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He awakened as the glow of dawn painted the sky in glory.  It was the fourth time he'd been roused from sleep, but judging from Jareth's serene face with its eyes closed in repose, he hadn't been responsible this time.

Julian sighed and snuggled against his lover, relishing the contrast between the warmth of the sleeping body and the coolness of the covers.  They lay together with limbs entwined.  Julian reached up to idly stroke Jareth's hair but didn't even have the energy to do that for long.  He was thoroughly, albeit blissfully, exhausted, but he'd done more than a fair job of wearing Jareth out and making the older man writhe in ecstasy many times.  He could scarcely believe everything he had done, and all the erotic, loving wicked things he'd let his lover do to him.  He wanted to think of the future, of what this could mean in their lives, how it could affect the search for the daj'zha, but exhaustion prevented any introspection.  His eyelids fluttered shut and stayed there as if fastened to his face.  He needed to sleep...

As he drifted toward slumber again, his mind replayed the last hours.  Images of passion and decadence seared his brain, and yet he didn't feel ashamed, not since he'd come back to consciousness that first time...
 

Coming back to reality, Julian slowly re-embraced consciousness and felt his own nakedness.  He looked around and confirmed his surroundings, and his situation, with a look.  He was still in Jareth's bedroom in the Labyrinth, and he was lying naked next to an equally naked monarch.  He felt slightly embarrassed reclining on top of the purple coverlet, on his side, bare skin totally exposed to the night air.  Beside him, the leonine, satiated body stretched languorously as Jareth turned to face him.  The golden hair lay in charming disarray, the slumberous eyes were filled with fondness and contentment, the aristocratic face showed pure satisfaction...and for the first time since they'd met, Jareth actually looked utterly at peace.  As for himself, Julian felt tranquil, sated, and without the slightest inclination to move at all.

He should be worried.  What he had done was reckless, making love to someone he'd known three days, a stranger who could pose a threat to his friends and crewmates.  Sex was something Jareth could hold over his head if things didn't go the way the sorcerer wanted.  Blackmail was not out of the question.  Captain Sisko was *not* going to be happy...

And Sisko didn't need to know about what had happened, Julian decided.  Realistically, he hadn't picked up on even so much as a hint of deception or nefarious intent.   If Jareth was going to let something slip, he would have done it by now.  Julian would watch him, but he felt confident about the report he was going to make to Sisko.  He wondered again if he should be getting back, but was in no hurry whatsoever.  He could return at dawn.  Besides, Jareth was far more likely to let down his guard in his own realm...especially after what had just happened.

Soft caresses and an even softer purring voice intruded into Julian's musings. "Welcome back, my sweet." The gentle teasing got him a shy smile, and the sorcerer leaned over to softly kiss Julian. "Happy?"

"Don't you know by now?"

Jareth tickled him and again unerringly found the spot that made Julian dissolve in a fit of giggles. "Unfair!" The doctor doubled over in laughter as the tickling escalated. "All right, all right, you win!  I'm ecstatic."

Jareth tormented his lover for a little longer before relenting and bestowing another tender kiss on Julian while massaging the sleek, bronzed back in apology. "There is no one like you in a hundred universes, sweet Julian." He spoke the words as he continued his kisses and caresses, letting his hands roam over the hard yet appealingly rounded body. "Willing to lose yourself in the moment, and giving me greater happiness than I've known since I ascended the throne, by forgetting what I am.  Do you realize you've just made love to a king?"

"Do you realize you've just seduced a doctor?" Julian retorted playfully, caressing him in return, running his hand over one pale, powerful thigh.

Jareth adopted a comical mien and a Cockney accent. "Me mum always wanted me to marry a doctor."

"Is that a proposal?"

"Do you want it to be?"

"I was joking, Jareth!   We've only known each other three days."

"Time is immaterial.  'Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,' 'Carpe Diem,' and oh, yes, 'If we had world enough, and time/This coyness, Doctor, were no crime.'"

Julian rolled his eyes. "I am not being coy.  I just think that it's a little too soon to start talking marriage."
"I agree," Jareth said in all seriousness, for once keeping his hands off the wonderful body. "To be honest, I hadn't thought much beyond-"

"This?  Neither did I-but that's nothing new." Julian smiled self-deprecatingly. "Why do you think I'm still single?"

"Fear, perhaps," Jareth said pithily. "But there's no shame in still searching."

"What about you?  Haven't you felt your matrimonial clock ticking?  Surely Sarah can't be the only one you ever-"

"I can think of one person, right here, asking too many questions." Jareth grinned and tousled Julian's hair. "I can tell you this much.   I am quite taken with you.  I hadn't thought far beyond being with you and letting this relationship take us where it will."

"What makes you think I want a relationship?"

"I am shocked." Jareth's brows arched in perfect facetious affront. "Using me for-what was the ancient term-a one-night stand?  I've a mind to send you packing."

"Try it if you can," taunted Julian, rubbing his body against Jareth's.

The eyes narrowed as the grin widened. "You play with fire, Julian.  I've had centuries to perfect the art of seduction, and I've forgotten more decadent acts than you ever knew."

Julian's smile matched Jareth's just before those warm lips trailed down Jareth's body and paused at his flaccid member.  Julian reached down and fondled his lover's soft sac.  His mouth slyly hesitated over the genitals that were already swelling with renewed life.  Softly, he blew on the velvet skin and watched his lover's cock become hard as iron. "Do you remember what I did to you before?" he murmured, his breath warm and sultry on Jareth's skin.

"Vaguely." There was a slight edge to the flippant response.

"I'm going to do it to you again.  And you will lie back and enjoy it.  You do enjoy it, don't you?"

"Mildly." Jareth's voice was calmly unsteady.

Julian licked at the velvet tip as if at an ice cream cone.  "And if you're a good boy, I'll turn you over on your knees and take you."

Jareth laughed, but it was a hoarse sound. "Many before you have threatened to bring me to my knees."
"It's not a threat, it's an order.  Kneel."

Shrugging, Jareth pulled himself to a kneeling position, thighs apart, hips thrust forward to allow Julian to continue with his seduction.   His obedience was quickly rewarded when the young man enveloped his aching balls with that warm-as-velvet mouth and began to suckle.  His finger found that sensitive spot between the anus and the scrotum-being a doctor definitely had its advantages.  He rubbed and heard the slow intake of breath, then moved his hand up to curl his fingers once again around the hard sex.  He didn't neglect what he was doing with his mouth, and the sensual assault drove his lover insane.  Julian felt the thighs quake as he rested his head against them.  When his neck began to ache, he stopped what he was doing.  Jareth growled in protest, but Julian silenced him with a kiss. "Lie down."

