MADDNESS IN GREAT ONES SHOULD NOT UNWATCHED GO….
Shakespeare, Hamlet

He hated Bajorans. He despised them. To Damar, the only good Bajoran was a dead Bajoran.
But this female was different.
He studied her from his perch on the Promenade. Here, high above the crowds he had an uninterrupted view of her.
She was wearing a long lavender gown. It was tight in all the right places, but looser in others. Her shoulderblade wore the tattoo of “The Circle” on it. The necklace she wore had the same identifying symbol on it. This woman could be called maniacal for wearing such an impudent symbol on a space station swarming with Cardassians males.
Damar shifted his weight and leaned on his elbows.
She moved through the crowd. Sharing a short conversation with Quark. A short laugh. Then she moved on. She had a brief conversation with a merchant, picked up a trinket and set it back down. Then she ran into Odo. He talked to her for a moment.
Then she turned and looked up straight into Damar’s gray eyes.
She then smiled as if to catch him with his scaly hand in the Cardie cookie jar.

Damn.

Damar looked away and cleared his throat. Then took a half step from the railing. He turned right into his worst nightmare.
Weyoun.
“Damar. Are you watching her—again?” Weyoun already knew the answer. Damar was far from being shrewd. Weyoun could read him as easily as a PADD.
“What do you want Weyoun?” Damar mumbled under his breath. The next time the Vorta was next to an airlock he would take advantage of it.
“I was hoping that Cardassia could assist the Dominion with the Ketracel issue?”
“Cardassia does not have Ketracel. As you are well aware of—we have very little in the way of natural resources. Other than sand and—“
“Yes…Kennar. So you have made me well aware. However, the Founders have placed the Ketracel White issue to the forefront.”
“I can well imagine. In three months the Jem Hadder will run out of it, and they will not be to happy about not having their supply of narcotics that the Founders have addicted them too.”
“They are not ‘addicted’ as you put it. It is part of their life support that the Founders have blessed them with. Anyway, I was hoping that Cardassia could assist the Dominion in locating some of the amino acid that is needed to synthesize the Ketracel. The more forces we have looking the faster we locate the much needed supply.”
Damar thought for a second. His forces were already spread thin. But, he could not think of anything worse than a Jem Hadder off its Prozac. “Agreed. I will give you four Galor class vessels and nothing more. That is all Cardassia can spare.”
“I thank you for the Founders. I will let you return to your lecherous fantasy on the Bajoran female you are always keeping an eye on.” With that Weyoun released a slight smile on his face and turned to leave.
Damars hand went to his phaser, it would only take one second to kill the Vorta. But then what good would that do. Another Weyoun would replace him.
So many Weyouns—so little freezer space.
Damar watched the Vorta leave. And then left for Quarks bar. He needed a Kennar.
Angel walked into cargo bay 6. After Chief O’Brien left the station, she was left to run OPS. That was a challenge with a group of ten. But to run the whole station almost single handedly was keeping her up nearly 16 hours a day.
She needed to be here to protect her Bajor from the Dominion. She didn’t trust Weyoun. And she did not trust the Founders, even Odo. She knew where she stood with Cardassians. But Weyoun could lie, and you wouldn’t even know it until it was to late and you were in front of a Jem Hadar firing squad. Besides, with the war going on, Cardassia was becoming less of a threat to Bajor. And the Dominion was breeding Jem Hader by the thousands every day.
The Circle needed her to be on Terok Nor. Not to be a spy on the Cardassians. They wanted to know what the Dominion was up to. And who can blame them.
Angel walked over to the control station. She looked around and made sure that she was alone. At least as alone as she could be. She then turned her necklace around and opened the conduit that was hidden behind it. She tied it into the counsel and began her work.
Weyoun sat in his ready room. He needed the Ketracel and he needed it yesterday. He then turned to hear his counsel beeping him. It was happening again. Someone was using his passwords to go into the Dominion databases. No matter what or when he changed his passwords—the security was always broken. Weyouns fist pounded on the table.

