, wondering if the musician knew he could have been executed on Cardassia for that mistake. It was then that he saw her. For the first time in his life, Dukat was speechless.

Part II: Prince of Darkness

Deanna was really happy to be there. A real party - with so many people... some of whom she knew so well... and the perfect escape from her lonely existence on Vulcan. It had been too long, she told herself, as she approached Captain Sisko. Protocol required that she greet him first. He was a charming man and much different than she had expected. Will Riker had told her just the week before, as the Enterprise brought her from Vulcan to DS9, about how bitter Sisko had been towards Admiral Picard, whom he blamed for the death of his wife.

//Will must be a little out of touch. Sisko seems fine to me.//

She only sensed a small bit of sadness from Sisko as she took his arm.

Sisko had the pleasure of escorting Deanna and introducing her to all of the visitors, and he truly enjoyed this duty. He began with some dignitaries from Earth who had come to encourage the peace treaty they considered to be crucial to the survival of the quadrant. By the time they reached the crew members from DS9, Jadzia was about to jump out of her skin.

Upon seeing her old friends, Deanna briefly left Sisko's arm and hugged the closest one.

"Keiko! You are a sight for sore eyes! How are you?"

She grabbed Miles next and hugged him, too, as Keiko was telling her about the newest addition to their family. Next to Miles was Jadzia. Instinctively, Deanna took Jadzia's hand in her own and smiled warmly. Leaning forward in a gesture of true friendship offered, she said

"Ah, Jadzia! I've been so anxious to meet the woman who makes Worf truly happy. It's an honor to meet you."

Jadzia leaned toward the Ambassador, acknowledging her offer of friendship and smiled broadly.

"We have so much to talk about!"

Worf was next, and he had been watching her since she arrived. She was an amazing woman. He had once loved her, always admired her, and often hated her. Tonight, she was truly spectacular. He had never seen her more beautiful, confident and - there was something else - he couldn't tell just what was different. Five years of virtual solitude on Vulcan had changed her so much - she reminded him of the bubbles in the champagne that tickled his nose and upper lip, an annoyance, but fascinating and compelling at the same time. When Sisko and Troi were before him, all Troi said was his name, softly,

"Worf".

He replied in kind, then took her in his arms and hugged her tightly.

"I am glad you are here" he boomed.

The small group of old and new friends was joined by Major Kira, who had been keeping an eye on Dukat by the window. No one had told her to monitor him - she was just worried about his reaction to all of this happiness so close to where Ziyal had died. Kira felt it, too. It had been awhile, but she had loved Ziyal, also, and it was just too soon for all of this. She smiled to the O'Briens and said

"She's really something! Isn't she?"

No one had been expecting the pure joy that radiated from Deanna Troi. She made everyone she spoke to feel a little better. Her presence on DS9 was certainly going to change things.

Sisko approached Kira and got them two more glasses of champagne from a passing waiter. He had momentarily left Deanna chatting with Worf and the O'Briens. It seemed they had a lot to catch up on.

"Major, where have you been? And where is Kai Winn? Everything is going so well, I would hate for the Kai to spoil things. Not that she would intentionally do that."

Kira smiled. No one disliked Kai Winn more than she did, not Benjamin Sisko or even Gul Dukat, but she knew the Kai.

"Oh, she's probably waiting to make a grand entrance."

Kira couldn't have been closer to the truth. Kai Winn was just down the hall, waiting to be tipped by a Bajoran waiter as to when she could make her grand entrance. She certainly couldn't have been expected to spend an entire evening with all of the heretics at this party, just to honor a woman of questionable morals and questionable motivation who had been forced upon her for these negotiations by the Goverment of Bajor.

//Why didn't they ask ME to negotiate the treaty? I am the Kai, after all! To think that some outsider who has never even been to Bajor could adequately represent my homeland!//

Just as her mood was souring even further, the waiter gave her the signal and she moved toward the banquet room door.

Inside the banquet room, Kira had just been telling Sisko how she had been trying to talk to Dukat, but he had seemed really distant, preoccupied and had actually pushed her out of the way at one point. She had been nagging him about behaving properly and he had the gall to brush her off with an aggravated

"Not now, Major!"

Sisko was only listening halfway to Kira, not really wanting to be bothered with anything unpleasant that night. There was an excited, expectant air on DS9, and he wanted to enjoy it. The place had never felt so...alive.

Just as the Kai was making her entrance, Dukat slid up behind Troi. He held in his hand two glasses of champagne, and with the velvety, seductive voice that only he had, purred softly

"Excuse me, Ambassador Troi," handing her the champagne, "I've been anxiously awaiting your arrival."

She smiled and extended both hands to accept the champagne. After handing her one glass, he quickly, smoothly took her other hand in his and brought it to his lips. The entire room was watching this slow, sensual, sultry encounter, but those up close to the event would later swear they had seen sparks between the two. As if choreographed by some supreme being somewhere, the entire room held its breath when Dukat began to speak. One could have heard a pin drop until after he had kissed her hand and she had smiled... a magical, haunting, hunted smile. Then he had taken her arm and the two had walked slowly toward the window. At that moment, the wormhole, visible through that window but completely unnoticed by the two, gave its spectacular performance.

The room exhaled all at once. The O'Briens, Worf and Jadzia, Sisko and Kira, who had all been close enough to feel the pure animal heat that passed between the Gul and the Ambassador, all exhaled in unison, greatly relieved that the moment was over, but glad to have been a part of it just the same. Miles laughed nervously.

"Someone should warn her about him".

Worf squared his shoulders as he stared at the couple by the window. Very seriously, as Klingon as could be, Worf said

"I was just thinking that someone should warn him about her." He took a long drink of his champagne. Jadzia saw the pain in his face.