Under Julian's control and loving every moment, Jareth lay on his back and waited for the reward that must surely follow.  Julian leaned over him and treated Jareth's swelled member to a slow but intense sucking and stroking with his lips and tongue.  A faintly spicy flavor filled his mouth...cinnamon?   Curry?  He couldn't decide, but was past caring.  Whispered, wicked words filled his ears as Jareth encouraged him onward, directing gently and moaning his approval when Julian did as asked.  The game was forgotten, as were questions of just who was in command.  They were two people solely concerned with giving and taking pleasure, and for Julian, his enjoyment was doubled by knowing he could bring this proud, arrogant man to unbearable heights of rapture, and he kept up his onslaught until that one moment when he could sense Jareth was on the precipice.

He gently removed his mouth, looked up into his lover's passion-locked face, and whispered, "Come for me now."

Jareth cried out in a far less melodious, more primal voice than before as his climax spurted out in a white fountain of satisfaction that Julian drank greedily.  Definitely cinnamon, he thought as he sucked up every drop, then lay his head on Jareth's thigh and simply rested.  Jareth snaked his arms around Julian and pulled him up to lie in his embrace.  Julian lay his head on his lover's chest and felt the wild heartbeat gradually subside into a relaxed, resonant thumping.

Jareth's husky, teasing voice swirled in Julian's ears. "Perhaps casual sex is the way to go after all."

Julian raised his head to meet Jareth's eyes and saw the childlike joy mixed with...anxiety?   It occurred to him that at heart they were both little boys, needy and desperate for love.  He laid his hand against Jareth's cheek and smiled as the sorcerer kissed each finger.  "In the past, I thought it was, because letting anyone get too close was out of the question.  I'm not sure what I expected tonight when I agreed to dinner with you...I knew I was going to let you do everything and anything you wanted with me in bed.  I was lost the minute you seduced me with that damned irresistible voice of yours.   It didn't do me any good to fight."

"No, but I enjoyed watching you squirm.  We both knew it was futile-but it did add a certain piquant anticipation." Jareth played with the dark curls. "And now that you've had me?"

"I'm not sure," Julian admitted. "Maybe my intent was just to get laid, with an exciting, worldly stranger.  But if all I wanted was forbidden fruit, I'd have done what I usually do, put on my armor of boyish exuberance and never dare to touch on anything remotely painful.  Oh, possibly I'd have talked about my med school anxieties, or minor disappointments, or maybe the time I was forced to remove Jadzia's symbiont and transplant it into a terrorist...and the time I barely saved Garak from being driven mad by a neural implant...and last year's Bajoran Gratitude Festival, when we all suffered from an attack of unexpected and utterly embarrassing lust for each other.  Or perhaps I'd recall the time a telepathic alien attacked me and tried to kill me by aging me-" He saw Jareth's expression and grinned. "I *will* have to tell you about that sometime.  And the Gratitude Festival, too.  The point is, you know my darkest secret-something I never thought I could burden anyone with."

"And I swear to you I have no intention of telling a soul." Jareth kissed the top of his head. "That's up to you."

Julian continued, reassured by Jareth's promised silence. "You've had a glimpse of me at my worst and you're still here."

"I could say the same of you.  You have to admit, I've been trying at times."

"I'm not going to deny it," Julian said. "But even within those times, I saw something I couldn't look away from-truth."

"Truth is in the eye of the beholder."

"And this beholder thinks you're quite a man.  Intelligent, wise, complex, tender, with a mystery and unpredictability that excites me...You might not be the easiest person to be with, but neither am I.   I think your loneliness first made me feel deeply for you, because you were right on that score-I *am* lonely too, even with Miles and Jadzia and Nerys and Garak as friends.  But it became more than that with you...and I feel less alone than I have in years." Julian looked at Jareth with luminous, earnest eyes. "I feel closer to you than anyone else in the universe...and I'm falling in love with you."

The sorcerer exhaled in a rush as warning bells rang in his mind. "Be very, very careful, Julian.  I am not a fairy-tale prince who promises happily-ever-after.  I've done what might seem to you wicked things." <And I will again, starting with taking the daj'zhas.  But you will never know about that.  If Garak can lie to you and still hold your affection, so can I.  I am not giving up the way I've lived for centuries to please you or anyone else.> "I can be capricious and stubborn and hell-bent on having my own way.  Loving me is not an easy task...but you're the first one in a long time who's even dared to try."

Julian thought of Miles O'Brien and his stormy marriage.  Underneath it all, Miles and Keiko loved each other.  It wasn't easy-they were both stubborn and independent.  It was something Miles had explained to him last year, when they were still coming to know each other.  He'd told Miles his own naïve view that marriage wasn't "fair" to women, that Starfleet officers didn't want their wives and kids worrying about them while they went off and saved the galaxy.  Miles had scoffed at that, telling Julian he was missing the point...and at last, Julian felt he was beginning to understand.  He found one of Jareth's hands and squeezed it. "I can put up with your warts if you'll put up with mine."

Jareth cautioned himself against falling into the sap trap of feeling that the world was peachy-keen now just because he was in love, or thought he was.   There were obstacles ahead, there was business to think about...He saw the young man's anxious expression and smiled.  He liked keeping Julian slightly on edge, having the upper hand in this relationship.  Feeling generous, he drew Julian close to him for a tender kiss that went on and on.  Finally, Julian felt a yawn start to build.  He held it back, but it burst forth and broke the kiss.  He smiled sheepishly at Jareth. "Sorry."

The sorcerer laughed and settled back into the pillows with his arms wrapped around his lover. "Go to sleep, Julian."
 

Those soft, gently commanding words had ushered in a deep slumber that kept getting interrupted.  Even in sleep they couldn't keep their hands off each other, and they'd made love several times.  Julian vividly remembered the second time.  He'd aroused Jareth out of sleep with erotic, whispered promises.  He remembered Jareth groaning in delight, kneeling and clutching the bedposts as Julian slowly entered him.  Jareth had felt so deliciously tight around his hard sex, and he'd drawn his thrusts out until he couldn't bear it any longer and began to drive into the older man with a frenzied abandon.  His hands had brought Jareth to a shattering climax even as he'd attained his own bliss.

Unable to go back to sleep, Julian grinned at the memory and kissed Jareth's brow.  The mismatched eyes fluttered open and looked extremely alert.  Julian had a strong suspicion that Jareth had been awake for a long time.  He poised his lips over the sorcerer's.  "Good morning, *aziz*."

A feline, lascivious smile answered him. "Good morning to you too, darling.  Do you realize you've made me hard just by saying those words?"

The young man did a preliminary exploration under the sheets. "I do detect some swelling.  Let's see what I can do to cure that.  Perhaps an injection..."

"Is it only a coincidence that doctors are surrounded by phallic symbols?"

Julian blushed and ignored the comment. "Definitely an injection.  But you'll have to administer it yourself."

Without preamble, Jareth turned Julian onto his stomach. "Like this?"