Damar walked into the room. Whatever was making Weyoun so upset—brought a smile to his face. Damar almost chuckled. “Something wrong Ambassador?”
Weyoun tapped his counsel and broke the robbers’ transmission. This time the thief did not get much. But Weyoun would make sure this would be the last looting. “No. Everything is fine now. Just fine.”
Damar looked at him—like hell it was. FINE in his book stood for Fucked up, Insecure, Neurotic and Emotional. “Of course it is Weyoun.”
“Do you doubt me?”
“No—of course not.” Bull shit. But he would find out sooner or later. “This is the latest troop movements through the Psian sector. Nothing out of the ordinary.”
“Thank you.” Weyoun absentmindedly picked up the PADD and set it down.
This was not like Weyoun. He lived for troop movements and the Founders. What had he walked in on that would beguile him so much? He would need to find out…if for no better reason that to sate his own curiosity. “Yes, well I need to take a look at some manifest of cargo vessels for Odo.”
Weyoun never even looked up to acknowledge him. Damar turned and left the ready room.
Angel pounded her fist into the console. The Vorta slept less than she did. Damn him.
She needed to know what was inside his files and she needed to know yesterday. She looked down at the table. At least she had some of the files.
Angel tapped her necklace and saved the file. She then began to gather her tools.
It was then she looked up to see the doors open. And Damar walked in.
Damar was just as shocked to see her, as she was to see him. He paused a second. Damar had wanted to talk to her for over a month—but at this one moment he was at a loss for words. “What are you doing here Bajoran?” At that moment it was Damar could think of to say.
“I was demodulating the communications conduit of the primary matrix peripheral systems.” It was a total-outright lie, but it was better than the brig.
That one sentence was clear as mud to Damar. Damn he hated the technobabble. “Have you succeeded in your work?”
“Of course. It’s not that difficult. I was getting ready to leave. Is there anything else Legate?” She quickly put her necklace into her toolbox.
“No.” Damar wanted to say something to stop her. He just stood there and watched her leave. The doors sealed shut behind her. Then quiet filled the room.
Damar walked over to the console where she had stood and began checking the manifest. He had only been there for about five minutes when Weyoun and ten Jem Hadar had stormed in. Damar looked up; this had to be far from a coincidence. After the look on his face in the ready room, a look that he was ready to kill, and then to storm a cargo bay? He would need to scrutinize that a little more carefully. “Yes, Weyoun?”
“How long have you been here Damar?”
“About three minutes. Why?”
“I was looking for someone.”
“Well, you found me. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Everything is FINE.”
Damar looked at the ten fully armed-to-the-teeth Jem Hadar and he looked back at the dwarf sized Vorta. “Yes, I can see that.”
“Was there anyone else here…besides yourself that is?”
“No.”
Weyoun looked at Damar. He knew that Damar did not have the capabilites to pull off such a security over ride. Weyoun turned and left, he took the Jem Hadar with him. Damar watched them leave. This was getting entertaining.
Angel looked very surprised to be caught standing at this console. And Weyoun coming in here looking for someone, obviously at the same console that she was standing at, and bringing enough Jem Hadar to take on a Klingon. No. Damar was many things, but he could add one and one and come up with two. To spite whatever Weyoun may think. Angel stormed into her quarters. That was way to close for comfort. If it had been Weyoun and not Damar that entered the cargo bay—she would be dead by now. She was getting rusty, habitual and slipping. She could not afford that oversight again.
Angel attached her PADD to the necklace she wore. Then turned it around to read it.
There was only a partial download of Weyouns personal database. Troop movements of six months ago, and some writings on Ben Sisko, there was nothing useful there.
Then she scanned down. What she read brought a smile to her face. The Dominion was almost out of Ketracel White. With the wormhole closed, the supply was tight. But she did not catch what portion of the formula was running out, or how much time was left.
A few more nanoseconds and she would have had it all. But oh well, this was well worth the risk. She would need to throw the dice again, and pray this time she had the information “The Circle” needed in order to protect Bajor.
Weyoun looked at his bed. It invited him into a world of shadows and dreams that he had not felt in days. He needed to rest. He was at the point now where his concentration was non-existent. Even the Founders needed to regenerate his mind argued. Yes, he would allow himself the luxury of a short nap. Only an hour or so.
Angel sat in her quarters and monitored Weyoun from the cargo bay. She waited. Her eyes heavy with the need for sleep. But she had to believe that Weyoun was weaker from fatigue than she was. She needed the information. Alpha waves were being generated in his sleeping quarters. Weyoun was heavy into sleep. It was about time.
Angel quickly took off her necklace and downloaded Weyouns personal logs into the data holding conduits. Almost. There done.
She noticed a shadow cross the console. She looked up to see Damar staring at her leaning on the console that she stood at. She was so exhausted she never heard the doors open. “So Angel. It’s you that’s the thief.” Damar waited for a response—there was none. “Weyoun came looking for you after you stormed out of here earlier. I just thought you were more cunning than this.”
Angel looked into his gray eyes. She quickly moved to her left in an effort to get to the doors. Yet, Damar had planned that move. He caught her by the elbows and pinned her against the console that she was standing next to. Now he would find out what irritated Weyoun so much. And how much she knew about it. “What are you doing here? Or do I call the Jem Hadar?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m here to fix…”
“You’re here to fix nothing. This is the last time I will ask you…what are you doing here?” Damar released his grip and roughly yanked the necklace from its conduit. “Angel, what is this used to ‘fix’?”
“You bastard. You have no idea what you’re doing?”
“So explain it to me? You can either tell me or Weyoun--while you are on his scan grid.”
Angel pulled back mentally and walked herself through the situation. If Damar wanted her dead she would be dead by now. That was a certainty. Weyoun would definitely kill her. OK. She would confide in Damar. At least for now. “I was breaking into Weyouns personal logs.”
Damar looked at her. That was the last thing he had expected to hear. “All right, now we are getting some where. For how long?”
“About a year now. He only started catch up with me a short while ago.”
“OK. So what have you retrieved?”
Angel took a deep breath. “The Jem Hadar are running out of their Ketracel.”
Damar stared at her. That was restricted information at a level 9 clearance. There was no way she could know that unless she had broken into his systems. “I think maybe we should discuss this someplace more private. Like my quarters.”
“You must be joking.”
“It’s either that Bajoran…or do you prefer the Brig?”
“I see your point. When?”
“Now seems like the perfect time…doesn’t it.” Damar slipped the necklace into his tunic pocket. The Obsidian Order would dissect it with a micro scalpel. “After you Angel. And no quick moves, or you will be in front of the Jem Hadar.”
Angel quietly walked in front of Damar. Her hands gently clasped in front of her. Damar walked behind her about a half step. This was not exactly the type of first conversation that he wanted. But having her in his quarters was a starting place. They stepped into the turbo lift together. Angel braced herself against the wall before turning around. Damar stood next to her. The silence between them was deafening. He could almost hear her heart pounding against her chest.
Angel’s mind ran in terror. Could she trust him? Or was she walking into his quarters to be raped?
The doors opened. Damar raised his arm in gesture that she would go first. She looked over her shoulder. Yes, he was still following her. She already knew where his quarters were. All the females did.
She stood off to one side as he tapped his combination into the keypad. The doors slid open. “You first, Angel.”
Angel stepped inside. His quarters were decorated in black and blacker. The stench from the Kennar met her at the door. There was about a weeks worth of dirty laundry on the floor. She half chortled to herself.
“Have a seat on the sofa. Have you eaten yet?” Angel shook her head. Actually, she had not eaten since this morning. The idea of food sounded wonderful to her. “What would you like? I have access to Bajoran food as well.” Damar watched her shake in panic. “Angel, I won’t hurt you…unless you give me reason to.” Damar tapped the replicator. It dispensed Chana beans with a red sauce. A Bajoran delicacy usually reserved for Kais and high-ranking officials of state. He placed the plate in front of her.
“Why am I here in your quarters?”
“You are here Angel…because it is one of the few places Weyoun doesn’t have his monitoring devices. Here it’s private. I thought you would appreciate that. If I wanted to rape you… I would have had you in the cargo bay the first time we were in there.” Angel could not argue with that. She quietly picked up the plate of food. She looked at it. She was about to eat the same food that Kais had. She scooped some of the luscious food and placed it into her mouth. It was more decadent and richer than anything she had ever had.
“Good. I’m glad you are enjoying it. Now how much do you know…about the Ketracel?”
“You walked in…just as the download was finishing. I have not had the chance to compile it yet.”
“Well, than why don’t we have a look at what the Ambassador has in his cookie jar.” Damar pulled the necklace out of his pocket and handed it to her.
Angel gently took it from him and set her plate down. She put the necklace next to the PADD and touched the back button. The necklace began to vibrate in her hand. In a few moments it was finished. She pulled the necklace apart.
“I’ll take that now.” Damar motioned for the necklace. She looked up at him and then down at the medallion. She handed over her lifes work to him.
Angel turned the PADD over and scanned it. Weyoun was lying. But then, what else was new. The Ketracel supply would run out in a month. Not in three months as he had said. The situation was more wonderful than she had anticipated. The war maybe over in a month. “Weyoun will run out of Ketracel in a month Damar.”
“Which amino acid?”
Angel tabbed down the PADD. There was the missing link in the formula. “It is L-carboxylic-anhydrous amino acid. There is a copy of the molecule here.” Angel tabbed down to the diagram and then froze in terror.
Damar looked at her face. It was like the blood poured out of her cheeks. The only time he had seen that look was on men on the way to their execution. “What is it? What’s wrong, and you better tell me the truth.”
“I have seen this schematic before. But I can’t be sure from where. It looks similar to something I studied in school as a child during the occupation. But I can’t remember from what or where.”
Damar sat next to her on the sofa for the first time. Angel scooted farther away from him than he would have liked. But he understood that she did not trust him. Hopefully she would in time.
“Why don’t I put this through the Cardassian archives and we will both find out.” Damar stood up and walked over to his console, he turned and motioned for her to join him. “If we are going to work together, I suggest we start to believe each other.”
Together. Right--a Bajoran and a Cardassian? Well, the Klingons and Romulans were working together.
The Cardassian archives were opened and there was the Bajoran name for the molecule.
Angel turned her face away from the screen as if to hide from the truth.
Damar looked at the screen and then at her reaction. He failed chemistry at the Academy. So he needed more that a little help to figure this out.
“Angel, you recognize this…don’t you?”
“I wish I didn’t but I do. It’s the fertilizer we use on Bajor for the Chana beans. It is very common on Bajor but only used for those beans. It is to toxic of a chemical to be used on any other agricultural product.”
“So Bajor has this substance. And a lot of it.”
“Unfortunately.” Angel sat down on the sofa—almost to the edge of tears. “What are you going to do?”
“Am I going to tell Weyoun? Hell no. This will bring a very quick end to a war that has gone on way to long. Cardassia is tired of dying for the Founders.” Angel looked a little relieved to hear that. She picked up her plate and began to eat again. “The question is Angel…what are you going to do?”
“I don’t understand?”
“Weyoun will figure it out. The answer is so simple…he just hasn’t thought of it yet. When he does….” Angel looked at him in dread. “Exactly my dear.”
The non-aggression treaty would mean nothing to Weyoun, the Founders, or the Dominion. Bajor was still reeling from the Cardassian occupation. It would not last long against the Dominion.
“You are not going to tell Weyoun. Then, may I ask what are you going to do to me?”
“Angel, I’ve already said I will not hurt you or rape you. Nor, am I placing you in the brig. Right now, you are the only person I know of who can break into Weyoun’s personal logs. That is quite an accomplishment. I’m more interested in what you are going to do.”
“I don’t know. I will need to tell ‘The Circle.’ After that I’m at a loss.”
“What access do you have to the provisional government?”
“None. The Circle does not have an affiliation with the current fence sitters.”
“I see. Then you have a problem. I can not help you there.”
“Wait. I can see the Kai. For spiritual advisement that is.”
“Kai Winn? You must be joking.”
“No. The Prophets have chosen her. I can speak with her in regards to this.”
“If you think that’s best.”
“It’s the only contact I have. And right now I need the advice from the Prophets.”
“Well, I disagree with you. However, I learned something during the occupation never, ever stand between The Prophets and a Bajoran. But, I would like to go with you.”
“A Cardassian on Bajor would stick out like a sore thumb.”
“I realize that Angel. I can have my physical appearance changed to appear Bajoran. I am not about to have the only humanoid in the Alpha Quadrant with the capability to break into Weyouns logs--to be killed during my watch.”
“Gee thanks. I will contact the Kai and ask for an audience.”
“Good I will make arrangements for a transport to take you to Bajor tomorrow. I will undergo the surgery tonight.”
“What will you tell Weyoun?”
“The truth. That you are going to Bajor to seek spiritual advice from the Kai. He will probably write it off as Bajoran nonsense once he hears that.”
“Good. That’s taken care of.”
“Now would you like to finish your dinner?”
“Sure.” Angel walked back over to the sofa and picked up the plate. She looked at the replicated beans. It was amazing to her that the same beans that were only held for Kais and above were the cure for the Dominion War. Damn. She held her head back and laughed.
Damar looked at her. “What?” This was the first sign of her relaxing around him since she walked into the turbolift.
“Just the irony. Fertilizer to feed the Jem Hadar. I just thought that was funny for some reason. I’m sorry.”
Damar looked at her. She did have a point. He chuckled himself—at least somewhat.
“Legate, I think maybe I’d better leave. Thank you for dinner. But I would like to meditate a while before I see the Kai tomorrow. Thank you for the wonderful dinner though.”
“You are welcome. I will see you tomorrow at 0700 for Bajor. I will recognize you, however you will probably not notice me. It is best that we blend in…until we are on Bajor. Then we can talk more freely.”
“Understood.” With that Angel walked through the doors and turned slightly. Then she walked away.
Damar looked at the doors closing—well it was not the conversation that he wanted to have. However, it was a start.

