A/N: Once again, Candy takes center stage as she remembers how Garak called her to help him solve the mystery of the Hur’q.  However, the answers she found were more than she bargained for.

Fleet Admiral’s Log Stardate 96158.78

This is Candy Marino speaking and I got a message from Councilor Elim Garak.  I asked Garak what the sitch was and he told me that the Dominion asked the Alliance to send an expeditionary force into the outer reaches of their territory.  Then Garak said that the Hur’q aren’t as numerous there and that they’re hoping they can learn more about them while they render aid to Dominion forces in that sector. Great, I finally get to talk to the mysterious former tailor of Deep Space Nine and it’s about those life-sized bug abominations.  Thankfully, Garak didn’t notice my discomfort because he preceded to tell me that Ambassador Odo will be accompanying us on his flagship, along with Captain Kira aboard the Defiant. Then Garak said that he’ll be commanding a modest Cardassian fleet as well. He told me that we’re starting in the Dosi system, since their latest intelligence has discovered a Hur’q presence there.  Then he told me to meet them there at our earliest convenience. I ended the communication, feeling scared and excited at the same time. Excited because I finally get to match wits with the famous lying tailor of Deep Space Nine. Scared because I hate bugs and now I have to go on a mission to fight aliens that are life-sized versions of them.

Regardless, I went through the wormhole and set course for the Dosi System. Ambassador Odo was there to greet us and thanked us for joining him. He talked about how they can’t defend their own stations from Hur’q attacks.  Then he said that it’s going to take a joint Alliance and Dominion effort to stop them. Odo said that we’re currently at the edge of the Dosi System and he was thankful that the Hur’q aren’t attacking the Dosi homeworld, yet.  Odo warned me that the Dosi are still evacuating as a precaution. Meaning a Hur’q attack is bound to happen sooner or later. I really hope it’s going to be later, when the Winchester’s far away.

I read about the Dosi when I was reading up on the adventures of Deep Space Nine, so I didn’t even have to ask Odo who they were.  They’re the race Quark and a Ferengi named Pel negotiated with on behalf of their people. I’ve read quite a bit about Deep Space Nine and their adventures, so you can imagine that I’m rather excited about getting to work alongside them.  However, there’s still the whole Hur’q thing that makes me more than a little nervous. I didn’t have time to dwell on that, because the Hur’q showed up and Garak ordered his ships to target the Hur’q and fire at will. I wasted no time doing the same because, let me tell you, I’d much rather deal with this species in space than on the ground.  One of the Jem’Hadar chimed in with Victory is Life. From what I heard about their species, it’s pretty much their catch phrase. Even in space, the Hur’q put up a tough fight but at least I don’t have to look at their ugly faces.

After the battle, Garak called me and said that I was a handy person to have around.  Let me repeat, Elim Garak, the former Obsidian Order spy, said that I was a handy person to have around!  This is the greatest moment of my life! Then he told me that, while he’d like to put this system far behind us, he believes that we should find out what we can about the Hur’q and their reasons for being here.  Garak said that we should do this while we still can, because the Hur’q may decide to send more ships here. I froze up for a bit, causing Garak to ask if anything’s wrong. I told him that nothing’s wrong, but then suggested that we could learn everything we can about the Hur’q from right here.  Garak told me that he was disappointed because, from what he heard about me, I’ve never been one to leave a mystery unsolved just to save my own skin. After that I felt challenged and I never back down from a challenge. So, I told him that, if he needs my help that badly, I’ll beam down with an away team if it’s necessary but, with my talents, I could solve this whole thing up in space.  Garak only smiled and said that it would be interesting to see.

I cut communications and scanned the planet.  Garak contacted me again and said that this planet appears to have been abandoned some time ago, since there was no life signs detected.  Then he said that sensors indicate an extensive network of defunct mines. Garak told me that he was reading residual levels of dilithium, topaline, kemocite… and several components used in the production of ketracel-white.  Then he found something curious, since he couldn’t see what use this world would be to the Hur’q. After all, this planet’s of no value to the Dominion. Garak and I didn’t have time to dwell on that, because more Hur’q arrived and we had to take care of that.  Kira immediately told us that the Hur’q are going for the station. I went to fight that as Kira wondered what they could be after and, I have to say, I’m wondering the same thing. I continued to fight as Kira suggested that we scan the station after we’re done with these Hur’q.

