#ds9 fan fiction

[maybeamultiverse]

i have an idea, a very lower starfleet officer try to prove the vulcan in the security is in fact a romulan spy who murder a captain of a ship. They end up fucking each other lol

Inspired by this message, I wrote A Matter of Security.

"The year is 2311. You are a junior security officer onboard the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-B), Approaching the Foxtrot Sector. One of your fellow Ensigns, a quiet Vulcan science officer, seems suspicious. Of course, nothing is as it seems as you navigate the catastrophic Tomed Incident and make a connection you never anticipated.

[[Self-insert Human Reader (no gender specified) x young!Vreenak]]"

Cheers, and have a happy new year, everyone! Jolan tru!

[alittlewordy]

Prompted Writing: A Matter Of Taste [Elim Garak x Julian Bashir (Garashir) Star Trek DS9 Fan Fiction]

Prompt: A: “can i kiss you?” B: “i'd be offended if you didn’t.” [x]

Word Count: 529

Warnings: None

Characters: Elim Garak, Julian Bashir

Summary: That dinner was their first date. Julian insisted on it. Garak played along, though he failed to understand the difference between this date and their weekly lunches. That was, until their walk to Garak's room, when usual conversation turned to a flustered doctor's attempt at romance.

---

"So," Julian said, "What did you think?"

"About your analysis of that melodramatic drivel you are insistent on labelling a classic?" Garak asked, eyes pinned to the closed turbolift doors. Julian sighed. The air brushed against Garak's cheek, a warm breeze in an otherwise cool space station.

"The Count of Monte Cristo is a classic. It has cultural significance and it withstood the test of time."

"Perhaps a reclassification of what humans consider classics is in order."

"I meant the date," Julian huffed. "What did you think about the date?"

"Ah, another matter humans must evaluate," Garak teased. The turbolift doors opened. Garak stepped free from the small space with a speed perhaps too fast for their banter.

"You can't be serious," Julian called after him. Garak paused is gait, allowed the doctor to match pace at his side. He took the chance to gaze at the bewilderment plastered across the good doctor's face. Wide eyes, slacked mouth, down-turned lips. Garak waved his scaled hand in the air, an attempt to fan the doctor's annoyance, and turned his gaze forward once more.

"That dinner was no different than our weekly lunches, except for your rather poor attempts at flattery. My dear doctor-"

"You could leave off doctor."

"I am not one of those unsophisticated women prancing about in your programs. I do not need, nor do I want, such commendation, and if that is the only alteration in our otherwise pleasant conversations, an assessment of what you consider a romatic evening is in order."

"Then what would you suggest?" Julian asked.

Garak's room was steps away. He could invite the man in, educate him on proper courtship throughout the evening. However, Garak did not believe himself to be prepared for the aftermath so soon into their courtship. Julian Bashir, though intelligent, was an emotional man who would gladly mirror the affection provided to him. Garak was certain such a quick escalation would be uncomfortable for himself, given that attempts at lasting relationships were new to him. No, Julian would have to stay out for the time being.

Instead, Garak turned, pressed his right hand in the middle of Julian's chest, and pushed him back first into the wall. His other hand remained at his side as he got close.

He savored Julian's warmth, his wide eyes, his tense body. Then Garak leaned into it, eyes half-lidded, smile toying.

"I would suggest you simply be yourself," Garak cooed. Julian swallowed. Nerves twittered under the human's skin. Garak watched the doctor lick his own lips, a tick. Garak brought his own to the surface and tilted is head a fraction to the right.

"Can I kiss you?" Julian asked. The question stumbled between them with the grace of a drunken loon. Garak let his eyes flick to, and linger on, the doctor's lips, before he glanced up at Julian's eyes again.

"I would be offended if you didn't, my dear."

Julian was a blur as the gap closed between them. Garak closed his eyes as Julian's lips pressed against his own. Warm, gentle, as natural as the coolness of the Federation run Cardassian station. Yet, somehow, the kiss felt just right.

[usstrekart]

There is little I can say about "Far Beyond the Stars" (S06E13, Stardate Unknown) that has not already been said. It is a masterpiece episode that succeeds on every premise it attempts. This would have been impossible to pull off with any other cast, and Avery's performance is mesmerizing.

