After the Storm
By Katia

Disclaimer: Places and characters belong to Paramount. Story belongs to me. This story picks up during the last scene of "Let He Who Is Without Sin."

The couple stood silhouetted against two setting suns of Risa. The skies were streaked in hues of gold, lavender and pale blue. 
"I won't tell if you won't," the woman said softly. Her companion, a Klingon, nodded, as he slowly unzipped his jacket.
"Really, Worf?" the woman asked as she watched the man pulled his shirt over his head.
"Really," Worf answered. He put his arms around her slender waist and pulled her close. "What about you?"
"No, no," she giggled.
"What's the matter?" Worf asked.
"Out here on the beach?" the Trill looked around. "I don't think so."
"It was your idea."
"Perhaps, but you're the one who forgot his swimsuit. I'll see you in the water."
Worf shook his head and followed his lover into the water, shedding his clothes on the way in.
"Jadzia!" he called as he entered the water. Like everything else on Risa, the temperature of the lake was tightly controlled and it was warm and soothing. In the distance, Jadzia Dax surfaced, her hair plastered against her head.
"Hello," she waved. "The water is absolutely beautiful."
"Yes," Worf said, immediately regretting all the trouble he had caused recently by joining up with the Essentialists' movement. The time he had spent helping the Essentialists disrupt Risa's wonderful climate could have been time he spent with Jadzia. As it was, they spent very few precious moments together.
Jadzia waded towards him and linked her arms around his neck.
"I've missed you," she whispered. Worf kissed her gently on the lips and then on her forehead.
"I am sorry, Jadzia. I did not mean to ruin our vacation. I will make it up to you."
"Oh, I fully intend that you do. Suffice it to say, I don't think we will be welcome here again."
"I would not be welcome here."
"Do you think I would come here again without you?"
Worf kissed her again, this time more passionately.
"Oh," Jadzia giggled. "I see you missed me too."
"More than you know."
They swam in the warm water a little more. Worf was a very strong swimmer and was able to cover a greater distance than Jadzia. Eventually, Jadzia swam back to the shore and sat down in the water, the water bobbing gently at chest level.
"Tired?" Worf asked, as he swam back.
"A little. And the sunset is beautiful. Look at the way the clouds streak the sky and how the sun is just a little sliver on the horizon."
"Ah, the lady is a poet."
"Not really, that's your department."
Worf sat next to Jadzia and then in a forceful gesture, pulled her onto his lap. She settled comfortably against him, reveling in the strength of his chest behind her back. Worf rested his chin gently on her shoulder, slowly peppering kisses up those exotic Trill spots.
"That tickles," Jadzia said softly, leaning back so that her head was resting on his opposite shoulder.
"You know," Worf said conversationally, his hands moving up Jadzia's torso and finally settling on her breasts, "You and I, we haven't... not since we left the station."
"Because you were too busy trying to make a point," Jadzia said. "Was it worth it?"
"No, of course not," Worf answered. His hands moved up to the straps of her swimsuit, slowly lowering the material down her shoulders.
"Worf."
"What?" he asked between nibbles.
"What are you doing?"
"Exploring."
"Ah, familiar territory?"
He slowly pushed the swimsuit down and warm water gushed at her chest. Those strong hands gently stroked her breasts, before moving down to her stomach.
"It's been a while," Worf admitted. "You will have to be patient with me. I may get lost."
"No problem."
His hands had wandered down to her waist and he began to push the swimsuit down. Jadzia smiled to herself and helped him. The silver garment floated away.
"No one can see us?" she asked quietly, as his hands began to massage her thighs.
"It's dark now."
It was strangely erotic, Jadzia thought, making love in an open area like this. She leaned against Worf, feeling his hands slowly kneading into her skin, and then she felt his fingers in her most intimate part.
"Mmm," she murmured. "Keep going, please."
"Of course."