You can bet that I scanned the station as soon as we were done with the Hur’q.  Kira told me that the station is a basic resource transport hub, not exceptionally old.  She said that there were no life signs on sensors and it looks abandoned. Then Kira claimed that she was picking up trace levels of mineral resources in several storage areas, but there’s nothing of note here unless the Hur’q are driven solely to consume an assortment of minerals.  I said that I wouldn’t be surprised, since they are giant bugs. Kira said that the station’s a very interesting place, in that it’s completely uninteresting to everyone but the Hur’q. I told Kira that, even with my brilliance, I don’t think we’ll find the answers we’re looking for here, so I might get to leave without beaming down.

Unfortunately, Kira told me not to be so eager to go to warp and she sounded rather annoyed with me.  She said that she’s picking up a distress signal over there and that I should take a look. I unscrambled the distress signal on my ship and got another call from Kira.  She told me that it looks like a Ferengi signal, of uncertain origin, coming from the Karemma system. Kira talked about how she recalled Quark mentioning some business with the Karemmans recently.  Kira doesn’t think this is a coincidence and I agree with her 100%. She said that we should look into this, since Quark may have bitten off more than he can chew again. As someone who’s read all about Quark’s exploits on Deep Space Nine, I have some idea of what she’s talking about.  Odo didn’t feel that it was a good use of our time, because the Karemmans are very resourceful. Apparently, they’ve designed a number of weapons and defense systems for the Dominion. So, he was confident they can deal with the Hur’q on their own. Then he said that, as for Quark, he’s quite capable of getting himself out of trouble.  Trouble, Odo might add, that Quark had no business getting into in the first place. Garak told Odo that he’s rather shocked. Garak claimed that he knows Quark’s a gambler, but he never realized Odo was one as well. Garak said that Karemma is a part of the Dominion, and an important one at that. He asked Odo if losing their tactical and technological resources to the Hur’q wise.  I added that, if we rescue Quark, we can get a discount on anything we want. After all, he’d be in our debt big time. Odo eventually agreed, since he saw that there’s no way he can talk us out of this, even if a discount wouldn’t do him any good, so he’ll accompany us to Karemma. Then he said that they’re ready to go to warp when I am, and he really wanted to get this over with. If the Hur’q are part of this, then I have to agree with Odo.

When we got to the Karemma system, we found it guarded by a group of Jem’Hadar ships.  

Garak asked where all of these ships came from. Odo contacted me and said, half-heartedly, that we’re at the Karemma system.  He told me to just find out what Quark needs, deal with it, and move on. Instead of doing what Odo wanted, I asked him what was going on here.  Garak agreed with me, even if he did act more polite about it, though it was a bit sarcastic. He said that it was far beyond him to question the word of a Founder, but that was a very large Dominion fleet he’s reading on sensors.  Then he claimed that he only mentioned it because we were led to believe Odo’s fleet was the last, something I honestly doubted. Anyway, Garak finished up by saying that he trusts there’s a reasonable explanation for this miscommunication.  I didn’t have time to speculate, as I had to tell Garak that the Dominion flagship is hailing us. Who should it be but the female founder? She told me that my presence was not required here and demanded that I explain myself. This is the same woman I freed from a Starfleet prison, so way to be grateful.  Instead I told her that I should be asking her the same thing. Then she started going on about how what I could do and should do are separate matters, and called me a solid. Then she had the never to tell me that I would be wise to learn the difference, as if I were a naive schoolgirl! Look, she doesn’t want to be grateful, that’s fine.  I have relatives who use me for free room and board, so this is nothing new to me. However, she doesn’t get to talk down to me like I’m a child! Anyway, she said that Karemma’s part of the Dominion and that they are here to assist them, if they wish it. I repeated that last part right back to her, but she ignored me. So I pointed out that she seems to have a larger fleet than Odo.  The Founder explained that Odo commands an expeditionary fleet; it is his to use in a mission to seek and destroy the Hur’q as he sees fit. She claimed that her fleet was a defense fleet, then said that the distinction was not made clear to me which, in her words, was rather unfortunate. Then I asked the Founder why the Karemmans have to ask for aid. She told me that the Karemmans are proud and, if they wish to stand alone and deal with the Hur’q, they will certainly accommodate them.  The Founder said that, should they decide to ask for aid, they will gladly assist them. Then she claimed that the point might be moot, however, because Karemmans are known for their potent weapons and defense systems. I told her that we’re going to assist the Karemmans. Odo contacted the Founder and said that he will take responsibility for their actions in Karemman space. He told her that one of their operatives requires immediate extraction. The Founder said that I’m quite persistent and then finally caved in.  She made this big deal about how, in the spirit of our newfound pact with the Alliance, she will allow us to proceed, albeit at our own risk. Then she told Odo to exercise caution, because it would be tragic for him to come so far, only to end it all here over Karemma. If I didn’t know that Founders have an Ape Shall Not Kill Ape rule, I’d think she was threatening Odo. Then again, just because she can’t kill Odo doesn’t mean that she can’t arrange for an accident and, with the Hur’q running rampage, it would be the perfect opportunity.

