Eloquence Chapter Three

Note: Ratings warning wording order changed

   because I realized it could be read by some

   as offensive, which was not intentional.

Ratings: Homosexual content now present.
Okay this one deals with some nasty
stuff: implied sexual violence,
implied violence, etc. You
have been warned.

3 – Long Road – 3

“Julian. Julian, Garak is asking for you.” Jadzia coaxed the doctor awake.

“Wha…?” it took a second for his tired brain to register what was happening.

“Elim needs you.” Dax smirked at Bashir’s youthfulness. He really looked like a small child being woken for school.

“Wha’s wrong?” Julian slurred as he quickly roused himself from sleep.

“Nothing as far as I can tell. He just keeps saying ‘Jul.’ I figure he is asking for you.” Jadzia replied to ease Julian’s concern.

“What time is it? How long has he been asking for me? Did he seem distressed?” Julian was moving into overdrive.

“It’s the morning, about 08:00 station time. He asked for you when he woke up, about five minutes ago. He seemed a bit worried, but not distressed. I’m going to go back to him. Get yourself presentable.” Jadzia smiled at Julian’s tousled state. She left the room, while Julian moved to clean himself up.

…

            Jadzia re-entered the quarantine room to find Garak in a considerably more panicked state, “Elim? Elim.” She got his attention. “Everything is okay. I just went to get Julian. He will be here soon; he just needs to get cleaned up. Okay?” She wasn’t really sure why she asked; Elim couldn’t understand her. But, Garak nodded, “Jul. Jul. Jul.” As he chanted this he seemed to calm down again, “Jul.” Jadzia wondered if Elim was just responding to Julian’s name or if he had understood her. She didn’t dare to hope that there was true understanding.

            “Elim, do you understand what I’m saying to you?” Jadzia asked tentatively. He nodded an affirmative to her. “You understand me?” her excitement grew as she got the same response. It took all her will power not to jump into the air with joy, instead she yelled into the next room, “Julian, get in here quick.”

            Julian was in the quarantine room almost instantly, “What’s wrong?” He moved past Dax without a look and headed straight for Garak, thus missing the ecstatic look on the Trills face. Nothing seemed to be wrong. Julian turned around to look at Jadzia after glancing at all the medical readouts and seeing nothing unusual, “What’s going on?”

            Jadzia was still glowing with excitement and bouncing up and down on the balls of her feet ever so slightly, “He understood me; I mean, I think he understood me.” She took a calming breath before continuing. “I came back in here and Elim was a bit panicky, so I talked to him to try and calm him down. Anyway after explaining that you would be here soon I asked ‘Okay?’ And, he nodded yes to me. I was surprised, so I asked him if he understood me, twice. He responded with a nod in the affirmative both times.”

            Jadzia paused to take a breath. Julian was still trying to digest what was said to him. Jadzia continued a little calmer, “I was so overcome with joy that I just yelled for you.” The words finally seemed to be sinking in for Julian, “He answered you?”

            “Yes. He nodded.”

            “He nodded.” Still sounding a little lost.

            “Julian, are you okay?” Jadzia was beginning to worry about Julian.

            “What? Oh, yes, I’m just…” there was a moments pause before Julian kicked into doctor mode. “We need to verify your suspicions. If he really can understand what is being said to him then it is very good news.”

            “Jul.” came the soft cry from behind Julian. He turned to see Elim looking at him with a mixture of frustration and longing evident.

            Julian instantly melted back into friend mode, “Elim, I’m so sorry, I just got…  You wanted me for something didn’t you.” It was more of a statement than a question, but the Cardassian nodded anyway. Julian sat down on the biobed, “Do you understand me, if you do say Jadzia’s name.”

            “Spot.” in a quite yet sure voice.

            “Oh, Elim, this is so wonderful.” Julian was overwhelmed.

            “Jul.” he motioned between himself and Julian.

            “I’m sorry Elim. You wanted me. Do you want me to do something?” he was finally beginning to regain a bit of composure. The answer was an enthusiastic, affirmative nod. “Okay, can you express what you want from me somehow?”

            Garak thought for a moment before gesturing to Julian then wrapping his arms around himself, “Jul. Immm. Jul. Immm.” He repeated the motions. Julian watched the motions and began to think, “Julian hold Elim. Do you want me to hold you?” He received a small timid nod in response. Julian settled himself on his side next to the Cardassian before carefully putting his arms around Garak’s form. As Julian’s arms came into contact with the damaged back there was a sudden intake of breath, “Elim, are you okay?”