"Yes, exactly like that." He didn't need or want foreplay.  What he needed was...

Oh, God, yes.  Hungry hands parted Julian's thighs,.  A moist finger gently entered and lovingly stretched his mildly sore opening, creating a warm, wet welcome. "What's the prognosis now, Doctor?"

"Your chances are improving."  Being manhandled like this was exciting...because he felt safe, although not enough to dull the thrill.  He closed his eyes and felt Jareth enter him, taking slow, gradual possession of his body.  "Better...than improving...actually," he panted as the friction of their bodies created a devastating heat that soon absorbed both their thoughts and robbed them of the ability to utter anything but the most feral and primitive of noises...except at the end, when Jareth made what sounded like a grateful sob of release and cried out Julian's name so that the whole castle could hear him.

Afterwards, they once again lay together, Jareth's head resting on Julian's shoulder, and watched the dawn break in blissful silence.  Delaying reality was mutually acceptable, just for a little while.  They both knew there was important work ahead, not only with the mission but also with their new relationship.  The promises they'd made were still fresh in their minds and hearts, as well as the sincere intention and desire to keep them, but each man harbored his own doubts and tried as much as possible to suppress them for now, preferring to bask in the beauty of the morning and in the renewed hope they felt.

"Awakening next to you has given me reason to live," Jareth said impulsively, feeling tremendously satisfied by the answering glow on Julian's face.

"You have a lot of reasons to live," the young man gently pointed out. "Your people need you, you're no longer alone, your world won't be destroyed, the Bajorans don't believe you're a threat.  In fact, many are curious about you and want to know you."

"Your optimism is dangerous," Jareth admitted. "Contagious.  It's a bit frightening."

"You'll survive." Julian kissed the top of his head.  Jareth turned to receive a better offering, but Julian leaned back. "If we actually see the outside of this chamber today...and if Sisko doesn't kill us both for disappearing without a word to anyone."
 

"You lost track of time.  You were simply doing a biological survey."

"What if he asks to see my report?" Julian's eyes gleamed as he thought of something. "Maybe he won't have to.  Would it be possible to bring him here?  I think it's time he saw what he's helping to protect.  Kai Winn, too."

"The expression on her face alone would be worth that." Both burst out laughing, picturing the sight. "And we'll have to include Major Kira, of course."

"And maybe Miles," Julian said. "He'll go insane trying to figure out the mechanics of this place.  And Garak."

"This little delegation is increasing.  I know-the more, the merrier, but it's been a long time since I've let just anyone into my realm.  It's a great risk."

"Trust me, this risk will pay off handsomely," promised Julian.

Jareth smiled sensuously and skimmed a hungry hand down Julian's chest. "How about an advance on my investment?"

"Sorry, you're overdrawn right now." Julian pushed aside the covers and got out of bed. "I have no doubt you'll make up the balance."

"And collect with interest.  Care to calculate how much?"

"I'm a doctor, not an accountant." Julian looked around for his uniform as he usually did, then remembered he hadn't worn it last night.  He went and scooped up the rumpled suit from the floor.  Jareth, he noticed, had donned a silk bathrobe in the blink of an eye. "Do you have an extra one of those?"

Jareth produced one magically and tossed it at him. "Dreadful shame to cover up that gorgeous body.  But not for long.  I've had a bath drawn for both of us."

Julian hastily donned the bathrobe.  The suit now lay on the unmade bed. "A bath!  Have you any idea how long it's been since I've had one?"

"What, you've forgotten how?  I'll bathe you if you promise not to wear your uniform while you're in my realm."

Julian sighed. "Sorry, it comes with the job.  Can you possibly-"

Jareth grimaced and made a gesture.  The garments on the bed disappeared, replaced by a spotless, starched uniform, complete with communicator, that could only have come from Julian's quarters.  "Very well.  But I'll still bathe you.  And then we'll have a proper breakfast, not that replicated stuff you eat."

"You're going to spoil me," teased Julian. "I feel like a harem favorite."

"Interesting choice of words." Jareth surveyed the man who he could easily picture as a sheik racing across the desert sands.  Manly, commanding, virile.  "And they do nothing to curb my inclinations..."

"I have to contact Captain Sisko soon."

"Why don't you take care of that right now?"

"The communicator works?"

"Of course." Jareth moved toward the arched doorway that led to his private bath. "I'll start without you.  Don't be long, love." He winked saucily and disappeared through the arch.

Julian tapped the comm badge. "Bashir to Captain Sisko."

"Doctor, where are you?  Your shift started twenty minutes ago." The calm urgency in Sisko's voice made Bashir feel more abashed than if the man had yelled at him. "Is everything all right?"

"My apologies, Captain.  I'm here--in Jareth's kingdom."

The line hummed with a pregnant pause. "I see.  And I assume this was an unplanned visit?"

"Very much so. Jareth sends his apologies, and has invited you, Major Kira, Kai Winn, and anyone else you would care to bring, to join us here.  He would like you to see his realm."

"And how, precisely, will we get there, Doctor?"

"He'll tell you when he's finished with a minor bit of royal business."

Captain Sisko's voice lost that hint of anxiety and resonated with trust.  "All right, Doctor.  I want both of you to contact me the moment he's finished."

"Understood.  Bashir out." Feeling like a truant schoolboy, Julian headed toward the bathroom.  He consoled himself with the knowledge that he was only trying to follow the letter--if not the spirit--of Sisko's orders.  Spend time with him, Sisko had said.  Get him to let his guard down.  The things I do for duty, Julian thought, then laughed at himself, feeling happier than he had a right to.  A bath was definitely the right idea.  Julian had nothing to hide, but he didn't want to flaunt his affair by reeking of the night's passionate lovemaking.  Captain Sisko was too damned perceptive as it was...oh well, Julian knew he deserved to put up with a little discomfort.  Resigning himself to his embarrassment, he went to deal with something easier...like keeping his mind on the day ahead.  He had a feeling it would turn out to be more even more eventful than he'd first thought...
 

Benjamin Sisko didn't know what he'd first thought when Jareth described his realm, but he'd never envisioned anything like this.  From the looks on the others' faces, he knew he was not alone in his awe of the sprawling labyrinth, one of the largest structures he'd ever seen.  Miles O'Brien had already descended into its expanse for a closer inspection.  Kira, Kai Winn and Garak stood watching the silver-red blaze on the horizon, a blaze that only now had become tinged with green and gold-a sign, Kai Winn noted soberly, that perhaps the other daj'zha was somehow feeling the instability of its twin.