After the Wicked Witch of the GQ cut the comm, Garak pointed out what I already know, that we’re not getting the whole story.  Kira just responded with business as usual, to which Garak just said exactly. After that, we got to work destroying the enemy ships and protecting the Karemman freighters.  I ordered Chris to hail them, but he told me that he was getting no response. Then said that he was using all hailing frequencies, but getting nothing in return. Which, in all honesty, sounds like most of my major relationships.  I told Chris to keep trying. Garak contacted me and said that his sensors are showing a broad band of interference in the area. Then said that it’s jamming the standard Karemman hailing frequencies. Then he suggested giving them a new, more secure frequency to use for communications.  I immediately said that I’ll send them a new frequency, which I did quickly. We got the message from the Karemmans that they need help and fast. The guy said that most of their planetary defense lines are in danger of being overrun by the Hur’q. He said that they tried to evacuate, but the Jem’Hadar opened fire on their ships when they broke orbit.  Then said that they’re trapped. I asked Odo his thoughts about the Karemmans’ claim that the Jem’Hadar fired on them. Odo said that combat is notoriously chaotic. Then he claimed that he’s sure there’s a reasonable explanation for that, one best pursued after we find Quark and help the Karemmans. I told him that we’ll play it his way, for now. Garak is as curious about all this as I am, but said that we should find Quark as soon as possible.  He said that Quark should be the only Ferengi on the planet, so a deep-range scanner should be able to locate him. I told Garak that we’ll scan for Quark, getting a strong feeling that Odo’s not the only one hiding information from me. What is it with men and their constant head games? Anyway, Chris scanned for life and told me that it took a few scans, but he’s found one Ferengi life sign. Then Chris told me that said life sign is surrounded by a handful of Karemma and a large number of Hur’q.  Chris told me that there’s a lot of interference in that area, so we can’t get a transporter lock on him at this time. I asked Chris if we could hail them. What do we get but a scrambled message from Quark? I couldn’t catch most of what he said but he did get angry about how long we took and hinted that Garak hired him to do a job. I told Quark that we’re coming. Garak contacted me and said that we need to get Quark out quickly, before he has an encounter with the Hur’q of the fatal variety. Garak suggested that we go down together while Captain Kira and the Ambassador cover our ships in orbit and said that it looks like, even with my abilities, I’ll have to beam down after all.  I told Garak that I might be better off staying in orbit while either Kira or Odo beam down with him. Garak said he won’t stop me, but this could be my chance to discover the mystery of the Hur’q and he would hate for me to throw it away. I swallowed my fear and said that I’ll beam down. He told me that we’ll have to beam down outside of Quark’s location. Then suggested that we bring some pattern enhancers along, because we may need them to beam out once we find Quark. I told Garak that I was ready to beam down and face the Hur’q.

I beamed down to the planet and met Garak, who told me that we’re about as close to Quark’s last known location as we can get with transporters.  

