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Chapter 5

Several months later, Dr. Bashir administered a routine physical to a young Cardassian, at a Bajoran orphanage.  "All done," he told his young patient, "you're in perfect health."

In tired amusement, he watched the child hurry out.  He had been giving physicals all day and longed for a rest.  Happily, he had not found any new or serious ailments among these youngsters.  This orphanage took good care of its children, unlike some he had recently visited. Bashir's brow darkened, momentarily.  He brightened, immediately, when Garak walked in.

"Good evening, Garak," Julian said.

"Good evening, Doctor.  I hope the physicals went well."

"Excellently!  These children are in very good health."

"That is pleasing to here.  Are you ready for dinner?"

Julian grinned, "Famished!  Where are we eating?" He quickly finished packing and slung his kit over his shoulder.

"The Major recommended a local restaurant.  She says the food is good, the atmosphere is pleasant and the owners are tolerant."

Sadness touched Julian's heart; must there always be bad feelings, reminders of pain and hatred?  He hid his thoughts and said, "That sounds perfect.  I need to talk with the orphanage's head for a moment, then we can go."
 

Garak and Julian strolled toward the village.  Both were lost in their own thoughts, but the silence was companionable.  The evening was warm and the setting sun cast a golden glow across the sky.  A perfectly
glorious night it was, especially for romance.  Unfortunately, neither man completely understood the other's feelings, so they did not seize the moment.

They arrived at the restaurant, just as the sun finished setting.  They ate outside, by candlelight, and discussed inconsequential matters.  The courses were delicious, and both ate with relish.  Everything went fine, until there was a slight commotion inside.  It lasted only a moment, but piqued the men's interest.  When the waiter came to check on them, Garak asked him about it.

"It was nothing, Sir, merely a drunk."

The Cardassian thanked him and returned his attention to Julian.  He saw his friend's face and froze.  Julian's good cheer had vanished; his face had crumpled.  "Doctor," Garak said, softly, "you're thinking of Perez,
aren't you?"

"I was wondering what happened to him." 

"Doctor, he tried to hurt you, maybe even kill you."

"I know, but I cannot blame him for it.  That was the alcohol acting, not him."

Garak snorted, "That's why you did not press charges.  The Constable could only charge him with disorderly conduct and inciting a riot.  The Bajoran justice system was quite lenient with him.  I think they released him last month."

"But, what will he do now?" Julian asked, gloomily.

Garak shook his head, in exasperation, "He got into this mess himself."

"I know, but alcoholism is a disease, too.  I just wish he had let me help him."

The two lapsed into silence.  Finally, Garak stirred, "Come, Doctor, we should be getting back."

Julian rose, "I am sorry for ruining our dinner, Garak."

Unusually, Garak spoke without thought, "No time I spend with you could ever be ruined."  *Guls, did I say that?*

Julian's eyes filled with tears, but his smile was blinding.  "That is the most wonderful thing anyone ever said to me.  Thank you, Garak, for being the one to say it."

Garak didn't answer.  So beautiful and vulnerable seemed his Julian that Garak feared words.  He was so close to revealing his heart, but he was so afraid.  Truth did not come easily to his lips, and what if Julian
rejected him?  Julian, his last refuge; his reason for going on with life.  No, better hide his love and keep Julian's friendship, then lose him altogether.
 

Julian practically floated to their lodgings, his spirits soaring from Garak's unexpected admission.  Upon arriving, they found Major Kira waiting for them.  She invited them to the patio for a drink.

Garak wondered at her solicitous and slightly agitated manner.  "Is something wrong, Major?" he inquired.

She glared at him, annoyed by her own transparentness.  "I am afraid so.  Does either of you need to return to the station right away?"  Both men shook their heads and she continued, relieved, "My friend told me that the residents of Loshanat, a small mountain village, are suffering from some sort of disease.  Due to the village's remoteness and Bajor's financial difficulties, the government has been unable to send help. Recently, however, several residents died.  The village leaders have requested aid, from the first available source.  That would be us."

