Rumors (Part 17 of the Drabble Series)

Rating: MC

Set After: Season 1 Episodes 12 & 13 “The Vortex” & “Battle Lines”

            Garak had been hearing strange rumors relating to the Gamma Quadrant of late. He knew better than to believe even half of them, but he had a few reliable sources. If he picked through their exaggerated stories carefully enough then he could surmise what had been happening on a general level.

            Morn had claimed that one of Odo’s cousins had been found in the Gamma Quadrant. It was obvious exaggeration. Garak managed to discover that a prisoner had presented Odo with a key made of some type of metamorphic crystalline organic material. Julian had examined it for him.

            Quark had something to do with the whole affair, but it wasn’t entirely clear. Garak made a note to never underestimate the Ferengi’s abilities when it came to making contacts and finding things. Perhaps the bartender could be of use to him in some minor ways.

            It was the latest rumors that really concerned Garak. It seemed clear that Kai Opaka’s had disappeared during a trip through the wormhole. Major Kira had claimed that she was answering the call of the prophets, whatever that was supposed to mean.

            Garak had heard everything from her becoming a prophet herself to her being abducted by Starfleet in an effort to undermine the Bajoran government. It seemed most likely that she had died in the accident that had occurred.

            He wasn’t really all that concerned by the event itself. What did worry him was the instability that the loss of Kai Opaka was likely to cause. His position here was precarious enough. Major civil unrest could make it untenable.

            The other thing that concerned him was the dear Doctor. He had been part of the mission when the Kai disappeared. Whatever happened seemed to have rattled him. Garak was surprised by his desire to alleviate the man’s concerns. He would have to keep a check on not only the destabilization of Bajor, but also his own emotions. Either could cause him considerable problems. 

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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:

Retelling