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             *** This version is not a final release ***

NOTE 1: This is a draft copy of this story part as transcribed from my
        handwritten draft and has been altered/modified as I entered it
        into the computer. - Inconsistencies may arise because I can't pull
        together the whole story saga until all parts are typed up into the
        computer for further work. -- Typos are always a possibility.

        13-May 1997: Rev 5.0 Changed/fixed: It's been spell checked using
        a British-English software dictionary.

Note 2: See "Destiny Awaits" for a full explanation as to story syntax and
        timeline basis.

Note 3: This story follows on from "Destiny Unfolds" - (the second in the
        Destiny saga.)




   --------------------------------------------------------------------
 "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine", and the characters of that TV series are
  copyright Paramount Pictures.

 This fan-fiction is neither supported nor endorsed by Paramount Pictures.

 The Bajoran Ambassador, The Bajoran Consulate concepts, and the treatment
 given to the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine series herein, is intended as
 personal creative expression of which no commercial or financial gain is
 obtained or sought, and is not meant to infringe on any copyrights held or
 implied by any individuals or companies. All such copyrights whether
 mentioned or not are hereby acknowledged.
   --------------------------------------------------------------------







                           - DESTINY DARKENED -
                             ----------------
                     - the third in the Destiny saga -

                    a STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE story

                          written by Peter Bryce
                        between September 1994 - ?
                                 (c) 1994




When Sutton entered Sisko's office he found him seated behind his desk but
standing to one side was also another Starfleet officer.

Sutton asked, "You wanted to see me Commander?"

Sisko stood up and smiled, "Ambassador, I'd like you to meet Lieutenant
Michael O'Reilly. He's just delivered your Runabout to DS9."

Sutton gave O'Reilly a curt nod.

Sisko continued, "The Colorado's at landing pad two and is ready for your
inspection. Just as soon as you've briefed the Lieutenant he can take you
to your first--"

"What!? You mean I've been assigned a pilot!?"

"Is there something wrong with that?"

"I'm a pilot myself. I don't need someone with me to hold my hand!"

Sisko turned to O'Reilly saying, "Would you mind waiting outside
Lieutenant?"

As O'Reilly left the office he could hear Sutton arguing more loudly, and
so could all the Ops staff outside.

O'Brien had just stepped off the turbolift and he looked up at Sisko's
doors wondering what all the commotion was about.
He asked O'Reilly, "What's going on in there?"

"It seems the Ambassador wants to fly the Colorado by himself."

"Say,...are you the one who brought her here?"

O'Reilly introduced himself, "Science officer Lieutenant Michael O'Reilly.
I was _supposed_ to have been assigned as a flight officer to the
Ambassador but...."

O'Brien thrust his hand out smiling, "Pleased to meet you.....Chief of
Operations Miles O'Brien."

As they shook hands, O'Brien laughed, "O'Reilly eh?  That's a good Irish
name. Almost as good as O'Brien!"

O'Reilly frowned for a moment puzzled by the remark, but then he grinned
when he realised O'Brien was joking with him.

O'Reilly sighed, "Well I don't think I'll be staying. Not if the Ambassador
has his way."

"Don't worry, the Commander doesn't give up without a fight."


Inside the office Sisko explained to Sutton, "Just think of it as a
courtesy extended by the Federation to the Bajoran--"

"I don't care what _you_ call it, I'm not having him with me!"

"You can't be expected to conduct long and tiring negotiations and then
pilot a ship, Ambassador."

For a few moments Sutton considered what Sisko had said but he replied, "My
answer is still _no_."

Sisko replied forcefully, "You either accept the Runabout and the pilot
that goes with it,.....or you don't get the ship."

"That's blackmail."

"It's diplomacy."

"You _do_ know that this could cause a political incident."

"Is that a threat Ambassador?"

"No,.....but if I have to apply to the Bajoran Government for a ship,
they'll want to know why the Federation hasn't given me one as had
previously been requested."

"We _have_ given you a ship. It's just that _you_ don't like the idea of
having someone pilot it for you."

"I'd prefer a Bajoran pilot then."

Sisko sighed, "Ambassador,....the Federation doesn't just hand out
Runabouts to _anyone_ you know. - The ship is there, it's yours, but the
pilot goes with it."

"Then let's talk of a compromise."

Sisko replied suspiciously, "What sort of a....._compromise_ do you have in
mind?"

"I realise the Federation is......_concerned_ with my activities in the
Gamma Quadrant. So this is what I propose.....for any of my trips through
the wormhole, I'll accept the use of your Federation pilot. But for any
journeys on _this_ side of the wormhole in the Alpha Quadrant, then they'll
be piloted by myself alone, unless I request otherwise."

Sisko frowned and tapped the table with his fingers for awhile, then Sutton
added, "The alternative is a messy political affair that neither of us
wants."

With a loud sigh Sisko replied unhappily, "Alright Ambassador, you have a
deal."

Sutton nodded his head and was about to turn and leave when Sisko asked,
"Is this how you conduct _all_ your business negotiations?"

"It's diplomacy, Commander.", Sutton smiled.


Sutton stepped out of Sisko's office and made his way down the steps past
O'Reilly and O'Brien. He stood on the turbolift then frowned at O'Reilly,
"Well,...are you coming with me or not, Lieutenant!?"

O'Reilly quickly marched over to the turbolift and as it began it's
descent, O'Brien heard Sutton begin to say, "Now O'Reilly, lets get a few
things straight......"


As Dax and Kira were walking on the upper level of the Promenade, Kira
spotted Sutton with O'Reilly walking briskly past beneath them. Sutton was
instructing him forcefully and counting off topics with his fingers as
O'Reilly tried to keep up with the conversation.

She asked Dax, "Who's that with the Ambassador?"

Dax looked down over the railing and replied, "That'll be his new Runabout
pilot."

Kira smiled, "Who's idea was that?  Not the Ambassadors I'll bet."

Dax smiled with her, "He'll be leaving for the first trade talks. Aren't
you going to go down and wish him luck?"

Kira smiled wider, "I'm beginning to think he makes his own luck. Besides,
he's got enough on his mind right now."

"Well if you aren't going to wish him luck then I certainly am. I'll be
back in a minute."

Dax started to walk off and Kira sighed, "Alright,....I might as well too I
suppose."



As they neared the Consulate office, O'Reilly came out and nearly ran into
them.

Dax spoke up first asking, "Lieutenant O'Reilly I presume?"

He nodded and she smiled, "Lieutenant Jadzia Dax. - I believe you're here
on a temporary assignment?"

"Yes, and it's beginning to feel more temporary by the moment."

Kira smiled, "Is the Ambassador already giving you a hard time?"

O'Reilly looked at her and answered flatly, "I'll do my best, just as long
as I'm _allowed_ to do it. Now if you both will excuse me, I have a
Runabout to prep."

As he walked off Kira pondered on his brusque manner, but at that moment
Sutton appeared.

Dax smiled, "We're here to wish you good luck Ambassador."

Sutton nodded, "I'll be back by the end of the week. You'll find out then
whether I've been successful or not. - Good day ladies."

Sutton walked away and Kira said quietly to Dax, "See? I told you he had a
lot on his mind."

"Well _I_ feel better wishing him luck."

"He'll be okay."

"You seem pretty sure about that."

"Do I?  We'll find out next week for sure then, won't we."



* ************************* *


The Colorado left DS9 and slowly curved around for its entry into the
wormhole. O'Reilly felt like he was back at the Academy with the way Sutton
was sitting next to him and eyeing his every move.

Sutton asked anxiously, "You sure you know what to do? Travelling through
the wormhole is tricky if you don't know what to expect."

"Sir, I've handled plenty of simulations of the procedure. I know what I'm
doing."

"Simulations are one thing, reality is another."

They entered the wormhole and began their way through it as O'Reilly tried
to concentrate on the controls. Despite the simulations accuracy in
portraying the interior of the Bajoran wormhole, it was still a sight to
see for himself in real life.

But he tried not to let his excitement be shown to Sutton. O'Reilly was
sure Sutton holding his breath just waiting for something,..._anything_ to
go wrong so he could jump in and take the controls from him.

However, they traversed the wormhole interior and exited it favourably.

O'Reilly almost smiled when he asked, "We've cleared the wormhole sir.
Shall I set course for our destination?"

Sutton sighed and stood up saying, "Alright Lieutenant,....course and speed
at your discretion. - I'll be in the back."

Just as soon as Sutton left, O'Reilly smiled and said quietly to himself,
"I'll bet that was the smoothest trip through the wormhole he's ever had."

"Second smoothest!"

O'Reilly spun around to find Sutton with his head poking around the side
of the bulkhead smiling a little.

"Don't get cocky on me O'Reilly. Just play it straight and we'll be fine.
Okay?"

O'Reilly grinned, "Yes sir."



* ************************* *



Kira sat in Odo's office as he updated her on the current state of affairs
with Security, but her mind was elsewhere. It wasn't until she realised
he'd stopped talking that she broke out of her reverie and found Odo
frowning at her.

"Major,...if you don't want to hear my report just say so and it'll save us
both some time."

"I'm sorry Odo, what were you saying?"

He sighed, "It's Sutton, isn't it."

"What?"

"The trade negotiations."

"Negotiations? - Oh, I see. Yes,....it's the negotiations."

Odo stood up, walked over to her side of his desk and said, "Tread very
carefully Major. There's more to Sutton than meets the eye."

Kira smiled, "I think you're misjudging him."

"Am I? - Let me remind you that we both hardly know anything about the man
or his past. I haven't closed my file on him yet."

"Did you ever consider that you might be wrong about him Odo?"

"Did you ever consider I may be _right_?"



* ************************* *


When the Colorado returned to DS9, Kira and O'Brien were there waiting at
the airlock.

When the door opened, Sutton walked out and he looked impassively at Kira
saying, "I won't be here long. I've got to collect some things and head for
Bajor to report."

Kira nodded, then the two of them walked off as O'Reilly came out from the
Runabout.

O'Brien asked him, "How'd it go?"

"I wouldn't know. He doesn't tell me anything."

"I meant with the ship."

"The ship?  Oh, no problems at all."

"Did you handle the wormhole okay?"

"If I didn't then the Ambassador would've made sure I knew about it
alright."



Kira was anxious to know how the trade talks had gone but she knew better
than to ask Sutton when there were others around who might hear. So she
waited until they were in a turbolift before asking, "I suppose it all went
okay?"

He looked at her and said flatly, "Only Consulate staff and the Trades
Minister are supposed to be informed."

Suttons tone worried Kira and the way he was so emotionless made her think
that the worst looked like it had happened.

But he put his hands on her shoulders and smiled, "Everything's fine Nerys.
It went far better than I could have expected."

Kira let out a sigh of relief and he added, "You're not supposed to know,
so you'll have to act as if I hadn't told you."

She smiled, "Then why _are_ you telling me?"

"Because I trust you."

Sutton took his hands from her shoulders then softly laughed, "Others may
beg to find out information from me and I still won't tell them anything.
But _you_ Nerys.......all you have to do is ask."

He held his hands out like an open book and they both smiled together just
as the turbolift stopped at their destination. The doors opened and they
resumed their dutiful appearances again before they walked out towards the
Consulate.



* ************************* *



As Quark was quietly refilling bottles in the back room of his bar, Rom
walked in and announced, "Brother, there's someone here from the Bajoran
Consulate to see you."

"What do they want?"

"I don't know. He said he wanted to talk just to you."

Quark threw a cover over the bottles and entered the bar area where he
found Relen waiting for him. He looked quite out of place. Relen spotted
Quark and he moved to a quiet part of the bar where Quark joined him.

"I'm here at the wishes of the Ambassador."

"What's this about?", asked Quark suspiciously.

"He has instructed me to give you this....."

Relen produced a pouch and Quark judged by the look of it that it was a
tidy sum if it contained Latinum.

But Relen surprised him by saying, "Twenty three Raycarian Rubies, all
unflawed."

Quark couldn't help his eyes lighting up because the gems were very
valuable and even moreso since they were unflawed. Most specimens of good
quality were flawed to some degree but here he was to stand to gain a small
fortune.

As he reached for the pouch, Relen pulled it away saying, "Not so hasty if
you please. There are a few conditions that go along with these."

Quark sighed, "I just _knew_ there had to be a catch. Okay,...what is it?"

"The payment of these stones settles all debts that the Ambassador has with
you, and furthermore it's payment for six months permanent reservations
on a certain table that you have on one of your upper levels."

"You're not serious."

"When the Ambassador isn't on the station, you may use the table as you
wish."

"Let me get this straight,......he wants the same table that he and Kira
had dinner at, on a permanent reservation basis?"

"That's correct. The same table at the same location, and he wants it to
remain a private area. At each meal you'll supply a bottle of quality
Dal'th wine."

Quark did a bit of quick mental arithmetic and realised that he was still a
long way ahead on this deal. And it made him suspicious.

"Listen, how do I know these gems are genuine?  Sutton's never had so much
collateral before now."

"The rubies are genuine and so is their value, which you know doubt are
very aware of. However, if you don't wish to enter the agreement then--"

"Wait a minute, I didn't say that! - Here, let me have a look at them."

Relen took one out and handed it to Quark. He held it up to the light
making sure no-one else in the bar could see what he was doing as he
inspected the gem. The light sparkled through the blue and green striations
of the crystal which showed to Quarks' practised eyes that these were very
good quality indeed.