"Let's get something to eat", she said, as she guided him toward the buffet table. As they turned, the rest of the group following, they nearly bumped into Kai Winn. Major Kira stepped to the front.

"Kai Winn! We didn't know you were here." Kira was genuinely surprised.

"It's okay, child. I was just leaving." It seemed no one had even seen her long delayed grand entrance. She was immediately sorry she had come at all.

Part III: The Healing

He had been watching her, mesmerized, since she had entered the room.

//What a magnificent creature!//

At one point, Major Kira had obstructed his view and he had been forced to push her out of his way. She would probably report him for that, prompting another barage of "treatments" and "examinations" by the doctors on Cardassia. He did not welcome that intrusion.

He wasn't sure how long he had been watching her. She was charming, gracious and... effervescent - that's the word he was looking for. The old Dukat would have had thoughts, plans and oratories racing through his mind, planning his seduction of her as he would plan battle strategy. The "new" Dukat was too paralyzed by her beauty to do much of anything. He couldn't take his eyes off of her. That smile, that laugh, those fluid motions... She seemed to know exactly what people needed, and she gave it to them willingly. He caught himself thinking of her as a work of art, a prize to be possessed, but never touched.

//What is wrong with me Have they secretly drugged me?//

The old Dukat would have noticed little more than her physical attractiveness. He would have seen only the shape of her body, her sensual features, her athletic gracefulness. The old Dukat would have appreciated the beauty of her evening gown and how it clung to her figure seductively - a shimmering burgundy dress, cut in a deep V at the neckline, accentuating her slim frame and large breasts. He would have seen her milky white skin and noticed the contrast against her beautiful, short, black hair and dark eyes. His eyes would have lingered over her magnificent hips and thighs, the dress cut high enough to give a man hope, but not high enough to be too revealing. His eyes would have taken the journey up her long, shapely legs, taking in every inch of her glory. He could just imagine her scent. She would smell like fresh flowers on a spring day... until he aroused her. Then her scent would be wonderfully enhanced, mingled with his... creating a perfume never duplicated by artificial means.

Somewhere in his psyche, the old Dukat was still alive and well, because he did notice all of these things. Just when he was wondering when he should approach her, she had turned toward him and their eyes had met across the crowded room. He could have sworn he heard a clap of thunder. His mouth went dry. He had to remind himself to breathe.

Deanna didn't mention to anyone the feeling that came over her when she saw Gul Dukat for the very first time. She was busy renewing old acquaintances when she felt his presence. Five years on Vulcan had proven beneficial to her skills as a diplomatic negotiator. While there, she had advanced herself from an average empath to a true telepath. Even though it hadn't been a problem on Vulcan, by now she had learned to close her mind to the thoughts of other people, or she would have gone mad. But here was this man whose thoughts were burning a hole in her soul. Oh, yes, she felt him long before her searching eyes found his. Some thought implanted long ago in her brain suddenly awakened and she realized that he was her reason for being here. Their eyes locked... she smiled. At that moment, Gul Dukat knew that he would die for her.

The look exchanged between them seemed to reawaken the old Dukat from his forced slumber. Before he realized it, he had sprung from his place by the window and made his way to her side, stalking her like a lion stalking its prey on a cool African morning. In an instant, he was at her side. Somewhere, he had picked up two glasses of champagne and extended one to her. She took it graciously and their hands touched. The blood was pounding in his head as he took her hand and kissed it. An electrical current passed between them. He wondered if she felt it, too. Her shiver told him she did.

For Gul Dukat and Ambassador Troi, the existence of all others ceased at that moment. She took his arm and they walked to a quieter part of the room, near the large observation window. She was having difficulty concentrating on his words and meanings, lost in the sound of his voice, wrapped in its rich texture like a warm blanket on a cold night. She wished they could remain in this moment forever, but the thing that had awakened in her brain was pushing her to let it out. Dukat was saying "I was surprised they brought you all the way from Vulcan for these negotiations. Surely the Federation has somone qualified who was closer?"

"Actually, Gul Dukat, I was specifically requested for this duty, and I was also sent here specifically to deliver something to you."

"Do go on. I am intrigued."

"It seems you have a personal ally on Vulcan. I believe you and Spock have known each other for a very long time."

"Ah, my old friend Spock. One of the few I can count among my true friends" Dukat smiled and laughed lightly.

//I will have to remember to thank Spock for sending this beautiful creature, even if she is to be my adversary.//

"I'm sure you've heard of the Vulcan mind meld?" Deanna was insistent to finish what she had started and rid herself of the weight of this "delivery".

"Why, of course, my dear...."

She cut him off in mid sentence and he sensed a certain amount of desperation in her voice.

"I have a message for you from Spock implanted in my subconscious. I do not know the content - he told me that it is very private. I am, of course, not a Vulcan, but Spock has taught me how to do this, to bring you this message. May I give it to you now, please?"

She had to get this thing out of her head...

He was intrigued, never having voluntarily participated in a mind meld.

"Please do."

There, in that crowded room, time stood still for them. She raised her hand to his face. She had no experience with Cardassian anatomy, and the ridges on his face were intriguing, but at the moment, a bit perplexing. Instinctively, she placed her slim, cool, pale fingers to his face and pressed lightly. With her wrist so close to his head, he could hear her pulse, noticing it quicken as she touched him. The thing he had been fighting since seeing her, the release of pheremones from his neck glands, was now out of his control. If only she hadn't touched him...

She was just beginning to notice his scent and the heat of his skin, the overwhelming closeness of him to her, when, without warning, the message she had been carrying in her brain exploded from her to him, traveling like fire along a fuse, along the nerves from her brain, through her neck and shoulder, down her arm and hand, burning from her fingertips through his scaled skin, directly into his brain and immediately searing into his soul.