Bashir piped up, "We should leave immediately, then." 

"Wait, Doctor, the village lies in a high mountain valley, completely surrounded by high cliffs.  Due to an unusual mineral, in the cliffs, no transmissions can be sent directly from the village.  That is another reason why they have had difficulty obtaining medical aid.  We will also have to stay at the village, until you finished treating everyone."

Bashir nodded understanding, then glanced at Garak.  Garak caught his glance and said, "I will accompany you, if you have no objections."

"I value your companionship, Garak."

Kira's eyes narrowed, "I am not sure the residents of Loshanat will have the same opinion."

Bashir frowned at her, but Garak mildly said, "I will endeavor not to provoke anyone."

The major started to comment further, but decided against it.  "I'll notify Captain Sisko.  We'll leave at 0700 hours, tomorrow.  Good night, gentlemen."  She got up and sauntered off.

Julian finished his drink and stood up, "If we are to leave so early, I should be getting to bed."

*I wish I could join you.*   "Good night, Doctor."

Julian regarded him, with gentle concern, "You require rest, too."

"I shall be up, directly," Garak said, a trifle annoyed.

Grinning a little at Garak's response, Julian nodded and went in.  Garak lingered a few minutes, his heart and mind at odds with each other. Finally, he sighed and followed the doctor inside.
 

The morning arrived, crisp and clear.  Garak, Bashir and Kira piled into their runabout.  They made the trip in silence.  Both Kira and Bashir worried about what they might find at the village.  Garak's thoughts revolved around Julian Bashir, no matter how often he tried to direct them to another subject.

Major Kira steered the Ganges up the slope of a high mountain.  They flew low over a small valley, in which nestled the town.  Composed mostly of farms, the village's fields filled the valley.  A small cluster of buildings comprised the main part of Loshanat.

The only entrance to the town, other then by air, was a narrow road. The road was surrounded by high cliffs, on which perched large, menacing boulders.  In fact, the entire town lay in the path of a talus slope, covered with large rocks.  A few boulders littered the valley, having rolled from their former positions.

Kira landed the runabout about twenty meters from the main part of the village.  The three disembarked and walked toward the center of town.  A small group came out to greet them.

"Thank the Prophets you're here," a middle-aged man exclaimed.

"We came as soon as we heard.  I am Major Kira Nerys, this is Doctor Julian Bashir and Mr. Garak."

The Bajoran man quickly turned to Bashir, "Please, Doctor, many of our people are very sick.  We desperately need your assistance."

"Of course, please lead the way." The entire group disappeared into a nearby building, leaving Kira and Garak alone.

"Not very hospitable of them, just abandoning us here in the street," Garak grumbled.

Kira reluctantly agreed, then shrugged, "We might as well look around."

The two walked around the area, taking in the dilapidated buildings, the careworn residents and the general air of poverty.  Kira shuddered, the place brought up unpleasant memories.

Seeing her shudder, Garak said, "Perhaps we should find a suitable place for our lodgings."

Kira nodded, grateful for something to do.

Starting back to the runabout, Kira paused in front of a building whose door was open.  Curious, she walked up, with Garak trailing behind her. They looked in and saw the place was a bar.  About a dozen people
patronized it, and one looked distinctly familiar.

"Perez," Kira breathed.

Garak also saw him.  *Well, now we know what happened to him.  I wish we did not.* "Major, I doubt he wishes to see us, especially me." Garak pulled away from the doorway.

"I concur.  He doesn't look very good." She also stepped back.

*His degradation will hurt Julian.*  "Major, if you do not mind, I would like to tell Dr. Bashir about finding Perez."

Kira regarded him, interested, "Both of you had run-ins with Perez, didn't you?"

"Yes, he physically assaulted Dr. Bashir, twice."

 "And both times you stopped him."

Garak ignored the remark, "He may attack him again."