            “Hurt.” Garak hissed through clenched teeth.

            “I need to get your pain medicine.” He was about to move, but stopped when Garak gripped his shirt tightly. “Umm, Jadzia, can you get me that hypo of triptacederine? It’s okay Elim; I’m staying right here. But, I do need to treat you. If I don’t you are going to start hurting quite a bit.” Jadzia brought the hypo to Julian, who prepared it as quickly as he could without jarring the pain-striken Cardassian in his arms any more than he already had. He then pressed the hypo to Garak’s arm, and handed it back to Jadzia, “Thanks.”

            “No problem. I thought you might have your hands full.” She attempted to insert a bit of humor to make Julian smile.  In seconds Garak began to relax into Julian’s light embrace as the painkiller started working. This time there were no tears. Elim was simply limp in Julian’s arms.

            They lay like that for about twenty minutes during which Julian’s arm became increasingly numb. He tried to remain still, not wanting to distress Garak, but he finally gave in to the need to reposition his self. He had expected Elim to cry out as before, but there was nothing. Garak didn’t move or vocalize, he didn’t respond to the movement in any form. This got Julian’s attention. His questions and more movement received no reaction. He knew that his presence was useless to Garak at that moment.

            Julian carefully disentangled himself from the limp Cardassian body. He was standing next to the biobed mentally preparing for the work ahead when Jadzia interrupted his thoughts, “Julian, is Elim okay? What do we need to do?”

            He didn’t look up as he replied, “No he’s not okay, but right now there is nothing we can do to help.” There was no anger in his voice just infinite sadness.

            “Is this normal? It’s like he’s not aware of anything, like he’s somewhere else.” Jadzia was clearly worried.

            “It’s normal. His mind and body are trying to cope with everything that has happened. It’s very common for people that have experienced long term trauma to withdraw at times. They’re just not able to process all the bad stuff and the fact that it has stopped. They become so used to the…” Julian’s voice broke into a repressed sniffle. “… pain. When it has been experienced for a long period of time the loss can be difficult for the person to deal with.”

            “Julian, he’s strong. It will be hard, and it will take time, but I’m sure he will get better.” Jadzia could tell that her friend was having difficulty keeping his emotions from overwhelming him. “And, we will be there to help him.”

            “Yes, he won’t be alone.” Julian replied as he tucked a warm blanket around Garak’s limp form. After determining that he had done the best he could with the blanket Julian leaned over and kissed the indention of Elim’s spoon-like protuberance. “I love you Elim.” Julian whispered quietly.

            Jadzia looked up in wonder when she heard Julian’s whispered words. Her jaw was slightly dropped as she stared at her friend in amazement. After a moment she collected her self, “Oh, Julian.” Jadzia had sighed in a moment of sadness and sympathetic understanding.

            But, Julian wheeled around to face her with a look of angry determination on his face. “Don’t you start. I don’t want to hear about how bad of a decision it is for me to be with Elim. And, anyway it isn’t like you didn’t know about us already. Why decide to call me on it now. Just because I was willing to express my feelings for… for… for the bastard Cardassian spy!” Julian had run out of steam rather quickly. “I’m going to do some research. So, I can continue to help the man I love.” He moved towards the computer terminal.

            Jadzia had endured the rant in silence partly out of surprise, but mostly because she knew her young friend needed to get it off his chest. She reached out and grasped Julian’s arm gently to stop him, “I don’t think any of those things Julian. And, I must say that I am rather surprised to learn of this development in your’s and Garak’s relationship. What makes you think I knew in the first place?”

            It was Julian’s turn to be confused. He stood there looking dumbfounded for a few seconds before responding, “You aren’t? You didn’t…? You’re not going…? You must have known. That’s why… why you’ve been so helpful and nice to Elim. To help me. Because you knew. I mean…” Julian stuttered to a halt looking lost and tired. “Jadzia?”

            “I assure you that I had no idea about you and Garak. I admit that I entered sickbay onboard the Defiant because I was worried about you, but after seeing the state that he was in I promised myself that I would do whatever I could to help him. I have always liked Garak a bit and seeing him like that made me realize how much his presence means for the station, for me, for you.” Jadzia paused to make sure her words were sinking in for the doctor. “Although, I guess I didn’t really understand how much he means to you.”