Weyoun pounded his fist into the wall. Shattering the dry wall into a powder. He was a man of patience. But now he wanted the thief on his scan grid. Now.
Who ever it was now knew the Ketracel was almost out. If the Federation found out they would just wait the Dominion out. Damn.
They also had which amino acid was the most critical. Damn the thief. Death would be to easy a penalty. Pain would be the most effective punishment—to the point they begged for death. Begged him for the sweet delivery of oblivion.
He stormed out of his quarters. He pledged that he would not sleep again until the thief was caught and brought to him fettered and chained.

Angel bordered the transport and sat down. She sat next to the window. She had her Bajoran prayer beads in her fingers. She would need the Prophets to get through the next few days.
A short, somewhat overweight Bajoran male sat next to her. He pulled out a PADD and began to flip through it nonchalantly. “Excuse me—are you familiar with this restaurant on Bajor? I have never been to this sector.”
“Sure let me take a look.” On the PADD was the schematic of the missing amino acid. It was Damar. And she barely recognized him. She almost smiled at him—and then thought they might be watched. Weyoun was everywhere and nowhere.
Damar winked at her.
“Yes. If you take the blue transport at the docking bay it will practically take you to the front door.”
“Thank you.” Damar returned his attention to the PADD.

Weyoun watched the small transport leave for Bajor. This was way too much of a fluke. Why would Damar have facial surgery to become a Bajoran…and then leave for Bajor…with that Bajoran female he was always having carnal daydreams about?
Weyoun thought.

Damar walked off the transport and away from Angel. That was fine with her. She needed to play this out very carefully. She looked around. The Bajoran capital was now bustling with Bajorans. The last time she was here it was busy with Cardassians. It was good to be on home soil.
Angel walked up to the Kais main residence. She had only seen the Kai from a distance. You could only ask for one audience during your lifetime. And it was only for five minutes. She had to make the most of it.
One of the servants for the Kai walked her down a long stone hallway and then into a small room with three chairs. At first she was not sure why there were three chairs. But then she thought better of it. She needed to concentrate on her meeting. Angel was never this nervous before in her short life.
The door opened and one of the priests walked in. He placed a pitcher of spring wine and fruit on the table. He gently smiled at her and then turned to leave.
Angel picked up one of the fruits and took a bite. She had forgotten how good non-replicated food tasted.
It was then that a tall thin man entered the room. “Angel, I am Ango the Kais assistant. And how are you today?”
“I’m fine. Just a little nervous.” Angel looked at the man. She had heard the voice somewhere. And the face looked familiar but she couldn’t place it. “I’m sorry. Have we met? My pah says that we know each other from somewhere?”
“You know Angel, I must have one of those faces. I hear that all the time. Where did you grow up?”
“The Northern Province near Katal.” She took another bite of her fruit. Why did this man make her so uncomfortable?
“I had a farm near there. That’s probably why you think you know me. Wine?” He reached over and poured himself a glass. Angel declined.
It was then the door slowly opened.
The Kai was wrapped in a beautiful golden cloth, embroidered with silver threads. Her tall mitered cap barely made it through the doorway. Yet she walked as if she had been doing this all her life. In fact she had. “My child Angel. The Prophets walk with you. How may I assist the Prophets in aiding you?”
Angel stood and kneeled in front of the Kai. She had never in her dreams thought she would be in the presence of her. “My child, that isn’t necessary. Please. Stand up.”
“Your eminence. Thank you so much for your time today. I am a child of the Prophets and my only wish is to please them.”
“That is the wish of all the Prophets children. Now how may I assist you today.”
Angel looked at the man in the room with distrust. She could not allow her information to slip into the wrong hands. Kai Winn noted the look. “My child, Ango is my most trusted confidante. What ever you say will be held in the strictest confidence.”
“Yes your eminence. I work on Terok Nor. Formerly Deep Space Nine.”
“So I have been told dear.”
“I am an agent of the Circle. I gather information for them and transmit it to them. I have information that the Dominion War will be over soon. If the Dominion does not invade Bajor.”
Kai Winn smiled a bit. “Daughter, the Dominion can not invade Bajor, we have a non- aggression pact with them. I signed it myself.”
“Your eminence, the Jem Hadar have only one month supply left of Ketracel White. After that the Jem Hadar will turn mutinous.”
“That is wonderful news dear. But why tell me this?”
“There is an amino acid in the Ketracel that can be found on Bajor. It is the missing ingredient that the Dominion needs in order to make more Ketracel. It’s the fertilizer for the Chana Beans.”
Kai Winn looked at Ango. Ango sat forward, if this involved Bajor the Kai would definitely need to know about it. “Angel, what proof do you have of this?” Ango stood and stepped behind the Kai.
“This is Weyouns personal data files. I retrieved them for the Circle. It states what chemical is missing. Your own priests can verify that it is the exact same molecular structure as the fertilizer.” Ango gently took the PADD from her and flipped through it.
“Daughter, you realize that I will have to have this verified.”
“I know. But if Weyoun were to find out, that Bajor has the missing acid. It will make the Cardassian occupation look like the autumn harvest festival.”
“I realize that. I also realize that you took an enormous risk bringing me this. Is there a way that I can get in touch with you?”
“Kai, I mean no disrespect to you. But I would prefer no contact other than this meeting. I am working with someone from the Cardassian government. There are too many lives at stake. I will leave it to you to decide on what the Prophets will want.”
Ango turned to speak to the Kai. “Kai Winn, the time has elapsed. We must have this information verified.”
“My child, I thank you for the many lives that you may have saved. May you walk in the paths of the Prophets.” Kai Winn gently cupped her ear. “Your Pah is very strong. You walk well in the bright path. May you not stray into the path of the Pah Wraiths.”
“Your eminence thank you for your blessing and your time. I trust you with my life.”
“I will see you to the door Angel.” Ango walked ahead of her and opened the door.
Before Angel could breathe she had left the presence of the Kai and was outside in the bright streets.
Now where was Damar?