She could feel herself muscles relax and all the tension of the last few days dissipate as Worf's fingers continued to work. His fingers slipped inside of her and then again out, as he caressed her. Jadzia closed her eyes, waiting for the release she knew was fast coming.
"Oh," she gasped. "Worf..."
A few seconds later, she fell limply against Worf. He stroked her face gently, pushing her wet hair out of the way.
"Satisfied?" he asked softly.
"Yes," she whispered. She turned around and straddled him, her knees grinding into the soft sand. Worf leaned over and took one of her breasts into his mouth. She played with his long, thick hair, and kissed his neck.
Worf's hands were moving down the length of her body, before settling between her legs once again.
"Have I ever told you that I love the way you touch me?" she asked softly.
Worf looked at her in surprise, "No."
"I love it," she told him. "I love it when you are gentle like this."
"I thought..."
"Oh, I like that too," she blushed as her hands moved down to meet his. For a second their hands linked. "You are ready for me?"
"How could you tell?" he teased as her hand clasped his member. She moved slightly as she guided his penis to her entrance, her hand on top of his. Worf closed his eyes, releasing his penis to her and wrapping his arms around her waist. Slowly, she settled down, feeling the length of him fill her.
"Oh," she gasped as he thrust into her.
"Did I hurt you?"
"No, it was just the initial... entry."
Slowly, she moved in rhythm with the waves which were slowly lapping at her. Worf's hands rested gently on her hips, caressing her softly.
"Faster," he whispered. Jadzia obliged, her hair falling into her face. Worf's hands tightened around her waist, pulling her closer to him. Finally, Jadzia felt a rush of warmth flow through her.
"Worf?" she asked.
"Mmm?"
She laughed at him, kissing his nose. He responded by pushing her off of his lap.
"Hey!" Jadzia cried out, as she landed in the water. "Why did you do that?"
"I just wanted to look at you," Worf admitted, as he straddled her. "You are beautiful."
Jadzia smiled, "Are you trying to convince me of something? You know my heart is yours."
"Just wanted to make sure," he answered. He kissed her softly on the forehead.
They held each other for a long time and Jadzia felt something flowing through her, a feeling of completeness that was more than physical.
"Are you cold?" Worf asked as Jadzia shivered in his embrace.
"A little."
"We should go in then."
"Sounds good. Oh!"
"What's the matter?"
"We were supposed to meet Quark, Julian and Leeta for dinner," Jadzia said.
"Well," Worf said, standing up. He held out his hand. "Could we tell them we were detained?"
Jadzia blushed. Even in the darkness, Worf could sense the sudden heat rising in Jadzia's cheeks.
"What's the matter?" he asked softly.
"I'd rather we not say anything."
"I wasn't planning on it. We simply went for a swim and lost track of time."
The couple strolled hand in hand through the water. When they reached the shore, Worf began to gather his clothes. Jadzia looked around, finally locating her wrap.
"Something wrong?" Worf asked.
"My swimsuit. It's gone."
"Oh."
The two stared at each other for a moment.
"Well," Worf cleared his throat. "You know, I have no problem with that."
"I know you don't," Jadzia said, wrapping herself in the wrap. "But what about the others?"
"You're right," Worf said, admiring the way the thin material molded itself to Jadzia's wet body. He reached over and ran a finger down between her breasts and then finally, pulled her close. "Your wrap hardly covers you and I have to be honest, I hate sharing."
"Don't think I don't know that."
"Here," Worf handed her his uniform jacket. "Wear this. We will sneak in the back way."
Once back in their room, Jadzia found a note from Julian.
"We missed them already," she told Worf.
"Are you disappointed?"
"No," Jadzia said. "No, because I was with you and that's all that matters to me."
Worf took her by the hand and pulled her close, "Jadzia..."
She touched his lips, "What?"
"I want to apologize to you. Apologize for not trusting you enough."
"Worf," she circled his neck with her arms. "Please believe me when I tell you that I'm not going anywhere. That's a promise. You're not going to lose me."