            She had hoped for at least a trace of a smile from Julian, but instead he looked at her with continuing concern, “So, you aren’t going to berate me for being with Elim?”

            There was genuine worry in that question, “No Julian, I’m not. As long as you are happy and Elim is happy who am I to say anything.”

            The pause after this statement seemed to last for an eternity. Finally Julian moved in such a sudden motion that Jadzia was caught off guard. He threw his arms around the Trill’s neck in a relieved happiness, “Oh, Jadzia, you’re such a good friend. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

            He moved away bonelessly and sighed into the chair behind the computer console. “And, don’t you forget it Julian.” Jadzia smiled as she teased her young friend. She received a slight smile in response before Julian immersed himself in research.

            After a moment of thinking Jadzia focused on Julian again. “If you ever need to talk to someone about everything” she gestured around them vaguely, “I’m here. You can tell me anything. It won’t bother me, and it’ll stay between us.”

            “I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you Jadzia.” He returned to the research. Julian was relieved that some one now knew about himself and Garak. He hadn’t minded the secrecy before Elim’s disappearance, but not having someone that he could talk to about the whole mess had been excruciating. Jadzia was a good friend and very understanding, probably her many lifetimes of experience gained from the Dax symbiot contributed.

            Now, if he only knew more about Cardassian brain chemistry and physiology. He had once operated to remove the implant from Garak’s brain, but really he knew very little about the topic. Probably why he still could find a medication that would help Elim’s headaches that didn’t become useless in a few months. He would just have to keep researching. He had no other choice. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------

General comments and constructive criticism welcome. Feel free to comment.

I acknowledge that Elim Garak, Julian Bashir, Cardassia, etc. are the property of either Paramount or CBS, not entirely sure which due to the changes in 2006. The story is however mine, and done solely for entertainment purposes.

COMING SOON:

CHAPTER 4

4 – Unexpected Information - 4

Familiar New Frontier Chapter Four

Rating: MC

4 - Search Delayed - 4

            They continued to walk through the rubble-strewn streets in silence. Julian was surprised that they didn’t see anyone else. Of course, he thought, it was close to dark. The sun was already setting. Most Cardassians had probably made sure to be off the streets already.

            Garak stopped abruptly. Julian stopped and turned slightly to see his Cardassian friend lean against a nearby wall. The boy in his arms was concerned, “Elim are you okay?”

            For the moment Garak didn’t seem to be able to respond. His face was a tight grimace, he was sweating and there was a slight tremor that encompassed the entire body. After a few seconds he managed to hiss a request, “Julian… take Kamar… I can’t…”

            That was all he managed to say before Julian removed Kamar from the trembling arms. Garak’s immediate reaction was to lean down and wrap his arms around his stomach. “Julian, I think… you… were right.”

            “That’s beside the point at the moment. We need to get you back. And soon, it’s almost dark.” Julian would have been amused to hear Garak concede that he was right under other circumstances, but now he was worried. “Can you walk?”

            “I don’t think…” Garak gasped out the response.

            “Is Elim okay? Did I hurt him? Elim, please, I’m sorry.” The boy had a few tears running down his cheeks.

            “Kamar, Elim is sick, but he will be fine. We just need to get him home.” Julian replied softly while using his free hand to rub the tears away. “Okay?”

            “Did Kamar make Elim sick?” worry filled the boy’s voice.

            “No Kamar… you didn’t… make me… sick.” Garak managed.

            “Do you think if you were able to lean on me for support that you could walk?” Julian had moved next to Garak and placed a hand onto the sweaty forehead.

            “To much for you.” He replied.

            “You don’t worry about that. Do you think you can manage with my help?” Julian was gentle, but insistent in his questioning.

            He received a slight affirmative nod in reply.

            “Okay. Good.” Julian maneuvered his arm to support the weight of his friend.

            Garak managed to put one of his arms around Julian’s shoulders while the other remained tightly about his middle. Kamar reached down with the hand that was behind Julian’s neck to touch the larger arm there in a comforting manner.

            “Kamar… can you tell Julian the way home?” Elim asked all his concentration was going to staying up right.

            “Yes.” The boy reply confidently.

            “Good boy.” Garak sighed in relief.

            They staggered through the streets in this manner, stopping occasionally to let Elim catch his breath and gather his strength. By the time the shuttle came into view Julian was carrying the limp Cardassian, his feet dragging along behind them.