Weyoun sat in his ready room. His hands gently folded in front of him. Angel, as she called herself, had just given him the Dominion War.
The “Priest” that had walked in with the bowl of fruit had bought Bajor for him for the price of 30 slips of Latinum. The Dominions listening devices had served their purpose.
So, Bajor had the missing Amino Acid, and from the sounds of their discussion—a lot of it. Good.
Now, who would be the Cardassian that would be working with Angel on this?
Of course, Damar. The traitor. He was more perceptive than Weyoun had given him credit for. He stood up from his chair and walked to the window. He took a long swallow of his Andorean tea.
The imbeciles.
Did they seriously think they would out scheme a Vorta? They practically invented the game of chess. And Weyoun was master at the game.
He called in the Jem Hadar to begin planning the battle for Bajor.

Damar stood in the shadows and watched Angel walk across the street. He had to make sure that she was not being followed. He thought back to all the times on the Promenade when he had watched her move. Now, this was different. He was caught up in the ultimate cloak and dagger game. At one point he had wanted to be a member of the Obsidian Order, but after this experience he was not sure that would be in his future plans. He would need a nice, tall Kennar after this one.

Angel looked up at the sky. From the position of the two suns, it was almost her lunchtime. She walked into one of the nearby stands and ordered a salad and a small glass of cold herb tea. She needed to relax and try to figure out where Damar was at this time.
She sat down at one of the small tables and stirred her salad with a fork. A shadow appeared across her table. She looked up to see Damar/Bajoran looking down at her.
“May I join you, it’s a little crowded.”
“Of course.”
Damar sat in the chair immediately next to hers. He stirred his warm soup with his spoon and ground some bread into the broth. “How was your meeting?”
“I gave her the information. She needs to consult with the priests to have it verified. And also the Prophets to see what they would like to do.”
“I understand the part of information needing to be verified. However I do not understand this incessant need to go to some all-knowing deity every time a Bajoran gets the Nadoorian head cold.”
“The Prophets is why the Cardassian military lost the occupation. It’s what kept us strong. Stronger than the army that occupied us.”
Damar looked at her. He could have her executed for her insolence. But then he still needed her. And he did like the way she looked in that lavender gown the other day.
“I’m not here to be an enemy. I’m here to help you—so that the Dominion does not over run Bajor. Would you please bear that in mind?”
“I’m sorry. I’m not used to this much cloak and dagger. I’m a very low-level member of the Circle. I’m not very important. I gave the information to my contacts. They will be in touch with me soon. It may take awhile. They are having trouble believing me also.”
“If they wait to long it may be to late.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Weyoun is many things. But he is one of the most resourceful life forms I have ever met. He will figure this labyrinth out. It’s just a question if Bajor will be ready for the Jem Hadar.”
“I’m working on this as fast as I can. I can not work any faster. Believe me. I’m using all of my resources.”
“I’m not doubting that for a split second. You look like you’re on the edge of emotional collapse.”
“My home is just now recovering from the Cardassian Occupation. Now, we may have to suffer the Dominion. Am I having a hard time handling all this—yes.”
“May I buy you dinner this evening? Some R&R?”
Angel looked at him. A Bajoran having dinner with a Cardassian Legate would be a major compromise of Circle security. But then again, he was a Bajoran, or at least he appeared that way. She needed some down time. And this would be fine with her. She had enough stress to last her awhile. “That sounds wonderful. Where can I met you at?”
“I have a room for us at the small hotel a short walk from here. They only had one room left—so I booked it as husband and wife.”
Angel looked at him—this was insane. “You what!”
“It’s all they had. It’s all I could find. This is temporary only.”
“All right. The rooms are probably booked due to the religious festival in two days. The Emissary will be here.”
“Excuse me?”
“The annual blessing of the seed. The Emissary always blesses the seed so that Bajor has a good harvest.”
“The Emissary? Sisko? Will arrive here on Bajor? In two days?”
“Yes.” Angel looked at Damar and then realized what he was thinking. It would be the perfect time for a Dominion assault. The Emissary, Bajor’s religious Godhead, and a much-decorated Captain of Starfleet, on a Bajoran holiday with its defenses nonexistent. It would be perfect for Weyoun to schedule a full offensive strike on poor Bajor. It would be easy pickings.
“That’s right, it would be perfect timing for the Vorta. The Jem Hadar could take Bajor and a good chunk of Starfleet at the same time. Bajor would be in ashes in less than a day.” Damar sipped some more of his soup and wondered how he had ever gotten involved in this War in the first place.
That’s right—his old friend Dukat. He had seen his old friend, after his surgery a short while ago. But now he was somewhere in the Alpha Quadrant with his Pah Wraiths. Oh well. He had enough to deal with right now.
Angel looked at him. If someone had told her a week ago that she would be having dinner with a Cardassian, an audience with a Kai, facing a Dominion invasion of her homeworld. And doing it all with the Cardassian Legate by her side…she would have thought they were insane. Now she felt like she was the one that was suffering from neurosis.
Versus Weyoun who was enjoying every minute of his mental illness.
Angel looked at Damar; dinner was sounding wonderful to her by now. Heaven knows she needed to relax. And Damar was a very good-looking male, at least as a Bajoran. “What time shall we meet for dinner?”
“How about 1600 hours. That should give you time to dress.”
“Dress? Where are we going?”
“As you said with this festival going on—everything is at a premium. The only place I could get is the restaurant in the Central District. I’ve heard it’s very good.”
“Damar that’s to expensive.”
“You’re worth it. Besides—if I may be so bold, I’ve wanted to have dinner with you for quite a while. Now seems to be a good time.”
Angel looked at him—this was greatly quickly going beyond maniacal and in to the realm of deranged. “Sure that sounds nice. I’ll need some time to buy a dress tonight. I didn’t think we would be here this long.”
“Weyoun isn’t expecting us to be back for at least three more days. By that time hopefully this will have resolved itself. One way or the other.”
“It sounds like you have everything under control.”
Damar looked at her. That was the closest thing to a compliment she had paid him since this whole situation started. He almost smiled. Had he just made some points with this female? “Thank you. That means a lot to me to hear you say that.”
“Your welcome. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll have to try to find something to wear.”
“Of course. How about if we meet back at the hotel in about two hours?”
“Sure. I’ll be there.” Angel stood and walked away from him.

“Who is it that would be calling me from Bajor?” Weyoun walked to the main view screen on the Bridge. “Viewscreen on.”
The screen showed a tall thin male, Bajoran, his hair gray with age. His face wrinkled with time. Weyoun knew that he had seen him before but could not place him.
“Yes, I am Weyoun—Vorta Ambassador of the Alpha Quadrant. How may I assist you?”
“That’s a very imposing title. You don’t recognize me do you?”
“No. I’m afraid I don’t.” The voice sounded vaguely familiar though.
“It is me—Dukat.”
Weyoun looked at the screen—now he knew Dukat was certifiably demented. “Dukat? What the hell are you doing on Bajor?”
“I am serving the Pah Wraiths—as they see fit. I wish to discuss an arrangement with you.”
“Go ahead.” Weyoun would at least hear him out.
“I’m sure you know that Bajor has the missing amino acid for your needed chemical substance.”
“Yes.”
“I am offering you the Bajoran Angel—for a price.”
Having Angel brought to him would save him time. “I’m still listening Dukat.”
“I’m sure that you are currently planning a full-scale assault on Bajor…what I wish in exchange for the Bajoran is to be made Emissary of the Pah Wraiths. I will be the religious god head to the Bajoran People.”
Whatever. Weyoun cared less for the Bajoran religion than the Cardassians did. “Done. I’m sure that you know when the invasion will begin.”
“Yes I already have the information. I will bring her to you to these co-ordinates. May you walk in the paths of the Pah Wraiths.”
With that the screen went blank. He would have Angel brought to him—then Damar would follow. This was falling right into his plan.

Angel had finally found a dress that fit her. She had really not purchased any new clothing in quite a while. The garnet red Andorean silk molded to her. Angel was not sure why she purchased such a revealing gown. Especially to have dinner with a Cardassian.
Then she thought back to the time on the Promenade when she had caught Damar looking at her. Did he have feelings for her that went past professional and friendship? And did she feel the same way?
She still had a hard time trusting him. But he had been a “gentleman” the entire time this dilemma started. In fact he had not laid a hand on her…in anger or otherwise.
Angel shook her head. Now her imagination was running away with her.
She looked at the suns…her two hours were almost up. She needed to return to the hotel and begin to change for dinner.