In a split second, his old friend Spock had managed to do what no one else had. With this fabulous angel of mercy as a conduit, Spock had sent Dukat this wonderful, magical, miraculous gift. The message contained only two recognizable words, but such complex emotional content, Dukat was not surprised that it had weighed Troi down immensely. Vulcans, and Spock in particular, understood the depth of the Cardassian soul, of his soul. Dukat smiled gratefully as he realized how simple Spock's message might seem to anyone who didn't feel the complexity. The message said simply

"Be healed."

The moment Dukat smiled, Deanna, having been seemingly paralyzed by her touch to his wonderful, soulful face, felt her fingers move just a millimeter off of his skin. At that moment, she felt herself floating, as if she were slowly lifting off of the floor. Dukat detected the color change in her face probably before she felt the floating sensation, and instinctively he reached for her, catching her limp, unconscious form in his arms long before she would have hit the floor. He clutched her to his chest, felt his heart sting as he realized the similarity to the events that had torn him apart just a few months ago in this same place. He couldn't go through that again! He wouldn't!. He stood there, clutching her to him, not moving, frozen in the moment.

Part IV: A Turning Point

Kira tugged Sisko along with her toward the sight she could not believe she was seeing. Sisko's champagne glass spilled a few drops on the carpet.

"What is it, Major?" Kira pointed at them, still dragging Sisko along.

"Dukat's done something to the Ambassador. Oh, dear prophets, I think he's killed her!"

Sisko was thinking quickly as he led Dukat, still carrying Troi in his arms and looking a bit dumbfounded, into the hallway and into an empty crew quarters a few yards away. Kira stayed behind with the rest of the guests and summoned the medical team from the Infirmary. Sisko wished his Chief Medical Officer, Julian Bashir, hadn't been on Bajor at that moment. Dukat didn't seem to want to let go of the Ambassador, but Sisko understood and said softly,

"Here... lay her here and we'll have a look... she's probably just exhausted..."

Dukat laid her gently on the bed, but stayed next to her, kneeling on the floor, stroking her hair, blinking back tears.

Before she could muster enough strength to open her eyes, Deanna sensed the level of concern in the room. As the previous events came into her conscious mind, she was initially embarrassed. She quickly assessed her condition.

//I should have eaten something... all that champagne...the long trip...the mind meld...//

It was then that she remembered the strength of his arms, the hardness of his chest, his agility in catching her so quickly... she opened her eyes.

His face was inches from hers. In an instant, she knew him... knew the depth and breadth of his soul... the beauty of his culture... the torment of his life... the strength of his passion. And she knew that they would never, could never be apart from this day forward. In that instant, he read her very soul, all of her thoughts and feelings, and he knew it as well. Just then, her eyelids fluttered and she lost consciousness again. When she awoke the next time, she was under the bright lights of the infirmary. Dukat was sitting on a stool next to her head, holding her hand. Sisko was standing at her feet, as the medical staff scurried about. A wave of embarrassment swept over her.

"Oh, Captain! I am so sorry!" she exclaimed.

Her words brought Sisko back to the present, away from the private hell where his mind had gone, the hell where he had watched his wife die before his very eyes. Genuine concern for Troi AND Dukat filled him. As far as grieving was concerned, he and Dukat had a lot in common. Approaching her opposite Dukat, he took her other hand in his and calmly reassured her. "Not at all. It's my fault. We should have been more considerate. You must be exhausted!"

"There were a lot of factors, really, Captain. I shouldn't have drunk so much champagne - that's the first I've had in 5 years, and I was SO tired. I was just so excited at seeing everyone."

"And you hadn't eaten in how long?" Dukat asked in almost a fatherly tone. He reminded her a little of the way Admiral Picard had cared for her in her younger days. She slowly sat up with Dukat's help.

"A day or two, I think. I was just too tired to eat." She smiled weakly. Dukat decided then and there that this woman needed him more than he needed anything else in the galaxy, and he vowed silently to himself that he would spend the rest of his life taking care of her.

"You know," she exclaimed, "I'm starving!" Sisko laughed aloud. She had made a quick recovery.

Sisko, Dukat and Deanna, escorted by the four Cardassian bodyguards who accompanied Dukat everywhere, returned to the banquet room only to find it empty of guests and being cleaned by Quark's staff. Seeing Troi's disappointment at the total lack of food on the buffet table, Sisko volunteered "I'm sure we can get Quark to get you whatever you would like, Ambassador."

"Please, Captain, call me Deanna. I'm not a formal person."

Quark scurried over to them, having heard Sisko's comments. He was eager to do a "favor" for the Ambassador, the Federation, or Gul Dukat - anyone who might be in a position to help him someday. He was just about to tell the Ambassador that he had learned all of her favorite recipes when Dukat interrupted, rather insistently.

"Ambassador, perhaps you would rather dine my quarters where you can rest comfortably while we get to know one another, before we begin the official negotiations."

Sisko was about to object when Dukat, very surprisingly logical, continued. "I don't think you should be alone just yet until we are sure there will be no repeat of your earlier performance."

"I'd like that" Troi answered without hesitation, taking Dukat's arm once again.

"Of course she would!" Quark muttered to himself disgustedly. He might have been a Ferengi, more concerned with finances than females, but he had a sense of smell.

//Can't these humans smell anything?//

The pheremone exchange between these two had nearly gagged him two hours ago!

//Humans are so dense!//

"Are you sure, Ambassador?" Sisko interrupted. He wasn't sure of the wisdom of letting these two go off together, behind closed doors, unchaperoned. For a moment, he recalled how Major Kira had thought Dukat had "killed" the Ambassador, then recalled thoughtfully how gentle Dukat had been with her, how tender and caring he seemed... The concern on Sisko's face spoke volumes. They were about to enter into crucial negotiations and any hint of impropriety would not be looked up kindly by the Bajoran government or the Federation. He realized, though, that Troi was a long time Star Fleet officer and that she would not take the future of the whole Alpha Quadrant lightly. Surely, he thought, by her nature as a Betazoid, she would know the kind of man Dukat was.