I really wanted to do something different for this poster than just Benny or Ben looking at their reflection in the window. And the line of "dreamer and the dream" just kept coming back to me. I really like how this one turned out.

[creature-of-the-stars]

A Good Day

For my fic Terrhaha

A little Romulan girl who just walked out of the gift shop at the Ki Baratan Zoo on Romulus. The Terran wildlife exhibits are her favorite, so she begged her parents to get her a stuffed animal of Henry the crocodile, a Zion the tiger bracelet, and a balloon of one of the stegosaurs from the paleontology hologram exhibit. Now, she’s asking her dad if she can have an osol twist.

[danshive]

DS9: The Game Was Rigged From The Start

Quark: "I don't understand it. I'm such a smooth operator! Why do so many non-Ferengi rubes see through me?!"

Rom: "It could be universal translators."

Quark: "...Excuse me?"

Rom: "Well, brother, I, uh, have looked into how they work a bit, and, well... Translated Ferengi seems to sound... Sleezy?"

Quark: "Sleezy."

Rom: "Uh-huh. You could be saying almost anything in Ferengi, and it'd sound like that! Fascinating, huh, brother?"

Quark: "Yeah. Fascinating. And now I have to figure out who to sue."

[ariolimaxyz]

I am so stupid over my favorite characters I just wanna talk about octopuses with data.

[hawkp]

Just watched “The Sound of Her Voice” and um…. I think this is actually my favorite episode??

[ensignsimp]

This Blog is Made Possible by Viewers Like You, THANK YOU!

Computer, how do you give someone a hug on the internet?

I just woke up to a huge bombardment of requests and asks! And I love it! It makes me so happy! I'm so glad so many of you were able to find me again and I appreciate your support as I rebuild my page! Thank you all so much!

[writerobscura]

Fic Writer Tag

I was tagged by Anonymous - thanks, hoss.

How many works do you have on AO3?

I have 32 works on AO3, with an original work that is ongoing.

What’s your total AO3 word count?

There's nowhere that tells me, but a rough estimate? Over 260k

How many fandoms have you written for, and what are they?

At AO3? 5

Golden Kamuy (18) ALL OUT!! (6) Gungrave (4) Legend of the Galactic Heroes (2) Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1)

What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Stolen Soul is my fandom opus featuring the rare pair of OTANI/TANIO (Ogata/Tanigaki/Ogata), and it's got 89 Kudos.

In second place is Shōganai, another Golden Kamuy fic with 76 Kudos. It is part of a tetralogy of Hyakunosuke Ogata/Genjirou Tanigaki stories that begin pre-canon and end just before the raid on Abashiri.

The three remaining stories in that tetralogy round out my top five: Don't Look at Me, Haitsu Taiken, and Bunkatsu-sen—all with 76-73 ish Kudos each.

Do you respond to comments, why or why not?

I always thank readers for commenting, and if I know them from other outlets, I will converse a bit.

What’s the fic you’ve written with the angstiest ending?

Most of my fan fiction has angsty endings. One that stands out is Beta Clones (a Star Trek DS9 fic).

Do you write crossovers? If so, what is the craziest one you’ve written?

No.

Have you ever received hate on a fic?

Oh, absolutely - but never in the comments.

GK fandom provided mostly anons and neck-talkers and sub-tweeters that slagged me as a person and sometimes insulted my fiction.

Say what you want about my work and its themes bothering you, I don't care - but making up shit about me was a whole other kind of strange I wasn't ready for...

Do you write smut? If so what kind?

Oh, I write me some smut - and it's typically gay.

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

I've had two of my published works, and an unpublished script plagiarized. Never checked my fanfic.

Have you ever had a fic translated?

I've had five of my published works translated and a few of my Gungrave fics translated.

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Fanfiction - no. Fan comics - yes, I consider the artists my co-writers.

What’s your all-time favourite ship?

Oh wow - it's a tie between KUGASHIRA/LEE (Gungrave) and OTANI/TANIO (Ogata/Tanigaki/Ogata)

What’s a WIP that you want to finish but don’t think you ever will?

I'd love to finish Nach vorn Kommen (a LOGH fic), but I don't think it's in the stars.