Then he said that he’s afraid that we’ll have to make the rest of the journey the old-fashioned way. I just wanted to get this trek through bug land over with, so I said that we should go.  Garak told me that Quark’s lifesign is near here and that we should try to find a way in. We followed the path and found an opening to a cave, to which Garak said that was convenient. Then talked about how we found a hidden path and said that we should have a look.  I told Garak that I wouldn’t exactly call that hidden. Before he could respond, we found a metal door that Garak said completely scattered his sensors. Well, guess what was waiting on the other side, more Hur’q! Which Garak said means we’re in the right place while I’m trying to fire at these guys and, let me tell you, it’s not easy!  I’m usually a good shot but my hands are shaking like mad!  Thankfully, Garak didn’t notice because, if he did, I would die right there! Chris did and he told me that I really need to get a hold of myself. I responded back by saying that Indiana Jones fears snakes and I fear bugs. Chris responded by telling me that Indiana Jones manages to pull himself together to go through snakes, something I really couldn’t argue against.

 

As soon as we defeated the Hur’q, Garak told me that his tricorder shows a Ferengi life sign beyond that rather secure door.  Garak claimed that the Karemman security system is beyond him. He said that, given time, he could crack it, but we’re running low on that commodity.  Then Garak told me that there are a number of Karemman life signs nearby however. He claimed that one of them might be able to help us reach Quark. I quickly led the team to find the first group of Karemmans while Garak told me that I do need to contain myself.  Then he followed that up by saying that it would be a shame if I accidentally shot a Karemman because of my own shaky hands. Great, so he did notice.

As soon as we made our way to the first Karemman, we found ourselves greeted by Hur’q.  I let out one little shriek, which I am a bit ashamed of, but I quickly got over myself and defeated the Hur’q with my away team.  I asked out loud why it had to be bugs, almost quoting the great Indiana Jones himself. Aubryllin said that she thought that she was going to get eaten by one of those things, an idea she didn’t like very much and I don’t blame her.  Then thanked me while she wondered who I was. Aubryllin could tell that I wasn’t police or military, though I beg to differ on that one. She corrected herself by saying that I wasn’t Karemman military. Aubryllin asked me what brought me down to the middle of hell.  I told her the truth, that we’re looking for a Ferengi. The way Aubryllin responded to that, you get the feeling she didn’t like him very much. She told me that she thinks she saw her brother and some of his men hustle Quark or, as she calls him, the little grifter into a vault before those monsters got in there.  Then she wished me luck getting Quark out of there. Then Aubryllin apologized for being rude because we just saved her life, so she’ll return the favor. Aubryllin told me that one of her brother’s people should be able to open the door for me. Then said that, if I find them, I’m all set.

I left to go rescue the other Karemmans, but Abryllin didn’t want to come with me.  She claimed that perhaps waiting here would be best, because the outer world is still a mess. Something I agree with because, as soon as we left, we got attacked by the Hur’q.

We defeated them and made our way to the second group of Karemmans.  Guess what was waiting for us, more Hur’q. After beating them, we met Marimat who thanked us for the timely rescue.

Then asked me if I was willing to turn a blind eye to all the contraband I’ve seen down here.  Marimat claimed that it would save me the trouble of shooting me later. I admitted that I didn’t know about that. Marimat made this lame attempt to cover herself by saying that she was kidding, something she dragged out for awhile.  Then said that I’m clearly not Karemman police, so she asked what brought me down here. I told Marimat that I’m looking for a Ferengi named Quark. Marimat said she knows Quark, describing him as a little guy with big ears and a flashy dresser, and also that she heard that Quark owns a moon.  Marimat told me that they locked him up in a secure room when the shooting started, because a big spender like that should be kept safe. Then she told me that, if we help them out with the nerks or gurks (she didn’t know what they were called), they’ll help us out with Quark. I recognized it as a you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours kind of deal, which I agreed to.  Then I told Marimat that, in the future, if she wants to keep her illegal contraband safe, don’t let that be the first thing she mentions when meeting officials.