"Captain, I'll be just fine. Besides, there are these four Cardassian guards as chaperones." Dukat, regaining his sense of decorum, chimed in. "Ambassador, for the duration of your stay, I offer you the services of two of my personal guards."

Two of the rather imposing guards stepped forward to Deanna and one spoke: "Ambassador, we offer our lives in service to you and pledge to protect you from all harm." If only he had known the harm coming from within....

Sisko agreed and bid them goodnight. It was only 2300, but it had been an exhausting, exhiliarating, exquisite day. He headed off to his quarters but turned to see Dukat and Deanna, arm in arm, flanked by the guards, strolling down the hallway as if they had been together forever.

Part V: Seizure

Odo had just finished his ninth raktajino in a row when he heard the screaming begin. Slapping his comm badge, he said quickly "Odo to Ops. Execute emergency pan Odo-alpha-293." He had been, at Captain Sisko's direction, up all night, monitoring Dukat's quarters for any signs of a disturbance. He hadn't really been eavesdropping, just listening for any signs of distress or increased volume of voices. He certainly had gotten that with her ear-splitting, soul-shaking, blood-curdling screams. As Odo materialized in the quarters of his former commander, he had to suppress laughter. Here was Gul Dukat, once the most powerful man in the Alpha Quadrant, on the bed, back against the wall, clutching the sheet around his chest, with a dazed and confused look on his face. The odd look was undoubtedly brought on by the even stranger sight at the foot of his bed.

Deanna had awoken slowly, not at all sure of her whereabouts at first (occupational hazard), then became acutely aware of some puzzling, curious facts:

1. she was naked except for a nearly transparent slip which was not her own,

2. her mouth was as dry as the Sahara desert, her head throbbing wildly, her stomach aching for food but daring her to try it - she had a terrible hangover,

3. most upsetting, when she awoke, there was an alien, naked, masculine arm draped across her, and a body pressed against her back - purring softly in a deep, peaceful sleep.

In an immediate gush of what she would later describe as "Federation guilt" over being in bed with her adversary, Deanna Troi came to the hungover-hazed conclusion that she had been taken advantage of. She came up out of that bed like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. She was screaming, thrashing about until she became disentangled from the sheets and Dukat's arm. Dukat, ever the warrior, came to with a jolt, wondering who had killed their guards and was now brutally murdering Deanna in his bed. When he saw no such bloody scene, only a very unusual looking Deanna obviously having some kind of seizure at the foot of his bed, he thought he was perhaps dreaming and leaned against the wall to try to clear his head.

By the time Odo had materialized, Deanna had leapt upon the bed and was pummeling Dukat with her fists. Odo was embarrassed by her appearance - he was very modest. He had to grab her by the waist so that Dukat could get up from the bed. It took at least 30 minutes for Odo to calm her, with Dukat's help, and to convince her that no one had been taken advantage of. To do this, of course, Odo had to admit that he had been monitoring them all night. Dukat wasn't surprised at all. The real Dukat was back, and he believed that Sisko probably knew it.

When she was wrapping herself in a sheet, Deanna realized that they now had a huge problem. It was now 0900, she was in Dukat's quarters with nothing to wear but last night's cocktail dress. They were supposed to meet with Captain Sisko and Kai Winn in an hour, but she couldn't get to her quarters at this hour without being seen. As Dukat ordered 3 raktajinos from the replicator, Odo came to the rescue. He suggested they replicate a change of clothes for her, then they could all go together. If necessary, Odo would suggest that they had all been in Dukat's quarters since early morning, discussing a security matter. Dukat was pleased. Everyone saved face, and he had gotten his best night's sleep in many months.

Odo sat on the couch in Dukat's living room, sipping another raktajino while Troi and Dukat showered (separately) and went about getting ready for the day. Dukat did push-ups //500!?// while Troi showered and dressed, undoubtedly trying to get his mind off of her body and onto business at hand. Reflecting upon her earlier outburst, now that he was awake, he realized the gravity of the situation and acknowledged the potential risks to both of them if any sense of impropriety were detected. No doubt, if discovered, the Federation would banish Deanna to some dark corner of the universe, and Central Command would send him to some remote part of Cardassia to rule over scorpions and snakes... a chilling thought indeed.

When they stepped out into the hallway, Odo had to remind Deanna to "stop fidgeting". The dress fit her like a glove, an Oriental style, high neck, mandarin collar style in an unusual iridescent lime green.

//It is a bit too close to my throat.//

She did as told and they all proceeded confidently to the briefing room.

Dax was the first to greet Troi with a cup of raktajino. "You were so quiet last night." Apparently Troi's quarters were next to theirs!

//Great!//

"I'm surprised. I thought I was being quite loud, actually." Deanna couldn't tell if Dax knew or was simply guessing.

Sisko entered the room alongside Kai Winn and asked everyone to be seated. Kai Winn stood up at the end of the table and began "Well, then, if everyone's ready..."

Part VI: The Beginning

Deanna half-listened as the Kai droned on and on about what this peace would mean, etc., etc., but her real agenda was to go over everything that had happened last night and commit it all to long term memory before any of it was lost. After arriving at Dukat's quarters, he had deposited her, still a bit weak, on the couch and ordered her a delicious dish from the replicator. He had served her and then sat across from her until she ate every bite. She couldn't stand having him listening to every bite she took, so engaged him in conversation, asking a question she hoped would lead to a long soliloquy on his part.