What are your writing strengths?

I want to say dialogue.

What are your writing weaknesses?

Narrative pacing. I'm used to writing for artists or actors - not readers. I'm getting better.

What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic?

If I don't know the language, I find a native speaker to make sure I write it correctly. For original work, I use Italics and then denote the language being spoken in a dialogue tag.

What was the first fandom you wrote for?

Fandom? Oh, wow. Gundam Wing? My first fanfic, though, was Facts of Life, and I was about 12.

What’s your favourite fic you’ve written?

I typically write stories or pairings I cannot find elsewhere. That being said, I like all my fics and don't have a diehard favorite - but I'm very fond of Obstacle, an AO!! fic featuring Daigo Takashi and Iwashimizu Sumiaki.

I don't know anyone here enough to tag them - if you see thisand you write fanfic, feel free to take it.

[alittlewordy]

Short Story: Parasite [Star Trek DS9 Fan Fiction]

Prompt: "It's too late for you now." + "I'm scared -" [x]

Word Count: 3,957

Warnings: Whump, Parasites, Body Horror, Pain, Screaming, Crying, Begging, Hurt/Comfort, Swearing, Phasers

Characters: Benjamin Sisko, Julian Bashir, Jadzia Dax, Elim Garak, 2 named OCs, 3 unnamed extras

Pairing: Julian Bashir/Elim Garak

Summary: Julian Bashir was called to a medical conference. The Admiral in charge insisted that the doctor arrive alone. Benjamin Sisko went with him, against orders, to ensure the doctor's safe travels and to adhere to policies regarding officer safety during the war. Unfortunately, officer safety was not a priority. At least, not for Julian and Benjamin, as those involved with the conference were trying to prove Julian's augmentation was a threat, by any means necessary.

Read On AO3

---

"Captain, can I speak candidly for a moment?" Dr. Bashir asked. Benjamin peered at the Chief Medical Officer in the passenger's seat of the shuttle. His eyes were on his PADD, fingers on the sides, body unmoved by the words.

"Go ahead," Benjamin said. Julian looked at him then. His concern was palpable.

"This conference was properly vetted, correct?"

Benjamin furrowed his brows and turned his gaze to the doctor. "You believe it wasn't?"

Julian's head snapped up and wide eyes stared back at him. His mouth floundered for a moment, the face mirroring those he'd make the first years they were on the station together. Benjamin felt a pang of nostalgia. It wasn't unwanted. "Well, no, not... not me."

"Not you?"

Julian sighed and looked at the PADD again, body still faced towards Benjamin. He could tell the CMO wasn't reading the words on the display.

"Garak said the timing and subject matter of the conference seemed out of place, given the war. I reassured him the conference was fine, but I can't get the idea that this could be a trap out of my head."

Benjamin's eyes narrowed at the mention of the Cardassian spy. Personal feelings aside, he never cared for his Chief Medical Officer mingling with the spy in such an intimate way. Still, Mister Garak was protective, especially after the events with Julian's parents, and Benjamin had to admit to himself that the Cardassian's presence was welcome in that sense. This news regarding Garak's concern, however, was not.

This news meant Benjamin and Garak had similar thoughts regarding the nature of the conference. Benjamin didn't go so far to believe it was a trap, of course, but there were other matters that led to his unease.

Still, Benjamin crossed his right leg over his left and laced his fingers together on his lap.

"Mister Garak is suspicious of many matters at the moment," Benjamin said, an attempt at a soother, "However, Admiral Evans sent the invitation personally and I did speak with her regarding the conference prior to your acceptance."

Julian looked up and frowned. "You spoke with the admiral? Why?"

"I cannot let my staff leave the station, or the Defiant, without proper verification that they will be protected from the Dominion."

"Is that way you came with me? To... protect me?"

"No. If this were about protection, I would have sent Constable Odo or a different member of the security team."

"Then... why?"

"The admiral was insistent that you come to this conference alone. I don't give a damn what she says, I will not let my staff leave the station alone at this time, regardless of the situation, and I will be discussing that with her. In person."

Julian looked away and nodded. "I see," left his mouth entangled with a sigh.

"Mister Garak expressed that my departure with you was suspicious as well, I take it."