He turned back to Relen and asked, "Is that all? Just the table for 6
months?"

Relen smiled, "Not 6 consecutive months,.....individual meals and use of
the table that will total 6 months."

"What!? - You're talking about something that could go on for--"

"Quite a long time, yes.", Relen smiled. "If you're not happy with that,
then hand back the stone and I'll be on my way."

Quark grabbed a PADD and did some calculations. Then he put it down saying
in an annoyed voice, "Alright,....the Ambassador's got himself a deal. But
it doesn't include meals."

"The deal will include meals at half price."

"Half price?!", Quark went back to his PADD, made a few more calculations,
then he sighed, "Okay,....but the Ambassador had better not expect any free
lunches out of this!"

Relen handed Quark the pouch and he immediately opened it to confirm that
it was indeed full of rubies.

Quark began looking through them with glee as Relen started making his way
out. But Quark looked up and asked, "Hey,......how come the Ambassador
didn't come here and deal with me himself?"

"I expect he has better things to do with his time."

As Relen left, Quark wondered if that had been an insult. But as he felt
the pouch in his hands, Quark chuckled quietly to himself, "Every dark
cloud has a latinum lining,.....or in this case,....Raycarian Ruby!"



* ************************* *



O'Reilly was bored. It has been interesting in the Gamma Quadrant when
Sutton had been at the trade talks because it gave O'Reilly a chance to
look around a new world. But now that he was here with Sutton on Bajor, he
wasn't enjoying himself at all.

Even though he hadn't been to Bajor before today, everything about the
place completely bored him, the people, the customs,.....everything.
Sutton was authorised to fly the Runabout alone in the Alpha Quadrant but
he'd insisted that O'Reilly pilot the ship so that he could come along and
see Bajor with him. Now that O'Reilly was here, he really regretted not
being able to stay on the station. Waiting for Sutton in the ministry
building only made him feel worse.

The ministerial staff had noticed in the first five minutes that O'Reilly
wasn't very friendly and now they kept away from him. That suited O'Reilly
just fine.

O'Reilly consoled himself with the thought that this was only a temporary
posting as Suttons pilot and that one day soon he could move onto better
things.

Sutton entered the foyer area and looked to be fairly pleased with himself
as he said to O'Reilly, "Okay, we're ready to get back to the station. I
want to be back before it's time for dinner. But before we leave, I want to
send a message. It shouldn't take long. I'll do it from here."

Sutton accessed a comms screen at the front desk and Dax's face appeared.

"-Yes Ambassador?-"

"I'd like to speak with Kira please."

Dax moved aside and in a few moments Kira was onscreen.

Sutton smiled, "I'm about to head back to the station now. Would you like
to join me for dinner tonight?"

Kira frowned then answered, "-I don't think so.-"

"It's nothing formal, just a meal at QUARKS. Same table as before out of
the way of everything."

"-No thanks.-"

"No?"

Sutton looked confused and Kira asked, "-Is there anything
else,...._sir_?-"

He sighed, "No,.....that's all. - Sutton out."

The screen blanked out then Sutton turned around to say quietly to
O'Reilly, "I guess there's no hurry after all."



* ********** *


Dax turned to Kira saying, "Can I ask why you turned him down?"

Kira frowned even more and replied, "I don't like being manipulated."

"Is that what you think?"

"You want to know what I heard? He's got a table permanently reserved for
him at QUARKS."

"Where did you hear that?"

"Odo told me."

"I thought Sutton was your friend?"

"Lets just drop it shall we?"

Dax gave a little whimsical smile, "It seems like a waste of a perfectly
good evening."

Kira refused to answer and simply walked off leaving Dax shaking her head.



* **************** *



It was a very quiet trip back to the station for O'Reilly because Sutton
chose to sit in the rear section by himself.

O'Reilly couldn't see what all the fuss was about. "After all", he thought,
"she's just a Bajoran."


* ********* *


When Sutton entered the Consulate on DS9, Relen was there handling affairs
as smoothly as ever. When he finished with an onscreen subspace message, he
turned to Sutton and smiled, "Your table is reserved sir, just as you
requested."

"Do you think Quark gives refunds?"

"Sir?"

"Never mind. Are there any pressing matters because otherwise I'm going to
bed. I've got tomorrow to prepare for a meeting with the Erinassi
delegation."

"There's no serious matters sir. Are the Erinassi coming here?"

"Day after tomorrow. It's a flow-on negotiation from the one I've just
finished. I'll give you all the details tomorrow once I've worked them
out."

"I thought you'd be having dinner tonight sir?"

Sutton just looked at him and sighed, "Goodnight Relen."

He walked out of the Consulate but before he could make it to a turbolift,
Dax intercepted him and smiled, "Ambassador! How good it is to see you back
again."

"Dax I--"

"You really _must_ tell me about your trip to the Gamma Quadrant. Oh, I
know you can't tell me about the trade negotiations but I want to hear all
the rest. What do you say we have dinner together?"

"Well I was thinking of just--"

"QUARKS?  That's fine with me."

She surprised him by linking her arm with his and briskly leading them
along the Promenade to QUARKS.

When Quark saw them enter he sighed heavily to Morn sitting before him and
groaned "Will you just look at _that_!"

Morn turned to see them both going up the staircase and Quark said in an
annoyed voice, "Why can't the man just stick with Kira? Does he have to
have Dax as well!? - Rom! Get up there and see what's going on!"

"Uhhhh, maybe they're just friends?"

"I don't pay you to think, now hurry up!"



They'd just sat down for a few moments before Rom appeared next to them
breathing hard and asking, "Is there something I can do for you?"

Dax smiled, "A menu."

"You two are having dinner here tonight?"

"We sure are."

Rom handed over the menu to Dax and she asked Sutton, "What would you like,
Ambassador?"

He answered with disinterest, "Whatever you're having."

She keyed in her choices and handed it back to Rom who took one final look
at the pair and left.

Dax smiled sweetly to Sutton and he said knowingly, "We're not here to talk
about my trip, are we."

She knocked on the table and then bent her head down and looked at it from
a strange angle saying, "That's funny,.....it looks just like any other
table to me...."

"What are you talking about?"

She looked about with a mock puzzled expression on her face and said,
"Hmmmmmm, maybe it's the location.....or the lighting......"

Sutton sighed, "Alright, you know about my reservations for this table."

Dax became serious and she leaned forward to quietly reply, "So does Kira."

"Oh, I see."

"Do you?"

"Is that why she turned me down for tonight?"

"Listen....Paul,.....you have to understand that Kira doesn't like to be
manoeuvred into a corner. You're going to have to make allowances for
that."

"Is this advice that I'm hearing?"

Dax smiled, "I've seen things from both sides,....as a man and a woman. So
I know what I'm talking about."

Sutton shook his head and smiled, "I don't think I'll ever get quite used
to you Dax."

"Please,....call me Jadzia. - And you once said that I was someone
_interesting_ to talk to."

"That's right, I did."

"Now,.....what about you and Kira?"

"I'd rather not talk about it if you don't mind."

"I can assure you that you can talk to me in confidence."

"All the same, I'd rather not."

"You know, you're doing it again."

"Doing what again?"

"You're not very forthcoming with people are you."

"Maybe it depends on whom I'm talking to."

"So you're saying you don't trust me to keep something confidential?"

"Can we change the subject. I've had a long day."

"No, I'd like a straight answer from you."

Sutton could see that Dax was serious but he answered, "There's only one
person who I really trust on the station."

"And I suppose that's Kira?"

He didn't answer and Dax frowned, "You're going to have to learn to trust
people."

"I think I've survived long enough by figuring out who to trust."

"And I'm not one of them?"

Dax looked really annoyed now, but then a waiter interrupted by delivering
to their table a bottle of wine with two glasses. She sat back and remained
silent but stared hard at Sutton.

After the waiter left, she leaned close again and said firmly, "There's
quite a few people who don't like the way you do things. And I'm sure that
some don't like you at all. But have _I_ ever given you cause to distrust
me?"

"It's just that--"

"You know,....I didn't have to come here tonight but I thought it was
something I could do to help you. I wasn't _ordered_ to do this, I did it
on my own. - Look,....I'm not asking you to trust me overnight but just
show some common courtesy to those who deserve it!"

She stood up and was about to leave when Sutton leaned over and grabbed her
arm to plead, "Alright, alright!  Please,.....sit down."

He let go of her and Dax sat down waiting for an answer.

Sutton sighed, "I'm sorry but when I look at you here all I see is the
uniform."

"And what's wrong with Starfleet?"

"It's nothing personal but I suppose I don't really respond well to someone
in a uniform."

"Kira wears a uniform."

Sutton sighed once again and replied, "It's just that when I think of
Jadzia Dax, I think about Starfleet and the Federation. - And they don't
figure very big in my life I'm afraid."

"Why is that?"

He shook his head saying, "Forgive me but I'm not going to explain. - I've
offended you tonight and I'm sorry for that too. Perhaps if I knew you
better I'd have a different view of things."

Dax seemed satisfied a little with his apologies, but not entirely.


A waiter brought their meal around and placed it before them as Dax and
Sutton regarded each other in silence.

Once the waiter had left, Sutton asked quietly, "I would be honoured if you
would stay and have dinner with me Jadzia."

"You're a strange man, Paul Sutton."

He smiled, "A man who perhaps doesn't realise who all his friends are?"

Dax slowly smiled and looked at the meal before them. She picked up the
bottle and commented, "Dal'th.....it's a fairly reasonable Bajoran wine."

"If you'd prefer something else...."

"Did I say that?"

Sutton looked a little worried but she continued, "Do you get this for
Kira's sake?"

"No."

Dax began pouring out the wine for both of them as she said, "I'll help you
with Kira if you do something for me."

"I can't say anything about the trade negotiations."

"You're always on the defensive, aren't you? - I know you can't talk to me
about that but I wasn't about to ask you to."

Dax handed him a glass of wine and smiled, "Why don't we just start the
dinner off again from this point,.......okay?"

"Okay", he smiled, and then they clinked their glasses together.




"Rom, what did you find out?", asked Quark expectantly.

"Nothing. They're just having dinner."

"Bah! I know that! I meant _why_ are they having dinner?!"

Rom angrily replied, "If you're so curious, then why don't you find out for
yourself?!"

"Alright I will!"

Quark reached under the bar and grabbed a bottle at random, then made his
way up to Dax and Sutton. They looked to be in _quite_ an intimate
conversation but as he came nearer they spotted him and immediately stopped
talking.

He smiled and held up the bottle saying, "I hope you're enjoying your meal.
I just wanted you to try this....", he looked at the label and frowned,
"...errrr, this Margessi Liqueur."

Sutton replied, "None for me. I'm sticking with Dal'th wine."

"Isn't that stuff expensive?", Dax asked.

"Ummmmm,...yes, but I was thinking of offering it to my very special
customers at a discount price. - C'mon, try it at least once. The first
glass is free."

Sutton remained firm, "None for me.", but Dax put out her glass and Quark
filled it with a pained expression on his face.

She sipped a little from her glass and commented, "Mmmmm, very nice! This
certainly isn't synthahol!"

Dax put the glass to her lips and drank it steadily down in one go.

Quark frowned, "Go easy on that stuff Lieutenant."

She placed her glass down and smiled, "Since you offered the Ambassador a
free glass and he declined, why don't you just pour me his instead."

"Sorry, one free glass per customer."

Sutton smiled to Dax and said, "I've changed my mind. Pour me a glass and
I'll try it."

Quark poured out the liqueur and gritted his teeth, but he managed to ask
Sutton, "How come you're not having dinner with Major Kira?"

"Because I'm having it with Jadzia instead."

Sutton took a small sip of the liqueur but frowned, "No, it doesn't appeal
to me. Here, you might as well have this Jadzia."

She eagerly took the glass from him and once more drank it all down in one
steady movement as Quark held onto the bottle even more tightly now.

Quark smiled, "If these dinners are going to be a regular thing between
yourself and Dax, then I could arrange for--"

"No", Sutton replied, "these dinners won't be regular."

"So this is a special event?"

Dax put her glass down heavily and smiled, "We're celebrating!"

"Celebrating!?"

Sutton frowned, "We're _not_ celebrating. If you don't mind Quark, we'd
like to be alone."

Quark turned quickly around and muttered to himself as he walked away
clutching the bottle close to himself.

Dax sighed and said in a slightly slurred voice, "Ohhhhh, why did you send
him away for?"

She put her elbows up on the table and rested her head in her hands as she
looked up at Sutton with a big smile on her face.

"Jadzia......are you okay?"

"Mmmmmmmmmmmm."

"You were going to tell me more about Kira before Quark interrupted us."

"Was I? - I can't remember."




Quark put the bottle away as Rom asked him, "Find out anything?"

Quark growled, "Two glasses of Margessi for nothing!"

"Well, they look to be having a good time up there."

Quark looked up and saw Dax waving to him, In an embarrassed way, Quark
waved back with a little movement of his hand and grumbled to Rom, "If I
don't watch out, Sutton's going to cost me more than two glasses of
Margessi Liqueur."




Sutton grabbed Dax's waving arm and he came around to her side of the table
asking, "Are you alright Jadzia?"