"So tell me, Gul Dukat, why are you representing Cardassia at these negotiations? You strike me as more of a warrior than a negotiator!"

It had worked. It was as if she had shaken a bottle of champagne and let the cork out. His entire life story came pouring out of him from beginning to present day. Surprising himself, he really left out very little.

At some point, thankfully during a long pause and not when he had been directly speaking to her, she realized she couldn't keep her eyes open. Her neck relaxed and she leaned her head against the back of the couch. Dukat whispered her name a couple of times; there was no response. She was so beautiful, serene in her sleep, his angel of mercy. He picked her up in his arms again and carried her over to his bed. He was so glad to have her there, even if it wasn't exactly how he had planned. He was a patient man and she was definitely worth waiting for.

The nightgown he had replicated for her wasn't what he wanted, but he tried three times and the damn replicator kept producing the same thing! He removed her gown after covering her with a sheet, replacing it with the nightdown, not even stealing a glance at her naked body. He could only take so much. He slid her head up to the pillows and she smiled in her sleep as her body adjusted to his bed. She turned on her side and mumbled something unintelligible. As he sat lightly on the bed behind her, she took his hand and pulled his arm around her. Very grateful for the gesture, but unsure of its implications (despite popular belief, he was a gentleman!), he had tried to awaken her just enough to ascertain his position. "Deanna....Deanna..." Sensing slight movement from her, he whispered "would you mind terribly if I held you while you sleep?" Deanna had smiled and sleepily purred back at him, "Please hold me, Dukat. It's been so long...." He knew just what she meant. By morning, she had forgotten where she was.

Part VII: A Medical Moment

It was now 1200 hours. As her stomach growled (she was sure everyone had heard), Deanna could not believe that the Kai had spoken for nearly 3 hours! Mercifully, she was now finished with her self-aggrandizing and it was time for lunch. Deanna had suffered through her hangover all morning and still wasn't sure if she could eat. Sisko, followed by Dukat, dutifully keeping his distance, approached Deanna.

"Are you coming to lunch with us, Ambassador?"

"No, thank you, gentlemen. Actually, I need to see your physician for a moment, then I must change into something warmer. I had no idea the station would be this cold!" She was usually never cold, but grateful for the excuse to change out of that dress!

Dr. Julian Bashir was in the infirmary, catching up on some records, when he saw her for the first time. He recognized her instantly from the communique he had received from Star Fleet in anticipation of her arrival. He had not anticipated her beauty. The young doctor jumped up from his chair.

"Ambassador Troi! It's such an honor to meet you. I'm so sorry I couldn't be here last night for your reception, but I was on Bajor with a dying Vedek."

He took her hand in his but just held it for a moment and didn't kiss it. She really hated to be so blunt, but her stomach turning over and over outweighed her charm and grace.

"Doctor, I need your help."

He got out of the way just in the nick of time. The beautiful, charming, grand lady was now a pitiful creature retching on the floor at his feet. He recognized the faint odor of champagne on her breath as he helped her to the BioBed.

"Hung over, Ambassador?"

He was in charge of the situation now and she was grateful. She didn't need a young admirer, she needed medical attention. She got a little of both.

He was telling her that she could sleep in the infirmary, if she wished, as the hypospray he had given her for the nausea and headache would undoubtedly make her sleep for at least an hour, when she asked him one more favor. She had been trying for at least an hour to form the question in such a way as to safe herself from embarrassment, get the information she needed, and not give away any secrets.

"I need to know if my race is sexually compatible with others. Obviously, I know about humans and Klingons, but I'm curious about Bajorans and Cardassians. I really don't know much about them..."

She cut herself off at that point, realizing that any more information was none of the young doctor's business. He didn't seem to have a clue as to what she was talking about and she was grateful. His absence at the reception was totally forgiven.

He wasn't sure if this was a dream or a nightmare.

"I'm... I'm not familiar with your anatomy, Ambassador. To make such a determination, I'd have to, um, examine you." She nodded and adjusted her dress so that he could examine her completely. He found her anatomy to be nearly identical to human females, not surprising as she was half human.

"Ambassador, I don't mean to pry, but I see you've had some injuries to your pelvic organs. If you ever desire, I could do some reconstructive surgery. That was one of my specialties before coming here." She certainly wasn't going to discuss those horrible memories with him.

"So, what do you think? Would someone of my race be compatible with a Bajoran... or even a Cardassian?"

Julian, trying to be tactful, was struggling with his answer. He had no reason to be suspicious, but just two hours earlier, Gul Dukat, who had rarely ever spoken to him before, had "dropped in" and asked the same question. He fought to dismiss that from his mind, along with the nagging suspicions and colorful images they carried with them.

"Ambassador, a female of your race would be compatible with a Bajoran or a Cardassian." His complete detachment and overly diplomatic answer told her that he knew the reason for her questions.

//You might as well go for it all.//

"So, Doctor... would I be at all surprised by Cardassian...anatomy?"

Recalling his earlier encounter with Gul Dukat, Julian was at first completely in awe of this man... a man he had always feared. He was genuinely pleased that Gul Dukat had come to him for advice. He never thought that day would come. Now he knew why it had come. Then, he had plainly and bluntly told Gul Dukat that he needed to "examine" him to determine compatibility. He had relatively little experience with Cardassian anatomy himself. The Gul had unhooked his pants, revealing himself completely. He was grateful that the doctor did not touch him. After last night, he could explode at any moment. After looking at him for about 1.5 seconds, the doctor had told him he was finished, and had concluded compatibility was not impossible, although there would be interesting challenges ahead for him and...whomever.

The Ambassador cleared her throat impatiently, shocking Julian back to the task at hand.

"Ambassador, I believe you would be...pleasantly surprised."