"I know that and I'm sorry for doubting you."
She touched his cheek, "Come. I have sand all over me and in my hair. Come take a bath with me."
"Sounds good."
They filled the tub with warm water.
"You know what I would love?" Jadzia asked suddenly. "Bubbles."
"Bubbles?"
"You know, a bubble bath?"
"As you wish."
When the bath was ready, Jadzia entered first, reveling in the luxury of the bubbles. Worf watched her for a moment, before turning away.
"Worf! Where are you going?"
"I'll be back."
Jadzia closed her eyes and lay back in the bubble mixture. She loved the feeling of the bubbles against her skin.
"Jadzia."
Her eyes flew open. Worf handed her a slender glass of a ruby red liquid.
"Risian wine," she said, sniffing it.
"Yes."
She took a long drink of the beverage, "Wonderful. I can't believe you got this from a replicator."
"Actually, I didn't," Worf admitted. "Arandis gave it to me."
"Arandis?" Jadzia sat up. "You talked to her."
"I apologized to her. I was rude to her."
"That was nice of you, Worf. Now come in here and let me thank you."
Worf nodded and dropped his robe on the floor. Jadzia scooted in the tub to make room for him.
"Isn't this wonderful?" she asked dreamily.
"Yes," he began to gently massage her shoulders. "I wish we had another few days here. I can't believe we leave day after tomorrow."
Jadzia turned to face him, "Promise me that we will spend every minute together? I want to feel like we are the only two people in the world."
"I promise."
"Good."
They sat in the warm water for nearly an hour, relishing the feel of skin on skin. But mostly, it was the conversation, that muted conversation of lovers.
"Look at me, I'm turning into a prune!" Jadzia laughed, holding out her arm to Worf. He took her hand and planted a gallant kiss on it.
"Come, let's get out," Worf said. He got out of the tube and put on his robe. He found Jadzia's robe and handed it to her. "We need to get you another swimsuit tomorrow."
"We could always go without... again," Jadzia grinned, circling his waist with her hands.
"Not during the day," he reminded her.
She sat down at her little vanity and began to comb out her hair. Worf walked over to her and took the brush from her.
"Fifty strokes," she reminded him.
"I know."
"Thanks," Jadzia said, after Worf put down the brush. She found her nightgown and pulled it over her head. "I'll see you in bed."
Jadzia fell asleep almost immediately. She did not hear Worf slip in next to her. Worf stared at her sleeping for a while and then leaned over to kiss her good night. It had been a good day, he decided, and he fully did intend to make good on his promises to her.
Jadzia's eyes opened as she felt a familiar hand caressing her, almost absently.
"Worf? Is that you?"
"It better be," the Klingon growled.
She giggled at him and snuggled closer into the crook of his arm. She loved lying there, in the strength of his embrace. After a moment of lying there, she rolled over on top of Worf and kissed him.
"Hey," she whispered.
"Hey."
Their lips met again, this time more passionately. Worf's hands moved over the length of her body, pushing up her nightgown. Finally, his hands rested on her rear ended, kneading the soft flesh. Jadzia nibbled on his ear, and then moved down his jawbone, her lips planting soft kisses on the way.
"Worf?"
"Mmm?"
She was suddenly aware of his hands spreading her legs. She looked down at him.
"Worf, I had something to discuss with you."
"Now?"
"Mmm," she kissed his neck.
"What is it?"
She could feel his hands prodding and pressing against her sensitive skin. Her legs twitched, almost involuntarily. She could feel his fingers reaching inside of her.
"You're distracting me," she whispered down at him. Worf grinned up at her.
"I can tell," he answered softly. She almost blushed, suddenly aware of how wet she had become at his touch. "Is it something very important?"
"It could be," Jadzia answered, feeling as if speech was leaving her.
Worf rolled over so she was lying on her back this time, staring up at him. She could see the intensity in his eyes, so she reached down and began to untie his pajama pants. She pushed the pants down, as Worf pushed up her nightgown.