Sisko’s ship docked at the Northern Province. It had been some time since he had seen Bajor. With the war on he had forgotten how beautiful Bajor was at this time of the year. Spring brought out the beautiful flowers. And the blessing of the seed was an uncomfortable but good reason for at least some R&R for him.
He looked up to see Kai Winn approach him. His stomach churned and the thought of having to speak to someone who was more interested in her own political gain than the Bajoran people. “Emissary, it is good to see you well. Congratulations on your nuptials to—what was her name again?” Sisko thought that the only time she would ever wish someone well were on his deathbed.
“Cassidy—Kai Winn—Cassidy. She is on a cargo mission right now.”
“Oh it is a shame that she will miss such an auspicious blessing. If I may have a few moments of your time Emissary-I would like to discuss a situation with Captain Sisko?”
Ben blinked at her for a moment. What on Bajor would she need to talk to Ben about vs. the Emissary? “All right—I’m listening.”
“I have it from a very reliable, and verified source that the Dominion is almost out of their Ketracel White for their soldiers.”
Benjamin could not believe his ears. Starfleet had no idea that there was a disaster in the making for the Dominion. “All right, you realize that Starfleet Command will need to have this verified.”
“Of course. However, Captain, there is more. For this I would like to speak to the Emissary?”
He hated all this hat switching. “All right.”
“I have it from the same source that the amino acid that the Dominion lacks can be found on Bajor. It is the fertilizer for the Chana beans.”
Ben looked at Kai Winn. That would figure. The treaty would mean nothing to Weyoun. And with only one battleship to protect poor Bajor from the Jem Hadar, it would not last long. “I need to contact Starfleet on all this. Is there a communication terminal that I can use?”
“Unfortunately Emissary. We have had planet wide communications problems since dawn this morning. We have been unable to determine why.”
Ben already knew why.
The answer was Weyoun. The clash for Bajor had already been launched.

Angel walked into the small room. There was a chair next to the window, a small bathroom, and a bed in the middle. There was a dresser up against the wall on the far side. It was decorated in the minimalist fashion and not meant to impress.
Angel set her bags down and sat in the chair. She would rest a moment before beginning to dress for her date.
Date?
Is that what this was. She shook her head. Angel could not begin to consider Damar a “date” she just couldn’t.
But then why not? The occupation was over. Obviously they were on the same side. But a Cardie trying to save Bajor? That was an oxymoron. But then she should be used to all this right now.
Damar walked in the door and glanced over towards Angel. “You look exhausted.”
“Yes. Well, I am.”
“Why don’t you change for dinner. Then we can both try to get some sleep.”
Angel looked at Damar and then looked at the bed.
Angel went into the bathroom and locked the door. She started the sonic shower and slowly stepped inside. The vibrations felt wonderful on her tired body. She leaned up against the wall and allowed herself the few seconds of relaxation for the first time in two days.
Damar watched the door close and heard the shower come on. There was a part of him that wanted to go over and play peeping tom. But for right now—he needed to concentrate on Weyoun. His contacts had already told him that Sisko was here. He had sent a member of the Obsidian Order to attempt to make contact. That was fourteen hours ago. There had been no contact since then. Damar assumed that he had been killed before capture. He chose not to tell Angel about that. She was terrified enough as it was.
Angel stepped out of the shower and slowly began to dress for dinner. She looked at the garnet red dress she had chosen for dinner. Never in her dreams did she wear a gown like this. And to wear it for Damar had never been in her dreams either. But then times change. And so did she.
Damar sat in the dim light and watched the Bajoran suns sink into the horizon. He thought about how to contact Starfleet, how to contact Cardassia. He was without an answer and that frightened him. He did not know if the Kai told Sisko—or if the information was still being “verified.” He prayed that the Kai would not waste time. The entire quadrant would be decided within the next 48 hours. Damn.
It was then the door opened, and Angel walked in. Her long dark hair was piled on top of her head. Her almond shaped eyes was accented by gray shadow. But what made her stand out was the silken red dress that molded to her. Her pale Bajoran skin was scented with a light perfume.
Damar stood at the window with his mouth hanging open. Angel looked at him and tried to hold back a chuckle. “I take it Legate, that you approve.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stare. But this is the most beautiful that I have ever seen you. You look truly breathtaking.”
Angel looked at him. Had she just heard correctly? “Thank you Damar. Maybe we should go to dinner.”
“Yes, all of the sudden dinner sounds wonderful.” Damar looked at his clothing. It was not anywhere near as stylish as what she was wearing. But then all eyes in the room would be on her. Not him. Damar walked across the room and took her hand gently in his and placed inside his elbow.
Angel and Damar took a small transport to the restaurant.
Angel sat in the lobby of the restaurant. Damar walked up to the maitre’d and checked his reservation list. There would still be a short wait. Damar walked over to the young woman. Yes, he wanted to have dinner with her. Yes, while she was wearing a dress similar to what she had on now. But not quite while under the boot of Weyoun.
Damar looked over at her. “Would you like to go for a walk in the garden. They’ll let us know when the table is ready.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
Damar held out his hand and surprisingly enough she took it—her small hand gently folded around his. They stepped through the doorway and into the chilly evening. The air was filled with the fragrance of blossoming flowers. The three Bajoran moons shined down in various phases.
“I forgot how beautiful Bajor was in the spring. I think I’ve been away to long.”
“Cardassia doesn’t have a season change like Bajor does. We have hot and hot—ter.”
Angel looked at Damar and released a long, full laugh. “You’re beautiful when you laugh. Do you know that?”
Angel looked at him. She could not believe that she was sharing such a romantic moment with a Cardassian. But then he was willing to sacrifice everything to save her world. She stopped and looked into his beautiful gray eyes. “Thank you. That’s very kind of you.”
“I mean it.” His hand came up and gently glided over her soft cheek. “I’ve wanted to have a moment like this with you for quite awhile. You know that don’t you?”
“I’ve liked you to. But when you were with the Dominion—I couldn’t tell you. I couldn’t trust you.”
“But now you do?”
“I trust you—more than I did last week. Let’s put it like that.”
“Well….as they say that’s a start. How can I get you to trust me more?”
Angel looked at him with a sly smile on her face. “You could kiss me.”
Damar looked down at her. Had he just heard her correctly? Well, there was one way to find out. He placed his hands gently on each side of her small face. “I’ve wanted this for a long time.” She watched Damar slowly closed his eyes and lowered his face to hers. Angel tilted her head and closed her eyes. Finally their lips gently touched. First quickly and almost shyly. Then again a little slower, a little more sensual. He pulled back to see her eyes open and smiling at him.
“Well, that was wonderful Damar.”
“Thank you. I’ve been practicing in my dreams for quite a while. I’m glad you liked it.”
Angel looked back at the door to the restaurant. “Maybe we should have dinner…before we change our minds.”
“Maybe your right.” Damar took Angels small hand and led her back to the restaurant.