Part VIII: The Truth

The hypospray had quenched her nausea, her headache was now just a faint buzzing sensation, her anxiety had abated, but she was very sleepy. One of her Cardassian guards actually had to take her by the arm as they neared her as-yet unvisited quarters. Smaller than Dukat's and not nearly as elegant, she realized the guards would be standing over her if she slept here, so she had asked them to stand guard out in the hallway. They willingly complied. After removing her dress and asking the computer to awaken her at 1430, she covered up and fell asleep.

Waking to Dukat's wonderful, seductive voice was no surprise. She sort of expected him to be there. He was a little nervous, not knowing if she always awoke with a screaming fit, but was pleasantly surprised when she did not. Instead, she was all smiles, obviously feeling much better. It took everything he had not to jump her then and there like a vole in heat.

//Our time will come.//

He stared at her for the longest time, wishing to memorize everything about her, then he spoke. "I'll wait outside while you dress," and he was gone. She took a very quick shower and chose brown velvet pants, a white ruffled shirt, and a heavy black velvet long jacket to wear. Boots completed the look and she was pleased.

//A little pale today - must be the hangover, or maybe the hypospray!//

She joined the 5 men in the hallway, acutely aware for the first time just how intimidating they could be, these tall, confident, immensely muscular, yet agile Cardassian men. How strange to admit, she thought later, that just walking down the hallway with them was a very sensual experience, like the first dance between new lovers. Just before reaching the briefing room, she leaned towards Dukat and asked "Where did you disappear to this morning? You said, I believe, that you had an emergency of some sort. Is everything all right?" He smiled an evil smile. "I'll show you later."

Everyone was already seated around the conference table when Kai Winn entered. No one stood, which irritated her to no end. The afternoon session, which was to consist of Kai Winn reading the "List of 99", the 99 demands of the Bajoran government, closely approximated the morning session, at least to Deanna Troi, but probably to everyone else as well. Even Sisko looked a bit tired. It could have been over so much faster if Kai Winn had just read the damn demands, but of course, she had to pontificate on each and every point. Troi wanted to jump up and rip the documents from the Kai's hands, but she did not dare. She spent the entire time wondering what kind of lover Dukat would be... That, and stealing herself for her upcoming "private" meeting with the Kai.

Finally, the others were gone and it was time for their "meeting". Looking much like a pupil who'd been kept after class, the Ambassador sat rather sullenly, thought Kai Winn. She was polite enough, but Kai Winn did not trust her at all. She was an outsider and could easily "sell out" the Bajorans and then walk away without another thought. It was therefore, her duty to educate this woman about the needs of her people.

"Child, I want to reiterate the importance of each and every point on this list. You must appreciate how each point will affect life on Bajor."

Hadn't that been what they had wasted this entire day on? Deanna could take no more. Kai Winn was glad there was a chair behind her to fall into when Deanna had unexpectedly leapt into her face like a razor cat. The tirade began.

"First of all, don't ever call me child again. Your title is strictly religious, a religion I don't belong to. I call you Kai out of respect. You call me Ambassador for the same reason. Second, don't waste any more of my time. Gul Dukat and I will begin our negotiations tomorrow morning. I don't need to know how important each and every point is. All I need to know is which ones are you willing to concede. Give me 10 and I'll try to give up only 5. The Gul seems like a reasonable man. He and I don't have the legacy of hatred that he has with you and the Bajorans. That's why it's me and not you! That and the fact that you don't want this to succeed. Your concern doesn't fool me. If Bajor had peace with Cardassia, your people would have no fear. With no fear, they would need no religion. With no religion, they wouldn't need you! So just don't tell me again how important this is to you. The only people in this room today who have anything at stake here are Captain Sisko, Gul Dukat and me!"

The Kai really began to hate Betazoids at that moment. Every point Deanna had made was true, though Winn would die before admitting that.

"We'll concede on numbers 10 through 15 first, 16 through 20 if necessary."

With that, the Kai slid back her chair and quickly exited the room, nearly knocking down Gul Dukat, who had been obviously eavesdropping at the door.

"Kai."

"Gul."

Part IX: Prelude

He didn't mention the very impressive exchange to Deanna. There was just enough time for a visit to the famed Cardassian tailor, Garak. She invited Dukat, but he declined. She knew he did remove his armor in bed, but wondered if he ever went without it any other time. Garak was as charming as she had decided all Cardassian men must be. By the time they had completed her measurements, she had ordered 17 new outfits. She was pleased to see that "dressing for dinner" was common on DS9, as she had not yet acknowledged to anyone, but she had planned to make this place her new home. She had essentially considered the last two years on Vulcan as a prison sentence. She stayed out of obligation to the Federation, and to Spock. He had been so important to her as a teacher. The first three years there were needed to heal her wounded heart, as her marriage to Will Riker had finally succumbed to his career, and her children no longer needed her close by. She didn't want to be the meddlesome bother her own mother had been, so she had gladly accepted the diplomatic mission to Vulcan.

The quiet, solitary, monastic life on Vulcan had been a tonic to her... at first. For the last two years, there were stirrings of a civil war on the Vulcan home world. Factions who believed Vulcans had isolated themselves from other worlds for too long were raising a threat that Deanna knew all too well. She had been agonizing over her decision to leave when this glorious opportunity had presented itself. Always having been a person who planned ahead, she had already determined that Deep Space 9 would be the perfect location for her. Her son, Brian Riker was on the Enterprise with his father. Brian was a science officer, soon to be promoted to Lieutenant. They loved each other fiercely but he was as independent as she. Her younger child, Emily, was due to graduate from Star Fleet Academy on Earth in just 2 weeks, then would be attending Star Fleet Medical on Betazed for at least four years. Yes, DS9 would have been perfect...