            “Wow!” Kamar gasped. “Who’s is that?” He pointed at the shuttle.

            “That is mine. We are going to stay there.” Julian replied with a little effort.

            “But, Garak’s house is just beside the monu- monuments.” Kamar struggled to pronounce the last word.

            “I know, but there are things that I need to help Elim and you in the shuttle.” Julian replied.

            “You could bring them to Elim’s house.” the boy was adamant about staying there. “You could help Elim there.”

            “You can tell him... not afraid of doctors.” Garak spoke for the first time in a while.

            “I’m glad to hear you speak. I thought you had passed out on us.” Julian spoke as he continued towards the shuttle.

            “You’re a doctor?” Kamar’s eyes went wide with surprise. “Good thing the others didn’t know.”

            “Yes, Elim told me.” Julian thought for a second as they drew nearer to the shuttle. “That’s why we need to stay in the shuttle. It’s where all my medical stuff is located. I need it to help you two.”

            There was a short pause before Kamar declared, “If it will help Elim. Okay, as long as we are all staying here.”

            “We are all staying here.” Julian struggled to key in the entry code using the arm that was holding Kamar. He finally managed and the door slid open. He sat the boy down inside helping Garak to sit in the shuttle propped against the doorframe. “Kamar, why don’t you go up front and rest while I attend to Elim.”

            “Uh, I want to stay with Elim.” the boy was suddenly very timid.

            “Are you uncomfortable about being up front on your own?” Julian decided to be patient with Kamar. He could remember being a scared little boy thrown into a strange place with only strange people around him. Plus, he needed the breather before trying to move Garak into the shuttle.

            “Worried about Elim.” the mumble was so quiet that Julian wasn’t sure that it was within the Cardassian hearing range. Then, slightly louder, “A little bit.”

            “I see. How about this? I’ll go with you and get you some stuff to draw and color. You can do that for a little bit while I get Elim settled. Then you can stay back here with me and Garak.” Julian was gently persuasive.

            “Will it take long?” Kamar was almost convinced.

            “No, I’ll be as quick as possible. I know you like spending time with Elim.” Julian smiled slightly at the thought of the strong bond the two Cardassians shared.

            “Okay. Is it okay for Julian to get me the colors?” he directed the question at Garak.

            “Yes, I’ll be fine while he gets you settled.” his smile was of the brilliantly honest variety. Kamar was so wonderful. Elim wasn’t sure how he had become so important to the boy, but he was determined to make sure he deserved the special status.

…

            After getting Kamar settled Julian returned to help Garak. He managed to lay passive body down on the biobed nearest the door. The only response this got was a groan. Bashir noted the clamminess of his friend. Slight fever, his mind instantly diagnosed. He pulled a thermal blanket up to mid neck ridge before sitting on the edge of the bed.

            The shuttle was warm to him, just like Cardassia Prime. He had set the temperature controls to Cardassian standards, figuring that his patients wouldn’t appreciate the cold that is Federation standard temperature. He was going to have to get used to the heat anyway. He sat there for a moment to catch his breath, watching the man lying there with his eyes closed tight trying not to let the pain show. Julian patted the hand next to him before going to work. Garak groaned slightly in response.

            Julian worked diligently for a few moments determining just what he was up against. “I’m afraid there isn’t much I can do for you now. If you would have listened earlier I could have made this easier on you. We’re just going to have to let this take it’s course.” he paused in his explanation and sat down next to his friend again.

            “Elim” upon hearing his name Garak opened his eyes to look at Julian. “Your body is rejecting the food you ate earlier, it’s made worse because you were already malnourished and exhausted. You are also running a slight fever. I’m going to do what little I can to help, but this is going to be an unpleasant night for you.”

            Garak nodded his understanding before closing his eyes again.

            “Try to rest.” Julian moved about the shuttle preparing what he would need to help his friend through the rough night. He hooked up a nutrient flow to fight against dehydration, and attached a few monitors so that he would know if any complications arose. He administered a hypo of medicine to help with the nausea, but didn’t think it would be of much use at this point. “How are you feeling?”

            “Cold… stomach hurt…” Elim groaned.

            “Your temperature is a few degrees above normal.” Julian replied.

            “Still feel cold.” He gripped the blanket.

            “I know it’s the fever.” Julian replied with a slight smile. “I’m not going to take your blanket. Try to sleep.”