In the shadows Dukat watched behind the bushes. Good, Damar was following in his mentors’ footsteps. Bajoran women were more passionate then their Cardassian counterparts. It’s a shame that Damar wouldn’t be able to find that out for himself.
Damar sat across from Angel at the dinner table. The candlelight sparkled off the crystal. The china glistened in the dim light. He was hoping to have dinner with her, and now here he was sitting across from her. He had to keep reminding himself this was not a holodeck. There was no reset button and no second chances tonight. He was on his own.
“This is beautiful Damar. Thank you.”
“Your welcome.”
Damars huge hand reached over and found itself wrapped around Angel’s smaller hand. She gently closed hers around it. “So what Bajoran delicacy would you like for dinner Angel?”
“Well, lets see the vegetarian platter sounds…”
It was then that Damar looked up in time to see a group of priests wrapped in black. He did not know that much about Bajoran theology. But he knew the Kais of the Prophets wore red. The Pah Wraiths cults wore black. Damn. He was so worried about Weyoun that he had forgotten about Dukat. They quickly stormed to the back of the restaurant. And found Angel sitting with Damar. Damar stood and punched one of the priests to the floor. A phaser was placed to his head. It was then that Angel’s arms were placed behind her and she was manacled. She looked up at Damar with tears in her eyes. The fear was blatant. She knew who was taking her but had no idea why.
It was then that she saw the man she knew as Ango appeared. Damar knew him as Dukat. He never would have thought that his friend would betray him like this. Especially now.
“Damar, I have no wish to harm you my friend. But for the sake of Bajor, Angel must be taken to the Pah Wraiths.” Dukat’s fingers gently touched her face.
Angel took a deep breath and spit right into his face. “You bastard, I serve the Prophets. I will never serve the Pah Wraiths.”
“Angel, I do not care if you serve the Pah Wraiths. Bajor will. And I will be their Emissary. Take her away.” Angel was torn from the table. Damar still had the phaser pointed at his head. For right now there was nothing he could do to help her. “My friend. I will give you an option. Either you can join me—or you can be killed right here. You will leave me no other option. Bajor needs to embrace the Pah Wraiths. I do not want to kill you my friend—but you will leave me no choice.”
If Damar was going to save Angel from what ever Dukat had planned—he needed to be alive to do it. “Fine. I agree. I have no wish to die today.”
“Good my friend. Later you will swear allegiance to the Pah Wraiths. Then you and I will rule Bajor together…the way Cardassia was meant to.”
Angel was taken to a small transport. She was forced to kneel and then shackled to the floor. The priest struck her across the face. Her lip split in two. Angel hid her face into her dress; her eyes welled with tears. “Bajoran, that is nothing compared to what Weyoun has in store for you.”
That one phrase struck terror into her heart. She knew that death would be welcome after what Weyoun would have in mind for her.
It was then that Damar and Dukat reached the transport and looked in at her. “She’s beautiful Damar. She would have been a nice choice for your comfort woman. It’s a shame things didn’t work out.” Dukat forcefully lifted her chin.
She looked at Damar with nothing but pain and treachery written on her face. “I trusted you. I thought you wanted to help Bajor and me. You were with him all along.”
Dukat laughed at her. “My dear, once a Cardassian—always a Cardassian.” With that the doors were slammed shut and sealed. There would be no escape for the prisoner of the Pah Wraiths. She would be the sacrificial lamb to save Bajor. To have Bajor brought to the glory of the Pah Wraiths.

Weyoun sat in the fire caves. He glanced over the PADD that he had brought. By now Angel was Dukat’s hostage. Then she would be his. Damar on the other hand was still free. Weyoun at this point did not know where he was. But there were very few places a Cardassian could hide on Bajor. Very, very few places.
It was then the transport pulled up to the cave. There was quite a bit of commotion in the back as Angel was brought out. Her face was already bruised and welted from an intense beating. But that meant nothing to Weyoun. As far as he was considered, that was only the beginning of her end.
Angel was pulled out and knocked to the ground. Then she was dragged down the corridor to the waiting Vorta. Weyoun’s hand went to the red hair on her scalp; he grabbed a handful and forced her to look up into his face. “Now, Angel…we have so much to talk about….I don’t know where to begin. How about if we start with how much you enjoy pain. Shall we?” With that his fist came across her face, her nose broke and she felt her cheekbone fracture into her eye. “Take the Bajoran whore into my interrogation room, we will begin shortly.” The Priests dragged her unconscious body down the hallway and into hell. Dukat and Damar approached the small Vorta. “Dukat, how splendid. You even found Damar for me also.”
“I’m afraid not Weyoun. Damar is under the protection of the Pah Wraiths. He was sworn in as my assistant. You may have the female, as we agreed on. But you will not have Damar. That is unless you wish to die.”
Weyoun looked at Dukat, then around at the Priests who would slit his throat at the mere mention from Dukat. Yes discretion was best. “You win—for now Dukat.”
“That’s a good Vorta. Now Damar will you please assist me in planning the spiritual resurrection of Bajor.” With that Damar and Dukat walked away from Weyoun. Weyoun had other things on his mind.
Weyoun walked into his interrogation room. Angel was already strapped to the scan grid. A cardiac and cortex monitor was placed on her. Weyoun did not want to kill her to quickly. “Angel, welcome to hell.” With that he threw the first switch and began to introduce Angel to pain. Angel’s head reached back in pain. Every nerve in her system surged in agony. The only noise she could make was a scream in torment. Weyoun sat back and smiled, for a year he had waited for this. And now he would enjoy every blessed moment.
Damar winced as he heard her first scream. He had to help her, but for right now he did not know how. Dukat looked at his friend. He could tell that he was not used to the screams of Bajorans as he was. “My friend, she will not suffer that long.”
Damar looked at him. He knew what that meant. But Angel was an innocent in all this. She was only trying to stop the Dominion from taking over the Quadrant. Now she was paying for it with her life. And all he could do was sit back and watch.
Then Damar pulled back and thought things through. He would only have one chance to help her. Or both of them would be damned. “I want to be the one that kills her, for the glory of the Pah Wraiths and for Cardassia. The bitch needs to die.”
Dukat looked at his friend. Now, this was the Damar he was hoping for. “All right my friend. I was hoping that you would come through this and see the glory of the Pah Wraiths. Let me help you see through the darkness and into the light.” Dukat walked with him down the corridors. Her screams intensified until all of the sudden she stopped.
Damar thought the worst. That he was too late. Dukat entered the room first, then Damar.
There was Angel strapped to the grid. Her arms stretched to the breaking point. Damar could tell that both shoulders were now both out of their sockets. Her feet were not touching the floor. Her face was covered in blood from ruptured capillaries. Her breasts and forehead were covered in red sores from the current of plasma that intensified her misery. Weyoun walked over and placed a hypospray to her neck. She was brought back to consciousness…for more pain. Weyoun would not grant her death yet. He was having too much amusement.
“Weyoun, I hate to interrupt your enjoyment. But Damar has asked to be the one to place Angel into oblivion.” Dukat stepped forward and looked at the near corpse on the grid.
“She is not ready for release yet. The Founders have granted me the authority to punish her as I see fit. She has not suffered enough yet.”
Damar looked at her than back to the Vorta. “Weyoun, she is almost dead now.”
“Yes, but she has not pleaded to me yet. When she begs me then I will release her.”
“Then may Damar assist you? He used to torture Bajorans all the time during the occupation. In fact, you were stationed in Terok Cornan weren’t you?”
Angel looked up at Damar. That was a rape camp, where women were “trained” to be comfort women. How could he do that—and then want her as his lover?
“Yes. I was.” Damar looked at Angel. He did not want her to know about that. But he had to get her off the grid and now. “May I assist you Ambassador.”
Weyoun looked at Damar, then Dukat, and then glanced back at Angel. Yes, this would be more painful for her, to be tortured by the one she loved. “All right Dukat. I will allow you to have Angel for the last few moments of her pathetic existence.”
Damar walked up to the grid. Weyoun had it on a setting of 8 out of 10. No wonder Angel was close to death. Nine was reserved for Klingons and Vulcans. “Take this bitch.” With that he turned the knob to nine and watched her body convulse on the grid. Her bladder emptied itself onto her legs. Her eyes bulged out of her head. The pain was so bad she could not scream anymore. Damar turned his face away. He could not watch her suffer.
He then turned the knob back down. Weyoun walked up to Angel; she was remarkably still alive, but only barely. “Beg me for mercy, and I will end all this now Angel. Just one whisper, and I will grant you peace.”
Damar looked at her.
Angel looked up at Weyoun through her tears. She began to whisper so that only Weyoun could hear her. She then took a deep breath into her lungs—and screamed at the top of her voice “Freedom for Bajor!”
Damar almost smiled. This was the bravest woman he had ever seen. Even faced with death…she was ready to sacrifice all for her world.
Weyoun looked away almost annoyed. His fun was being destroyed.
“Weyoun, I think it is time for the fun to end. Let me end this for her.” He walked over to a Jem Hadar and gently took his phaser rifle.
“As you wish Legate.” Weyoun stepped aside. He watched Damar walk up to Angel within point blank range.
Dukat watched with a smile on his face. This was the Damar he wanted at his side. Yes, this was much better.
Damar raised the rifle to his hip and pointed it at Angel. Angel looked up at Damar and smiled. Finally she would be released to the Prophets. Finally she would have death.
Damar’s fingers undid the safety and loaded the one-phaser blast that would do its job. “Take this my friend.” With that Damar suddenly turned and blasted the one conduit in the room. It exploded in gas and dust. He then turned and fired at point blank range at Weyoun. “I have wanted this for three years asshole.” With that he shot Weyoun right in the face.
Dukat looked at his friend in disbelief.
“My friend, I suggest you leave before I change my mind, and you join the Vorta.” Damar pointed the rifle at Dukat’s head to make his point. Dukat nodded. Right now he wanted himself and his priest out of the cave before it exploded. Now was a good time. Dukat smiled and then left the room.
Damar threw down the gun and lunged over to Angel. She was remarkably still alive. Unconscious, but still alive. He unstrapped her from the torture and placed her limp body over his shoulder. Now he had to leave. He took the phaser rifle and took the safety off. He stepped over the body of the Vorta, and headed for the door.
The cave rocked with yet another explosion. The walls were beginning to cave in above him. He did not have much time. Angel stirred a bit and slipped back into sleep. It was best that way.
Damar finally made it to the cave entrance. The priests were in a confused hysteria. It seems that Dukat had abandoned them. And now without a leader, they were lost in a storm of explosions.
Damar carried her into the shadows and darkness of the forest. He turned and looked back, there was no one following them. There was one last explosion that rocked the ground from underneath him. He stumbled to the ground and Angel fell with him.
Angel stirred and then came back to consciousness. The first thing she saw was the glow of the fire from the caves. She knew she wasn’t on the grid anymore. But where was she now, and how did she get here? It was then Damars face was over hers. Her last memory was him torturing her. She began to scream again as the memory came back to her.
“Angel, please, don’t scream. Please.” His hand firmly covered her mouth. “I know what I did to you. I know. But I had to—so that Weyoun wouldn’t kill you. I’m sorry. I’m sorry that I hurt you. Please…you’ll let everyone know where we are.”
Angel looked into his face. There was a softness there she had not seen before. There was no hate there. There was just a longing for forgiveness. He was almost in tears himself. “I love you too…Damar.” Her voice was at an almost inaudible whisper.
Damar did not understand what she had said. However, she was not screaming anymore. That was good enough. And better yet she was still breathing. Damar picked her up over his shoulder. If his memory was correct there was some caves about half a mile away. Hopefully, they would be safe enough for both of them to hide from the Dominion. There was no doubt in his mind that not only did the Jem Hadar want Bajor…they also wanted the both of them. He was hoping that in the caves, there would be safe haven, at least for the time being.