Spock had given her the assignment as a command, rather than the request it really had been, because he knew she was smothering on Vulcan. Suppressing all emotions was unhealthy for a person like her. He also needed her to deliver his message to Gul Dukat. When Dukat had been a teenager, he had once saved Spock's life and now he had the opportunity to return the favor. He wondered, half-acknowledging his half-humanity, which Dukat would appreciate more - the gift or its package.

Now, trying to look at the situation objectively, was Dukat a welcome intrusion or just an intrusion? She could not be certain, yet. The negotiating could have changed their relationship completely, Deanna realized. She was no "push over" and had never backed down from anything or anyone. She realized, though, with much trepidation, that she was going to have to divulge her history to him, just as he had to her the night before. It was not going to be easy, particularly when it came to the part about Will, Worf, and the Betazoid-human-Klingon child she had mourned so long ago. Well, it could wait until she saw the direction this relationship was taking, and the negotiations had to be concluded first, she told herself.

She finished dressing for the evening in a spectacular royal blue evening gown - she had chosen velvet again because it reminded her of Dukat's voice, and she subconsciously wanted to wrap herself in it - and him. It was so cold on this station! This time she wore a small tiara of diamonds, a sign of her Betazoid heritage, that set her hair and eyes off beautifully. She checked herself in the mirror one last time and noticed again how pale her skin looked.

//Must be the lights on this station.//

This evening's festivities were somewhat more formal and less festive than the night before, with only Dukat, Sisko, Troi and Star Fleet Admirals and other Federation ambassadors present. Sisko wasn't as happy as he had been the night before, but it was a welcome experience to Deanna, who appreciated the quiet dignity of this group. They had drinks only, along with some very dry conversation. Deanna was glad, for more than one reason, when the large group had broken up into smaller groups with different dining arrangements. Sisko offered to take her to Quark's, and she had respectfully declined. He was not surprised. She had told them all that she wished to retire early, as negotiations were to start at 0800. Everyone had believed her, of course, except Sisko and Dukat. Dukat said, just loud enough for Deanna and Sisko to hear,

"I really appreciate your acceptance of my invitation to dine in my quarters, Deanna. I believe we can use our time to set some guidelines for our negotiations..."

It seemed plausible enough...

Part X: Needs

She entered his quarters first. Every flat surface held a vase of perfect, white Betazed roses. There must have been hundreds. She was so impressed and overcome with emotion that she did not hear him tell his guards

"No one in or out unless we are all about to die."

If he was trying to be nice, he was overdoing it on a grand scale, she had decided, but if he was trying to capture her heart, it had worked. She took a seat on the familiar couch and leaned forward to smell the roses. They were intoxicating. He poured himself a glass of kanar, and without offering her a drink, sat next to her, taking her hand in his.

"I'm not going to let you drink just now. I've checked your replicator log and I know you haven't eaten a thing all day! If you will eat a good dinner, I'll give you a little surprise after."

She was taken aback by his frankness and intrusion into her privacy, but it had been that kind of a day...

Dukat had ordered Quark not only to fill his quarters with the roses, but to cater a spectacular dinner of lobster, shrimp and scallops, brought from Earth just that morning. There was also the surprise suggested by Quark, and Dukat knew Quark well enough to trust his judgment on matters like that. She promised she would eat, if he would dance with her after dinner. Laughing with pure joy, he signaled Quark to bring forth the dinner. They sat on the couch and ate and talked and laughed like old friends. He was relieved to see her eat. Quark left the "surprise" in a silver champagne cooler, covered with a towel. Only after he was satisfied with the quantity she had consumed did Dukat bring forth the surprise - a bottle of her favorite Earth wine, very old and very sweet, only he had gotten Quark to remove about 98% of the alcohol. He wanted to please her palate (Cardassians had a very sensual appreciation of food, and he was glad to see that she did, too), he wanted her to be relaxed, but he wanted her sober and clear headed when he took her to his bed this time.

She sipped the wine slowly, letting each drop linger in her mouth. It had been a very, very long time. She wondered what his mouth tasted like when he drank kanar. She wondered how he would feel to her. Could she possibly dare to hope that he could chase away all of her demons?

Curiously, Dukat had just asked the computer for the time. Did he intend to honor her earlier "demand" to be in her quarters by 2200? He read the concern in her face, then spoke.

"I want to make sure we have enough time to dance before another little surprise I have arranged for 2300."

Then he took her hand in his and pulled her up from the couch. He knew they both liked the same music, having studied her biography before her arrival. "

Computer, play musical selections Dukat-1, and reduce the lights by 25%."

He gently took her in his arms, swaying to the music. She held him close to her, too, but not too close.

He closed his eyes and let the music seep into his soul. It had been surprising to find that she, too, preferred 20th century Earth music - rock and roll, they called it - (so primitive!) He was vaguely aware of the words...

"She was looking so right... in her diamonds and frills... she was looking so right, it was giving him chills... he saw that face... and he lost all control..."

The music continued, but they were barely moving, now, pressed together out of want... out of need... The beginning of their first kiss was tentative, gentle, hesitant. He lightly moved his hands up her back until he could hold her firmly against him, the way he wanted, the way she needed. Their tongues danced an ancient dance, forming an alliance between Earth, Betazed and Cardassia that could never be put down. He was filled with so much desire for her at that moment, he thought he would surely die, and she was breathless from his kiss. They were startled when the computer informed them that it was 2300 hours. Could they really have been kissing for nearly an hour? It felt like only seconds, but then again, it felt like years. He whisked her over to his window where they were greeted by a spectacular meteor shower.

"It's the Perseids. They only pass near enough to the station to see them from here once every 300 years!" he purred. She would have married him on the spot if he had asked.