"I'm feeling _really_ nice thank you Mr Ambassador Paul. Did I ever tell
you how cute you look in those robes you wear?"

She giggled and Sutton frowned, "Oh this is just great! - Jadzia, I think
we'd better get you out of here."

"But we haven't touched our dinner.....oh, and look...there's a bottle of
wine here!"

She tried to reach for the bottle but Sutton pulled Dax out of her chair
and put his arm around her waist to support her because she was swaying
around so much.

He carefully negotiated themselves down the staircase but had a little
trouble with her when she tried to start shaking everyone's hand who they
passed. Sutton didn't know how he did it, but he managed to get her out of
there without a disaster happening.


Quark looked puzzled, then pulled out the Margessi bottle to hold it in the
light.

"Hmmmmm,......Margessi Liqueur and Trills......I'll have to remember that
one."





"I'll help you to your quarters. Where are they?"

Dax snuggled up close to him, whispered in his ear,...and then she kissed
it.

"Jadzia!"

She giggled as he marched them both into a turbolift. He gave the lift the
level he wanted and Sutton was glad the doors closed so he could hold Dax's
swaying body more firmly now that the curious onlookers on the Promenade
couldn't see.

Dax kept trying to wriggle from his grasp,.....but then she stopped
wriggling.

Dax turned around in his arms and smiled, "Why Ambassador, I didn't know
you felt this way about me."

She tried to kiss him but he pulled his head to one side which only made
her more determined. Finally the turbolift stopped and he gently wrestled
her outside and up the corridor to the door of her quarters.

Sutton keyed in his override access code and the door opened. They
staggered in together but just as they reached her bedroom they finally
fell together onto the bed.

"Dax, are you alright!?"

She laughed, "Jadzia!  You have to call me Jadzia!".
Then she tried to reach up and kiss him again.

Sutton managed to pull himself from Dax and sigh, "I'm going to leave you
here Jadzia. I think you'll be alright on your own."

"Nooooooo, don't go!", she pleaded.

"I really hope you're better by tomorrow. Goodnight."

"No, come back!"

But Sutton left her there as she pounded her fists into the bed. Then she
grabbed at the blankets and slowly fell asleep.



* ********** *


Dax was awoken in the morning by her door chime. She groggily opened her
eyes to find that she'd slipped off the bed and had slept on the floor in a
pile of tangled blankets.

She answered the door to find an anxious Bashir waiting there for her.

"Jadzia! You look awful! Is everything alright? You weren't at work this
morning and you didn't answer your commbadge so I--"

"I'm alright Julian."

"Are you sure!? I could run a quick check to see if--"

"I'm _okay_ Julian, really I am. Now I've got to get ready for duty. I'll
see you later."

"Well,....if you say so."

Dax turned away and the door closed. Bashir walked away shaking his head as
Dax went to look at herself in the mirror.



* **** *



"Do we know how many will make up the Erinassi delegation?", asked Sisko.

Sutton checked his PADD and answered, "I expect there'll be around twenty
Erinassi arriving. It's not exactly a minor conference we're dealing with
here."

"I see. We've had contact with them before of course, but they weren't very
interested in doing business."

Sutton smiled, "Well they're interested now."

Sisko's office door chimed and he answered, "Enter."

Dax walked in and immediately looked at Sutton deeply for a few moments,
but he simply nodded his head and greeted her by saying, "Good morning
Lieutenant."

She nodded back, "Ambassador."

Sisko asked, "Is everything alright Dax?  Doctor Bashir was saying--"

"Everything's _fine_, Benjamin. I'm sorry I'm late and it won't happen
again."

Sisko nodded, "The Ambassador and I are just going through things for the
arrival of the Erinassi delegation tomorrow."

"I think I'd better get to work."

She looked at Sutton for a few more seconds and then left.



Dax saw Kira talking with O'Brien at her station, then when she walked over
to them, O'Brien smiled and joked, "Well, nice of you to join us this
afternoon."

He got up from Dax's seat and with a wave of his hands announced, "It's all
yours Lieutenant."

She frowned at him as O'Brien walked off with a big smile on his face. Kira
was about to follow O'Brien but Dax quietly asked, "Kira,....can I talk to
you for a second?  It's about last night."

"Whatever you do in your off-duty hours is none of my business.", Kira
replied flatly.

"No, let me explain."

"Explain what?  Your time is your own."

"It's about myself and the Ambassador."

"I _don't_ want to listen to this Dax."

Kira turned to leave but Dax insisted, "Please,...hear me out."

Kira turned back and waited with a cold expression on her face.

"I had dinner with the Ambassador purely to get some things straight."

"I'm not really interested in hearing any of this you know."

"I don't know what happened, but that liqueur really got to me in QUARKS.
But before I could make a fool of myself, the Ambassador got me out of
there and took me to my quarters."

"Dax...."

"I can assure you that whatever _uncharacteristic_ state I was in, the
Ambassador acted like a gentleman throughout."

"So what are you saying?"

"I'm saying _nothing_ happened,......nothing at all."

"I don't see why you had to tell me any of this."

"I think you do."

"Really."

"And what's more, I think that if you explain things to the Ambassador,
he'll listen to you Kira."

"What things?"

"That's up to you."

Kira frowned, "Did he put you up to this!?"

"Of course not!"

She considered Dax for a few moments and then walked off just at the same
moment as Sutton left Sisko's office. They were both heading for the
turbolift but they each tried to ignore the other.

Once on the platform, Sutton gave his destination to the lift, but Kira
remained silent so he assumed that she too was heading for the Promenade.
He decided that he'd better get back to Dax soon to take her up on her
offer to help him with Kira because things certainly weren't going the way
he had expected.

Suttons commbadge sounded and Relen's voice asked for him.

"Yes Relen?"

"-Sir, I have the Trade Ministers' Commissioner from Bajor here in the
Consulate to see you. He says you're to meet him here at once.-"

Kira looked at Sutton as he replied, "Let him know that I'm on already on
my way."

"-I'll do that sir.-"


The turbolift stopped, the doors opened, and Sutton strode out quickly.
Kira stepped out and watched him go as she slowly shook her head and
sighed. Then she walked off in the opposite direction.


Relen met Sutton as he entered the Consulate. Relen looked a bit
apprehensive as he mentioned, "The Commissioner's waiting in your office,
sir."

"The name is Rasarn something, isn't it?"

"Rasarn Adinas."

"Do you know what he wants?"

"Not....really, sir."

"Okay. I'd better see what he's come all this way for then."

Sutton entered his office and found Rasarn seated in Suttons own chair
behind the desk.

When the door closed, Rasarn didn't even bother to get up but simply said,
"The Minister will be here later today and he'll be attending your talks
with the Erinassi tomorrow."

Sutton took an instant dislike to Rasarn and he hated the way he'd
commandeered his chair. But as the Commissioners standing was directly
below that of the Minister himself, that meant Sutton had to at least try
to show some respect.

He'd seen Rasarn a few times before on Bajor in the ministerial building,
but this was the first time he'd met him. And he was already wishing he
hadn't.

Sutton asked, "Why is the Minister attending?"

"Does he need a reason?"

"_I_ need a reason."

Rasarn stood up and looked Sutton squarely in the eye saying, "I'm not
swayed by anything that the others say about you Sutton. I don't agree with
the Government giving you ambassadorial status."

Sutton remained silent and Rasarn continued, "You may have the ears of some
of the ministers, but not all of them."

Sutton replied with a stern look, "Are you finished?"

"I haven't even started."

"No, you're finished. I've had to deal with people like you before Rasarn
and I won't stand for them getting in the way. My sole concern is for
Bajor."

"A likely story."

"The Minister will hear of this I promise you."

Rasarn came around from the desk and faced Sutton to sneer, "You don't have
the whole of Bajor on your side Sutton, and you never will. Remember
that...._human_."

As Rasarn left, Sutton angrily watched him go without saying a word to him.
Sutton walked out into the outer office and ordered, "Relen, inform the
Commander that the Trades Minister will be arriving today. I want you to
arrange some suitable accommodations for him."

"What time today, sir?"

Sutton exclaimed, "I don't know! Go and ask Rasarn! He seems to be the one
with all the answers!"

Sutton walked out and Relen knew better than to press the matter any
further with him.



* ************************* *



Dax opened a commbadge channel on her Ops console, "Dax to Ambassador
Sutton...."

She waited for several seconds but got no response so Dax repeated her call
again.

This time Sutton answered, "-What is it?-"

She smiled, "I was hoping that perhaps we could have lunch together and
finish our conversation from last night."

"-I'm busy.-", he abruptly replied.

"Well how about another dinner or--"

"-Look, I'm far too busy. I might let you know later when I'm free. So is
that all?-

"I...suppose.", Dax replied with uncertainty, "Dax out."

She commented to herself, "I suppose he must be busy arranging the Erinassi
meeting."

O'Brien looked up from his station and replied, "I don't know why the
Ambassador says that he's busy."

"Why is that Chief?"

"Just a few minutes ago I got a call from one of my workers on his way to
fix the docking interlock in Upper Three. He said he found Sutton standing
by the observation port by himself. When he asked if the Ambassador was
alright, he nearly bit his head off."

Dax frowned then said quietly, "Hmmmmmmmm,........I think I'll just go up
there and see how he's getting on with that interlock."




* ************************* *



Kira put the PADD down on Odo's desk and said, "Well I didn't know about
the Minister coming here either until Sisko told me a little while ago."

"I would have thought that the Ambassador would have informed you?"

"It.......must've slipped his mind I guess."

"So,.........we have the Minister _and_ the Erinassi to take care of while
they're here. It must be quite a conference they'll be having."

Odo's office doors opened and Quark rushed in saying, "Odo, is it true the
Erinassi are coming!?"

"And how may I ask did you hear of this?"

"Then it's true!"

"Ptuh!  It's none of your business."

"Are you kidding!? I've got to put on more Dabo girls at short notice. The
last time the Erinassi were here I had a hard time keeping up with things.
They certainly know how to have a good time!"

"Yes,...I remember. It wasn't such a good time for the rest of us though.
Anyway, I don't expect that on this occasion they'll be having much time
for your place, Quark. They'll be too busy with other matters."

"If you mean the trade talks then I dunno about that. I saw the Ambassador
a little while ago and I think it's going to be a short meeting."

Kira asked with interest, "And why is that?  What did he say?"

"Major,....when you've done as much business as I have, you develop a good
sense for how a deal is going to go before it even starts. Sutton didn't
look like someone who's going to come out on top. - Trust me, I have the
lobes for this kind of thing."

Odo gruffly spoke, "Out Quark, and take your lobes with you."

Quark laughed, "Well at least _I'll_ be coming out of all of this better
off!"

"Out!", exclaimed Odo.

Quark left, and Odo shook his head asking Kira, "How did Quark find out
about the Erinassi so quickly?"

Kira replied with a deep frown, "I wonder what's going on?"

"With Quark?"

"With the meeting."

"Perhaps you'd better ask the Ambassador that question, Major."

Kira sighed and picked up her PADD again.



* ************************* *



Dax found Sutton still standing by the observation port looking through it
out onto the station below. As she came close, he turned around and Dax saw
that he was quite annoyed at being interrupted.

But she smiled, "I just came up to check on the docking interlock."

Sutton glanced further up the corridor towards the faint sounds of banging
that could be heard and Dax knew Sutton was wishing she'd move on.

He turned away from her and concentrated on looking outside.

Dax came and stood beside him then quietly asked, "Is there anything
wrong?"

He didn't answer. Instead he turned and began to walk away. But after a few
steps he stopped. Sutton turned slowly about, came back to Dax and silently
put a hand on her shoulder for a few moments. Then he turned about once
more and walked away.



* ************************* *


Sutton waited uncomfortably by the airlock with Rasarn, Relen and Kira.

Kira could see that he certainly disliked Rasarn, and despite Relen
occasionally trying to indulge Sutton in conversation, Sutton remained
silent.

The dull sounds of a ship docking turned all their attention to the door.
After a short wait, the door rolled open to reveal the Minister and a
rather striking Bajoran woman with long auburn hair.

Her dark eyes and Suttons met for a few long moments but then he broke
their gaze and turned to watch the Minister step down from the airlock.

Although he had an air of dignity about him with his elderly looks accented
by his short white beard, he didn't appear to be in the best of health.

Rasarn stepped boldly forward and announced, "All arrangements have been
made Minister. The meeting will proceed at 09:00 tomorrow. Suitable
quarters for your stay has been organised and station Security has been
appraised of your visit. I believe that the station Commander also wishes
to speak with you at some time, sir."

Kira noted with disdain Rasarn's jump on things, but the Minister seemed
used to it and he waved Rasarn aside saying, "Yes, yes, that's alright
Rasarn."

Kira stepped forward and said, "Minister Rennic, welcome to DS9."

"Thank you."

"I'm Major Kira Nerys, First Officer of the station and Bajoran Liaison
Officer to the Federation. I'll be coordinating your security whilst
you're here."

"I see, but I don't think there's much need of Security for a Trades
Minister visiting your station is there?

"It's standard procedure sir."

"Yes,....well alright."

He turned to the woman and introduced her by saying, "This is Diora
Lena,....Ministers' Assistant."

Kira gave a courteous nod of her head and then Rennic smiled at Sutton,
"Well my boy,.....what surprises have you in store for us today at the
meeting?"