Sisko watched from the top of the hillside. The Jem Hadar had begun landing on Bajor almost two hours ago. They had wiped out what roads there were to the civilian cities, and cut their supply lines. After that all the Kais were captured, including Kai Winn. Without them there were no religious leaders on Bajor to guide the people. Most had already been executed in public.
Starfleet had noticed the activity and brought in scout ships in order to determine why they had lost contact with Bajor. They were not heard from again. That was enough to send Starfleet and the Klingons into investigate.
General Martok had sent in twenty Birds-of-Prey into the Bajor sector. Better to die on your feet than live on your knees. They arrived before any of the Starfleet vessels had a chance to. They were already locked in battle for Bajor. But had no idea why the Dominion would attack a planet they had a non-aggression treaty with. But at this point the more Jem Hadar that died the merrier.
Now Sisko was caught in the middle of a ground guerilla war with the Circle on one side and the Jem Hadar on the other. But, at least the Circle had some time to mobilize their troops. And it was thanks to a small woman that they named Angel.
At this point Sisko wanted to get off Bajor alive and in one piece. However, with the way things looked that was doubtful at best. The Jem Hadar had landed over 100,000 troops in a matter of an hour. And more were in standard orbit. They were being hopelessly outgunned and out flanked.
Nonetheless, Sisko had an idea that he borrowed from a Starfleet captain that he had once read about. If the Dominion really wanted the fertilizer for their Ketracel—by all means let them have it. After of course we changed the molecular structure to make it unusable to them. And down right deadly. Yes, that would suit Weyoun just fine. Bastard. Sisko almost laughed at the Circles ingenuity.
Sisko had met the Circle. Not that he wanted to, but this was the only resistance that Bajor had right now. And this was better than none at all. Besides, they had fought off the Cardassians with their no-rules-just-win-at-all-costs type of warfare. And hell if it worked then…why wouldn’t it work with the Jem Hadar.
Starfleet was still not getting the upper hand in the battle. They had destroyed twelve Jem Hadar and working on the other sixty they were faced with. There were sixteen battleships travelling at best warp, however they were still over two hours away. The Romulans didn’t want to miss the party either. However they were still over three hours away.
Sisko looked down at the Jem Hadar that was currently off loading. Come on, a little closer, that’s it. Then all of the sudden the gravetic land mines went off and sent pieces of Jem Hadar flying all over the place. Sisko smiled and then headed off in the direction of the caves that were currently the Circles main hiding place.

Damar sat in the darkness of the cave. He had built a small fire to take the chill off the cold, damp air. So far it was working. Damar looked over at the sleeping Angel that lay across from him.
He went back over the past few days in his mind. How this small woman had broken into the Dominion leaders personal logs. Then found out where the turning point of the war would be fought. Was willing to suffer torture and death to save what she believed in. And all with him—a Cardassian--by her side. Damn this was one hell of a woman. Comfort woman, no. Something more than that—definitely.
Angel began to stir. She was coming out of her unconscious state. But how much would she remember about Damar? That was the big question.
Angel began to sit up, and then thought the better of it. The plasma burns on her skin was extensive. In fact her whole body ached like it had never ached before. Her body was covered in heat blisters and welts from the intense energy. It felt almost as bad as when she was actually being tortured.
“Angel.” Damar looked at her, but was nervous on approaching her.
“Damar? Where am I?”
Damar stood and walked slowly over to her. “You’re in the caves, about half a click from the fire caves. You’re safe here for the time being. How are you feeling?”
“Let me put it to you this way—I’ve been better, and I’ve been worse. So how did we get here? Everything is kind of a blur. The last thing I really remember is Weyouns face.”
Damar almost breathed a sigh of relief. At least for now. “I blew out one of the main power conduits to the cave. It’s destroyed. We got out—and I brought you here.”
“Thank you. But how did you get a rifle?”
Damar thought it best not to answer to many questions at this point. “You should rest. You’ve been through a lot tonight. I made some soup—for lack of anything better to call it.”
Angel hesitantly sat up and tried to lean up against a rock. Damar gently handed her a small gourd he had cut open to make a bowl. The soup was a thin water with some vegetables in it. To Angel it tasted as good as the gourmet food she was supposed to have had earlier that evening. “Thank you. I take it the Jem Hadar have begun landing—and the battle has started.”
“Yes. The battle has been going on for almost four hours. The Circle seems to be fighting the Jem Hadar to the last man. I haven’t been able to see that much. Here it is the best place to be safe.”
“Safe is a relative term. Sooner or later—someone will find us. It’s best we keep moving. I need to find the Circle.” Angel attempted to stand up and try to walk. Her balance had been effected by the surges of plasma that Weyoun had subjected her to. She spun around dizzily. She collapsed into Damars arms; she went limp against him. Her breathing was labored.
“I don’t think your going anywhere anytime soon Angel.”
“I have to find the Circle. I need to---“
“Angel…look at it this way—if you do find your friends, and they will be trying to stay one step in front of the Jem Hadar, all you will do is slow them down—and cause their capture. The best thing you can do for them and us is to stay put.” Damar brushed the red hair from her face. Damar brought her cold body to his—and tried to warm her.
“Why are you always right?” Angel looked into his gray eyes; her fingers came up to his leathery cheek.
“That’s all the time I spent trying to get my mind off you.” Damar lowered his face to hers and gently allowed his lips to touch hers. She returned his kiss with more passion than in the gardens. Damar pulled back and watched her eyes slowly open. He smiled down at her.
“I must look like hell to you.” She looked at her hands where the straps had held her wrists down. The back of her hand was a huge welt of blisters and pus.
“Your beautiful. More so than last night.”
“Damar—you’re a horrible actor—did you know that?” Angel looked up and smiled at him. He had to be kidding.
“Yeah—well, I’m not acting right now…how’s that.”
“Don’t give up the day job.” Angel leaned her face against his leather uniform.
Damar moved slightly and lay next to her. Angels head rested against his shoulder, her leg went over his. The fire warmed both of them. “Now, I want you to get some sleep Angel. When you wake up…then we will take on the Jem Hadar and the Dominion….not before.”
“Aye, Aye sir.” With that Angel cuddled her face against his shoulder. Damar gently kissed her forehead, and held her gently to him.