Kira squared her shoulders and a look of maternal protectiveness appeared on her features.  "We won't let him touch Julian."

Amused, Garak thought, *She likes him, despite herself.  His gentleness and compassion have affected her, too.*

They finished their walk in silence.  Returning to the runabout, each fell about their task.
 

Night brought a gentle breeze, which chilled the air.  Garak stood outside, admiring the bright stars.

Julian called, not long after he and the Major returned to the runabout, and said he would be pulling an all-nighter.  "These people are suffering from heavy metal poisoning.  Probably all the villagers are poisoned to some extent.  Everyone will have to be tested," Julian said, "I can treat them, but, until the underlying cause is found, they will continue to get sick."

Major Kira said, "Finding the cause will give us something to do.  We will get on it, first thing tomorrow."

Julian smiled his thanks, "I better get back to my patients.  Some of them are extremely ill and will die, without proper treatment."

Garak did not have an opportunity to tell Julian about Perez.  He hoped the young doctor would be spared a meeting, at least until Garak told him.  Bashir was too busy to be told now, at any rate.

Garak's gaze found a particularly brilliant star.  *A wishing star.* He wrinkled his nose, in distaste.  *When did I become soft and sentimental?* Still, he continued to stare at it.  Softly, in his head, he heard Julian's voice, *Starlight, star bright, first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight* "I wish I could find the courage to tell Julian of my love for him."

The Cardassian returned to the group's temporary lodgings.  The stars shone on, but, for a brief instance, one appeared to flash even more brightly.
 

Chapter 6
 

Enrique Perez started drinking in order to forget.  Now, he drank to punish himself.  He hated, no, he loathed himself and his actions, since the accident.  He threw away his career, rejected his friends and hurt good people, all because he could not face the truth.  His mistake started the chain of events leading to the crash.  He could not live with that knowledge, so he drank.  Drinking did not alleviate his anger, however.  Instead, it directed it outwardly, toward other people, like Dr. Bashir.

When Perez heard a Dr. Bashir was conducting tests on all villagers, his only thought was to get as far away as possible.  Not only was he ashamed of his actions, but he heard Bashir's formidable friend, Garak, was also here.  Perez was willing to drink himself into oblivion, but he wanted no part of the death Garak might hand him.

Perez hiked across the valley, carrying food, water and alcohol with him.  His going was slow; alcohol and heavy metal poisoning had already taken a toll on his health.  When he finally made it to his destination,
he flopped under a shady tree and pulled out a bottle.
 

Garak brought his tired friend lunch.  With enthusiasm, Julian devoured it and settled back, emitting a soft sigh.  "Any luck finding the cause of the poisoning?" he asked.

Garak answered, grimly, "There is fistrium in all of their underground wells.  The fistrium is leaking out of the soil and hard rock.  There is no way to permanently fix the problem."

"So, they will have to treat their water, every time they want to use it for anything."

"These people did not even have access to the technology to check their water."

"The Occupation left them too poor," Julian answered, softly, "Fortunately, Starfleet should be willing to provide them with the equipment to treat their water."

"They'll have to be taught how to use the equipment and convinced to use it, every time.  Not an easy task..."

Julian sighed again, "Speaking of hard tasks, I'm glad you and the Major can help me administer treatment.  I don't think I could do it alone. So many villagers are exceedingly ill, and they require constant attention." Julian smiled, suddenly, at Garak, "I'm also glad of your company; it is most welcome."

Garak shifted, uncomfortably, "Thank you, Doctor.  Doctor, are you sure you checked out all the villagers?"

Julian examined Garak, curiously, "I think so...why?" 

Garak shifted again, "You didn't mention having seen Perez."

Julian straightened, "You mean Enrique Perez?"

"During our first day here, the Major and I saw him."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"You had enough on your mind, without Perez."

"He hasn't come in for testing.  Garak, he must be found and treated. He doesn't even know to be careful about what he eats or drinks..." Julian trailed off and looked askance at Garak.