Sutton sighed, "Sir,....can I ask why you're attending?"

"I'm simply here to see how these meetings go with the delegates. I'm too
old to go travelling about the Gamma Quadrant so I'd rather attend one
here."

Rennic frowned and added, "You're not put out by my visit are you Sutton?"

"I.....suppose not."

Rennic smiled again, "That's good. - Now,....if we can have a look at the
Consulate first, then we can get onto other matters."

They moved off but Kira pulled Relen aside and made him remain with her.
Once the others were out of sight she asked him, "What's going on between
the Ambassador and Rasarn?"

Relen shook his head, "All I know is that from what I've been hearing from
the ministerial staff on Bajor, Rasarn's in line to be the favoured
candidate again for the position of Commissioner when staff reviews are
held next month. It seems he's the most efficient Commissioner the
Minister has had. It's rumoured Rennic may be grooming Rasarn to replace
him."

"Replace him?"

"Rennic may stand in his current position for some time yet as Trades
Minister, but he's let it quietly be known that he'll step down for the
right person before then."

"And that's Rasarn?"

"Who knows? Some people used to think that it might have once been Diora.
They say she's tough, but that she's a better choice than Rasarn."

As they walked together down the corridor, Kira asked, "Tell me more....."



* ************************* *



When Sisko entered Rennics' quarters, Rennic turned his head and said, "You
may leave us Rasarn."

Rasarn looked a little annoyed at being told to leave, but he did as he was
instructed.

Rennic smiled, "Please Commander, be seated."

Sisko sat down opposite him replying, "I'm sorry I couldn't see you
sooner, Minister."

"Yes, I understand that running this station is quite a busy job."

"I hope everything's to your satisfaction?"

"I have no complaints........other than the architecture of this place."

The both smiled together and then Rennic became more serious.

"Commander, the Ambassador has spoken privately to me of his concerns about
a member of my staff. I believe the Ambassador is a little too sensitive on
the subject. - I'd like to ask your opinion."

"What subject would that be?"

Rennic sighed, "I'm sure that there are many that find it difficult to
accept an outsider,......a human.....in such a position of Bajoran
authority. How do you think the Ambassador feels about this?"

"Are you asking me because of my position as Emissary?"

"Who better to ask?", Rennic smiled.

"Well I can only guess as to how he feels about it. Why don't you try
asking him yourself?"

Rennic reached down to the table and started pouring them some glasses of
wine as he explained, "The Ambassador is a man who's not quite as open as
many, Commander."

"I think we've all noticed that."

He handed Sisko his glass and continued, "As I said, I believe he's too
sensitive on some matters. Should I attempt to discuss such things with him
I think that he might take it that I don't have any trust in him."

"You're not worried about him are you?"

"Worried?.......no, but as Minister I have to take all things into
consideration. And you haven't given me your own opinion yet."

Sisko sighed, "To be honest Minister, the man makes me nervous. Without
knowing much more about him that's all I can say."

Rennic leaned closer and answered quietly, "I'll tell you a secret
Commander,.....I feel a little the same way."

He sat back and smiled, "Now,....let's discuss the Erinassi."



* ************************* *



Sutton entered the Consulate and Relen informed him, "Diora Lena is waiting
in your office to see you sir."

Sutton began to walk towards his office but Relen added, "Sir,.....can I
have a few words first?"

Relen got up from behind his desk and came close to Sutton to say quietly,
"I thought you'd like to know that Diora is considered to be a bit
of a.........'black widow' in political circles. My contacts tell me that
not only is she formidable, but that she's not to be taken at face value.
You should be wary, sir."

Sutton smiled, "Thanks for the warning Relen but I think I can handle her.
Have you got that information on Rasarn yet?"

"It's on your system now."

Sutton nodded and entered his office.

He smiled to Diora as she sat in her chair, "And what do I owe the pleasure
of this visit?"

She looked at him......and then he realised that the flattering remark had
definitely been the wrong one to make.

Sutton made his way around the desk then Diora handed him a PADD saying,
"Here's some items that Rasarn wants you to look over for tomorrows
meeting."

Sutton took the PADD but tossed it onto his table with a loud clatter and
said, "You'll forgive me if I don't bother to look at them."

Diora studied him for a short while before replying, "Rasarn will not be
pleased with you."

"Well that's just too bad. And you can tell him from me that if he's got
any more bright ideas that he can keep them to himself."

Sutton thought she almost smiled but he was mistaken. Instead Diora
answered, "I'll be sure to tell him that."

He sat back in his chair sighing, "Look,.....if it's going to cause any
trouble for you then I'll do it myself,.....in person."

"No, I'll do it. I'll enjoy the look on his face."

Sutton smiled, "I don't mind locking horns with Rasarn."

"You know, he has a _very_ low opinion of you."

"So I found the first time I met him."

"Do you _like_ making trouble for yourself?"

"Trouble? Listen Lena, I've dealt with the likes of Rasarn before and I'm
not scared in the least."

"Don't call me by my given name, Ambassador. You don't personally know me
and until such time as I should otherwise permit it, you shall address me
accordingly."

Sutton sat there suitably admonished and she leaned closer to continue,
"Let me clarify our positions Ambassador. When dealing with the ministry
you are to come to _me_. I am your superior. Next is Rasarn, and above him
is Minister Rennic. In the past you've made it your business to sidestep
things and deal with the Minister directly. That will now stop. Correct
protocols and procedures will be adhered to."

"I'm not one for rules and regulations I'm afraid."

"Nevertheless you _will_ follow them. Perhaps you're unaccustomed to such
matters but they _are_ necessary for the scheme of things."

He smiled, "Well Diora, where do _you_ so nicely fit into this 'scheme of
things'?"

She looked at him hard and replied with a threatening tone, "That's
exactly the sort of smart remark people have come to expect from you
Sutton."

At that moment he recalled the word Relen had used to describe
her,.....'formidable'."

"I'm sorry.", he offered.

"Oh, so you think that it's alright to apologise now _after_ you've said
it. Such remarks could be the death of crucial trade talks."

Sutton was about to argue with her, but then he realised she was right.

They sat there looking at each other until Diora said, "I don't think
you're the right man for this position. But,......I'd like for you to prove
me wrong."

"What?"

"You're a good man, your work on Bajor has proven that. But you're too
politically naive."

"I'm not interested in politics, Diora."

"Then you should at least be aware of them."

She took a deep breath and continued, "You're the shining light in the
Ministers eye and you're getting all the attention and the privileges.
Rasarn resents that and he'll do his best to keep you in your place."

"What does he want then?"

"I expect that he'll try to be nominated as the succeeding Trades Minister
one day.", then she added sharply, "And that nomination should have been
_mine_."

Sutton looked puzzled and Diora continued, "As a direct result of you, the
Trade ministry was shaken up awhile back. I held Rasarns position before
that time but since then I've been stuck in my current one. If Rasarn
becomes Minister he'll make sure I'm not part of the Trade ministry, or any
other."

"Look, I'm not going to get involved in anything between yourself and
Rasarn. That's _your_ business. And as for your career problems--"

"Have you _any_ idea what Rasarn is like?"

"A little, but not much yet."

"Then let me tell you. I've been trying my hardest to make my way through
the ranks in the ministry and I was doing alright until I met Rasarn. He
threatened to publicly accuses me of collaboration during the Occupation.
Of course it's a lie. My family came through the Occupation intact and we
were lucky enough not to suffer as much as others. For this I'm made to
feel guilty. Rasarn doesn't have to prove his allegations.......even if he
he retracts it later on there'll still be enough doubts in peoples minds to
destroy me _and_ my family."

They looked at each other in a long silence.

Then she said quietly, "If you were anyone else but the 'Healer of Bajor',
Rasarn would have crushed you long ago."

Sutton frowned, "Am I to assume.....you're looking for me to help you
remove Rasarn?"

"I don't have to like you to have you as an ally."

"And what if I leave everything as it is and do nothing?"

"Then Rasarn will eventually become Minister.........and you'll find things
_quite_ different from what they are now I can promise you."

"I know some people that--"

"You mean such as the Kai?  The Kai doesn't have power in the Government,
you know that. The Kai has influence, nothing more."

Sutton thought on Dioras' words and then her voice softened a tiny amount
as she said, "I came to this station so I could meet you,......talk to you.
And I was--"

Suttons' commlink chimed on his desk and Relen's voice said, "Sorry to
disturb you sir, but the Major is here."

"Yes, alright. Tell her to please wait, Relen."

He cut the commlink and looked back to Diora.

Sutton sighed, "What am I supposed to do? All I want is to do my job as
best I know how and simply get on without all this this political
manoeuvering that you think I should be an expert on."

"You have the Ministers ear,....he _likes_ you Sutton. Convince him that
I'm the better person for the position of Commissioner. I'm sure he'd
listen to you."

"And what do I get in return?"

She leaned still closer and answered quietly, "Diora Lena will owe you a
very big favour..........and that's something I've never offered _anyone_."

He sighed deep in thought and she sat back saying, "I'd like your decision
by tonight."

Diora got up and was about to leave when Sutton stood and asked, "Dinner?"

"What?"

Sutton smiled, "I'll give you my answer at dinner. I have a table at
QUARKS,........let's say 19:00 ?"

Diora's eyes widened and she softly exclaimed, "_No-one_ would _dare_ to
ask me to dinner!  And here you are doing just that!"

He held up his hands in surrender and sighed, "Forget I even mentioned it."

Sutton came around from his desk to escort her out and they went through
the door into the outer office where Relen and Kira were waiting. Diora
took a long hard look at Kira and then made for the outer doors.

Diora was about to leave the Consulate but she stopped and turned around
saying aloud to Sutton, "Very well,.....I _will_ have dinner with you as
you asked, Ambassador."

Diora glanced at Kira and then left.

He turned to Kira and found that she had a stony expression on her face.
Kira roughly thrust a PADD into his hands saying, "Odo's Security
arrangements for tomorrow."

Then she quickly marched out of the Consulate.

Relen quickly said, "Sir, I told the Major that she could leave the
information with me and I'd pass it onto you, but she said that she had
something else to discuss with you."

Sutton ordered, "Get all you can on Diora Lena and have it ready _before_
19:00, Relen!"

And with that Sutton dashed out of the Consulate after Kira.


He grabbed her by the arm and she pulled away from his touch as if she'd
been cut.

"I'm sorry!", he pleaded, and then quickly added, "What did you want to
talk to me about, Nerys?"

"It's nothing.", Kira said under her breath at him, and she continued
walking on.

Sutton caught up with her to ask, "C'mon,.....if you want to talk,
then--"

She stopped by the turbolift and looked at him coldly, "I told you it was
_nothing_........I can see that you're busy with _'Consulate affairs'_, so
I'll leave you to them."

And with that she quickly entered the turbolift and was gone.




* ************************* *


Sutton approached the bar and was met by Quark himself.

"I'll be having dinner at my table tonight with a guest."

"It's not Dax is it?"

Sutton looked annoyed, "No, and it's none of your business who I dine
with."

As Sutton walked off to go to his table, Quark muttered to himself, "Well
aren't _we_ a little touchy tonight?"



A bottle of wine was delivered to Suttons table and as he waited for Diora,
he drank a glass of it slowly. Sutton was a little early but it gave him a
chance to study the people down below in the bar, which was something he
always found interesting.

"You're early.", a female voice behind him said.

He turned around to see Diora pulling out a chair to sit at his table.
She'd made her way here by coming into Quarks from the upper level of the
Promenade, and it was a move that had surprised him.

"I gave Rasarn your little message, Sutton."

"What did he say?"

"Nothing worth repeating. I expect he'll be having words of his own with
you."

She looked at the bottle and commented, "Dal'th wine.......rather
provincial of you isn't it?"

"I like it. - How did you find my table?"

"Oh, I know a lot about you Paul Sutton. I make it my business to be
informed."

He smiled, "And I know a lot about _you_ too, Diora. - Would you like a
drink?"

She nodded and asked, "So,.......what do you _think_ you know about me?"

Sutton filled her glass and handed it to before answering, "You're from a
well-to-do family that runs a grain business on Bajor. During the
Occupation your family worked for the Cardassians."

Diora stated firmly, "_All_ food production facilities had to work for the
Cardassians. It was Occupation Law."

"And _you_ turned down a request by the Resistance when they asked you to
help them sabotage production."

Sutton saw that he'd definitely annoyed her and she replied, "They asked me
and I refused. I wasn't about to risk my life or that of my family for
futile attacks against the Cardassians. - Where did you get this
information?"

He smiled, "A few sources on Bajor."

"And did your sources say that most of those resistance fighters in our
area were eventually killed by their own stupidity?"

Sutton pressed on, "Some say that your family did well working for the
Cardassians at the expense of your own people."

She slammed the glass down and angrily replied, "My family gave what they
could to our people without the Cardassians finding out. Any more than that
and they risked being discovered. Whoever you've been talking to has been
lying!"

Diora took a drink from her glass and all the while she just glared at
Sutton.

He said quietly, "You know,....I can't work you out. You say I'm not worthy
of where I am and that you hate me--"

"I didn't say I hated you........I just dislike you."


"And yet you're tying to get my help to remove Rasarn. - Why?"

"Because it may be my last chance to get where I'm going."

"And where's that?"