Sisko watched the Federation Marine Corps land. Now the Circle had some help against the Dominion aggressor. The Klingons and Romulans had finally made it to the party. Now, the odds were a little more even.
Sisko came into the Federation camp. The Kai’s that had been rescued from the Jem Hadar were receiving medical attention. So were the injured members of the Circle.
Sisko was debriefed on exactly the Federation game plans were. The Dominion had lost 26 Jem Hadar transports—thank you General Martok. The Klingons had lost fourteen Birds of Prey, but the Dominion had lost more than that. They just didn’t know it yet. They had left with every last molecule of the fertilizer/amino acid. It would only become toxic once inside the Jem Hadar—and then of course it would be too late.
The war had essentially been brought four giant steps closer to closing.
There was only one major question left.
Intelligence had discovered Legate Damar had arrived almost 70 hours before. A Cardassian on Bajor would normally stick out like a sore thumb.
The Circle wanted to know where Angel was. Not only to thank her, but also to give her the highest medal on Bajor. She had risked her life to save her world. And now Bajor was free again. Thanks to a small woman who thought she was a “low-ranking” member of the Circle.
Starfleet had monitored a large explosion in the area of the fire caves last night. The hunt would start there. Tomorrow morning, and not before.

Dawn had arrived on Bajor. Damar watched Angel sleep. Good, she needed it. There was no more missile fire, no small arms fire. No gravetic mines exploding. It was over one way or the other. The only question in Damars mind was who won.
And that was a huge question.
They would need to leave the caves in order to find out. And that thought terrified him.
The wounds on Angel’s face were slowly starting to heal. The ones on her hands were still scaring.
Angel began to stir in her sleep. She snuggled up next to Damar’s huge shoulder. Damar carefully brought the rag over her shoulder to keep her warm. Her leg came up and crossed over his hip. Her hand came up and rested on his cheek. Damar’s fingers came up and brushed the hair from her face. His face lowered and gently kissed her mouth. Angel awoke and returned his kiss, but with more passion than he had thought. Her fingers came up and went around his neck. He broke the kiss and looked down at her.
“Good morning Angel.”
“Good morning. Why did you stop?”
Had he just heard correctly? “Excuse me?”
“Damar, why did you stop?” “I don’t know. I didn’t think…”
“That’s right--you didn’t.” Angel raised her face up to his and kissed his mouth.
Damars hand found his way to the sleeve of her dress and pulled down a bit. It fell off her shoulder. He made the kiss deeper and more passionate. He slowly, carefully rolled on top of the small female, careful not to hurt her any more than she already was.
“Angel. I think…” “Damar…stop thinking will you.” Angel kissed him.
Damar kneeled and began to take off his uniform tunic. He lay back on top of her, his leathery skin against her soft flesh. “Angel. Let me make you mine.”
“Damar—I already am yours.” Her hand came up to his cheek, her leg came up to his hip and rested there.

Intelligence had found Cardassian DNA in the fire caves. One set was Dukat. The other was Damar. The only set that Sisko in reality cared about was Damar’s.
Weyoun, or at least what was left of him, was found in the grid room. Why would a Jem Hadar rifle be used to blow the Vortas face off?
The blood on the grid was Bajoran. More specifically it was Angel’s. There was no body, or at least not yet. They were still looking.
Klingon Intelligence then picked up a Bajoran and Cardassian life signs near the fire caves. It was either Dukat or Damar. The only question was which one?

Damar held Angel close to him. Had he just made love to the one woman that had haunted his dreams for the past six months? Or was it just another dream he had just had?
Angel took deep breaths. She had not known Damar to be passionate. However, she had just found out, first hand, that he could be a very impassioned lover. Something she would never had guessed at.
“Damar, are you all right?”
“Yes, of course I am. Why?” Damar’s arms encircled her and held her close to keep her warm.
“No reason. This feels wonderful. Being close to you like this. I forgot how chilly the mornings can be here.”
“Well, I’ll keep you nice and warm. How’s that?”
“Wonderful.”
They both heard a twig snapping outside. Damar quietly reached over for the phaser rifle. Angel pulled the rag closer to her and slowly sat up.
“This is Captain Sisko of the Federation. Dukat….come on out…or we will come in after you!”
Damar had heard of Sisko, but had never met him. “I am not Dukat. I’m Legate Damar of the Cardassian Empire. I have Angel with me.”
“Let out your hostage!”
“I am not his hostage Captain. And I will not come out—unless you guarantee his safety! Until we have the chance to talk Federation.”
“Fine. Angel…come out by yourself…and I can assure you that no harm will come to Damar…after we verify his DNA.”
Angel looked up at Damar. He gently nodded at her, and stood up. He helped her to her feet. He brought the small rag around her, to cover her body. Old leaves and dirt matted her hair, but for his sake she had to come out. Angel took a few tentative steps towards the doorway of the cave. “Federation…I am unarmed…please don’t shoot.”
Angel took one last look over her shoulder at Damar. He nodded to her. She stepped outside and was immediately grabbed into the bushes.
Damar looked around; he had to be outflanked by now. “I’m throwing down the phaser rife right now Sisko.” He tossed the rifle outside the caves opening.
He was immediately tackled to the ground by six marines. Angel struggled against the Circle member who was holding her back. “No, you don’t understand. He helped save Bajor. He helped me!”
Sisko went over with a medical tricorder and scanned Damar. At last his identity was verified. “Let him go. It’s Damar. Let her go to.”
Angel broke free of the man holding her…and rushed back to Damars arms. He held her close and tightly. Sisko watched the goings on…as well as the other members of the Circle.
“Who won?” Damar asked while holding Angel as close as he could.
“We did. Bajor is free thanks to the both of you.”
“Angel, did you hear that. Bajor is free thanks to you.”
Angel looked up at Damars face. Her fingers gently touched his lips. “The only thing I care about—right now—is that both of us are alive to see this morning. That’s all that I care about.” Angel stood on her toes and gently kissed Damars mouth.
The commander of the Circle stepped forward. He wasn’t sure what had transpired between the Cardassian and his best operative. And at this point he thought he shouldn’t ask. “Then maybe you will care about this. Kai Winn asked me to give you this. She is recovering from being taken by the Jem Hadar.” The commander opened a small velvet box and showed Damar, Angel and Sisko the contents.
Inside was a medal made of gold pressed Latinum. Damar and Sisko immediately recognized it, Angel was not so sure as to what it was.
The Commander handed the medal to Sisko. “Emissary…it would be my honor if you would present this to Angel.”
Sisko looked at the near naked Bajoran female. There was really no place to pin the medal at…except the burlap rag that she had wrapped around her.
Damar took a few steps to the side. This was her moment—not his.
“Angel, on behalf of the Prophets, and the Bajoran People it is my privilege to bestow to you…the highest medal awarded to a military officer during wartime…the Guardian of Bajoran Freedom medal. Congratulations.”
Angel looked into the Emissary’s eyes. Tears welled into them. Never in her dreams did she expect to meet the Emissary of the Prophets, and receive Bajor’s highest honor. A single tear made it’s way down her cheek and fell to the dirt. Sisko carefully pinned the medal to the burlap. She glanced over at Damar who smiled at her.
“You deserve it, Angel. You deserve it.” Damar gently kissed her cheek.
It was a new day for Bajor, Damar and Angel. She was truly Bajor’s Guardian Angel.