For exactly 15 minutes and 45 seconds, they stood in front of the window, her in front of him, his arms wrapped around her, his chin resting on her creamy white shoulder. She was mesmerized by the meteor shower; he was mesmerized by her. When nature had concluded her fireworks, Deanna turned to him and kissed the base of his throat, just above his armor.

//Oh, NO! I can't believe I'm wearing this NOW!//

He immediately apologized for having kept it on during dinner, but she was smiling at him. "It's okay... really. I kind of, um, like it. It's very erotic" she told him bluntly.

"Shall I leave it on, then?" he grinned at her.

"No, I think you should definitely take it off now."

She watched as he unfastened and removed the shell that protected his vital organs during battle, well, at least some types of battle. She smiled. The tight black shirt he was wearing rippled with muscles and ridges of scales in exciting, unexpected places. She shivered as he took her in his arms, crushing her against him until she could feel their hearts beating against each other. With his armor out of the way, there was no mistaking his arousal. She finally admitted to herself what she had really known since she had first seen him - that huge ridge under his clothing was not some type of hidden armor. It was his complete and total, unashamed and unbridled, wanton desire for her.

In a move so swift it left her with a gasp, he swung her around until her back was against the window. They were kissing deeply, firmly, almost viciously, as if each one were trying to devour the other. He ground his pelvis against her. Each pain brought her intense pleasure, anticipating the inevitable, but reveling in the moment. She relaxed her death grip on his lower back and slid her arms around his broad, intriguing neck, massaging the ridges. In their last kiss, he had communicated to her the secrets of Cardassian sexuality just as she had revealed all of her personal erogenous zones to him.

//I wonder if he's telepathic with EVERYONE!//

//No, only with you.//

As she squeezed his now blood-engorged neck ridges, he groaned into her mouth. She firmly sucked on and then bit down on his tongue. He nearly exploded. With her firmly holding his neck, he lifted her off of the floor, all the while sliding the tail of her dress up from her ankles to calves... to knees... to thighs... to hips. He ground his hips against hers and let out a low growl of glorious anticipation, but he measured her hips with his broad, muscular hands as he prepared to take her, pressed against the window. It was then that he realized this was not going to be physically possible without the danger of killing her. Her pelvis was too narrow. The thought of him causing her to bleed to death, impaled upon his aching manhood, was not appealing. Oh, if this turned out to be completely impossible, he would kill himself, after killing Dr. Bashir.

He let her slide down until her feet were on the floor again. She could not figure out what had just happened. Just as she was aching for him, when she just knew he was about to enter her, he had stopped. He scooped her up in his arms, silent and strong, and carried her over to his bed. She only half-reclined, reaching around to unzip her gown. She slid it off... and to his amazement and delight, and was completely naked underneath. She gasped as she saw his neck ridges flare again, darkening from light gray to nearly black from the blood boiling within. His pheromones flooded the room, mixed with hers, and created an incredible, delicious, delightful, delectable erotic perfume. Her gaze fixed upon his body, and his upon her, as he pulled his shirt off and watched for her approval. She had never seen a man so beautiful, so sensual, so openly erotic, and he knew it.

Before he undid his pants, he dared break the silence heretofore punctuated only by moans, growls, hisses and purrs.

"Have you ever seen a Cardassian male before?"

She knew what he meant.

"Not yet."

"Don't be frightened. I won't hurt you" he calmly reassured her (and himself) as he removed his pants.

The gods had truly blessed him (and her), she thought. She had never seen such a thing of beauty, an awesome being that commanded respect, as well as fear. He was huge and the overall shape of his organ reminded her vaguely of the head of a King Cobra snake, like she had seen on Earth in a zoological park, expect he had ridges up and down his length, and the tip was glistening with moisture. She had no idea what she was going to be able to do with this new discovery, but she was grateful for the opportunity to try. He was watching her face as he removed his pants and boots, searching for any signs of terror, disdain or change of heart. He saw nothing but lust, desire and passion.

She reached for him and pulled him onto his back on the bed. She knew the strength of her desire - now she wanted to assure his. She knelt between his legs like a repentant sinner, worshipping at his wondrous altar, paying homage to his holy manhood with her lips, teeth and tongue. There was no possibility of taking any of his length or even his breadth into her mouth, so she settled for licks, kisses and nibbles up and down the shaft of his mighty sword. The scent from him was intoxicating... her head was swimming.

Dukat thought for a moment that he might have died and this was some kind of heaven. In all of his travels, in all of his experiences with women all over the quadrant, no one had ever done this to him.

//Oh, I'm going to have to conquer a world for you... and for Spock//

He wanted her to continue, but he really wanted to consummate their relationship face-to-face. He pulled her up slowly, agonizingly slowly, until he could penetrate her ever so gently, hoping against hope that she would not cry out in pain and beg him to stop. She was so wet, warm and willing... When she had accepted several centimeters of him, she apparently realized that she could do this, and in one breathtaking, athletic maneuver worthy of a Klingon warrior, flipped them over until she was on her back and he was on top of her, never losing contact with each other.

He buried his face in her neck, tasting the exquisite perfume they had created. She bit down unexpectedly into his swollen, taut neck ridges and he lost the reins of control he had been so tightly grasping. He growled long and loud as he drove himself into her. Instead of recoiling in agony, she thrust toward him, welcoming the pain, inviting it in and asking it to stay awhile. The two lovers engaged in the ritual frenzied dance, as old as the stars themselves... thrusting, writhing, biting and kissing... moving together toward the ecstasy only two lovers can experience - crashed upon its shore simultaneously, letting the waves of passion wash over them again and again.

Exhausted not only from the event itself, but also from the intensity of the prelude, Dukat and Deanna lay on their sides, limbs intertwined like vines from a tree, and fell into a peaceful, blessed sleep.

END