She could feel his member prodding at her opening, teasing and tantalizing.
"Worf..."
"What?"
"I want to talk to you."
He did not answer; instead he began to push into her, thrusting into her. Jadzia winced slightly, but did not cry out.
"I hurt you?" he asked softly. "I'm sorry."
"No," she was quick to reassure. "I just don't know why... I should be used to you by now."
"Tell me if I hurt you."
"No, it's fine now."
His body undulated over hers, and Jadzia felt all sense leaving her. She closed her eyes as she waited for that intense wave which she knew would soon roll over her. A second later, Worf released a warm liquid stream into her.
"Jadzia?"
"Mmm?"
She opened her eyes to see Worf staring down at her.
"Something wrong?" he asked anxiously. "I didn't push you, did I?"
"No," she smiled up at him. "No, I wanted this as much as you did."
"Good... I don't want to think that..."
"Worf?"
"Yes?"
"You are insatiable. How did you get by before?"
Worf grinned at her, "I... satisfied myself."
Jadzia giggled as Worf rolled off of her. His arms snaked around her, enveloping her in a warm embrace. Jadzia knew she never would want to leave the safety of those arms.
"Jadzia?"
"Yes?"
"You wanted to tell me something before?"
She hesitated for a second.
"You can tell me, Jadzia."
"Remember earlier when I told you that I cared about you?" she began softly.
"Yes."
"Well, I lied," Jadzia said. "I didn't mean that."
"What did you mean?"
"Worf," she sat up finally, letting her nightgown fall back down. "Worf, it's more than that. I realized that today when we were swimming. I realized that I felt complete with you... that I truly only wanted to be with you. I guess, what I'm trying to tell you is that I love you."
Worf stared back at her. Jadzia was afraid suddenly, unable to read his expression.
"Worf? Say something," she implored.
He sat up and held out his arms. She leaned into those wonderful arms gratefully.
"I was afraid you didn't feel the same," he said huskily. "Especially after I almost ruined our vacation."
"You mean...?"
Worf nodded. He traced her jawbone with his index finger, "Yes. I do."
Jadzia smiled happily, "You were right. We did have much to discuss."
"Not much," Worf said, pushing her back onto the bed and wrapping his arms around her. "Just the three words which really matter."
Those bright eyes gazed back into his darker ones.
"I love you," she whispered. "And I'm not going anywhere. I'm afraid you're stuck with me."
Worf kissed her forehead, "And you are stuck with me."
"I could live with that."
"As can I."
And they slept the rest of the night, their bodies pressed closely together, in the calm that follows the storm.
~ The End ~

The Gift
This short story is set before Worf and Jadzia are married, somewhere during the 5th season. It's made for mature audiences (as in 18 or over).

It had been a long day, and all Jadzia Dax wanted to do was take off her clothes, and settle into bed. She didn't have to be in ops until late tomorrow, so she'd be able to sleep in.  
Dax entered her quarters and flopped onto the couch, "Ooh," she sighed, "I'm too tired to move."
Slowly her eyes opened and focused on her coffee table. Jadzia had always made a habit of collecting sculptures she had shelves of them. Yet, on her table was a new one, an intriguing one. Jadzia sat forward and took it into her hands. It was large and took both hands to grasp it. She instantly recognized the stone it was carved from a metallic black metal called hallevite. It was mined in the Uritos Nebula, and was very hard to come by. It was also her favorite.
But even more impressive than the stone was its figure of the statue. It made her heart quicken, it was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen. Two people, a man and a woman, were gloriously naked and their bodies were joined intimately. Their lips barely met, her full breasts pressed against his muscular chest. The man was sitting semi- upright and he cradled her body in his powerful arms.
Dax had been so busy admiring the beauty of the erotic piece of art she hadn't bothered to question where it came from. Her eyes were drawn to a slip of paper that sat on the table. It was written in Trill, which puzzled her even further. She read it aloud.