"Yes, Doctor, he still drinks.  Quite heavily, too, by the look of him."
 

"Even more reason to find him.  His body is being poisoned by two sources.  Garak, will you locate him and convince him to come here?"

"Me?  I doubt very much that I can convince him of anything.  How about sending Major Kira?"

"She's helping some farmers, who have severely ill family members.  I cannot leave because of my patients.  Please, Garak, you are the only one who can."

*I cannot refuse you anything, my Julian.*  Garak got up, "I'll try."

Julian squeezed Garak's hand, "I always seem to be thanking you, lately."

Again, Garak felt an impulse to pour out his heart to the beautiful human.  Instead, he merely smiled and headed out.  *Coward, will you never admit your feelings to him?*

He scanned the valley and detected Terran life signs, about five miles away.  Garak got a medkit, from the runabout.  *No telling what condition Perez will be in, when I find him.  Or what I'll have to do to convince him to come back with me.*

Garak set off, following a rarely used dirt path.  The road led out of town and, soon, Garak was walking directly along the cliff wall.  He was about an hour out, when the shaking started.  Garak didn't have a chance; rocks buried him in a matter of seconds.
 

Chapter 7
 

When the earthquake struck, Dr. Bashir was walking toward one of the farms outside town.  He had just administered treatment to the patients in his makeshift hospital and was going to check on some of the less ill
villagers.  Major Kira remained behind to watch over the hospital.

The earthquake entered the valley, with a thunderous rumble.  Like a giant wave, the ground rolled and heaved.  Unstable buildings collapsed or fell over.  Geysers erupted from ruptured water mains.  Parts of the valley sunk two feet.

Suddenly, a hurricane force gale tore across the valley.  Still standing buildings ripped from their foundations.  The runabout flew eighty feet, before smashing into a boulder.  People were swept up by the winds, including Dr. Bashir, who went end-over-end across the valley.  Torn from their roots, trees, crops and other plants filled the air.  Dust obscured the sun.

The wind was the first sign of the oncoming rock slide.  With an awful roar, part of the 1,600 foot mountain fell on top of the village. Shuttle-craft sized boulders rolled down the side, through the valley, up the other wall and back into the valley.  Sparks, thrown up by the boulders, ignited several fires.

One large rock smashed through the still erect bar, killing everyone inside.  A minute later, the wreckage was covered with three feet of rubble.  The hospital roof collapsed, trapping dozens of people, among them Major Kira, beneath it.  Miraculously, the rubble missed the hospital's remains.  A wall of dirt, rocks and boulders filled the mountain road's entrance.  The demolished town was sealed off from the outside world.
 

Dr. Bashir escaped serious harm because the wind blew him out of the slide's path.  He flew and rolled to the opposite side of the valley. For a moment, wind pinned him to the rock face.  Then, he fell gracelessly to earth as the wind slowed.  Choking on and blinded by dust, Bashir felt tremors shake the ground several more times.
Additional landslides caused horrible grinding and shaking sounds.  In the distance, somebody cried hauntingly for help.

Despite multiple lacerations and broken ribs, Bashir climbed to his feet and made for the sound.  Using his augmented hearing, he located the crier.  It was a young woman, her legs pinned under a fallen tree. Bashir grabbed a broken branch and pried the log upwards.  His ribs screamed protest, but his genetically enhanced strength allowed him to lift the log several inches.  Scooting backwards frantically, the Bajoran freed herself.  Bashir eased the log back down.  Instantly, Bashir knelt at the woman's side; he saw one of her legs was fractured.

"My family," she sobbed, "they were buried...I...I...saw it happen..."

Bashir made comforting noises and carefully put a splint on her leg. She continued to sob in grief and pain.

Bashir faced an unenviable dilemma.  The woman could not walk, and his injuries prevented his carrying her.  He needed to get back to the village, but he  loathed to leave her there.

"Hello! Is anybody there?" a voice called.

"Over here! We need assistance!"