"To be Minister of course. If Rasarn becomes stoner then I'll have to
leave the Government and go back to just being the daughter of a grain
merchant."


A waiter appeared next to them and asked, "Would you like to order?"

Diora answered quickly, "Nothing for me."

Sutton frowned, "But I thought--"

She repeated with determination, "I _said_,....nothing for me."

He turned back to the waiter and answered, "Don't worry about the food
then, just bring us another bottle of Dal'th wine. Quark knows which stock
I prefer."

The waiter moved off.


Diora looked more composed now and she said, "What about _you_,
Sutton.....what about _your_ past."

He smiled, "I have no past.", and then he took a sip from his glass.

"Oh?  I doubt that.......I doubt that _very_ much."

He put down his glass and looked slightly concerned.

They looked at each other intensely before Diora tilted her head and asked,
"Well?"

He leaned closer, "How much do you know about me?"

"How much do you know about _me_?"

It went quiet again between them until Sutton replied, "I think it's time
we were honest with each other."

"Hah! I expect you think I'm incapable of that?"

He sighed, "Apart from what I've told you tonight, that's _all_ I know.
There's official records of course but there's not much out of the ordinary
there. - And as for your family being collaborators.....I'm sorry for the
insinuation."

Sutton waited for a reply from Diora after his apology but she simply
continued to look at him.........and it worried Sutton.

He spoke with a show of confidence, "I don't think you know anything about
my dull past."

Again Diora just looked at him. It was as if......

She answered, "I expect you ran away because you couldn't face up to your
responsibilities."

Sutton looked a little relieved but then she added, "And I _do_ know why
you don't want the Federation to know of your past."

Sutton tensed and he quickly replied, "You want to blackmail me?"

"It shouldn't have to come to that. I've asked for your help and in return
I'll owe you a favour. I'm being quite civilised about the whole matter.
I'm sure you can appreciate that."

"I don't believe you know _anything_. In fact I--"

"Starbase 219?"

With those words she stunned him.

He whispered, "You know."

Diora gently nodded.

"How long have you known?"

"Long enough. Don't worry Sutton, I'm probably better than you at digging
up information,.......and deleting it. You don't have to worry about others
knowing because I've removed the information that I found. But I've got it
in a safe place,.......several actually."

"And if you don't get what you want?"

But at that moment Rasarn's voice startled them both as he quickly
approached their table roaring, "I might have expected the two of you
together!"

He strode up to the table and Sutton angrily replied, "This is a _private_
table."

"What's the meaning of your insolence today!?"

Sutton calmly replied, "My 'insolence' as you call it, is nothing more than
ignoring your petty interference."

"Interference?!"

Sutton glanced at Diora and saw her getting up to leave, but it was obvious
that she was enjoying the scene before her.

Rasarn snidely remarked to her, "And who's quarters will you end up in
tonight?! - _His_ I expect!"

Sutton jumped up and roughly shoved him back exclaiming, "I should break
your neck Rasarn, right here and now to save everyone else the bother!"

"You threaten _me_?!"

"I'll do more than threaten!"

By now one of Odo's deputies stepped in between them ordering, "That's
enough!"

Rasarn moved away angrily saying, "You've made a _big_ mistake Sutton, a
_very_ big mistake!"

Rasarn pushed his way through the small crowd that had gathered, and Sutton
turned back to see Diora also quickly leaving through an opposite group of
people.

Sutton sat back down and the deputy began to disperse the talkative crowd.
As Sutton took another drink from his glass, the waiter returned with the
second bottle of wine. Sutton quickly took it from him and left QUARKS,
never once looking back.

Down below at the bar, Quark turned back to Dax saying, "I take it all
back. Sutton's not so quiet after all. - Now Jadzia,......how about a glass
of Margessi Liqueur?"



* ************************* *



It was late at night when Sutton pressed his finger against the door chime
button of Diora's quarters.

"Who is it?", came her voice through the panels' commlink.

"It's me,...........Sutton."

After a short while the door opened and Diora appeared in the doorway. It
was obvious by the way she stood there that he wasn't welcome to enter.

"I've come.......to give you my answer."

She waited, and he added, "But first I have to know some things."

Diora crossed her arms and sighed in an annoyed voice, "I've told you
enough. You either give me your answer, or you leave."

"Please.......I need to know that if I'm unsuccessful in helping you, that
you won't release the information you have about me."

"You have my word."

Sutton sighed in resignation, "My answer is yes."

"Goodnight."

She stepped back and the door closed in front of Suttons face.



* ************************* *



There was quite a small crowd at the airlock waiting for the Erinassi ship
to dock. Apart from a number of Odo's Security deputies, Odo was there
himself together with Sisko, Minister Rennic, Rasarn, Diora, and Sutton.

Rennic frowned to Sisko, "It looks like Security is a bit heavy for a trade
meeting. I hope that it doesn't put the Erinassi off."

Sutton replied, "The last time they were here they earned a reputation for
being a little......'rowdy'."

Rennic nodded, "The Erinassi are known for their love of gambling."

Sutton couldn't help but smile as he replied, "And Quark sure knows it
too, sir."

Sutton turned to find Diora was once again studying him, and his smile
disappeared.

The airlock doors finally opened and the Erinassi delegation started
pouring through,.....all twenty of them.

A pair of them stepped across to Sutton and one said, "I am Pem, Servitor
to Ceros."

Pem motioned to the man next to him and Sutton gave a short bow in
greeting, then Sutton began the necessary introductions.

"Paul Sutton, Trades and Relations Ambassador for Bajor."
He turned and continued, "This is Trades Minister Rennic."

The two Erinassi bowed to Rennic who replied, "I hope that these talks are
beneficial and fruitful to us all."

Ceros answered, "But first we must go to QUARKS."

"What?", Rennic asked in confusion.

Ceros repeated, "We go to QUARKS. The meeting is not for another hour am I
correct?  Time aplenty to relax after our long journey."

Rennic reluctantly nodded and Odo sighed to the two Erinassi delegates, "If
it's QUARKS you want,......then follow me gentlemen."

After they walked off together with the last of the Erinassi, Sisko stood
there and said, "I stationed Kira down at QUARKS. After the last time they
were here, I was expecting something like this. I don't want a repeat of
what happened last time."

Rasarn asked, "What _did_ happen?"

Sisko replied, "Just a riot, that's all."

Diora turned to Sutton asking, "Are you sure these are the kind of people
we should be negotiating with?"

He nodded, "They've got decent goods to trade, but they've also got good
contacts with other races that we wouldn't otherwise be able to negotiate
with. Trust me,......it'll be worth it in the long run."



When the Bajoran delegation made their way along the Promenade, they could
hear that QUARKS was in full swing catering to the enthusiastic Erinassi.

Sutton saw Kira standing dutifully in the doorway, and anyone could tell
that she was hating it.

Sutton moved up to Rennic, and under Rasarns disapproving eye he asked,
"Could I speak to you Minister,........in private?"

Rennic turned back from frowning at the scene in QUARKS and he sighed,
"Very well. See me in my quarters in five minutes."

Rennic shook his head at QUARKS and then walked off with a security escort
around him.

Rasarn looked at Sutton and sneered, "I don't know what you and Diora are
up to.........but _both_ your days are numbered."

With that ominous remark, Rasarn quickly walked off to catch up with
Rennic.

Diora stood beside Sutton and quietly said, "He means it."

He looked across to QUARKS and watched Kira keeping an eye on the noisy
Erinassi inside. Sutton shook his head and wondered if he was doing the
right thing in helping Diora after all. But he consoled himself with the
fact that he was at least getting back at Rasarn.

"You like her?"

"What?", asked Sutton as he turned back to Diora.

"Major Kira. - You like her?"

He didn't answer her question but instead Sutton firmly replied, "You just
make sure you honour your promise."

Diora watched him walk off and Kira watched on as well. She shook her head
and wondered what Sutton and Diora were doing together......and Kira
wondered why she was now feeling the way she was.



* ************************* *



"Minister,", Sutton began, "you know that I like to speak my mind."

"I suspect you have a reputation for it.", smiled Rennic.

"I'll get straight down to it then......I don't want Rasarn in the
Ministry."

Rennic sighed, "Not Rasarn again? You've already spoken to me about--"

"I mean it. He's got to go."

Rennic said firmly, "Let me remind you that _I_ am the Minister and it's
up to _me_ whether such a thing should be done."

"And let me remind _you_ that without me these talks wouldn't even be
happening!"

"Alright Sutton,..........let's just both calm down."

Sutton sighed and sat back into his chair.

"You've been talking to Diora, haven't you.", frowned Rennic.

"And if I have?"

"I am aware that she is displeased with her current position,.......and of
her jealousy of Rasarns."

"I think it's more than just jealousy."

"Rasarn is very efficient in his position, Diora is simply adequate in
hers. Why should the Ministry lose Rasarns efficiency on your say so?"

"I believe that if Diora was Commissioner, you'd find her every bit as
efficient as Rasarn. She's being stifled where she is now."

Rennic frowned, "Why are you so interested in the affairs of Diora Lena?"

"I want to get rid of Rasarn."

"Just because he doesn't agree with your views?"

"He hates me."

Rennic laughed, "Listen my boy, there are more than just Rasarn who may
hate you. I think that it's better that you leave affairs of the Ministry
to me."

"Can't you see what the man is like!?   Can't you see that if he becomes
Minister then things will be like they were before!?   That was one of
the reasons I left. Do you want that to happen again!?"

Rennic stood up and angrily answered, "Enough! If that's all you have to
say then I think you'd better leave."

Sutton stood up and with a forced calmness he replied, "I've looked at both
their records and I've compared the two people themselves. In my opinion
it's _Diora_ who should be Commissioner. I would hope that for the benefit
of all that you seriously consider her rather than Rasarn. If Rasarn
continues,.....then I might have to seriously re-consider my own position."

Sutton walked to the door and left as Rennic just held a hand to head and
deeply sighed.



* ************************* *



Even though a number of the Erinassi had left QUARKS, there were still
enough of them to keep Quark happy as they continued their drinking and
gambling.

On his way around the bar with a tray of drinks he stopped by Kira and
smiled, "Would you like something while you're here, Major? I mean it's
going to be a long wait for you and--"

"Forget it Quark."

He looked around and laughed, "I hope all the Ambassadors friends have
meetings like this on the station. It's good for business.", then with a
mischievous smile he added, "Say,.... I haven't seen the two of you
together for awhile."

"What's _that_ supposed to mean?", she glared.

"Ohhhh nothing. It's just that he's been in here having different dinner
guests lately. Dax said that Bajoran woman......Doria whatsername....."

"Diora Lena.", Kira corrected.

"Yeah, her. The Ambassador was here last night with Diora up at his table.
He also had a run-in with that Commissioner guy. Maybe Sutton got in the
way between the two of them? - Anyway, gotta go......these Erinassi are a
thirsty bunch."

Kira looked up at Suttons empty table and her eyes narrowed.




* ************************* *



"-Odo to Sisko-"

"Sisko here."

"-The meeting's over.-"

"Over? So soon?"

"-I believe a second conference has been scheduled for tomorrow.-"

"Very well Constable. How are the rest of the Erinassi getting on?"

"-The ones that aren't in QUARKS are still hard at it, and there's others
spread out all over the station. They've got all my men busy trying to keep
an eye on them when they could be doing better things.-"

"We haven't had any.....'problems' yet have we?"

"-A few minor incidents but nothing to be worried about......at least not
yet.-"

"Okay, lets try to keep it that way. - Sisko out."




* ************************* *



Rasarn exclaimed to Sutton, "What do you think you were doing in there!?"

"Quiet!", ordered Rennic.

Sutton stood before him in the Consulate office and there was tension in
the air. Rennic sat in Suttons chair and it was obvious that he too was
displeased with Sutton.

Rennic held out his hands saying, "What is wrong with you? The deal they
offered was quite attractive."

"It's just the basis for bargaining.", and then he added sharply, "Surely
you could see that.....or have you been behind a desk too long?"

Rasarn laughed, "You see!?  This man's a fool, Minister!"

Sutton quickly turned to Rasarn and coldly said, "Just keep it up
Rasarn....."

Rasarn made a move towards Sutton but Rennic exclaimed, "Rasarn, outside,
now!"

Rasarn hesitated but then grudgingly left Suttons office.

Rennic stood up and came around to Sutton. He quietly asked him, "What's
wrong with you?  I've never seen you this agitated."

Sutton just angrily glanced back towards the door.

"You know Sutton, I think you'd better go to your quarters and call it a
day."

Sutton turned and was about to leave when Rennic added, "And to answer your
question......._no_, I haven't spent all my time behind a desk. I _still_
think they made a fair offer."

Sutton looked at him and sighed, "I'm sorry sir. I expect I'll do better
tomorrow."

"You'd better, or else I'm going to let Rasarn do the negotiating in your
place."

"You can't do that!"

"Can't?  No-one could do worse than you have today."

Sutton looked at the old man and decided against arguing. Instead all he
said was, "Things will be better tomorrow, I promise."

Rennic nodded and replied, "Send Rasarn in on your way out."



Sutton walked through the door and into the outer office where he snarled
at Rasarn, "You're wanted inside."

Rasarn smiled in a smug way and walked in leaving the door to close behind
him.

Relen spoke up saying, "Sir, Diora has left a message for you to contact
her."