"When I saw this, I saw us. I thought of your powerful legs wrapped firmly around me, your slender arms encircling my shoulders. I could feel your lips against mine, and I yearned to pull you close, wanting to feel the peaks of your breasts lightly graze my chest. You are the embodiment of beauty, my lovely Jadzia. Your haughty smile makes me want you more, I know that I will never stop wanting you. I will never grow tired of gazing into your crystal blue eyes eyes as deep and enchanting as an endless ocean. They stare into my soul and unlock my love for you. My hands will never stop exploring the sensual trail of your markings, dark mottled spots against your ivory skin. I love your soft heavy hair, the way it frames your face, adding to the beauty you possess inside and out."
Jadzia wiped a single tear from her face, "What am I going to do with you, Worf?" she asked aloud, "Just when I think I couldn't love you any more, you do something like this," Jadzia stood with the statue, trying to find a place for it. She wanted to leave it right there, for everyone to see. But, Dax knew that Worf would want to keep the gift private, so, she opted to place it right next to her bed, where they could gaze at it as they made love. She folded the note and placed it in the small box where she kept all her most intimate and personal things.
Dax stripped her clothes off and stepped into the shower, the real one, not the sonic pulse that Worf often preferred. She let the water rinse over her body, washing away all the fatigue from the day's work.
She didn't hear her door open, and didn't hear Worf quietly enter the bathroom. He stood in the doorway for a long time, watching her silhouette through the shower door. It was mesmerizing, the way she would occasionally throw her head back. He watched her as she used one hand to stroke her breasts, and he could see the other dip between her legs.
This was more than Worf could take. His masculinity was throbbing, aching to be released in some manner. In seconds, Worf was naked. He slid the door open, and she let out a startled yelp.
"Worf!" Jadzia instinctively covered her breasts.
Worf stepped in with her and slid the door close. His hands gently removed her arms from across her chest to reveal her generous bosom, "I did not mean to frighten you."
"It's just, well, you've never stepped into the shower with me before..."
His hands kneaded through her wet hair, "I could not help it."
The water engulfed them both, and Jadzia's fingertips excitedly scratched his chest, "I saw the statue, and I read your note."
Worf smiled, "Do you like it?"
"What do you think?" she exclaimed, "It's breathtaking. And the letter... if only everyone knew how romantic you are. You do a very good job of making everyone think you're such a stonewall, but I know better," she kissed his eager mouth, and Worf pulled her dripping body to his. Their tongues hungrily lapped against one another. Jadzia felt his hands touch the small of her back, and move downward, until they caressed her behind. Dax let out a rapturous sigh and lifted her leg hoping that he would explore further.
"I want you, right here, right now," Jadzia commanded, and Worf didn't object. He thought the water would have lessened his arousal, but, if anything it heightened it. Worf lifted her up around his waist, and her ankles locked behind his back. He backed her against the shower wall and with one powerful thrust he sank his entire length into her. Dax let out a loud, helpless whimper and dug her nails in back. Worf planted hot kisses along her neck and face, and she jerked her hips up and down. He matched her rhythm, and they moved faster and faster until a shattering orgasm tore through them both.
"There better be more where that came from," she said with a sly grin on her face.
"You are always challenging me."
"And you're always surprising me."
Worf sank to his knees and parted Jadzia's dripping mound with his fingers. She was still sensitive from her orgasm, and every touch sent excruciating chills though her. Dax hooked her leg over his shoulder, giving him personal access to the part of her she wanted him to touch, to kiss, so badly. Worf's tongue darted stealthily along her moist skin, and his lips squeezed her clitoris. He used his long fingers to play with her entrance and tease her flesh. He drew more helpless whimpers from her, and her nails dug in his scalp. Her other hand encircled and gently squeezed her nipples.
With a throaty moan, Dax came again. Her legs turned to jelly and Worf caught her as she sank to her knees, "You're always surprising me," she whispered, resting her head on his shoulder. After gaining her composure, she stood and opened the shower door, "You turn off the water, I'll be in bed."