            “Can’t…” was all Elim was able to say before he rolled over and hung his head over the edge of the bed. Julian had prepared for this; he reached down and retrieved the bucket from beside the bed. Garak retched into it violently. After a few moments the retching sound stopped, but the limp form on the bed seemed disinclined to move.

            “You think you’re done for the moment?” Julian asked softly.

            A slight nod was his only reply. “Alright then, let me help you to a more comfortable position.” He carefully maneuvered his slightly shaky friend onto his back, “ Looks like I’ll be taking your blanket after all. I’ll get you a clean one first.”

            Julian went over to the replicator and ordered a damp rag at just below room temperature. He considered it warm, but knew that it would be slightly cool to Garak. “This is going to be cool.” He warned before starting to clean the Cardassian’s face. Elim shivered slightly upon first contact, but didn’t complain or try to move away. After cleaning all of the sick for off his friend he took the soiled blanket and the rag to the recycler. He returned with a new blanket and tucked Garak in snuggly.

            “The cool rag felt good… helped my stomach.” Elim spoke the soft, almost request.

            “So, that works for Cardassians to?” Julian asked with rhetorical jocularity.

            “What?” Garak was not at his intellectual best.

            “The cool rag.” Julian replied with a sigh. “I’ll get you a fresh one.”

            He dabbed Elim’s forehead with the rag before slowly moving it around the outside edge of an eye ridge and across the cheek to the mouth. He moved to repeat the gesture on the other side of the exquisitely sculpted face. “As much as I am enjoying this particular ministration, I think you need to help Kamar.” Garak reached a hand up to the one at his face and took the rag he found there. “He is in need of attention.”

            “Yes, I should see if I can find any information on Pottrik Syndrome.” Julian moved towards the computer screen at the very back of the shuttle.

            “No, I mean he is scared and hurting right now. You should go get him. Let him know everything is fine.” Garak had almost forgotten how dense Julian could be sometimes. “Doctor, the last adult that he was close to got sick and died.”

            “Oh, yes, I see. I guess I should…” Julian trailed off a little unsure what to do or say.

            Garak grinned, but didn’t open his eyes, “Just bring him back here and make him comfortable. Be there for him while he’s scared. I’ll help you after my nap.” He emitted a long yawn.

            “Right.” Julian replied. He could do that much. He walked into the front compartment of the shuttle to find Kamar lying on the floor coloring fiercely.

            “What are you drawing?” Julian asked as he squatted down to get a look.

            “Nothing, trying not to scratch.” he replied, “I really itch and…” He looked up at Julian with tears in his eyes. “Is Elim okay? I don’t want Elim to be sick. I don’t feel good. I want Elim, please. I want my sister.”

            He was crying in earnest now and breathing erratically. Julian pulled Kamar into a firm, comforting embrace. He made rocked back and forth with the boy in his arms making soothing sounds. “It’s okay, it’s alright. Elim’s fine. You’re going to be fine. We’ll find your sister soon.” Julian repeated this like a mantra until the boy’s crying abated.

            “I’m…” he sniffled, “I’m sorry.”

            “For what?” Julian asked softly.

            “For crying, for not being…” more sniffling, “being strong, like a Cardassian.”

            “Who ever told you that crying made you weak?” Julian asked with an encouraging smile.

            “Aamin. He said I was weak because I cry. Said I’m not Cardassian.” Kamar replied.

            “Well, Aamin doesn’t know anything. Crying doesn’t make you weak. I think you are a very strong Cardassian.” Julian spoke in a reassuringly firm manner. “Now, do you want to go see Elim?”

            “Yes.”

            “Okay, but you will need to be quiet. He may be sleeping and he needs rest.” Julian looked at Kamar closely, making sure the boy understood.

            “I’ll be quiet.” He started scratching at his chest.

            Julian touched the small hands and admonished gently, “You’re not supposed to scratch.”

            “I know, but I really itch.” He squirmed in place trying not to scratch.

            “Well, let’s move to the back and I’ll see if I can help you with that.” Julian picked up the pad and coloring implements.

…

            Kamar turned out to be a wonderful patient. He answered all of Julian’s questions to the best of his ability. He laid still for the most part and allowed Julian to do the scans that were need without complaint. The biggest problem was that in trying to keep himself from scratching he tended to wiggle a lot. Julian didn’t really mind pausing when the wiggling interrupted his scans. He tried distracting Kamar from the problem by telling him stories. They did everything as quietly as possible to prevent disturbing Elim, who had mercifully fallen asleep.