"I'm going to my quarters and I _don't_ want to be disturbed."

"Sir,......she _did_ insist that you contact her."

"Alright!  Put me through to her. I'll do it from here."

Sutton stood before the wall terminal and soon Diora appeared onscreen.

"What do you want!?", exclaimed Sutton.

She looked surprised at his outburst to her and Sutton added, "Look, I've
had a hard day and I'm in no mood for chit-chat."

"I'd like to see you in my quarters now, please."

"Make an appointment with my assistant."

She glared at him and he angrily said, "Ohh, was that an order from you
Diora!?  Because if it was then--"

"No........it was a request."

Sutton clenched his fists but replied, "Okay,......you've got 5 minutes of
my time."




* ************************* *



When Diora opened her door, Sutton walked straight on in past her without
any further invitation. He stood there in the middle of the room waiting.

She came up to him and quietly said, "Was it me, or was todays meeting a
disaster?"

"Don't _you_ start! I've already had it out with Rennic."

"I'm surprised the Erinassi simply didn't cancel the talks altogether."

"The talks continue tomorrow. Today was just--"

"An example of why many people consider you unfit for this position."

"And it's probably what they say about _you_ too."

"I _want_ these talks to succeed."

"Oh yes, so everything will look good to the Minister and he'll listen to
my recommendations about _you_!"

They decided to sit down and they did so opposite each other. Sutton looked
at Diora and saw that even though he knew she was angry, she hid it quite
well under a facade of calmness.

Diora said quietly, "You want to run away again?  Just like you've always
done?"

Sutton pulled off his Bajoran commbadge and held it in his hands saying,
"Do you now what _this_ is!?  It's a promise I made to Kira to stay."

Sutton ran his hands over it and felt the small dent. He looked back to
Diora and added, "Unlike some people, I try to keep my promises."

"Try?", she answered with sarcasm.

He put the commbadge down on the table and Sutton pointed at her, "Let's
not fool ourselves here. I _know_ you'll use the information about me to
get what you want. - And I don't like it one little bit!"

"So my promise to you is worthless is it?"

"You'll get desperate one day and you'll use whatever means you have to get
what you want."

Sutton sat back and Diora looked upon him with that deep observant look of
hers that he was getting to know so well.

She answered quietly, "If you put your mind to it, you can be a dangerous
man Paul Sutton."

He didn't answer but she continued, "I'm sure that if I tried to do
anything against you that you'd make certain to bring me down right
alongside with you. I owe it to myself to keep quiet,.........as do you."

He stood up and defiantly said, "Keep off my back Diora, or you'll find me
a far worse threat than Rasarn could ever be."

As he walked off towards the door, Diora said aloud, "I don't doubt it for
a moment."

Her door closed and Diora looked down to find that Sutton had accidently
left his commbadge on the table. She picked it up and slowly smiled.




* ************************* *




"Kira Nerys, personal log.............I spoke to Relen today after the
trade meeting. He didn't say it in so many words but it looks like Pauls'
magic touch is gone. Maybe Quark was right, but I'm sure Paul is doing his
best. I saw him with Diora today........I don't know what he's getting
himself into and it's bothering me............End Log Entry."

Kira stood up and decided it was time to talk to Sutton in private, even at
this late time of night. As she left her quarters and made her way to
Suttons, Kira wondered what sort of a mood he might be in. It was pretty
obvious she thought, that he was feeling the strain of things lately but
she hoped that he would be in a calm enough state so he'd accept her views.

She arrived at his quarters and pressed the door chime. - There was no
answer. Kira pressed it again and waited, but still there was no answer.
She tapped her commbadge and asked, "Computer,....is Ambassador Sutton in
his quarters?"

"<The Ambassador is not in his quarters.>"

"Then where is he?"

"<Ambassador Sutton is in Minister's Assistant Diora's quarters.>"

Kira banged her fist against the door, then spun around to head back to her
own quarters.



* ************************* *



Odo leaned over the bar and wearily asked, "Quark, are you intending to
stay open _all_ night?"

Quark pulled some bottles out from under the counter and began filling
glasses as he replied, "I can't turn away good customers Odo!  Just look
at them!"

"I _have_ been looking,......._all day_."


The Erinassi were still making a loud noise all throughout QUARKS as they
gambled and drank. The trade talks today looked like it had only been a
break in the boisterous proceedings here it seemed.

Odo shook his head at the Erinassi clamouring around a tired Dabo girl at
the wheel. She looked hopefully over at Quark but he wasn't about to let
her finish for the night.

Quark smiled as he filled more glasses, "They're a very civilised race,
Odo. They're serious when it comes to trade maybe, but they like to let
their hair down when they're not doing business. Besides,....you should be
thanking me for consolidating good relations between the Alpha and Gamma
Quadrants."

"The day I ever thank you will be a long time coming, 'Ambassador' Quark."

An Erinassi approached the bar, handed Quark some latinum, and took the
tray of drinks that Quark had poured.

As the Erinassi walked away to his friends at the Dabo table, Quark said,
"See?  They pay up-front for everything and don't believe in any credit.
That in my books is a sign of a very civilised society."

"Oh I can see how that makes you _very_ happy. But I'm telling you
Quark that--"

Odo's commbadge chirped and one of his deputies said worriedly, "-You'd
better get to Upper Three immediately. There's been some sort of accident
and we've got two bodies floating out in space. One of them is from the
Erinassi delegation and the other is the Bajoran Commissioner.-"

"I'm on my way!"

As Odo rushed off, Quark groaned, "Ohhh that's just great! That's _all_ I
need to happen right when they were spending so well!"



* ******* *


Sisko looked at O'Brien and his workers repairing the airlock. He turned to
Odo and ordered, "I want a full investigation on how this could have
happened. Things might get ugly, Odo . As soon as that crowd in QUARKS find
out what's happened, there's no telling what they might do. - We don't need
another riot again."

"They're going to have to be told sooner or later. I suggest we close
QUARKS and see if we can get them all to their quarters. We can inform the
Erinassi servitor and it'll be up to him to break the news to his people."

"Alright, but lets do this carefully Constable. Have the Bajoran
authorities been informed yet?"

"Minister Rennic's been told and he's dealing with that side of things with
Kiras' help."

O'Brien came up to them and reported, "I can tell you one thing......this
wasn't any accident."



* ************************* *



The meeting room was very quiet even though it was full of people. Sisko
sat at the head of the long table and looked around at Sutton, Diora,
Rennic, Kira, Pem, and Odo.

Sisko began, "I've called this meeting because there are serious matters to
discuss here. Namely, the deaths of two people. The Bajoran and Erinassi
governments will conduct their own enquiries of course, but right now we're
going to try to get this sorted before things get out of hand. - Servitor
Pem has ordered the Erinassi delegation to remain in their quarters. That
means we won't have any distractions occurring."

Sisko took a deep breath and continued, "This is not a court of law, but it
_is_ an official station enquiry. Should any of you wish to refuse making
statements at this meeting, then speak up now."

No-one replied so he said, "Very well, let's begin. - Odo,...please give us
your report."

"Ceros and Commissioner Rasarn are dead. They were killed when two airlock
doors simultaneously opened and the two unfortunate men were ejected out
into space. - Ladies and gentlemen, those doors did _not_ malfunction.
Safety measures had been overridden, including the emergency force fields.
In fact, that particular airlock had just been repaired the day before. So
far we've been unable to determine why the two of them were up there
together in the first place, but the obvious fact remains,.....they were
murdered."

Sisko asked Pem, "Can you tell us why Ceros may have gone there?"

Pem shook his head, "All I know is that he wasn't availing himself to the
facilities of this station, Commander."

"By that you mean QUARKS?"

Pem shrugged and then Sisko asked Rennic, "Minister,....why would your
Commissioner be speaking with the Erinassi delegate alone like that?"

"I don't know Commander. It wasn't due to any instructions from me. I was
considering letting Rasarn handle the trade talks for today but I only told
the Ambassador about it."

Everyone looked at Sutton and he couldn't escape the gaze of Diora who sat
opposite him.

Sutton spoke, "I didn't say anything to Rasarn about it either. In fact I
didn't talk to him at all after I left the Consulate, let alone see him
again. - I later considered the Ministers remark was something that was
being used to prod me into performing better at the next trade meeting."

Odo asked, "So you didn't consider Rasarn to be some sort of 'threat' to
your talks?"

Sutton sighed, "Look, I'll be the first one to admit that I certainly
didn't like Rasarn and that I wanted him kept out of the way at the talks.
But I didn't kill him."

Odo replied, "And what about the report of an incident in QUARKS where you
threatened to,......how did you put it.......to 'break the Commissioners
neck to save everyone else the bother' ?"

"Those were only words spoken in the heat of the moment!"

"I see.", Odo replied without any enthusiasm.

Sisko nodded to Odo, "Constable, the computer records....."

Odo looked down at his PADD, "Before the 'accident', the computer records
show that you Ambassador went to Diora Lenas' quarters, and that you stayed
there overnight."

"That's a lie!", Sutton exclaimed.

Kira looked at him and deeply frowned.

Sutton continued angrily, "I spent five, maybe ten minutes there at the
most, and then I left. - What's this got to do with anything!?"

Diora spoke up saying, "Perhaps I can explain....."

She reached into her pocket and then placed Suttons commbadge on the table.

Sutton immediately put his hand to where his commbadge should be on his
robe, and found that it wasn't there.

Kira's eyes narrowed as she asked Diora, "What are _you_ doing with his
commbadge?"

Diora gave Kira one of her contemplative stares for a few moments and then
answered, "The Ambassador was giving me a lecture on keeping promises. He
simply forgot to take his commbadge after using it to show a point."

"Which was?"

"A personal promise to oneself is every bit as binding as one to another."

Kira looked at Sutton, and then back at Diora wondering what promise she
was talking about.

Odo stood up then reached across the table and took the commbadge. He
looked at it, found the familiar dent in it and stated, "It's the
Ambassadors alright."

He slid it across to Sutton and sat down.

Kira turned to Sutton and asked sternly, "So you weren't in Diora's
quarters then. Where were you during the time leading up to the incident?"

"I guess I was at Upper Two's observation port."

"You aren't sure?"

"After I left Diora's, I just wandered around until I suppose I went to
Upper Two."

"To do what?"

"I.......sometimes like to go to the Upper Pylons to think."

"And what were you thinking about on this occasion?"

Sutton looked at Kira and tried to reassure her by saying, "I know what
people were saying about me after the trade meeting. I just wanted to work
out some things in my head for the next day."

Odo spoke aloud, "Computer,.....access turbolift voice activation records
and tell me if Ambassador Sutton has used any turbolifts to either Upper
Pylon Two or Three over the past few days."

"<Ambassador Sutton used a turbolift two days ago to go to the docking
level of Upper Three. He has also been logged as going to the docking level
of Upper Three last night at 17:15 hours. The Ambassador returned from
Upper Two at 19:52 hours.>"

"So,.....", Sisko said, "you were on the other side of the station when the
airlocks at Upper Three blew out."

Sisko turned to Diora and asked, "What was this talk between yourself and
the Ambassador on 'promises'?"

"_That_,....is private, Commander."

"Not at this table it's not."

This time is was Sisko's turn to be be sternly contemplated by Diora, but
he added, "You can of course refuse to answer, but then this enquiry would
have to be handed over to a court of law who would no doubt ask the same
question."

She looked annoyed and quite offended at Sisko's insistence, but Diora
relented by answering, "I'd previously asked the Ambassador to help me by
recommending myself to the Minister for the position of Commissioner."

"Rasarns position?"

"That position was going to have been reviewed soon."

"I see. So Rasarns death has helped you then has it?"

Sutton saw Diora's eyes widen and he knew that she was furious. But Diora
contained her anger and said in a calm voice, "I resent that remark,
Commander. Rasarns death doesn't mean I automatically can assume his
position. If you're suggesting that I had anything to do with his death
then you'd better be prepared to prove any such wild allegations in a
Bajoran court of law."

"I'm only stating the facts."

"If you continue with such insinuations then I have no other recourse than
to leave this enquiry and seek official legal representation."

Rennic stood up and softly exclaimed, "Please! Let's be calm here!  Diora,
you may of course leave if you feel you must, but Commander Sisko must
still ask these questions whether you're here or not to answer them."

She simply stared at Sisko and replied, "I didn't kill Rasarn."

Odo tapped his PADD and reported, "There's no records of Diora using the
turbolifts to access that level Commander. It appears she stayed in her
quarters all night."

Sisko turned to Pem, "I'm afraid we don't have any answers for you right
now. All we do have is O'Briens report stating that the manual overrides
were physically switched so that when the computer signal was given, the
airlock doors opened together. - The turbolift logs show that Rasarn went
to the docking level shortly before the incident. It must be assumed that
Ceros was with him, although we can't prove that at this stage. In any
event, they were there together when the airlock doors opened."

Pem stood up and replied, "I and my fellow delegates are returning home.
Whatever enquiries you have to perform will have to be done through our
governments' channels."

Pem bowed slightly to Sisko and left with Odo accompanying him as his
escort.

Rennic stood up saying, "I have to prepare a report for the Council. Let me
know the moment you have anything more, Commander."

Sisko nodded and then Rennic left. Two of Odo's deputies waiting for him
outside escorted him safely away.

Diora then stood up and stared at Sisko for some moments before she simply
left without saying a word.