"Yes," Julian said, "I told him I was sure there was a reason for it, but he wasn't convinced."

"Well, you can assure Mister Garak when we get back that I have no intention of letting you leave the station without careful consideration."

Julian gave a soft smile and a nod once more. "Thank you, sir."

The shuttle controls beeped. Benjamin glanced towards the console. An incoming call from a warship, the USS Salvation. Benjamin pressed the button on the console to accept the call.

"Thank you for joining us, Doctor Bashir," a familiar female voice chimed, delight layered against authority, "You'll be able to dock in the shuttle bay."

"We will certainly do that, thank you Admiral," Benjamin said.

The silence brought the tiniest smile to his lips.

"Captain Sisko. I told you that Doctor Bashir's invitation was for him alone." Same voice, but it was layered with venom. It was a tone that was not taken with him during their initial call. He felt Julian's eyes flick to him. No doubt the doctor caught that tone as well. Benjamin let his smile slide away.

"And I told you that I would not allow that. You will accept both of us or we will be returning to Deep Space Nine immediately."

"You don't have the authority to-"

"I have the authority to deny my Chief Medical Officer's invitation to any conference I wish, and I can revoke my acceptance at any time. We are in the middle of a war, Admiral, and I will not let any of my staff leave Deep Space Nine unaccompanied. You will accept both of us, or we will return to the station and I will send my already written report regarding your deliberate disregard for officer safety to Starfleet without hesitation."

The silence that followed was heavy. Benjamin didn't like it.

There was more to that quiet than disobeyed orders from a lower rank. His arrival with Julian disrupted plans. His gut told him to flee, to return to the station with the doctor and send the report the moment he stepped back on the station.

"Fine," Evans spat, "There's one shuttle bay. We'll pull you in."

The call disconnected from the Admiral's side. Benjamin leaned back in his chair and frowned at the console.

"Sir?"

The tractor beam caught the shuttle and pulled it towards the Salvation.

"It's alright, Doctor," Benjamin said, "I will ensure nothing goes awry. I suggest you focus on the conference."

"Right," Julian said. Out of the corner of his eye, Julian stood and walked behind the chairs, out of sight. Benjamin watched out the cockpit window as the shuttle moved towards the open bay. Then he stood and turned to the back of the shuttle as well. Julian brought his bag over his head and let it cross his body. It settled as naturally as the uniform.

Benjamin stood next to him and grabbed a phaser.

"Is that necessary?" Julian asked.

"We are in the middle of a war," Benjamin answered, a parrot of previous words. He fastened the phasor to his belt, then glanced at Julian. The doctor caught his eye, then turned away. Benjamin did not miss the palpable concern that seeped from Julian once again.

The shuttle stopped. The USS Salvation trapped the shuttle and hissed at the arrival. Benjamin shut off the shuttle, waited for pressurization outside the shuttle to normalize, then opened the door.

The bay was void of any other Starfleet vessels.

Two people approached. First was the admiral, a blond, blue eyed, pale woman with a smile that didn't touch her eyes. The other, a brunette man, skin as white as the admirals. The pips on his collar indicated Lieutenant, the color of his uniform said sciences.

"Thank you for coming, Doctor Bashir," the admiral said, her voice back to a chipper tone, "Please allow Doctor Duke to show you to the conference room."

Julian glanced at him. Benjamin didn't want them separated, and it was clear the doctor didn't want to be alone. However, they were on the ship and the Salvation wasn't large. He would find the doctor quickly once he and the admiral were done with their verbal spar. He nodded to the doctor. Julian turned and nodded to Admiral Evans.

"Thank you, Admiral."

His voice was polite, even, poised. Benjamin could help the small spark of pride as Julian stepped off the shuttle and walked with the Lieutenant out of the bay.

"We'll talk in my office," Admiral Evans said. Her voice was dark once again, though the venom was tamed to a degree. She turned and walked. Benjamin followed. They snaked down a corrodor, opposite the direction the doctors walked, and stepped into a small office.

There was barely enough room for the two chairs and desk that were tucked inside. This was not intended to be an office. A small storage room, perhaps. The doors shut. The admiral turned. A phaser was pointed at him.

"Hands up," she said.