Perez appeared out of the gloom, hungover, but none the worse for wear. *God protects fools, little girls and drunks,* Bashir thought, wryly. "Perez, I need your help."

Perez walked over to them, but refused to meet Bashir's eyes.  "Doctor," he mumbled.

"Perez, look at me.  The past is gone, forgotten; the present is what counts.  We must get back to town..."

"At least, what remains of it," Perez said, softly.

"...but my ribs are cracked and her leg is fractured."

Perez stared into the dust-filled air, "Shouldn't we wait for some of the dust to settle?  You can barely see five feet in front of you."

"You and I both got here safely.  We must get back; the injured will need help."

Perez gently lifted the injured Bajoran.  She bit her lip to prevent a scream of pain.  The three made their way toward the ruined town.  The going was treacherous and their combined health problems necessitated a
snail's pace.

With the passage of time, the dust began to settle, revealing more and more destruction.  The group encountered several corpses and had to leave them where they had fallen.  Nothing, however, prepared them for what greeted them at the town site.

The majority of the small town lay beneath six feet of rubble.  Anything not buried was flattened.  A few shell-shocked survivors wandered aimlessly among the ruins.

Perez glanced at Bashir's grim face.  His Starfleet training kicked in, "I'll help in any way possible, Doctor."

"I know you will, Enrique."

Wearing equally determined expression, the two men marched into the ruins.
 

Chapter 8

Julian Bashir knelt by his dying friend.  Elim Garak's breathing was shallow and labored.  His striking face was pasty and drawn.  He had a day left, maybe two.

One of the villager's search parties, organized by Perez, found him, half buried in rubble.  Somehow, Garak had managed to dig himself part way out.  Julian wondered where he had found the fortitude.

From the moment Julian saw Garak's battered body, he knew he could not save him without proper medical equipment.  Garak bled from several internal wounds and suffered multiple broken bones.  In short, unless
someone operated on him immediately, there was no hope of his surviving.
 

Julian asked Major Kira, who had two broken arms and a head wound, about the possibility of help.  She sighed, sadly, "It's so remote up here, they probably won't get here for a week or more.  News comes from here
so sporadically, no one will notice. "

"But, many of my patients will be dead by then!"

"I know Julian, but unless someone can call for help..."

"That means a 1600 foot climb to the top of the cliffs.  No signals can get out of this valley because of the fistrium!  Nobody here is in any shape to make the climb.  Those few who aren't severely injured suffer
from poisoning and exhaustion."

Kira made no reply.  She averted her eyes away from the tortured doctor.  Inwardly, she prayed to the Prophets for guidance and comfort. Neither she nor Bashir noticed Perez quietly moving away from them.

Now, Julian kept vigil over his fallen companion.  Three more people had died, since he talked to Kira.  Julian knew he would lose more.  Their deaths pained him, but not half so much as Elim's would.  Not half so
much.

"Doctor," a soft voice said and Julian looked into pain-filled, but lucid, blue eyes.

"Garak, how are you feeling?"

"The way I should, like a dying man."

"Garak..."

"Please, Doctor, I have seen enough death to know its symptoms."

"Help could get here in time," Julian said, desperately.

The Cardassian smiled, "Lying is not your forte, Doctor."

Julian had no answer and the two fell into silence.  They tried conversation, on several occasions, but failed, miserably.

Julian got up and examined his patients.  Elim watched him and admired his professionalism and compassion.  *This is your last chance, old man.*

Julian finally finished and settled back next to Garak.  He gazed into sapphire blue eyes, "Garak..."

With a gesture, Elim silenced him, "Julian, I haven't much time left. There are some important things I must tell you.  The truth, for once."

Julian's eyes widened at the use of his first name and the implication of the Cardassian's words.

"I am a coward.  No, please, don't say anything, I am a coward.  I have been afraid to speak my heart because I thought I would lose your friendship."

"Nothing you tell me could ever lose you that!"