Sutton quickly got up and followed Diora, but as Kira went to go with him,
Sisko spoke aloud, "Major......"

She stopped and he continued, "I want to keep things calm while we conduct
this investigation. If you're going to speak to Sutton then I'd suggest you
stress to him the severity of the situation........"


* *** *


Sutton quickly ran along the corridor, then grabbed Diora's arm and pushed
her firmly against the wall exclaiming, "_You_ killed Rasarn!"

This time she made no attempt at hiding her emotions and she angrily
replied, "Let go of me Sutton!"

But he firmly held onto her and whispered, "You're trying to use _my_ past
to cover _your_ tracks! - I should never have trusted your promise!"

When Diora's hand smacked hard across his cheek, it was more the shock of
it than the pain that made him release her.

Diora seethed, "I didn't kill Rasarn and I _am_ keeping my promise!"

She stormed off leaving him to rub his cheek in silence. Sutton walked off
down another connecting access-way just as Kira entered the empty corridor.

Had she seen the scene just a few moments ago, then events may have later
occurred differently.



* ************************* *



Quark looked glumly at his usual lunchtime crowd and he sighed to Rom,
"Well, it was good while it lasted."

"What was?"

"Having those Erinassi here."

Rom grumbled, "It was a lot of hard work."

"Hey,.......would you look at that...."

Rom followed Quarks gaze upwards and he saw that Sutton was sitting down at
his table.

Quark shook his head, "Well you've got to hand it to the guy, he tries to
stick to his routine even with everything that's been going on."



Sutton was just sitting there staring at nothing in particular when Kira
walked up, pulled out a chair, and sat down at his table saying, "We need
to talk."

A waiter began to approach them but Sutton quickly waved him off.

Kira leaned on the table and quietly asked, "Do you want to tell me what
happened?"

Sutton seemed quite sombre and he went back to looking out into the bar
below as he replied, "I don't feel like talking."

"The Erinassi ship left about 30 minutes ago."

He simply nodded, put his elbow on the table and rested his head in his
hand.

"The Minister and your friend Diora are about to leave as well."

"She's _not_ my friend.", Sutton replied firmly.

He glanced back to Kira and frowned, "Don't look at me like that Nerys....I
_know_ I've let everyone down.........and I'm telling you that I had
nothing to do with those deaths."

"Then who did?"

He replied sarcastically, "That's being investigated, isn't it."

"What were you and Diora really up to?"

"You heard what she said."

At that moment Quark approached the table and smiled, "Well,
well,....things can't be _all_ bad when the two of you are here sitting
together."

Kira growled, "Get lost Quark!"

He was taken aback, but Quark replied, "Listen, I lost out too you know. I
could have done with those Erinassi staying here another day."

Sutton quietly asked, "Just leave us, Quark."

"Okay, okay! It's a good thing that particular Erinassi didn't ask for
credit because as an old Ferengi saying goes, 'Death doesn't pay debts.'"

Kira watched Quark walk off, then she turned back to Sutton to see that
he'd sat up and looked to be concentrating.

"What's the matter?", she asked.

"It's......something that Quark said......."

Sutton suddenly got up saying, "I've got something to look into."

"Wait!  What about this whole mess!?  It's serious you know!"

"Yes I know it is. - I have to go.......I'll see you later."

Kira watched him rush off and she sighed to herself, "You'd _better_ be
taking this seriously........because everyone else sure is."




* ************************* *



Dax turned from her Ops station and reported to Sisko at the Situation
Table, "O'Reilly's just informed us that he's taking the Ambassador out."

Sisko looked up asking, "Where?"

"The Erinassi homeworld."

Sisko frowned, "What's he up to?  Is he trying to run?"

"I don't think so. If he was, then why take O'Reilly with him?"

Sisko turned to Odo beside him and Odo shook his head, "I don't know what
he's up to but it's certainly worth keeping an eye on him."

"Odo, I want you to take a Runabout and follow the Ambassador. See what's
going on. We can't afford to have him running out on us. - Dax, give them
clearance to leave just as soon as the Constable's ready."

She replied, "And if he objects to Odo following him?"

"Then let him complain."

"Yes sir."




* ************************* *




When Kira arrived in Ops, Dax motioned for her to come over to Dax's
station. Once she was there, Dax quietly said, "The Ambassador's left for
the Erinassi homeworld."

Kira frowned and Dax added, "Benjamin's got Odo following him."

Kira surprised Dax by smiling, "What's the matter, doesn't Sisko trust him
to come back?"

"Do you?"

"He'll be back. Paul would've told me otherwise."

"Do you think so?"

"Yes,......I _do_."

Kira walked off smiling and Dax began smiling too as she sighed,
"Yeah,....that's what I thought too."




* ************************* *


It was nearly two weeks later before Odo returned to DS9.

When he entered Sisko's office he reported, "Well I've got the answers you
want.........but you're not going to like them."

He sat down and continued, "It was the Ambassador's idea to try to dig
around and get to the bottom of things on Erinassi, but I took matters over
from him."

"And he didn't mind?"

"On the contrary, he said it gave him more time to continue with trade
negotiations."

"After everything that's happened, they _still_ want to talk!?"

"You know how the Erinassi love to gamble? - Well it turns out that it's
not so much a passion, as an institution. They've got more ways to wager
and lose money than I think even Quark has heard of. - The delegation head
Ceros was in debt for a _lot_ of money. Some of the trade delegation were
in fact creditors _supposed_ to be there to make sure he didn't run off.
But he must've managed to give them the slip whilst he was here on the
station. Not exactly hard when most of them were too busy getting drunk in
Quarks."

Sisko nodded and Odo continued, "There's a little known Erinassi law, at
least it is to outsiders, that states that if a person dies accidently then
his family isn't held responsible for his debts. Suicide however is not
accepted."

"So you're saying that Ceros committed suicide and tried to make it look
like an accident?"

"It certainly looks that way."

"But what about Rasarn?  What's his involvement in all of this?"

"That's still a mystery Commander, and one we may never find out for
certain. Maybe he was there helping Ceros, maybe he was trying to stop
him, or perhaps he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. - It's
impossible to say."

"It sounds _too_ convenient for my liking."

"Have you found anything out whilst I've been gone that could connect the
Ambassador or Diora to any of this?"

"No."

"Well, like it or not I think this is about the best explanation for
everything that we're going to get. I don't exactly like it either
Commander. Too many loose ends. - Until a better answer comes up then I'm
afraid it's all we've got."

"So what do I tell to the Erinassi government?  With O'Brien's report we
can _prove_ that it wasn't an accident."

"Where will that leave Ceros's family?"

Sisko sighed, "I'll make out my reports and send them to Starfleet. After
that it's out of my hands. I'm not about to condone someones suicide or a
possible murder just because it suits the Erinassi."

"I understand that Commander."

Sisko rubbed his chin asking, "What about the Ambassador?  When's he coming
back?"

"Sutton said that he's not returning until he's secured a trade agreement
with the Erinassi."

Sutton sighed heavily, "Alright Odo,.....leave things with me."

Odo stood up saying, "Very well Commander. Call me if you need me. In the
meantime I've got some checking up to do. Two weeks without me around
must've seemed like heaven to Quark. It's time to see what he's been up to
and bring him back to reality."



* ************************* *



A week after Odo had returned, Suttons Runabout came through the wormhole
and docked at DS9.

Sutton went straight to his quarters and then made two communications. The
first was to the Ministers office on Bajor, and the second was to Relen to
inform him that he was only staying long enough on the station to freshen
up and then head on to Bajor.

Sutton smiled to Relen, "Send Kira a personal message that I'll see her
later when I come back. But Relen,....make sure you tell her _only_ if it's
convenient for her."

Relen smiled back, "I'll let her know sir."

"I'm leaving O'Reilly behind. He doesn't seem to relax much when he's on
Bajor. - Has there been any word yet on the Erinassi matter?"

"Nothing since you left sir."

Sutton nodded and then logged off.




* ************************* *



Sutton fronted up to the reception area inside the Trades Ministry building
and asked, "I'd like to see the Minister please."

"He's not currently in sir. We expect he'll be returning later. But
Commissioner Diora wishes to speak with you."

"_Commissioner_ Diora!?"

"Follow me please, Ambassador."

As he followed along the long corridors, Sutton frowned at the prospect of
another meeting with Diora.

The tall doors were opened for him and Sutton entered alone into the large,
rather ornate Commissioners office.

Diora sat at a large desk and she watched silently as he took the long walk
towards her.

"Sit down."

After he was seated, Diora began, "So,......you've actually got a trade
agreement with Erinassi?"

He replied sarcastically, "So,.....you've actually become Commissioner?"

She folded her arms and he fell under her contemplative stare for a short
while, then she quietly said, "You know something? You and I are alike. We
set out to achieve something and we don't let anything get in our way."

"Or someone.......in your case, Rasarn."

She shook her head, "You _still_ think I killed Rasarn?"

"I don't know _what_ to think, but I've managed to keep us _both_ out the
investigations."

"And how did you do that?"

"You'll probably get a report about it soon enough. In any case, it doesn't
really explain what happened to Rasarn."

"But of course you're certain _I'm_ responsible for his death."

Sutton got up and slowly walked around the room looking at some of the
decor.

He said aloud, "I'll bet this office is a lot bigger than the one you had
before."

Diora remained impassive.

Sutton continued, "I expect you'll have nothing to worry about from Sisko's
investigations."

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me! - Because of you I almost had everything come crashing
down around me!"

He walked over to the large window and stood in the golden sunlight
streaming in from outside.

Sutton looked out and sarcastically commented, "Just look at all those
people..........I bet they sleep better at nights knowing that you're now a
Commissioner."

Diora got up from her chair and joined him at the window. She looked down
at the people below and answered, "Yes, I expect they do."

They looked at each other and Sutton quietly said, "Behind those warm eyes
of yours.......I think there's just ice."

Diora gave a little smile and then Suttons commbadge chirped.

He tapped it and a voice said, "Sir, the Minister has returned and will see
you now."

"Okay, I'm on my way."

He ended the link and Diora said, "You'll be reporting to me now."

"What?"

"I changed a few rules around here."

Sutton frowned at her and turned to leave but she said, "Don't you think
that you can at least show some respect for the position I hold?"

He looked at her and she added, "Don't make life difficult for the both of
us, Sutton. Why don't you accept the fact that you have _some_ faith in my
abilities?"

"Don't let me regret helping you. I've got enough regrets in my life
already."

He turned and once again began walking away from her, but before he'd got
to the doors she said aloud, "You want to know something Sutton?"

He looked back and Diora smiled, "I think I dislike you a little less than
I did before."




* ************************* *




Sutton sat down before Minister Rennic with a loud sigh and said, "I see
you've made Diora the Commissioner already."

"The position needed to be filled after Rasarns sudden......'absence', and
Diora was the next best person qualified for the job. Besides, you _did_
recommend her you know."

Sutton frowned and so Rennic laughed, "What's wrong, I thought you two got
on well together?"

"Let's just say that I object to her a far lot less than I did Rasarn."

"Come now.......is there _anyone_ in this Ministry you approve of?"

Sutton smiled, "Alright sir, I take your point."

"May I make a suggestion? - Don't let yourself be too involved personally
with Diora. She's an ambitious woman and I'm sure that anyone who tries to
get close to her will be disappointed."

"Sir, I think you're mistaken. My........'relationship' with Diora is
purely business."

"Well then, there's nothing to worry about."

Rennic clasped his hands together and smiled, "You've got a trade agreement
with the Erinassi _and_ you helped sort out the incident on the station.
I'd say that's a job well done, my boy."

"It wasn't easy. Anyway, I hope to have things moving along soon. I don't
want to to tell you anymore than that because of a lot of it is still in
the early stages."

"The Erinassi agreement is a worthy one on its own. I wish you luck with
your other work. - Now,.......tell me of your trip to Erinass......."




* ************************* *



Ministers Rennic's face appeared on the viewscreen before Kira, and he
smiled, "Ambassador Sutton's on his way back to the station. I thought I'd
have a quiet word with you Major,....in confidence... before he arrives."

"Sir?"

"I understand that the Ambassador is a personal friend of yours?"

"I.......suppose so."

"I would appreciate it if you could........well,.....I'd rather not find
him involved in any more 'incidents'. Perhaps you could make sure he
doesn't get caught up in such things."

Kira nodded, "I understand."

"I can see that he has potential but we can't afford to have Bajor involved
in situations that we can well do without. As his friend, I'm sure you'd
rather see him putting his efforts into more productive gains. - Anyway,
I'd rather you didn't let him know that we had this conversation Major. The
Ambassador tends to take things......_personally_ sometimes."

Kira nodded and the Minister finished by saying, "May the Prophets find our
work favourable."

He nodded to Kira and logged off.




* ************************* *




When Sutton arrived at DS9, he went to the Consulate and found Kira waiting
for him in the outer office.

She said, "Commander Sisko and Odo are waiting for you in your office."

"Is everything okay?"

Sutton glanced at Relen and he nodded.

Kira replied, "They're not going to throw you in jail......", then she
added with a little smile, "....at least not yet."

He sighed with relief and she leaned close to quietly say, "I'll see you at
21:00."

"Where?"

"At your table in Quarks of course."

They smiled together and then Sutton entered his office.