After that, I left to go find another group of Karemmans and got a call from Kira.  She told me that the other Dominion ships just left the system, so we’re on our own.  I told her that I do some of my best work when I’m on my own. I saved the last group of Karemmans from the Hur’q and met Konali.  You can bet that he was really glad to see me and said that he thought that they’d be safe from those things down here. Konali claimed that caves do a number on sensors and transporters, but that didn’t slow them down much.  Then he asked why we were here, since we’re clearly not with Karemman defense. Konali asked if we were mercenaries or private security. I sarcastically marked that it was a smart observation and then told Konali that we were looking for a Ferengi. Konali knew I was talking about Quark, since he’s the only Ferengi around that he knows of. Then told me that Quark’s in a secure vault, not far from here, with another VIP. Konali said that he owes me his life, but he doesn’t have the code to get to Quark.  Then Konali told me that there are others nearby, so one of them should have the code. Then Konali told me that, if I help them, he’ll make sure that they open the door for me. I told Konali that we’ve already helped the rest, so we need to go get Quark.

Konali followed me to the door and volunteered to stay behind while I save everyone.  I found Marimat right by the door, happy that we’re all alive and kicking. She said that we had a deal and she’s not about to back out on it, especially since we’re all so well-armed and cranky, her words not mine.  So we’re definitely not the type of people she’d want to cross. Then we heard a Ferengi scream in the distance, which could only be Quark. Marimat knew that couldn’t be good, so she told us that the door’s open and we’d better get a move on.  Marimat stated the obvious by saying that our pal sounds a little stressed, to which I responded, only a little? We went down the hallway to hear another scream, courtesy of Quark, so Marimat’s comment is the understatement of the year. Quark had every reason to scream, because we came across more of those giant bugs and, let me tell you, they pack quite a punch.

It took a long while, but we finally managed to get rid of them and Garak sarcastically responded to Quark that it’s good to see him.  Then Garak said that he sees that Quark’s mission was a successful one as well. Quark did not look happy to see Garak and told him that he found his mysterious widget.  So, Garak was behind this all along. Quark asked what it was exactly, since it’s clearly not Karemman tech. Then Quark explained that the Karemmans found it a few days before he got here, but didn’t have time to analyze it thanks to the Hur’q.  Garak thanked Quark, saying that this narrows things down considerably. Quark was happy to hear that, because it makes the item more valuable, something Garak agreed with. After that meeting, I talked to Quark who told the First Minister that his distress call was heard.  Then he thanked me for saving his life and said that my reputation for getting things done is well-deserved, which would’ve had me ecstatic had I not been recovering from facing my greatest fear.

Quark turned to Garak and told him that they need to have a long discussion. Apparently, he forgot to mention that Karemma was under a Dominion blockade, and in the middle of a Hur’q invasion. Quark asked if Cardassians go senile and told Garak not to answer that, because he doesn’t want to know. Then Quark angrily told Garak that he’s not paying him enough for this aggravation. I told Quark that he’s not the only one Garak kept secrets from, something that angers and intrigues me at the same time.  I don’t like being someone else’s pawn but, I have to commend Garak, not many can successfully manipulate me like that. Anyway, I talked to the First Minister and she told me that we weren’t the liberators she expected, but she thanks us nonetheless. She introduced herself as First Minister Bekelba and told me that their situation has gone from bad to worse.  It’s something they have the Dominion to thank for. Bekelba told me that those of them that were on the edge of the Dominion were abandoned when the invasion began. In light of that, they voted to secede, to truly stand alone. Then Bekelba said that the Dominion stood by while the Hur’q attacked them. They held off the invasion for a while, but the Hur’q’s numbers were too great.  Bekelba told me that, when they asked for aid, the Dominion refused. When the Karemmans tried to evacuate, the Dominion fleet opened fire. Let me tell you, these guys are the most unforgiving people I’ve ever seen, and I have a sister who spread a rumor about one of her exes having an affair with his own sister. I got a call from the Winchester telling me that I’ll need to set up the pattern enhancers in order for them to get a lock and beam everyone out from my location.

I set up the first pattern enhancer, but found some rubble that I wanted to examine.

 

Garak said that it appeared that the Hur’q burrowed this way to bypass the doors above. Then he said that, unlike most burrowing creatures, the Hur’q actually ate their way through the ground.  I said out loud that these creatures sound like monsters from a horror holo-program. No matter how far you run, they’ll always find you.  Garak didn’t know what I was talking about, so I mentioned some famous horror monsters such as Pennywise, Jason, Freddy Krueger. Chris interrupted us, saying that he doesn’t really think this is important right now, so we went back to setting up the pattern enhancers.