"If only I had been sure of that, I would not have delayed in telling you.  But, you are one of my only reasons for living, and I dared not do anything that might endanger what we share." Elim saw the dawning understanding in Julian's eyes.  "You do not seem to realize how special you are.  Your beauty, intelligence, compassion, friendliness and many other gifts have brightened my lonely existence.  Oh Julian, can you not see how much I love you!  I have long been yours; I will always be yours!"

The response to Elim's words was immediate; Julian burst into tears.
 

Nearby, Enrique Perez overheard the whole conversation.  He did not mean to eavesdrop; he was coming over to apologize to Garak and his brave friend.  Now, he knew words could never be enough.

He crept stealthily over to the sleeping Major Kira.  Taking great pains not to disturb her, Perez removed her combadge.  At a quick pace, he set out for the mountain pass.  There was only one way to redeem himself,
and that involved a considerable climb.
 

Julian's wracking sobs finally slowed, "Elim, I love you so terribly!  I just never knew how to tell you.  I suppose I have been a coward, too."

"I wish I had known"

"I wish I had told you." Julian gently lifted Elim's head and placed it in his lap.  His soft fingers lightly stroked Elim's eyeridges.  The Cardassian sighed in soft contentment.  "SO much wasted time," Julian murmured.

"Do not mourn for what is past, instead let's enjoy what little time is left us." A tear ran down Julian's face and Elim wiped it away.  "Please do not weep, j'barra - my heart."

"I'll try," Julian continued to stroke Elim's face.

"J'barra, will you do me a favor?"

"Anything, beloved."

"You know how much I professed to hate Shakespeare?  Well, I would like to hear you recite one of his sonnets to me.  Number 116, I believe."

"Number 116?" Julian asked, unbelieving.

Elim nodded, "The one I called sappy."

"As I recall, that was the least of your criticisms."

"Perhaps I was a tad harsh."

"A tad?"

"Come on, j'barra, say it for me, like you mean it."

" I do, beloved, I do...

 Let me not to the marriage of true minds,
  Admit impediments.  Love is not love
 Which alters when it alteration finds
 Or bends with the remover to remove.
 O no!  It is an ever-fixed mark
 That looks upon tempests and is never shaken;
 it is the star to every wandering bark,
 Whose worth's unknown, although rosy lips and cheeks
 Within his bending sickle's compass come;
 Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
 But bears it out to the edge of doom.
 If this be false and upon me proved,
 I never writ, nor no man ever loved."
 

Julian had started softly, but his voice built up strength.  Then, Elim's voice joined his for the last four lines, and they finished together.  Julian bent down and joined their lips, as naturally as their voices had just been joined.
 

Enrique Perez paused, gasping for breath.  His head spun, and his arms and legs felt like lead weights.  Gripping his hand holds, Perez leaned his head against the smooth, cool rocks.  He remained this way, until
his breathing slowed. 

He started his climb again, slowly and carefully.  Every movement was dangerous; each rock threatened to fall out from beneath his feet. Beneath him lay a thousand feet of air, followed by the ground.

*Only another 600 feet, Enrique.  You can do this!  You owe it, if not to your self, then to Bashir and Garak.*

Slowly, treacherously, he worked his way ever upwards.  Suddenly, he stopped and began to heave.  His stomach disgorged its contents, violently.  Every jerk threatened to send him plummeting; only grim
determination kept him in place.  Finally, the retchhing stopped.

Now even more covered in filth, Perez kept going.  He looked upwards and saw he was nearing the top.  *Right foot, left foot, traveling on,* he thought, *you're losing it, Perez."

 He crawled unto the ridge top and lay there, flat on his belly.  Sleep threatened, and he grimly forced it away.  Carefully rolling over, he made the most important call of his life.
 

Julian pulled away from Elim's lips, reluctantly.  Their eyes locked, both trying to convey a lifetime of love through glowing orbs.  Julian stirred, "Elim, I must check on my patients."

"Of course."