Both of them were sitting there in the chairs, with Sisko in Suttons
personal one.

Sutton decided to play things quietly and he simply sat down on one of the
visitors chairs without commenting.

Sisko began, "Starfleet has finalised it's enquiries into the Erinassi
incident."

"And?"

"You'll be glad to know that no further actions are being considered."

Sutton nodded and Sisko continued, "But the Erinassi government has been
notified of Ceros's apparent suicide."

"That's alright Commander. I made provision for that."

"Would you care to explain?"

"I anticipated that the Erinassi government might decide that Ceros's death
may have been a suicide, and that would mean his family would incur all his
debts."

Odo asked, "So what did you do?"

Sutton smiled, "As part of the trade deal I struck with the Erinassi, I
arranged for Ceros's debts to be paid out in full as a provision of the
agreement. Of course it had to come from the Bajoran side but at least it
means that the family will come out of it alright. - So everyone won."

"Except Rasarn.", Odo gruffly replied.

Sutton didn't take the baited remark but instead asked Sisko, "Is there
anything else? Because if not then I have a lot of work to catch up on and
I'd like the use of my office."

Sisko and Odo both stood. Sisko replied, "Yes Ambassador, there _is_
something else.......I'm not happy with your involvement in any of this."

"The enquiry is over, you said so yourself."

Odo replied, "Yes,.....but _mine_ isn't."

And with that final remark, they left Suttons office.




* ************************* *



Sutton walked into Quarks that evening with a bottle under his arm and a
package in his hands. He saw that O'Reilly was at the bar drinking with Dax
and so he went over to them.

"Well O'Reilly, I didn't think you ever came in here."

O'Reilly smiled, "Since Jadzia invited me, I could hardly refuse.
Anyway,.....this place isn't as bad as I've heard."

Dax laughed, "The night's still only young, Mike."

Quark fronted up and asked, "I suppose you'll be wanting your table
Ambassador?"

"That's right.......and here's something for you Quark."

Sutton handed him the bottle and Quark asked, "What's this for?"

"It's a present. You helped me out."

"I did?"

"Don't worry about it, just unwrap it."

As soon as the wrappings were off, Quark exclaimed, "Delrian Cognac!
Quick,
somebody hold me I'm about to fall!"

"I thought you'd like it.", smiled Sutton.

O'Reilly asked Quark, "What's special about it?"

Quark's eyes never left the bottle as he explained, "The Delrians made the
best wines and liqueurs around. When their sun became unstable, they left
their planet but they could never quite get the same quality as on their
original homeworld. This bottle is pre-exodus, so it's the best there is!"

Then Quark looked up at Sutton and asked worriedly, "What's the
catch!?"

"No catch."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

As Quark revered the bottle in his hands, Sutton made his way around to Dax
and asked quietly, "Is there any way we can get together and
discuss....'things'"?"

She smiled and replied, "You mean Kira?"

Sutton waved his hand in a sign for Dax to keep her voice down, then he
smiled, "She's meeting me here shortly."

"I'd say that you must be learning something on your own then. Maybe you
don't need any help.", she grinned.

"Dax, c'mon!"

"What's that you've got in your hands?"

"It's just a little something for Kira."

"Well,.....why don't we see how you get on tonight?"

"Dax!"

She laughed and Sutton shook his head smiling.


As Quark continued fondling the bottle, Rom came up to him asking, "What's
that you've got?"

"_This_ dear brother is something that you are never to touch! In fact I
should charge you for just looking at the label."



Sutton made his way up the spiral staircase and to his table. He looked
around and felt happier knowing the whole Erinassi incident was fading away
at last. Sutton smiled to himself thinking that although Odo might still be
looking into things on his own, he doubted whether he would get anything
out of Diora. And Sutton himself wasn't about to say reveal anything
either.


When Kira arrived, he stood up as she seated herself, and then he sat down.

She looked at the package on her side of the table and Sutton smiled, "It's
for you."

"Me?"

"Call it......a peace offering."

Kira took the package and unwrapped it to reveal a hand-sized base made
from a golden metal. It was inlaid with ornate Bajoran designs.

She put it onto the table and pressed one of the tiny buttons on its side.
A holographic image of a Bajoran bird appeared and it began to sing a
soothing melody as other ambient sounds of the forest accompanied it.

Kira looked up at Sutton and he smiled, "There's a whole library built into
it of different birds and habitat settings. If you close your eyes you can
imagine yourself on Bajor."

He waited for her reaction and she slowly smiled, which was a relief for
him.

"This must have been expensive."

"Nerys,.....I know I've been a lot of trouble lately and I'm hoping that
you'll forgive me."

"Don't expect that you can buy my forgiveness with this thing."

"I know that Nerys."

She listened for awhile to the bird singing and then turned it off to ask
him bluntly, "What's been going on between you and Diora?"

"Business, Nerys.........and it's going to stay that way. Diora's now where
she wanted to be,....as Commissioner."

Kira sat back saying, "I came here tonight to tell you how pig-headed and
stupid you've been lately. I don't know what you think you were up to but
you risked losing everything. So,....I want to know was it worth it?"

Sutton looked at her for a short while and sighed, "You're right Nerys. -
And was it all worth it? - Well maybe it was."

"You got a big trade deal out of it."

"That's for Bajor, not me."

She replied sharply, "That's not what I hear. You paid Quark months in
advance for this table and now you can afford to give me presents like
this. You're doing very well out of it alright."

"That's unfair! What money I do make is put to good use......and when
_I'm_ given gifts, I don't refuse them, Nerys."

Sutton realised he might have insulted Kira so he quickly added, "I'm not
corrupt Nerys. If I ever thought I was becoming that way then I'd quit this
whole business and leave it all behind."

A waiter arrived at their table and Sutton quietly asked her, "Are you
staying for dinner? - I'll.....understand if you don't."

There was a long pause and then Kira finally answered, "Yes."





"Well what do you think?", asked Dax.

O'Reilly looked up at Sutton and Kira to reply, "I don't think you're
right."

"I suppose you imagine they're just talking about trade up there?", she
smiled.

"It's none of business anyway."

They turned back to the bar and Dax asked, "What about _you_ Mike?"

"Me?"

She laughed, "I know you Lieutenants,....a girl in every port."

"Well,.....there _is_ someone......"

"Oh,...who?"

"She's a captain."

"A captain?"

"It's nobody you'd know."

"C'mon,....who is she?"

O'Reilly smiled and looked dreamily into his glass, "Kate Wilson, Captain
of the USS Andrell. - I've applied to be posted to it but I'm still
waiting for a notice. The ship's in for a re-fit in any case so maybe I
still have a chance."

Dax moved a little closer and smiled, "So tell me about Kate, Mike."

"We were at the Academy together. We weren't in the same year but at least
I still got to see her quite a lot. She was the best in her year so it's no
wonder she's become the youngest captain of a ship in Starfleet."

"Ohhh, _that_ Kate Wilson! Yes, I hear she's good at what she does. She
must be or otherwise Starfleet wouldn't have made her a captain."

"The Andrell is scheduled to go on an extended research mission into the
Gamma Quadrant. I'm hoping to be one of the crew."

"What'll you do if you don't get the posting, Mike?"

O'Reilly went quiet and Dax laughed, "Cheer up! The Ambassador's always
going to need a pilot."

"The Ambassador.....", O'Reilly groaned, and then he took a drink from his
glass.

"What's wrong with the Ambassador?"

He put his glass down and replied, "I took this posting because it sounded
interesting. Going into the Gamma Quadrant all the time, meeting new races,
seeing new worlds.......but in reality I've seen very little outside of
damned diplomatic grounds and function rooms."

"It's early days yet. I'm sure you'll--"

"And he's always trying to get me to spend more time on Bajor."

"What's wrong with that?"

"Well,.........I don't find Bajor interesting at all."

"What about Bajorans?"


He frowned at her and Dax assured him, "Listen, I promise not to say a word
to anyone."

O'Reilly sighed, "I just don't see them as the Ambassador does."

This time it was Dax's turn to frown and she replied, "You're pretty
strange Mike. For someone who's interested in other races, I would have
imagined you'd be excited to get to know about Bajorans better."

"Well I'm not. I don't care for the place, the people, _or_ their weird
customs."

"It's a good thing Kira isn't hearing any of this."

"And she'd better not.", he replied glaring at Dax.

O'Reilly emptied his glass and left.




* **** *



The waiter took the remains of their dinner away and Kira began playing
with the Bajoran holo-projector again.

When Kira smiled Sutton said, "Nerys, I know I've been a disappointment to
you."

She looked up and tried to reply but he held up his hand saying, "It's
true. And I promise I'll do my best to make it up."

Kira nodded then looked at him for a few long moments before saying,
"Paul,....what would you do if you _did_ give your position up?"

"I've only just got started in it."

"Yes, but if you weren't doing this job, then what would you be doing?"

Sutton thought for a few seconds before replying, "I don't
know,.....anything that benefits Bajor I suppose."

"What about politics?"

"Nerys, you know I can't stand politicians.", he smiled.

She smiled with him, "You could do things.....change things for the
better."

"I'm doing things right _now_ where I am."

"You could do well in politics Paul. You're already looked on favourably by
the people."

"Not by everyone."

"You could--"

"_No_. - I'm not getting into any politics and that's final."

They went quiet until he sighed, "I've got plans Nerys. Don't ask me to
tell you what they are because I won't. Just trust me. The Erinassi
agreement is only the beginning, you'll see."

"Plans have a way of changing,......so do people......and some never get
fulfilled."

He smiled, "Are you speaking from personal experience?"

"Maybe I am. It's best to be realistic about these things."

"I know what I'm doing."

Sutton leaned closer and looked into her dark eyes. He quietly asked, "You
_do_ still trust me don't you Nerys?"

She slowly smiled, "Just don't go making promises you can't keep."

"No,....that would make me a politician then, wouldn't it."



Dax looked up when she heard Kira and Sutton laughing. She smiled as she
decided that maybe Sutton didn't need her help with Kira after all.





* ************************* *



A Ferengi face appeared on the viewscreen in front of Quark and angrily
said, "If you're looking for cheap goods then you've got the wrong man
Quark! It's my cousin who deals in the low end of the market!"

"Hey! Did I say that I was buying!? No Ghent, I've got something to offer
_you_."

"Whatever you've dug up Quark, I'm not interested in it. I still remember
that deal you tried to put over me last time."

"That was a mistake. I realise now that you're a man of far better business
sense than your cousin,......if you pardon the observation."

"Well,.....what've you got?"

"A genuine bottle of unopened Delrian Cognac in perfect condition, and it's
pre-exodus."

"It's a fake."

"No, I've had it scanned. It's genuine, and what's more it's a good vintage
year."

"And how did _you_ get your hands on it?"

"Do you want it or not? I know you've got select customers who'll give you
top money for this, so my asking price is a fair one."

"Which is?"

"Fifteen bars of latinum."

"You're crazy! If it _is_ genuine then I'll give you four.....six if it's
a good year."

"I told you it was a good vintage so the price is fifteen. Take it or leave
it."

"Seven bars."

"You know,.....I might just give your cousin a call....."

Ghent growled, "Alright Quark, you can have your fifteen! - But it had
better be genuine!"

"We have a deal!"

"I'll send someone to collect it right away."

"Don't forget,....no money, no bottle."

"Say Quark,....how's that vole infested place of yours going out there?"

"I'm doing okay."

"Perhaps I could interest you in some quality wines then?  We could take
the price of them off of what I owe you for this Cognac."

"No, I'll stick with the deal we have."

"Let me know if you dig up any more interesting items."

Ghent ended the communications and Rom asked his brother, "Are you sure you
asked for enough?"

"I _could_ try selling it myself but I want to avoid the type of people
that go for this kind of stuff. They become fanatical about owning bottles
that they never drink, and they'll break peoples necks to get them.
No,...Ghent can take all the risk and I'll take the profit."

"So where do you think the Ambassador got it from then?"

"Who cares!? But I'll tell you one thing Rom, that man is the best thing
to come around for a long time."

"You mean for the Bajorans?"

"I mean for me!"




* ************************* *




Sisko sat back and listened to his own voice,.....

"Personal log,.....it's been almost six months now since the Erinassi
incident aboard the station. Ambassador Sutton has been very busy with a
lot of trips into the Gamma Quadrant as well as hosting many trade meetings
here on the station. The Bajoran Authorities seem extremely satisfied with
his work but there are many others like myself who've got doubts about him.

He and Kira regularly have dinner together but I can't get any information
about Sutton from her.

I keep asking myself would _I_ be as trusting as the Bajorans with Sutton
if he'd saved so many of my people?"


Sisko pressed a button to stop the playback, and then he pressed another to
add, "In these past months, Bajor has become the leading trade force in
this part of the sector. It's shifted old balances and whilst it hasn't
caused any problems yet, I believe it soon will.

Bajor's application to join the Federation seems to have been put on hold
while they experience this newfound position of power. I can only hope that
they don't abandon their efforts entirely.

Whilst my job has been difficult on occasions, I've always hoped that I'd
see Bajor join the Federation in my time.

Has Sutton changed that? --- I wish I knew."


     * ************************* *      * ************************* *


* ************************* *
* ************************* *
*        End of book 3      *
*     "Destiny Darkened"    *
* ************************* *
* ************************* *


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