After I set up the second one, Kira contacted me to say that the Hur’q are leaving, for now. Then I finished setting all of them up and Quark wished the Prime Minister good luck with the revolution, because they’re going to need it. Then told Garak that he’ll be hearing from him soon.  Garak only sarcastically responded that he was looking forward to it. Quark quickly told Garak that he won’t when he sees the bill and then beamed out. I talked to Garak who said, now that we’re past that unpleasantness, we need to have a chat with Ambassador Odo, particularly about this technological wonder we’ve acquired. I asked Garak what it was, who told me that he has his suspicions. He asked me what I make of the device, and I said that it looks technological, obviously. I told him that, judging by the color and the design, I’d say that it’s Dominion. Then Garak handed it to me and I felt a small vibration from the device, so I told him that someone turned this thing on and, if this sphere thingy is important enough for him to pay Quark to get it, what it does can’t be good.  Garak then asked me what I think it does and I said that the Wicked Witch of the GQ didn’t want us to find it and, in all honesty, it reminded me of the bug zappers people use on Earth, the little spheres that call bugs to them and vaporize them out of existence. Then it clicked in my head what this thing does and I freaked out, practically tossing it back to Garak and screeching at him to keep that thing away from me! Garak only gave an amused smile and said that, suffice it to say, he believes that I’ll find its purpose of great interest to all concerned parties.  Garak told me that his main concern lies in what the Ambassador will have to say about it. Then Garak proposed that we get to the bottom of this together. He told me that he’ll make all of the necessary arrangements and meet me aboard Odo’s flagship.

We beamed up to Odo’s flagship only for a Jem’Hadar to demand what’s going on.  They were about to fire at us, until Odo ordered them to stand down. Then he turned to us and asked us what he owes to this unexpected visit.  Garak told Odo that he hopes he’ll forgive the intrusion and said that we need to speak in person. Kira asked Garak what he was up to, something Odo agreed was a very good question.  Then Odo asked what this was about. Garak said that it’s in regard to this device we found on Karemma. He opened said device and asked Odo if he knows what it is. Odo said that he didn’t know and suggested that it might be new Karemman military technology.   Garak quickly shot that down because the Karemmans didn’t make this, but it is a Dominion creation. Odo asked what its purpose was, to which Garak admitted that he had no idea, but it does emit a signal. Garak said that it’s quite similar to that used by the Hur’q.  Then Garak suggested that he turns it on and shows Odo. Odo got all defensive and said that there’s no need for that, meaning he knows more than he’s telling us. Kira admitted that she didn’t like where this was going, to which Garak agreed. Then Garak explained that he found a similar device on Bajor and beamed it right in.  Kira and I both demanded to know when Garak found the item on Bajor. Garak said that it was right after the recent Hur’q attack and told Kira to scan the device. Then Garak talked about how she’ll find the soil residue on it is of Bajoran origin. Kira said that Garak’s right and that it’s from the Kendra Province. I pointed out a little angrily that, considering how cushy things were between the Alliance and the Dominion, they wouldn’t have been stupid enough to draw the Hur’q all the way to the AQ.  Kira started to defend Odo, who only interrupted her and said that he can’t have her defending him on this. Odo then explained that Garak’s right, because those devices call the Hur’q and the Founders put them there! Odo put a dangerous species on a planet where my daughter lives! Thankfully, Kira was as pissed as I was, even if she is much slower than I am. So, she demanded an explanation from her Founder boyfriend. Odo gave one by talking about how they needed the Alliance’s help, immediately. Apparently, there wasn’t time for summits, or diplomacy.  So, Odo found a high-value target, and led the Hur’q to it! He claimed that he took steps to make sure their attack would fail, like that’s supposed to make it better! Then he said that Bajor was never at risk and told Kira directly that she has to understand, but she wouldn’t hear a word of it. Kira slapped him, something that made Garak and me smile, and then let Odo have it. She told Odo that he put her entire planet at risk and people died! I pointed out that some of these people were children, while silently grateful that Rose wasn’t one of the casualties, but I’m not letting Odo off the hook that easily.  Odo tried to plead with Kira, but she told him to save it because she’s heard enough. Garak, on the other hand, wanted to hear the whole story. Odo said that he did what he needed to do to bring the Alliance into the war and admitted that he lied, risked the lives of millions to save billions. I’ll tell you right now, he’s lucky Rose wasn’t one of the millions or I would blow him up with my phaser right now! I don’t care what consequences I face for killing a Founder! Then Odo said that there’s more to this than a staged Hur’q attack. He talked about how the other Founders are hiding things from him, making his family even more dysfunctional than mine, which is really saying something.  Odo said that, if he challenges them now, he’ll have no chance to find out what. Then he claimed that, for now, he has to play the part. Kira told Odo that he’s doing a great job of that and called him a Founder. She beamed out, leaving Odo looking severely distressed. Then Garak told Odo that he understands his position, but Kira feels differently. Odo could only respond with an I know, but I’m still steamed and I let that be known. Garak asked me why I care so much about Bajor. Apparently, he read my report and I’ve been diagnosed as a high-functioning sociopath who cares very little about life, if at all. As angry as I am right now, I really have to commend him for getting that one right.  Odo started talking before I could answer, saying that he has a strong lead, but he’ll need our help to move on it. Garak told Odo that he knows how to reach him. Then Garak told Odo that he is a gambler, and a high-stakes one at that. Odo only gave a sad response about how Garak has no idea.