"I'll be back, beloved," Julian promised, placing his love's head gently down.  He started his rounds, treating everyone to the best of his ability.  Several of his patients were fading fast, with only hours left.  Julian glanced at Elim and grief, mingled with rage, swept through him. *Unfair!*  He shook it away and examined Major Kira.  She slept soundly and did not awaken, even when he checked her head.

After adjusting Kira's bandage, Julian got up.  He looked around, sure he was missing something.  The sight of Elim made Julian forget his worry.  He knew he had treated all those who required it, so he went back to his love.

Examining Elim, Julian was alarmed by his growing pastiness.  "Elim!" he said and was awarded by the opening of the Cardassian's eyes. "Please, beloved, hang on!"

"I am trying.  Talk j'barra, it helps."

"I have no words!  They all seem so inadequate...so trivial..."

"Not when you say them," Elim countered, then chuckled, "Listen to me, freely speaking my heart.  Death has given me the courage to tell the truth."

"Elim, please do not joke about it!"

"But, it is true!  Some men find their courage in drink, but I..."

*Drink?  Perez!  Where is Perez?!* these thoughts flew through Julian's mind, but vanished, as he smothered Elim's words with another kiss.
 

Enrique knew he was going to die.  Strangely, he felt no fear, only a mild annoyance.  *Why now?  Oh well, better now, then before.*

He had just started back down, when the rocks slipped from beneath him. Holding on desperately, he scrabbled for a foothold.  None to be found... Now, strength failing, he knew his time was done.

Making his last decision, Enrique unclenched his hands.  Falling, the words *...tis a far, far better rest that I go to...*entered his mind, before the ground ended all thought.
 

Chapter 9

Julian and Elim attended Enrique Perez's memorial service.  Due to his selfless actions, Starfleet posthumously reinstated Perez.  They also awarded him the Medal of Honor, which they gave to his mother.

Bashir and Sisko each gave a short talk in Perez's honor.  A close friend of his delivered a touching eulogy, and Julian's eyes teared. Elim gently squeezed his hand, and a surge of love filled Julian.  *I owe this to Perez.  I owe everything to Perez.*

As Perez's body was consigned to space, Julian murmured, "Goodbye, Enrique."
 

At the wake, many of the crew celebrated Perez's life.  Major Kira, carrying three glasses of Bajoran Spring Wine, walked over to Garak and Bashir.  She handed a glass to each of them and raised her own, "To
Enrique Perez."

"To Enrique Perez," the two men echoed, then drank.

Kira smiled, carefully examining the two.  There was something different about Garak.  He seemed to have softened, somehow.  Yet, his actions were infused with a new vigor.  She looked into Julian's gorgeous,
liquid hazel eyes and knew.  *Lucky Cardie.*

Julian saw the flash of understanding and ducked his head.  He felt tired and did not wish to answer any questions.  He needed time to mourn for Perez, alone.

After help arrived, Julian had no time for anything.  His relief at knowing Elim would live overshadowed his grief at Perez's death.  Now, his sorrow had caught up with him.  Seeing Elim and Kira deep in conversation (at which part of his mind reacted with great surprise), he snuck out.
 

About an hour later, Elim Garak strolled toward his j'barra, who was gazing at the stars.  "Julian," he called, ever so softly.

A pair of tear-filled eyes met a pair of gentle sapphire ones.  Elim enfolded Julian in a loving embrace.  He nuzzled and kissed the soft, silky brown hair.

Julian snuggled deeper, "I wish I could repay Perez."

"I believe he found his chance for redemption as payment enough."

"I hope so...I'm just sorry he had to die like that."

"Perez was not sorry; of that, j'barra, I am sure."

Julian considered, then nodded.  He turned in Elim's arms, so both faced the stars.  He rested his head on Elim's shoulder.  The two lovers stood intertwined and gazed, contentedly, at the endless stars.

*Thank you, Enrique Perez, wherever you are.*
 

~end~