"Admiral-"

"I said hands up, Captain Sisko."

Benjamin complied and put his hands up next to his head, away from his phaser.

"Where is the report?" she asked.

"What report?"

"The report regarding my 'deliberate disregard for officer safety'. Where. Is. It?"

"On Deep Space Nine."

"So you can't send it here?" An edge of triump slipped into the admiral's words.

"I instructed one of my officers to send it should the doctor and I not arrive back to the station on time," Benjamin lied. Though, he was certain Mister Garak would find the report and handle the matter, whether it was through the Federation or not.

"You told your crew that you were disobeying orders?" she sneered.

"I told them we're in a war and the report was to ensure transparency of our intentions before departure." Another lie, but he knew that wouldn't matter at this point. The admiral believed him and he knew it. He could see it in the conflict waging in her eyes.

"I know Admiral Bennett made you keep it," she said. She put the phaser down. Benjamin's hands dropped with it.

"Keep what?" Benjamin asked.

"That thing parading around as a doctor," she spat. She put the phaser on her belt and rounded the desk. "That augment. I'm doing you a favor as much as the rest of the Federation. You should be thanking me for this instead of disobeying orders and writing a report."

Heat and bile bubbled in his stomach, a cauldron of emotion ready to boil over.

"Thanking you for what?" Benjamin asked. Venom coated his own words this time. She was quiet once again. Buying time? Contemplation? Benjamin put his hand on his phaser. "For what, Admiral?" The words snapped, a bark before the bite.

"That augment is a danger to the Federation. We all know it. You know it, too, Captain. We are simply ensuring everyone sees the danger it poses so no other augments even dream of joining Starfleet. It's for the greater good."

Benjamin pulled his phaser from his belt, ensured it was only on stun, and fired. The admiral fell.

Before she hit the ground, Benjamin turned and fled the office. He ran through the corridors and glanced in rooms in search of Julian. Each room he searched through were empty. It wasn't void of people. Furniture was missing. Bunks, chairs, consoles, all gone, as if the Salvation was under renovations.

A scuffle caught his ear. He slowed and clutched the phaser as he eased towards it. The scuffle came from a closed door. It didn't open upon Benjamin's approach. Next to the door, the manual release had a large, red light. He shot it. The metal tore open. The door opened.

Inside, four pale doctors stood around a medical bed. Three doctors had their hands on the figure in that bed, two at his legs, one at the torso, even though restraints kept his wrists pinned to the metal sides. The fourth doctor stood at the head of the form, hands over the mouth of the struggling, lanky form that arched his back and pulled at the restraints and hands with no release.

Benjamin shot.

One doctor fell to a heap, then another. The third turned to him before Benjamin shot them too. The last doctor, Doctor Duke, flung his hands up. The form, the captured Julian Bashir, gasped and coughed.

"It's too late for you now," Doctor Duke said.

Benjamin fired. The doctor fell. Phaser still in hand, Benjamin rushed to Julian's side and pressed a button to release the metal restraints. They both snapped open.

"Come on, doctor," Benjamin said, "We're leaving."

He pulled Julian to a sitting position, then to his feet. The bag Julian brought, and still wore, brushed against Benjamin's hip. Julian screamed and hunched over, arms clutching his stomach. Benjamin grabbed the doctor's right arm and forced it over his own shoulders. His own left arm circled around Julian's back. His other arm kept his phaser poised.

"Come on," he repeated. He forced Julian to walk through the halls and back to the shuttle bay. Every few steps, screams of various volumes escaped the doctor's mouth. Benjamin felt Julian's right hand fist the shoulder of his uniform the whole way.

Once in the shuttle, Benjamin pulled the bed free from the back shuttle wall and eased Julian on it. He closed the shuttle, stowed the phaser, commanded the bay doors to open from the shuttle console, and flew the shuttle out. All the while, Julian's screams settled into pained moans behind gritted teeth.

"Computer," Benjamin said, "Alert me when we are communication distance to Deep Space Nine."

The computer beeped its confirmation.

"C-Captain."

Benjamin put the shuttle on autopilot and returned to Julian.