After that twist, I went to talk to Loriss and Weyoun, who were busy arguing like an old married couple about their place in the Dominion.  

Weyoun serves the female Founder while Loriss serves Odo. Finally, I left when it looked like they were too busy to talk. I talked to Garak, who said that this was quite the revelation and that it would be interesting to see how the powers that be respond to all this, which made me think of Angel.  

Garak told me that, for now, he thinks it’s best to keep this in the purview of the diplomats. Garak suggested that we return to our ships, and claimed that there will be more time to speak about this matter later. I talked to Dukan’Rex, the main Jem’Hadar, and he said that it is not his place to question the will of the Founders, which still sounds like slavery to me.  

Then he told me that my mind, however, is my own. Rex said that I can do with my mind as I will, but be warned: the Founders do not appreciate betrayal. He told me that, if the Alliance withdraws from their pact with the Dominion, the consequences could be severe. In other words, the Founders expect you to take all of their bullshit but, if you dare to point out how they treat you, they’ll throw you out the airlock whether you’re right or not.  Yep, definitely an abusive relationship. Trust me, I know. After that, I talked to Odo, who told me that he needs me to understand that he took precautions, so Bajor was never in any danger.

Odo claimed that he made sure that his fleet was in position to neutralize the Hur’q in time, which I call dumb luck. Then Odo told me that Karemma was not his decision, asking me if I honestly thought he’d take part in a plot to bring allies to their side, and then move to wipe another group of allies?  Which, in all honesty, does make sense. Then he told me that, as he said to Garak, there is more to this than we know. Odo said that he’s going to find out what, and he hopes that I’m inclined to join him when the time comes. I told him that it doesn’t really look like I have a choice and then beamed back to the Winchester.

As soon as I got back to the Winchester, Garak contacted me.  He said that visits to the Dominion are always enlightening. Then he told me that he suspects we’ve only just begun to discover what the Founders are playing at here and that concerns him greatly. Garak said that, after today, the wrath of Captain Kira may be the least of Odo’s concerns. However, Garak still feels that we need to continue working with him, as it may be the only way we learn the true intentions of the Dominion.  Garak told me that, with that in mind, he’ll contact me when they’re ready to move forward with his plan. I told Garak that I’d hate to admit it, but he’s right. He then brought up that I never answered his question, what is my concern with Bajor?  All I told him that I don’t like the slaughter of innocent animals and children and then hung up. Muttering under my breath that I especially don’t like it when it’s my child.

A/N: So, what did you think about Candy’s recollection of one of the famous Victory is Life missions?  I took a few liberties, such as the futuristic bug zapper.  Let me know what you think and, if you have your own Star Trek Online character, feel free to RP in the comments!