Jareth had taken them to the front line, where they had found that his magical forcefield was weakening, that the energies were leaking.  Burnt-out trees, stonework reduced to rubble, the charred bodies-all this was too familiar to the two Bajorans, who had offered their help.  Doctor Bashir had lessened the dosage of the inhibitor so that Jareth could reinforce the shielding that kept the energies at bay.  While the Goblin King worked at his task, the doctor treated the wounded.  Jareth recruited several creatures to assist the doctor, and the creatures ferried the wounded back to the castle where an impromptu sick ward had been hastily set up. Kira and Sisko had pitched in to care for the creatures.  O'Brien had brought a forcefield generator that would provide backup protection in case Jareth's magical defenses failed.  It had been a flurry of work and activity.  Finally, the crisis over, everyone stood on one of the castle balconies.  Kira, Garak, Bashir and Jareth stood talking quietly.

Sisko watched them, Jareth and Bashir in particular.  He was still concerned about the true nature of their relationship, but Bashir didn't seem to be unduly influenced in any way.  He'd behaved like the consummate professional he was, with no hint of anything else in his dealings with Jareth.  True, Bashir hadn't checked with Sisko about his trip to the Labyrinth, but that was a minor infraction, and what better way to observe Jareth than in his own realm?   Sisko made a mental note to remind the doctor about procedure, and to enlist Dax to monitor the situation.  In his office yesterday, she'd seemed concerned-she'd noted Jareth's attraction to the doctor, and thought that it was reciprocated-but she'd sensibly pointed out that there was no real cause for concern.  Bashir had never failed in his duty, even under the most stressful of conditions.  Besides, she'd suggested facetiously, Jareth was much more likely to let his guard down and make a fatal admission in the heat of passion.  Sisko hadn't been amused, but had accepted her wise advice.

He turned his attention to Winn and spoke in a low voice. "Do you have any doubts now?  Could His Majesty have knowingly done this to his own world?"

Kai Winn shook her head slowly. "It seems unlikely, Emissary.  We know from  writings dating before the Occupation that the daj'zha takes years of study in order to use it properly.  What we have seen could not have been done deliberately.  I now accept His Majesty's assertion that he simply did not know what he was doing.  Nevertheless, his actions have caused much sorrow for both of our peoples."

"I believe he's quite aware of that," Sisko answered. "It's not for us to punish him.  But on the other hand, Starfleet says we are under no official obligation to help him, and indeed, warns me against jeopardizing the peace with the Cardassians."

"It is not a Starfleet matter," Winn told him. "It is a Bajoran matter.  You are the Emissary.  Do you wish your people to be involved?"

Sisko wondered what Winn's motives were this time. "The moment Jareth came to the station, my crew and I became involved...but our role in the mission must be limited to a handful of Starfleet officers.  Major Kira will of course be present, as will Mr. Garak.  He has been useful in the past, and it's his knowledge that has enabled us to find the second daj'zha."

"As you think best, Emissary." Winn studied the Labyrinth.  "A most intriguing place.  There is great intelligence here.  Perhaps this unfortunate incident is part of Bajor's destiny.   Already the people are filled with curiosity about this world.  Our scientists, our engineers, our philosophers all wish to visit."

Jareth had drawn closer to them as Winn spoke. "Fate moves in mysterious ways, Eminence.  Perhaps we may be in a position to help each other.  My world has remained isolated for far too long.   When this crisis has passed, we must open a dialogue."

"I will put the suggestion to the government," Winn said genially.

"The Federation would also like to open a dialogue," Sisko said. "You have a ...unique historical perspective that should be shared with our thinkers and researchers."

"We have much to learn from each other," Jareth said, playing it cool. "For now, I suggest we return to your station and concentrate on the business at hand."

Sisko nodded.  He still didn't entirely trust the man, but he'd just seen hard evidence that convinced him to abandon most of his doubts. "Thank you for allowing us to see your world."

"It was Doctor Bashir's idea." Jareth paused. "I do apologize for keeping your officer away from the station.  You probably thought I had kidnapped him, or induced him to desert his post for my own evil ends."

"Not at all," Sisko lied. "Consider him Starfleet's liaison to your world for now."

"And during our dialogue as well," Jareth suggested silkily.

Sisko gave him his most amiable smile. "Of course.  Now, about getting back to Deep Space Nine-"

Jareth made a twirling gesture.  He and his visitors vanished, leaving behind an empty balcony and the distant glow of destruction.

Hoggle emerged on the balcony moments later.  He'd seen everything, been briefed on the situation by Jareth while Julian and his friends were all distracted.  Hoggle didn't know what to make of these people or their world, except that they had promised to help.   He hoped Jareth wasn't planning anything that might hurt them, but with Jareth, you never knew.  Hoggle had to admit, he'd never heard of the king turning goblins back into humans, or whatever those people were with the ridged noses.  Maybe it had something to do with Julian.   Hoggle had never seen Jareth so atwitter about anyone...except maybe Sarah, who he'd witched into nearly falling in love with him, just to stop her from getting her brother back.  Hoggle liked the doctor same as he had Sarah...well, not quite, he thought, blushing.  But the doctor was kind, and Hoggle hoped Jareth wasn't just using him...otherwise, Hoggle might have to do something about it, and his fancy new position be damned.   Hoggle sighed and went back into the castle.  Life was easier when Jareth was gone...except for the poor souls he was with.  God help them.
 

"Come on, Julian, it's not so much to ask," Dax prodded, digging into her K'tarian-three-egg omelette. "All I want to know is, how did the date go?"

"God help me," Julian muttered, sipping his raktajino.

"That bad?"

"If it was that bad, I wouldn't have stayed in his realm the entire night." Julian normally wasn't this reticent when discussing his romantic escapades.  He often found it a little disconcerting talking about his love life with Dax, who he had once pursued with as much subtlety and grace as a raging tornado.  Over time, he'd come to enjoy these little chats, and even teased her about her vigorous social life, enduring her teasing and prying in return.  But today, he'd resisted when Dax had cornered him not two minutes after he'd returned to the station and dragged him to the Replimat to have breakfast with her.  Still full from his own breakfast with Jareth, Julian had reluctantly ordered coffee and sat down to avoid Dax's interrogation.

"Just in his realm?" Dax raised her eyebrows.

"Can we talk about something else?"

"You aren't usually this discreet," Dax jibed cheerfully.

"People change." He had good reasons to be discreet.  He was still slightly embarrassed about the way he'd abandoned his better judgment last night and fallen into bed...and possibly in love...with the man he was supposed to observe.  What was worse, Captain Sisko hadn't taken him to task about his going AWOL for a night.  Not yet, anyway.  He should go to Sisko's office and apologize, then give his report.

"You don't change." Jadzia Dax softened her voice.  She sensed how abashed he was. "You have nothing to be embarrassed about.  So you went missing.  You were having a good time.  I'm sure Benjamin will understand.  It's not like you make a habit out of neglecting your duties.  Besides, who could blame you?  Jareth seems to be quite a man..." She stopped. "Is that what's bothering you?"