The doctor was tense, eyes squeezed shut, a sweat coated his forehead. Uneven, quick breaths rattled between gasps and prolonged moans, near screams. Both arms were wrapped around his stomach, clutched as hard as Julian's hand had been on the shoulder of his uniform. Benjamin put his hand on Julian's right shoulder.

"I'm here, Doctor."

Julian's eyes fluttered open. Tears trembled against brown and white.

"You need..." Julian gasped. "You need to lock me in the quarters."

"I'm not going to do that," Benjamin said, "Whatever they did to you, we'll handle it together."

"P-please, I don't... I don't want to... hurt... yo-" Julian's scream stunted that last word. The doctor's eyes squeezed shut again. A tear rolled down his cheek.

"You won't hurt me," Benjamin assured him.

"I won't be able to control it." Julian rushed the words out in a single breath through gritted teeth.

"What do you mean?"

Julian moaned, gasped, trembled. "P-PADD."

Benjamin opened Julian's bag, still around the doctor's body, and fished out the PADD. The screen lit. On the screen, a medical report, complete with a picture.

The picture showed a stout worm, urchin-like spines protruded, short, sharp. Diphyllobothrium Sterol was typed underneath. Benjamin scrolled through the report and read about the stunted tapeworm, how it infected the host through the digestive system, how it clung to the stomach and injected steroids into the body to defend itself from stomach acids, how the host would mutate over the course of two hours until becoming a violent hulk of its formal self. There was no note about removal, or a cure.

"Computer, how long until we get into communication range of Deep Space Nine?" Benjamin asked.

"Two hours, sixteen minutes, and forty-seven seconds."

Dammit. Benjamin put the PADD down and returned to the doctor. "What can we do to stall the effects?" Benjamin asked.

"W-we can't," Julian whispered.

"I'm not going to accept that, Doctor," Benjamin said, "Do we have something on this shuttle that could work as a steroid resistor? We don't need to kill it. We just need time to get within communication range of the station so the Defiant can meet us."

"M-maybe. There's a..." Julian grunted. "Hypospray in my kit. Blue cartrage."

Benjamin pulled the medical kit from Julian's bag and open it. Tucked inside, along with other instruments, was a hypospray and a number of cartrages. Benjamin picked up the hypospray and inserted the cartrage. It snapped into place.

"Stomach," Julian instructed in a gasp. Benjamin unzipped Julian's uniform jacket, then pulled up the shirt underneath. Benjamin didn't need to ask where specifically. Under the doctor's skin was a lump that already bruised his torso. That lump moved when Benjamin pulled the fabric up.

"P-please!" Benjamin knew that Julian choked back a scream with that plea.

Benjamin pressed the hypospray on that lump and released the compound. The lump lurched. Julian screamed, ragged, prolonged. Benjamin tried to ignore it as he watched the lump writhe, then ease, and finally still. Benjamin pulled the doctor's shirt down and looked at his face.

More tears fell in that time. Trembling lips caught shaky breaths that slowed in tempo with passing seconds. His whole body shook after a few moments. Benjamin removed his uniform jacket and draped it over Julian's torso and arms.

"Th-thank you," Julian whispered.

"How much time does that give us?" Benjamin asked.

Julian swallowed and opened his eyes. Tears still smeared the color in them. "I don't know. It's an emergency dose of P450ssc and this is not the intended purpose."

"Is there anything else we can use?"

"No, it's the only steroid inhibitor I have."

"I'll try to find something else that will help," Benjamin said, "You get some rest."

Julian nodded and closed his eyes. Benjamin picked up the PADD, sat on the floor next to the bed, and read through the report in full. Then, he clicked on one recommended link, then another. The additional pages didn't provide much additional information. He clicked a third link. This page was long, full of medical jargin that Benjamin wasn't familiar with. Still, he trudged through it as best as he could.

A fourth of the way through this new page, Julian groaned. Benjamin looked towards the doctor. Julian was lying down, but his body shifted, movements rigid. Then, he jolted. A scream ripped free.

"No, no, no," Julian whispered, the parade of words mutated into a long moan. Benjamin climbed to his feet and leaned over the doctor again. His right hand touched the doctor's right shoulder.

"Computer, how long until we are in communication range?" Benjamin asked.

"One hour, thirty-four minutes, eighteen seconds."

Hopefully they bought enough time.