Happily, Worf obliged. After he'd turn the water off, he quickly went into her room. Dax was in bed, smiling with her arms outstretched to him. Worf fell into them, and they fiercely kissed one another.
"Jadzia, we're dripping wet..."
Her lips gently upturned, "In more ways than one."
Worf laughed. Jadzia settled back on her pillows and took the statue in her hand again, "I can't believe you bought this. I always knew you were passionate, Worf, but this..."
"I saw it, and I could not resist."
"Do you think we could do this?" she mused, referring to the figure in her hand.
Worf studied it, both of their hands moved along the cool slick surface together, "I do not see why not."
Worf's heavy, drenched body felt fantastic resting on hers. Dax placed the statue back on the table and began to untangle his wet locks, "What do you want to do now?" she whispered.
"What do you want to do?"
"I asked you first. Do you want to go to sleep, or do you want to... finish?" she asked.
Dax could feel gentle laughter rumble in his chest as he spoke, "I am not tired."
"I was, but our little shower scene rejuvenated me."
They kissed again, and Worf slowly turned his body, while Jadzia let her legs fall open. He positioned his body between them, and nudged her open slightly with the tip of his sex. Jadzia raised her hips, trying to take him in, but Worf eased up, just enough to deny her.
"You like teasing, me, don't you?" she asked.
"You are too anxious, be patient," Worf took her hands and restrained them over her head. Then he took her breast in his mouth, roughly sucking the soft flesh and tenderly pinching her nipples with his lips. Once her eyes closed, Worf smoothly curled his hips forward, and entered her channel. Jadzia gasped, but her eyes remained closed. She gave in to him, and remained still while he pumped himself in and out of her.
Dax lay there, feeling his immense penis stretch her to the limit and fill her body completely. She figured she would never be satisfied with any other man again. Worf had stretched her so wide, only he would be able to fulfill her.
She crooked her head upward and bit his flat, dark brown nipple. It sent searing stabs of painful ecstasy through him, and he drove harder and deeper into her. After a few moments, Worf slowed his pace and pulled out of her. Jadzia let out a small whimper.
"Are you all right?" he asked.
"Don't leave," she whispered, "I need you inside me."
"I am not leaving you," Worf lay on his back and pulled her over his hips so that she was straddling his body. Jadzia wrapped her hand around his manhood and guided him back where he belonged. She let her body fall wearily atop his, and slowly rotated her hips as she lay on him. Worf turned their interlocked bodies on their side, and they wrapped their arms around one another, their lips occasionally meeting. Their thighs tensed delicately, and their hip movements were subtle and slight, they were engaged in a beautifully intimate embrace. Their bodies were a tangled mesh of trembling flesh.
"I love you," Jadzia whispered against his face.
"I love you too," his powerful voice rumbled like an earthquake.
They continued this way for what seemed like an eternity, just holding one another tightly and making small gentle movements. It was unlike their normal ravaging way of making love, this was simple, sweet and incredibly tender.
Short gasps an moans emanated from both of them. Jadzia could feel the tension begin in her feet and slowly move up her legs.
"Worf," she gasped, her eyes lazily closing, "I'm almost..."
She could barely finish her statement, but Worf knew what she meant. He kept his movements gentle and slow, but lengthened his strokes, pulling all the way out and sliding deep inside her. Dax's inner walls clamped down on him, and the tension exploded all through her body. Her nails dug into his shoulders and she let out a powerful groan. Worf drew her as close as he could as her orgasm washed over her body and she quivered in his arms. Finally, when it was over, she began to move again. Jadzia could tell that was close to the edge, and she only made it worse.
"Let go," she whispered seductively against cheek, "Push deep inside me Worf. I want you to fill me, I want you to come deep inside me. No one's ever made me feel as wonderful as you do," Jadzia gasped, her words were working, each thrust was more powerful than the previous, "No one is as strong, as powerful, as sexy, as virile. I need you inside me, I want you-"
With one final plunge, Worf groaned deeply. Dax could feel a cool liquid rush explode inside her sex and she knew he'd spent himself.