"God, Jadzia, this isn't the twentieth century.  I have been with men before."

"You?" Dax's eyes widened, and she laughed. "You think you know someone...I could never have guessed."

"And I suppose you also never guessed he was coming on to me?"

"How could I miss it?   He's only had eyes for you since he came aboard the station.  It was only a matter of time before he made his move.  But I never expected you were receptive...well, I knew you were fascinated by him, but...When did he make his move?"

"In the Infirmary."

Dax's mouth dropped open. "You didn't."

"He was a patient, Jadzia.  I'd never do anything to endanger him, or jeopardize that patient-doctor trust.  I have an active imagination...too active...but I usually leave it at the Infirmary doors.  And he knew that.  He went only so far and then left the decision up to me...and when he asked me to dinner yesterday, it was an easy choice.  I knew what was going to happen, what I wanted to happen...and nothing held me back when he reached for me."

Spellbound, and a trifle jealous, Dax smiled. "I knew there was a reason you were on edge yesterday.  But now, I look at you, and you're glowing."

"As you said, he's quite a man." Julian smiled back, fondly.  He didn't give any details, but the look on his face conveyed more than a hint of the bliss he'd experienced last night.  The rapturous expression dissipated, replaced by a brooding anxiety. "I'm just wondering if I made a colossal mistake.  He could still threaten the Bajorans-"

"And you're worried about compromising your duty.  Maybe you threw yourself a little too eagerly into the assignment Benjamin gave you-"

"You know about that?" Julian paled.

"He told me...and he asked for my advice.  If I didn't miss the electricity between you two, how could he?"

"And what did you say?"

Dax gazed steadily at him. "That you've never let us down before, and that, objectively, I don't think this is going to be an exception, whatever your feelings for Jareth are...Julian, are you in love?"

"It's too early to tell yet." Julian looked uncertain and endearingly shy. "I do love being with him.  But you're right.  I'm not going to let it interfere with my duty."

"Then I don't see the problem," Dax said gently. "Just go with your heart."

Julian impulsively clasped her hand. "I never thought I'd be having this conversation with you.  But it feels right.  Thanks for being my friend."

"Any time." Dax's sweet expression transformed to a devilish one. "So...give me the details.  Did you just say, to hell with dinner, and-"

Bashir's comm badge chimed. "Sisko to Bashir.  Please report to my office."

"On my way, Captain." Bashir finished his raktajino and rose with relief. "Time to face the music."

"Remember what I said, and don't worry about a thing." Dax winked. "We'll continue this later."

"Maybe." Julian smiled and strode purposefully out of the Replimat.

"Doctor!" Garak, entering at the same time, accosted him. "I was hoping to find you having breakfast.  Don't tell me you rushed through it again?"

"I had to.  Captain Sisko ordered me to his office." Something unknown in the Cardassian's eyes made Julian want to part company as soon as possible. "I'll catch up with you later, Garak."

"Lunch today?" Garak pressed him.

"Why not?" Julian decided he was imagining things.  Garak looked as amiable as ever.  Perhaps it had been his own guilt.  He knew he'd been neglecting his friend lately.  And Garak, at least, was not apt to demand details of his love-life, although Julian had certainly regaled him with many over the years.   But this time, he was determined to keep silent.  The thought of talking about this escapade with Garak made him uncomfortable . "Shall we meet back here at 1300 hours?"

"Perfect.  Now go on, you don't want to keep the captain waiting."

Julian strode off under the Cardassian's watchful gaze.  He made his way to Ops, where Kira and O'Brien greeted him while looking at him strangely.  He ignored their curious stares and walked into Sisko's office.

Sisko looked up from his computer as Julian entered. "Your report, Doctor."

"Captain, first let me apologize for my unauthorized absence.  It wasn't intentional, but that's no excuse."

"Just don't make a habit of it." Sisko's tone indicated that was all he was prepared to say on the subject. "I'm giving you carte blanche to travel between DS9 and the Labyrinth, if the need should arise.  As of now, you're my official liaison.  I trust you can fulfill that duty?  Wear another hat?"

"Yes, sir." Julian knew he'd gotten off easy, and he vowed to himself not to abuse Sisko's trust. "I doubt I'll need to visit the Labyrinth before we embark on our mission.  As liaison, I assume I'm going?"

"You'll be one of the only Starfleet officers on the mission.  I take it you haven't discovered anything sinister about Jareth's intentions?"

"Nothing.  He's extremely committed to his world, and I doubt he wants to jeopardize its safety by antagonizing us."

"What about his hostility towards the Bajorans?"

"It's less than you might think.  He actually seems to respect their culture.  If anything, he displays more antipathy towards humans.  He blames our dependence on technology for the decline of his world.  He says we worship technology and forget our past...by that, he means that we've forgotten him.  I tried to convince him he bears a lot of the responsibility for isolating his realm and not using the resources he has at hand-namely his own people, although admittedly most of them are about as efficient as a ship full of Pakleds.   But a leader needs to motivate.  I told him he'd be advised to follow your example."

"Thank you for the compliment." Sisko meditated on Bashir's words. "Could this resentment of his pose any sort of danger to the crew?"

"I think I managed to nip that in the bud.  He understands he needs to focus on what's best for his realm, and as I've said, I doubt he'll try to antagonize us in any way."

"Let's not become too overconfident.  I want you to continue observing him.  Quark's negotiations aren't proceeding smoothly, so you'll have ample time to notice any warning signs."

"Understood.  How long does Quark think it will take?  You saw the effects of the energies.  I doubt we can afford to delay too long."

"And we won't, Doctor." Sisko noticed Bashir looked more relieved than the situation warranted.  To be sure, the doctor was always concerned with saving lives, but something in his eyes indicated a deeper involvement.  Sisko remembered Dax's advice and brushed away his concerns for now. "Anything else to report?"

"No, sir.  I should get back to the Infirmary and relieve Nurse Jabara."

"As of now, your medical duties take a back seat to your new assignment.  Dismissed."

Bashir looked surprised, but recovered with a "Yes, sir."  As he left the office, his thoughts and Sisko's were troubled, but increasingly confident.  The young doctor was not going to fail in his duty.  Sisko turned his attention to the report he was writing for Starfleet, and Bashir checked in at the Infirmary, apologizing to the ever-efficient Nurse Jabara, who forgave him, told him that it was a slow day and everything was under control.  He left her in charge and went in search of Jareth, only to find that the sorcerer was deep in consultation with Vedeks Sori and Tansa.  Bashir went back to the Infirmary and attended to several minor injuries until it was time to meet Garak for lunch at the Replimat.

The Cardassian smiled affably as Julian sat down with his tray full of fettucine slathered in olive oil. "I'm impressed, Doctor.  Whatever happened to your usual salad?"

"I was in the mood for something different.  I decided to live a little."