"Once we're in range, send an SOS to the station. Give the our location and request emergency medical personnel on the Defiant to our location immediately. Request steroid inhibitors and notify that surgery will be necessary."

The computer beeped in confirmation.

"Th-they won't make it," Julian said. His voice was torn, ruptured by the plethra of screams that forced their way from the doctor's body. Benjamin sat on the edge of the bed and moved his right hand to Julian's neck. Thumb pressed against Julian's right cheek. His left hand rested on Julian's left shoulder. He realized it was akin to how he'd hold Jake in a similar situation.

"They'll make it," Benjamin said, his voice as even as he could make it, "And I'll stay with you until they do."

Julian jolted and wailed. Benjamin rubbed his thumb against Julian's cheek. Again, like he would do for Jake. It felt natural with Julian as well, like the man had become a son to him over these years.

When did that happen? And why in the hell did he only realize it now?

Benjamin stayed with him. Stayed with each scream, with each fallen tear, with each moan, each whimper, each whispered plea. As minutes ticked by, the doctor's tan skin seemed to swell with blue veins. They slipped through like inching snakes through wet sand. In moments where Julian quieted, when breaths were held under intense pain, Benjamin spoke, words steady. "I'm here", "Hang in there", "We're almost there", all fell off his lips with no restraint. As the veins slipped under his neck, to his jaw, he trembled.

"I-I'm scared," Julian whispered, "I-I don't want to hurt anyone. Please-"

"You're not going to hurt anyone. I will make sure of that. I promise, Julian."

It was the first time he'd said the doctor's name. His professional nature demanded he take it back. His fatherly one told him it was the right thing. That was affirmed when Julian's hands grasped his elbows and let out a loud sob.

"SOS sent."

Benjamin was grateful for the computer's message. The grip on his elbows tightened. It bordered painful. Julian whimpered.

"Incoming call from the Defiant."

"Go ahead," Benjamin said. Julian caught his breath and muted a moan with closed lips.

"Benjamin, what's going on?" Dax asked through the speaker. There was panic in Jadzia's words.

"Julian has been infected with Diphyllobothrium Sterol. He needs surgery to remove it as soon as possible. How soon can you get to our location?"

"At warp, a few minutes," Dax answered. If she noticed the change in Benjamin's addressing of the doctor, she didn't voice it.

"I'll stop the shuttle so you can beam us and the shuttle to the Defiant on your arrival," Benjamin said, "Make sure the medical personnel has everything they need to complete the surgery on the Defiant."

"We'll do that," Dax said.

Hands clawed at his elbows. A string of muted whimpers slipped from clamped lips. Benjamin couldn't tell if the forced silence was out of embarrassment or consideration.

"Computer, end call."

A beep of confirmation. Julian let the scream free. Benjamin waited until a sob ended the scream to speak again.

"Computer, stop shuttle."

The shuttle eased to a stop. Blue veins inched through Julian's cheeks. Benjamin felt the skin raise under his thumb. Benjamin leaned forward and put his forehead to Julian's.

"A few more minutes, Julian. You've done great. Just a little longer."

Julian squirmed and sobbed under him.

"I-I can't." Julian's voice was strained, outside any normalcy the doctor held in that tone. It was as if the voice wasn't his own any longer.

"You can. Stay with me."

Benjamin felt the pull of a teleporter then. Julian remained firm in his grasp. The shuttle vanished in streams of gold and was replaced with the Defiant infirmary. Doctors and nurses swarmed. Benjamin's jacket was lefted from Julian. Benjamin raised his head as Julian's shirt was unzipped. The lump grew, spines noticeable under the skin. It throbbed at the movement and Julian wailed. A hypospray touched that lump and hissed in activation. Another touched the left side of Julian's neck. Pained moans turned to shaky breaths to a steady pace. Benjamin lifted his hands away and stood.

"Make sure he lives," Benjamin said.

"Yes, sir," one doctor responded.

Benjamin left the infirmary, and Julian, behind.

The Defiant's trip back to the station and subsequent communications with others were a blur of questions and confirmations of Julian's wellbeing. Benjamin ignored them all and went to his office. He didn't bother to lock the doors. Instead, he sat at his desk and typed up another report regarding the USS Salvation and Admiral Evans while he waited for the inevitable visitor.