            Julian had discovered a little bit about the boys condition, but wished that he knew more about Cardassian anatomy and physiology. He wasn’t sure exactly how to help Kamar. The symptoms were being brought on by inflammation in various areas of the body. Julian had applied an ointment early to see if it would help with the itching, but it only provided a slight, temporary relief. He now understood why. For the moment the best he could do was to give Kamar an anti-inflammatory that worked for most species and very rarely had side effects. It wasn’t very strong, but it should help a little bit.

            First thing in the morning he would be contacting the nearest Starfleet Aid Clinic to get a copy of the Cardassian medical database. They had finally convinced the Cardassian Union to give them access, as long as no Starfleet officer took the information off planet. So, Julian didn’t have a copy yet.

            In the meantime he focused on making Kamar as comfortable as possible, “I could replicate you a pair of pajamas.”

            “ I have a pair. Elim made them. I wear them when I’m here. They don’t make me itch like most clothes does.” Kamar answered excitedly.

            “I see, and where are these pajamas now?” Julian smiled at the boy’s enthusiasm, so similar to his own.

            “In Elim’s dresser.” his face became ponderous as he answered.

            Julian had figured as much, “Well, I can go get them for you if you’ll be okay on your own for a bit.”

            “I won’t be alone. Elim is here,” he paused for a second. “But, I won’t bother him. I promise.”

            “I didn’t think you would unless it was very important,” Julian replied. “I’ll be back shortly with the pajamas.”

            “Okay.” Kamar picked up the coloring pad and became absorbed.

            Julian returned with a pair of well-crafted, midnight blue pajamas that could have only been made by Garak. The material was very smooth, and the seams had been made in such a way as to minimize the friction caused by them. The pattern of the outfit was intricate and complex, but tastefully subtle. Julian helped Kamar to change into the sleepwear. The boy was clearly tired, he yawned several times before Julian had him snuggly in the pajamas.

            “Now you need to get to sleep. Rest is just what the doctor ordered.” Julian joked lightly while tucking Kamar into the bed next to Elim’s.

            “I’ll try, but it’s hard.” He replied sleepily.

            “Why is it hard?” Julian asked.

            “Well, the itching keeps me up.”

            “Well, we’ll just have to see what I can do about that.” Julian answered with a knowing smile. He sat down next to Kamar and rubbed the spoon shaped ridge with slow soothing motions. This worked wonderfully and he boy was soon asleep.

            “Where did you learn that trick?” Garak surprised Julian with the question.

            “I didn’t realize you had woke up. How long have you been awake?” Julian didn’t answer the question.

            “Not long. And you are trying to avoid the question doctor.” Elim smiled in his infuriatingly knowing way. “You were never very good at obfuscation or misdirection.” He answered the unasked question.

            “Well, if you must know, I learned it while I was taking care of you after removing the implant.” Julian was bluntly direct.

            “Oh, well, that is something best forgotten.” Garak waved the answer away.

            “You don’t remember it do you?” Julian pried.

            “As I said, some things are best forgotten.” He had become stubborn again.

            “Just answer the question and I’ll drop the topic.” Julian hedged in the hopes of getting a straight answer.

            “Doctor, you already know the answer to that question.” It was the final word on the subject.

            “I see you are feeling more like yourself.” Julian replied in mock irritation.

            “Yes, apparently all I need was a good nap.” Garak employed his affable tailor grin.

            “Garak, I know you better than that. And, I know that you can’t possibly be feeling completely better.” Julian admonished. “Are you still feeling nauseous? Do you think you can manage to eat a little?”

            “I would’ve feigned sleep if I knew you were going to pester me with questions doctor.” Garak smiled indulgently. “But, to answer your question, I don’t feel nauseous. I feel odd, and I told you to call me Elim, doctor.”

            “And, I told you to call me Julian.” He emphasized his name.

            “You most certainly didn’t,” there was mock affront in the tone.

            “Okay, I asked you to cal me Julian. And you aren’t going to distract me that easily,” he took a look at the monitor showing the readings for Garak. It amazed him that the man could act so normal when he was this sick. “I’m going to give you some medicine that will help your stomach to breakdown and digest food. Then I want you to try to eat a little.”

            Garak didn’t answer, so Julian went about administering the hypospray of medicine. “Now, what should I get you? It needs to be easily digestible, and you will need to eat slowly.”