"First the suit, now the calories?  You should watch out, otherwise you'll become sybaritic." Garak's tone was light, but he watched his friend keenly. "How did the suit work out, anyway?  It looked divine on you last night."

"Thank you.  It did, didn't it?" No hint of modesty, Garak noted with interest and alarm. "I might just have to wear it more often.  The next time I do, it'll be for you."

<Don't read anything into that, Elim, whatever you do.> "What prompted this transformation, Doctor?"
<Oh, be less subtle, why don't you?>

Julian sucked a strand of pasta into his mouth.  It was nothing like the way the doctor usually inhaled his food.  This was a slow and sensual consumption. "I just decided to wear off-duty clothes more often, Garak.  No big deal."

<No big deal?  You're actually eating real food, you're not hurrying, and you look even more complacent than usual.> "It's about time." The Cardassian surreptitiously studied his friend. "So, tell me, what did you think of Jareth's world?  You certainly had time to do an extensive exploration."

"I've never seen anything like it.  Designed and constructed for one purpose: keeping enemy armies out.  Of course, they haven't had to fend off an army for centuries.  Jareth says the legend of the Labyrinth is enough to keep all but the most intrepid explorers away from its walls.  I didn't see many of the dangers he's invented--"

"Or claims to have invented."

"But I have no doubt they're present.  And the beings that live there, Garak!  Forget the goblins, or daj'kani or whatever.  I saw a kind of silvery, catlike thing, an odd flightless sort of bird, not an emu, but something else that became extinct on Earth centuries ago, and something I guess you'd call a dryad-that's a woman who is the living spirit of a tree.  They all spoke to me, and said there's more where they came from." Julian's face glowed with the sheer excitement of discovery. "A whole world to study, Garak, and I'm going to have first crack at it!"

"I'd rein in your enthusiasm, Doctor.   That world is more convoluted than a Cardassian mystery novel.  We still have no idea of the forces that created it, or keep it operational."

"Tell me about it.  Miles wants to take an entire engineering team inside.  He says if we can figure out the dynamics behind the way Jareth can reorganize it at will, we might even be able to get Cardassian and Federation technology to work together."

"And how does Jareth react to such an invasion of his domain, however nobly and scientifically intended?"
"He was...a bit wary.  More than a bit, actually.  He says there are methods he uses that must remain secret, otherwise the Labyrinth would cease to be a challenge.  For now, he's only allowing Miles to examine the construction."

"Hmmm.  I wonder why he is so guarded.  He has no apparent enemies, and no children to take away."
Julian shrugged.  He had voiced these same doubts to Jareth over breakfast. "Old habits die hard.  He says there is still a purpose, a need for the Labyrinth.  For example. he mentioned that if the Jem'Hadar were to penetrate his dimension, they'd never come out of it again."

"Yes, well, as you mentioned, he doesn't exactly suffer a lack of confidence." Garak polished off his larish pie and noticed to his astonishment that for once he had finished a meal before Bashir.  The idea both intrigued and disturbed him. "You mean he offered to battle the Jem'Hadar for us?  Did you impress upon him that these are no ordinary soldiers?  That they would hack his goblins to pieces and leave his world in ruins?"

"I did."

"And?"

"He made a comment to the effect of 'Brains triumph over brawn.'"

"That's all very well for the Jem'Hadar, but what about the Vorta and the Changelings?"

"He'd probably give them a run for their money.  He's mastered the art of being devious--as much as they have, if not more so."

"Yes, well, I'll concede that point.  But have you asked yourself, Doctor, why he should be so willing to aid us now, when only seventy-two hours before, he was ready to force the Bajorans to kneel before him?   He freely announced his intentions in Quark's, and only Constable Odo spared him from Major Kira's wrath."

"Yes, well, things have changed," Bashir said a bit defensively. "I think we convinced him that we're not his enemies.  And he seems to have developed quite a benevolent interest in the Bajorans-"

"As you know, we Cardassians once had a 'benevolent interest' in them too."

"The thought occurred to us.  But he won't be so stupid as to repeat history.  The Bajorans are still too haunted by the Occupation.  He wants to establish an honest dialogue between his world and Bajor...and the Federation, too."

With dark admiration, Garak decided Jareth was an even better liar than he was.  To have his doctor-his sweet, trusting, stupid, naïve Julian-defend the deceiver was unbearable.  Never mind that Garak was planning his own deception.  He looked into those brilliant, innocent eyes. "Julian, you need to know something."

Julian was stunned by the novelty of Garak addressing him by his given name.  It was the first time in three years.  "What is it, Garak?"

Garak considered exactly what lie-within-the-truth he was going to tell. "First, finish eating.  You're entirely too thin."

"Exactly," came the light, honeyed voice from above.  Jareth smiled down at them and poked Julian in the ribs. "A doctor should be wary of the effects of malnutrition."

"As if I could be malnourished," Julian retorted. "I ate way too much yesterday, and I'm still full."
"Oh, nonsense," Garak said briskly, trying his best to ignore Jareth, who had appeared a bit too coincidentally to interrupt their conversation. "Go ahead, eat."

"After all, it's hardly as if you're overweight," Jareth added. "Otherwise, you wouldn't have looked quite so stunning in that divine ensemble last night." He grinned at Garak. "One of yours, I presume.  Beautiful work."

"I know my craft," Garak said evenly, eyeing the tight waistband of the intruder's trousers. "Speaking of which, you really must bear my advice in mind.  That waistband must chafe quite a bit."

"Jealous?" Jareth taunted lightly.  Garak snorted, not deigning to offer a response.

"I warned him about the health risks of tight clothing," Julian said mildly.

Jareth brushed his fingers against Julian's arm. "Your concern is always appreciated, Julian love, but I'm incorrigible.  Besides, your own health needs attending.  I'm not the one letting his lunch go to waste."
Julian twirled pasta around his fork and gestured to an empty chair. "Join us."

"Yes, do," Garak agreed, sharpening his mental weapons for the kill.  He was going to expose, or at least seriously embarrass, this callow invader, in front of Julian..

The shrill chime of Julian's comm badge scuttled Garak's plans. "Nurse Jabara to Doctor Bashir.  One of the Bajoran children that recovered from the daj'kani syndrome is awake.  You said you wanted to be notified."

"Thank you, Nurse.  On my way." Julian rose quickly, smiling ruefully at Jareth and Garak. "Sorry I won't get to finish.  I'll see you later."

Jareth nodded with a slight smile. "I'll keep M'sieur Garak company in your absence." His voice dropped an intimate octave. "I promise to behave myself."

"When have I heard that before?" Julian said archly, turning to go.

Jareth caught the doctor by his slim waist and tugged him into his arms.  His mouth covered Julian's in a kiss that went on just long enough to become passionate, possessive, and ensnaring, make Julian temporarily forget where he was--and provide an engrossing spectacle for Garak and the other Replimat patrons...Dax, Kira, and O'Brien in particular.