Who arrived halfway through drafting the report.

The doors opened and closed. Benjamin didn't bother looking up from his work.

"What are their names?" Garak. Monotone, but Benjamin knew the malice was hidden in those words.

"I can't tell you that."

"No, you won't tell me because of your Federation loyalty to the war efforts. I can assure you, if you insist on hiding the names and actions of these deplorable-"

Benjamin snapped to his feet and glared. "They will not be hidden!"

Garak was unmoved, though a glint of suprise widened the Cardassians eyes.

"What those people did to Doctor Bashir will be handed to the highest members of the Federation and every senior member of staff. Their names will be everywhere in this damn quadrant in less than an hour. They will be arrested, interrogated, barred from Starfleet, and imprisoned. Then, I will ensure the rest of their lives they are haunted by their actions and the beliefs that led them there. I will not allow them to disappear in the layers of bureaucracy to hide behind titles they do not deserve. This would be worse than any painful death you attempt to thrust upon them. Do I make myself clear?"

Garak lifted his head slowly. "I trust you will be a man of your word."

"You know damn well that I am."

Garak bowed his head. Then, he turned and left. The doors shut behind him. Benjamin took a shaky breath, then sat and continued his report once more. When it was done, he sent it as he promised Garak he would.

[maybeamultiverse]

'A Matter of Security' Chapter 2: Provocation

Read it here.

[whats-those]

[Rating: Teen and Up Audiences

Warnings: None

Fandoms: Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Pairings: Julian Bashir/Elim Garak (Garashir)

Summary: Jadzia finds out that Julian is in a new relationship, but he refuses to tell her who it's with. Fledging Garashir from the POV of Jadzia Dax.

Words: 4426 (1/1 chapters)]

———

Yay Garashir! I'm really proud of this so I hope y'all enjoy it. I had my best friend beta it and they have never watched a single episode of DS9 or Star Trek in general so they told me this is their canon now, which I am very honored by.

The title is from the song Disintegration by the Cure, which is a good Garashir song imo by one of my favorite bands of all time :-)

[danshive]

Definitely a Simple Tailor

"Mr. Garak. I know this is an... Odd request, but is there any chance you have former customers on Cardassia with information we can use?"

"Mr. Worf, as amusing as your confusion has been in the past, I must admit, I have grown weary of it. I will deny having said this, but my past in the Obsidian Order is well known by the senior staff of this station. Constable Odo in particular can confirm this, should you simply ask him."

"NOW you claim to have been a spy? I thought you above this 'prank.' Did Jadzia put you up to this? She insists she did not start that rumor, but... We waste time. Can you help, or not?"

"Very well. As I do so often these days, I resign myself to my situation. I will see what illumination my 'former customers' can provide."

"Good."

[connanro]

ain't that just the way

(from letters never sent)

[creature-of-the-stars]

So, I noticed this morning that The Stowaway had broken 1000 hits! 🎉

This is a milestone I neglected to celebrate with past fics, so here is a big thank you to everyone who has read and keeps reading Solok and Layla - I'm excited to bring you more soon 💚

Image made using a lot of pngs from different free png sites, as well as Canva images. Also, if you love the starship schematics I have included in this for the nebula class starship (which is what the T'Kumbra is btw), then head on over here - can't gush about this cool resource enough.

Masterlist

[lemonsunset-bookshop]

Strange and Distant Shores

by gryvon

In 2398, reporter Felix Marian interviews Chairman Garak and Ambassador Bashir about the formation of the Cardassian Democratic Union and ends up learning more about Cardassia than he intended.

One of the more interesting covers I've done for my "Journal styles" books. Just some glitter washi tape and my first attempt making a title with my Cricut. I used some old vinyl I got from a friend and a very slim script so it was a paint to get on, but it looks nice and was a good learning experience. I also had a little fun inside with the inner image. No special page breaks because I hadn't decided to do that yet.

This one is such great fun. A series of scenes switching between the reporter talking to Garak and Julian and Julian and Garak coming together when Julian first arrived on Cardassia. It's got plenty of humor and softness as well as a bit of spice. It's wonderfully written and a joy to read.