            “You’re being unbearable motherly, doctor.” Garak groused.

            “Yes, I am. And, you aren’t going to stop me, so you might as well make the best of it.” Julian smirked recognizing the tactic. “I will leave you alone after you eat something.”

            “Fine, you can get me some sem’hal stew,” he decided that he would rather enjoy having Julian wait on him. Of course, he would make sure that Julian didn’t know.

            “Would you like yamok sauce with that?” Julian smiled. He had learned a few things about Cardassian culture during his years on the station, although Garak would claim otherwise.

            “No, I don’t think I would.” Garak threw Julian off.

            “I thought sem’hal stew was always eaten with yamok sauce.” Julian asked.

            “Doctor, you should know Cardassians better than that. When do we ever remain that stagnantly boring?” His eyes glittered with mischievous delight.

            “I’m not going to fall for that trap. One bowl of sem’hal stew and one of I’danian spice pudding. I hope you don’t mind if I join you?” Julian brought the food over to a small table next to Elim’s bed.

            “Not at all doctor. It would be a pleasure.” Garak’s smile was genuine. “Although I must admit that I haven’t read any new literature, so I don’t know what we will discuss.”

            “Well, I can tell you about my work.” Julian supplied after swallowing a bit of spiced pudding.

            “That might prove interesting.” Garak replied cautiously after taking his first bit.

            “I promise not to talk about any of your medical conditions, past or present.” Julian knew why Elim was hesitant. “Actually, I’m more concerned with Kamar’s condition. He is going to get very sick soon, and I don’t have enough knowledge of Cardassians to help him right now. Elim, you need to eat slower, or you’ll have another episode like earlier tonight.”

            Garak stopped moving the spoonful of food and let it hover halfway between the bowl and his mouth. “I never thought I would see the day when Julian Bashir would tell me to slow down while eating,” he put the spoon back into the bowl. “This is an unusual occasion.”

            “Well…”

            “Doctor, I am not complaining, simply commenting on your growth.” Garak smiled his infuriating grin. “Now, why don’t you just read through the Cardassian Medical Database? I’m certain all you need to know is in there.” He took another bit of the stew.

            “I’ll have to wait until the morning to do that. I don’t have a copy yet.” Julian replied in exasperation.

            “Doctor,” Garak’s grin was that of the fond master, “you can get a copy right now. The clinics are open and manned at all times. This is a disaster area after all. I don’t have to tell you that the emergencies don’t end with the sunset.”

            “Yes, I didn’t think. I guess the normalcy of the station has dulled my thinking.” Julian paused in his excitement. “Elim, I’m really sorry.”

            “Whatever for?” His face was a mask of joviality. “It’s not as if you had let someone die. You simply are unaccustomed to life here on Cardassia. And, who could blame you. You haven’t been here for a full rotational period yet.”

            “How long is a Cardassian rotational period anyway?” Julian was momentarily sidetracked.

            “About twenty-six Federation standard hours.” Garak was able misdirect Bashir’s attention and wasn’t going to waste the effort. “You should be able to get a copy of the database right now. I recommend that you call the center in the Munda’ar Sector, that way you can ask about Iliana. She would have gone to that clinic.”

            “Yes, that’s a good idea.” Julian began to eat the rest of his pudding very quickly. “I’ll finish this and then make the call,” he managed between mouthfuls.

            “And, you told me to slow down. Really you should take your own advice.” Garak took another bit of his stew.

            “My system is capable of handling the sudden large amount of food; I haven’t been starving myself.” Julian relied. “And, I want say anything more on the topic as long as you start taking care of yourself. And, don’t keep eating if you feel full. That could cause you some serious discomfort later.” He finished the rest of his pudding and replaced the empty bowl in the replicator where it dematerialized. “I’ll be up front if you need anything.”

            “I’m sure I’ll be fine.” Garak continued to eat his stew in silence for a few moments before he laid it aside. He knew that tomorrow was going to be a tiring day, so he made himself comfortable on the bed and went back to sleep.

  

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Constructive criticism welcome. Remember, this is a first draft so be kind. 

I acknowledge that Elim Garak, Julian Bashir, Cardassia, etc. are the property of either Paramount or CBS, not entirely sure which due to the changes in 2006. The story is however mine, and done solely for entertainment purposes.

COMING SOON:

CHAPTER 5

5 - Starting Anew - 5