The three sat at their far corner table and gawked at the sight.  O'Brien's mouth fell open, exposing his mouthful of lamb stew, but neither Kira nor Dax berated him for his lapse in etiquette.  Kira just shook her head, and Dax grinned knowingly.  She patted O'Brien on the shoulder and whispered, "Close your mouth, Chief."  O'Brien promptly shut it and dutifully resumed chewing.  He seemed happy to have something to do.

Jareth released Julian after the officer remembered decorum and tried to disentangle himself.  Julian looked up and caught the three pairs of eyes fixed on him from across the room...not to mention a certain set of blue eyes that were wider than he had ever seen them.  He gave Garak, Dax, O'Brien and Kira an abashed look.  Jareth recaptured his attention with a vigorous bottom pinch and murmured, "Off with you now, love."

Julian nodded, grinned awkwardly at his friends, and made as smooth an exit as possible.  Jareth followed him with his eyes before re-focusing his attention on Garak.  The Cardassian watched him with a hooded gaze.  Jareth slid into the seat Julian had kept delightfully warm.  He felt a rush of sympathy as he looked at Garak.  No need to torture the man further....to be honest, he hadn't had torture in mind when he'd bussed Julian so impulsively.   Kissing the doctor was simply an impulse that had to be obeyed-enjoyably.  Doing it with Garak as a captive audience was just, as humans would say, icing on the cake.  But overdoing it could be a fatal mistake.   "How is that program coming along?" He was instantly matter-of-fact, concerned only with detail.

"Are you certain we should be discussing this here?"

"They're not taking a blind bit of notice of us.  Besides, what better place than in a crowded room?"

"Have it your way.   Thanks to that diamond of yours, the programmer got a rush of inspiration and finished it early.  It's been ready as of 1230 hours." Garak slipped a hand in his pocket and kept the other one in his lap.  Keeping his hands occupied was the best way to ensure he didn't reach out and choke the smugness out of Jareth.  But then, he couldn't very well do that in a public place.  He had the feeling that was exactly why the sorcerer wished to remain here.  Smart move.  He surreptitiously showed Jareth a small data chip. "Our destination is the science station on Vedanta Four.  Naturally, the station will be equipped with state-of-the-art computer technology.  This chip is designed to interface with those computers."

"And these computers will simulate the explosion?  Forgive my ignorance, but isn't some sort of projection device supposed to be involved?"

"The chip will automatically access the station's holographic technology, even though we won't actually be in a holosuite.  It will also scramble the station's internal sensors so that no one will be the wiser.   The program will run on a timer, and simulate the explosion."

"And how will you explain the explosion?"

"When the smoke clears, the tricorders and internal sensors will detect an unknown energy pulse.   The assumption will be that the object was destroyed out of spite.  And interestingly, the explosion's force will also be targeted at Major Kira.  Someone as well-versed in detonations as the major will feel the reality of the blast and draw the correct conclusions."

Jareth nodded.  "My powers of illusion will assist in making it a realistic experience...and in providing a convenient high-ranked Cardassian witness to your government's deplorable intentions.  People believe what they wish to believe...even Starfleet officers, and Cardassian military.  A little persuasion in the right places and you'll be ruling Cardassia before you know it."

"I'm impressed," Garak commented. "You seem to have it all worked out.  But I wouldn't be too overconfident.  Mistakes can happen."

"I don't plan to make any.  I pray you don't either." Jareth's voice was low and honeyed, but his eyes narrowed, and Garak knew that the sorcerer had heard him trying to confess their secret. "Remember, Garak, you have as much riding on this as I do."

"*I* am focused on the business at hand." The words were too acerbic, too hostile, too revealing, and Garak wished he could take them back.

Jareth regarded him with a cool gaze, and his voice lowered even more. "You had your chance," he said matter-of-factly. "I offered it to you, offered *him* to you.  You can't say you didn't have a golden opportunity.  And you'll never have it again."

"Life can change so quickly."

"Indeed it can.  Three days ago, I despaired.  I looked upon a crumbling empire.  I was alone.  I swore to exact vengeance for my world.  But now?" Jareth gestured around him. "The Bajorans are curious about me.  Such an enlightened people.  Even this Federation has its possibilities.  My world will be saved, and will become stronger.   I'll have the daj'zhas to aid in that task.  And I'll have helped you regain your former glory.   Life can be so good, especially with the added bonus of falling in love, of finding the right companion."

"In love?" Garak repeated, laughing.  He couldn't think of anything he wanted less than to laugh, and yet the absurdity was just too much.  He had to laugh. "Your overconfidence seems to have addled your brain.  I seem to recall you telling me, 'Come, come, Garak.  You and I don't subscribe to the foolish notions of eternal, sacred love that plague these humans.  We're more pragmatic than that.  We see someone we desire, and we take him or her.  Affection may be involved, liking and respect, but love?  Romantic love is an illusion...one that can destroy everything we work to build.'"

Hearing Garak's dead-on imitation of him, Jareth laughed as if it were the most amusing thing he'd ever heard.  Then, he leaned forward, patted Garak's hand, and said clearly, "That, my dear Garak, was yesterday.   Life can change so quickly.  Remember that when you're head of the Cardassian government." Fluidly, he got up, and bowed to Garak. "A bientot, M'sieur Garak.  I do believe I have an appointment in the Infirmary."

Garak watched him go and contemplated repeating the entire conversation for Kira, Odo and Commander Sisko.  They'd been suspicious of the sorcerer from the first...but on the other hand, they were also not exactly inclined to believe him.  He was, after all, just an exile, a former spy...more of an outsider than even the sorcerer...

And soon, he could be the head of the Cardassian government.  He would teach them all to respect him, to cater to his wishes.  Especially Julian...beautiful, hopeless Julian.  He'd have the human begging for his attentions, and Jareth would be a distant memory.

Garak rose and strode off toward Quark's.  He'd last seen the programmer there, and he'd just remembered a minor modification he needed to make.
 

Jareth didn't go directly to the Infirmary after all.  He, too, went to Quark's, and produced another diamond as incentive to hurry the Ferengi along in his negotiations.   Quark huddled intensely with the alien merchant vessel captain, and when their discussion became prolonged, Jareth decided to leave.  He had no doubt the Ferengi would strike the best deal.  In the meantime, he truly did have an appointment to keep.  His neurotransmitter levels had to be strictly monitored, or some such thing.  He walked out of Quark's, absorbed in his own thoughts, missing Garak entering the bar.  He smiled at the milling crowd on the Promenade, and felt himself quicken his pace.  Life was indeed good.   The Cardassian was still a loose cannon, but Jareth could deal with him.  He could dispose of the man during the "explosion," but Julian was fond of Garak, and Jareth had no wish to cause the doctor any undue distress.  The feeling of having control over Garak, power over whether he lived or died, excited Jareth, and he knew that even such a devious man was no match for him.  Perhaps overconfidence was a liability, but at the moment, he didn't give a damn.  He heard the laughter of the children, smiled at the everyday lives of the crowd, and felt buoyant.