"You know," Worf began, panting, "You really should be careful about what you say."
She chuckled, "I was just encouraging you."
"Now, I am tired."
"I can barely keep my eyes open. There's something about having a great orgasm that makes me sleepy."
Worf stroked her hair, "Then sleep, my love."
"Thank you," she whispered as her eyes drifted closed.
"For what?"
"My gift."

~finis
(August 1997)

The Power of Par'mach
"Deep Space:9" as well as the characters in this story are the property of Paramount. The story is an original idea of the author. When I first wrote this story it was meant to be set prior to "Change of Heart" with the assumption that Dax & Worf went on their honeymoon before that assignment. This story is dedicated to all the fans of Worf & Jadzia, and to everyone who believes in the power of love, with the hope that each of you will find and share in a love so strong that it " conquers all things."
***
A scent permeated the darkness the cold darkness that trapped him held him captive. His sense of smell seemed to be the only one functioning. The fragrance stirred his very soul, sending warmth through his aching body. It reached out to him, calling from some distant plane. He knew instinctively that this was the aroma of life and love. He reached out for her but the darkness that clouded his mind dragged him under again. He was not yet strong enough, but he would draw strength from her fragrance. Why did he associate this intoxicating aroma with a female? What had happened to him, and where was he? The questions caused pain. He needed to rest. He gave himself over to the darkness again.
Jadzia held Worf in her arms and scanned him one more time. For a brief moment his brain waves were normal but now they showed he had slipped back into a comatose state. She had treated the burns and attempted to revive him unsuccessfully. 'That was a very powerful bolt of energy. He sustained damage to his neural pathways.', she thought. 'He will recover, I hope.' She rocked him back and forth as the tears from her eyes fell on to his brow.
"I have to get to work and get us out of here" she said aloud. She realized her husband would not approve of her just sitting here crying over him. Gently she lay him down, and kissed his forehead as she placed her jacket over him for warmth.
Working as quickly as she could, Jadzia got the environmental controls functioning in the shuttle. It had been so cold that her hands, which were always cold, felt frigid. 'Now that it's a little warmer in here maybe I can get the scanners and communications back online' she thought as she approached the console. A deep moan stopped her dead in her tracks, turning she rushed to Worf's side.
He was still in a coma but his vital signs were good. Gathering the man she loved in her arms, Jadzia began to rock him gently as she hummed a tune from her past. Her mother had hummed this same tune whenever Jadzia was sick or frightened. She was frightened now because Worf was unconscious and she had yet to complete repairs to the shuttle. Not to mention that the Cardassians might be out there looking for them. She hummed the tune to comforted her as much as to comfort him, she realized. As she sat there holding her husband, dozing off to sleep Jadzia did something she had not done since she was very young, she said a prayer.
Ahh, the warmth had returned. He inhaled deeply. This fragrance was familiar but just beyond his comprehension. It filled the darkness now like something tangible that he could hold onto and use to focus. A sweet and comforting sound vibrated through the dark void that still held him in its clutches. The darkness weighed down on him but he knew he could survive this, he must survive. For out there were life and love. A love so deep and strong that he would fight any foe to preserve it. She needed him, and he needed her. So he would rest and gain his strength back. Even now he could feel his energy returning with each breath. As he let the darkness reclaim him he said a prayer, then slipped back into the deep sleep.
The sound of a heart beat echoed loudly now within the dark void. He felt the blood pound through each of his veins as he extended his thoughts to take an inventory of his body. He listened carefully to each cell as it relayed its message. Nothing was broken, nothing damaged except his mind. His mind was still held captive in this vacuum. He would fill that emptiness. Again his mind drifted to thoughts of her, he could not even picture her face but her scent had branded his soul. His spirit was renewed as he focused on her. The darkness began to fade and light eased into the corners replacing the shadows. He would not be satisfied until he conquered this enemy. His strength had returned and using all his might he forced the darkness out of his mind. Or did he force his mind out of the darkness. Reaching out as if grasping the light in one hand and the sweet smelling essence of her in the other he left the dark void behind.