A small dark shape knocked into him, sending him off balance, but he quickly regained his footing and grinned at the dark-haired little girl who stood toe to toe with him.  She was a beauty, Asian if he wasn't mistaken, with braided hair and a lively, intelligent expression.

"Sorry," she said dutifully, but something in her face said she wasn't in the least repentant and didn't care what the adults might say.

"Where are you off to in such a hurry?"

"Lost my ball," the little girl said. "Who are you?"

Jareth knelt and offered his hand. "I'm Jareth."

"Molly O'Brien," the girl announced proudly.

"It's a pleasure to know you, Molly." Jareth shook her hand solemnly. "Lost your ball, did you?  What a pity." He made a twirling gesture, and a crystal appeared.  He let it go, and it floated to Molly. "I think you'll find that just as much fun to play with."

"I'm not supposed to take things from strangers," Molly said frankly.  Her eyes were fixed on the crystal, and it was obvious she was fighting the temptation to grab it.

"We've been formally introduced, Molly.   That doesn't make me a stranger."

"You look strange to me," she said baldly.

Shaking his head and grinning, Jareth called the crystal back to him. "Didn't your mother ever tell you not to judge someone by appearances?"

"Yes," Molly said. "Are you the king that came with the goblins?  My daddy told me about you."

Jareth made the connection quickly. "Your daddy?  Big, strapping fellow with a twinkle in his eyes just like yours?  Chief engineer or some other important thing?"

"That's him," Molly said. "He said you turn kids into goblins.  Do you?"

He admired her honesty. "Only unwanted ones, Molly.  Not everyone has parents who love them.  And the ones I take at least have a home to call their own once they become goblins."

"Would you turn me into a goblin?"

"I think your parents must adore you as you are." He tweaked one of her braids. "I saw your daddy a moment ago, but where is your mummy?"

Molly turned and waved at someone approaching them with a determined stride. "There!"

Jareth picked Molly up in his arms and waved at the elegant, lovely Asian woman who looked at him with eyes that said, 'Hurt my daughter and you die.'  Jareth had no doubt she was quite capable of inflicting deadly punishment on him for the sake of her child.  Yes, this ebullient little girl was definitely loved.  He bounced the giggling Molly around briefly before putting her down.  She looked rather disappointed that he had stopped, but she quickly recovered and ran to her mother. "Mommy!   It's the Goblin King."

"I see that." The woman drew close to him and attempted a gracious expression. "Hi, I'm Keiko O'Brien."

Jareth took her hand and kissed it. "Charmed, Mrs. O'Brien.  I'm Jareth.  You have a delightful daughter."

Keiko O'Brien relaxed, evidently swayed by his charm. "My husband Miles has been telling me about what's happening to your world.  I hope you can stop the destruction."

"Your husband was thoughtful enough to provide a...force-field generator."

"My daddy's the best," Molly piped up. "The smartest, too!"

"Of course he is.  But what about your mummy?"

"She knows more about plants than anybody in the world," Molly boasted.

Jareth grinned at Keiko. "As it happens, I've been looking for someone who knows a lot about plants.  Our last botanist couldn't quite keep up with his cataloguing.  I don't suppose you'd care to take on the task-after the danger has passed, that is?"

Keiko was nonplussed, but she smiled. "Only if I can bring Molly."

"I can't think of anything I'd like more." Jareth winked at Molly. "And we'll see if we can't find you another ball.  Adieu, ladies.  I'll see you again soon, Mrs. O'Brien."

"Bye, Jareth!" chirped Molly.

"Nice meeting you," Keiko added. "Don't forget to tell me when you'd like us to come."

Jareth waved in affirmation and walked away.  He became aware that he was whistling, and he forced himself to stop.  Overexuberance was dangerous...and again, he didn't give a damn.  He strolled into the Infirmary and saw no trace of the good doctor. "Julian?"

"In the back," the doctor called out.

Jareth sashayed toward the back, where Julian was firmly holding a young and squirming Bajoran girl.  Jareth recognized her as one he'd so recently prevented from becoming a goblin.  The girl noticed him and waved.  The girl tried even harder to wriggle away from her well-meaning captor.

"Now see what you've done," Julian admonished him. "And you..." He turned a fierce look on the girl, and she had the temerity to giggle.  Jareth rather felt like giggling too.  Julian was hardly the domineering type...except, perhaps, in bed. "You haven't gotten your shot yet."

"I feel fine."

"Of course you do." Julian pressed a hypospray against her neck. "But now, you'll feel even better."

"I feel better.  Can I go now?"

"Your daddy said he wanted you to stay in bed until he came to get you," Julian told her.

Seeing the girl's expression start to change to wheedling, Jareth produced a crystal and tossed it to her.  She caught it with the ease of the young. "Perhaps that will keep you busy."

"Thanks." The girl immediately became lost in her fascination with the crystal.

Julian gave her one last look, then nodded at Jareth. "Is there something I can help you with?" His manner was utterly professional.

"The neurotransmitter levels?" Jareth prompted.

"Oh, yes." The brisk, efficient doctor shepherded him to a biobed. "You're late.  The appointment was at 1400."

"I was distracted by M'sieur Garak's witty repartee, and by a rather charming young lady named Molly O'Brien."

"The all-powerful Goblin King blaming his tardiness on a simple tailor and a little girl?" Julian shook his head and performed a scan. "Neurotransmitter activity is elevated."

"Yes, well, I have to keep a constant mental link to my realm, and it takes a great deal of energy.  Is it anything to be concerned about?"

"Not yet, and I'm not going to let it get that way."

"Whatever will you do to occupy yourself when I'm on the mission?"

"You're not going to be rid of my nagging that easily.  I'm coming along to monitor you.  As if being Sisko's liaison to your world didn't give me enough to do."

"You'll manage beautifully." The doctor's presence was welcome, but Jareth felt a sudden qualm.  He squashed it immediately.  Everyone would be fooled by his and Garak's plan, including Julian. "I have every confidence in you."

Julian's comm badge chimed. "Sisko to Bashir.  Is His Majesty with you?"

"Yes, Captain, he's here.   Is the ship ready?"

"You read my mind, Doctor.  I want both of you to report to Upper Pylon C."

"Understood." Julian quickly readied his med kit.

 Jareth was already on his feet.  He reined in his excitement and followed the doctor out of the infirmary toward their destiny.
 

Back to the Table of Contents | Part One | Part Two | Part Four