Opening his eyes he gazed up at the most beautiful face he could ever imagine. His head rested against her breast. But who was she? Who was he?
Who was he? He searched through his mind and found that the shadows he left in the void were still there in his mind. His head ached from his trying to remember. The darkness threatened to overtake him again. This he would not allow. So he simply cleared his mind of trying to figure out the answers. His gaze traveled to her face again and he relaxed as he followed the markings that flowed across her brow, down her temple and to her neck.
Jadzia's stomach ached as well as her heart and various other muscles. How long had it been since they had eaten? They were on the way home to DS9 after a long overdue honeymoon on Casperia Prime. She had spotted the Cardassian fighter coming out of the nebula. They had gone to warp seven but they were no match for the speed or fire power of the Cardassian ship. So Worf had looped back around and headed for the nebula knowing the shuttle would be hidden from the other ship's scanners. The fighter fired at the shuttle and made a direct hit. Now they were drifting inside this nebula, not knowing if the enemy was out there or not. Frustrating, very frustrating Jadzia thought. Well, I better get up from here and get back to work if we are to stand any chance of survival.
Rousing herself, Jadzia opened her eyes. She was surprised and elated to see Worf looking back at her.
"Oh Worf! Worf! You're awake," she exclaimed as she clutched him tighter in her arms. She continued to repeat his name as she showered kisses all over his face.
Tears of joy streamed down her lovely cheeks, her lips covered his.
As her lips covered his he inhaled deeply, drinking in her fragrance. Then tasting the sweetness she offered he deepened the kiss. He may not have been able to recall her name but he knew this was right. He knew without thinking that she would tilt her head as his left hand reached up and touched her hair. He knew that she would gently stroke her hand down the side of his face. Yes, he knew this woman. He sensed that his very life depended on her well being, that without her he would be incomplete.
Reluctantly Jadzia pulled away. "Worf how do you feel? Is there any pain?"
So my name is Worf , he thought as he gazed into her clear blue eyes, eyes that were filled with love. This woman is possibly my wife. I hope she is my wife. If not then I must marry her.
He cleared his throat and said "I think I will survive. But I do have a headache."
"That's understandable, you received an electrical shock and it knocked you unconscious. Do you remember?"
"No, I am afraid I don't remember any of it," he said while thinking there were many things he could not remember. What is your name?, he wanted to ask but could not bring himself to voice the question.
"Well you had just opened the panel at the back of the shuttle and reached in to begin repairs when a circuit blew. You received quite jolt. I was so worried. You sustained some neural damage, and have been in a coma. Are you sure you feel o.k.?"
"Well I don't remember what happened to the shuttle nor do I recall why we are out here?" He hoped she would reveal something about their mission. Now why did he think they were on a mission? How ironic he remembered the fact that they were members of Starfleet but he could not remember her name. He was aware that he was a fighter and felt that he had been through many battles. Vague images of many different starships went through his mind. He could see the faces of people he had served with, and those he had fought. Even her face was there on the bridge, across from him. Yet the names of these people remained hidden. Pride kept him from admitting that he could not remember her name. Or was it stupidity he thought.
"Why are we out here?! I cant believe you don't remember why we are out here! We are on our way home from our honeymoon. Remember? Casperia Prime? You do remember that we are married, don't you?" She fixed him with a penetrating stare.
Thank God we are married, he thought. I bet we had a great honeymoon. Too bad I don't remember any of it. Well, we can just recreate some memories, he mused to himself.
"Yes I remembered that we are married! I could never forget being married to the most intoxicating female in the galaxy. You were the most beautiful bride to ever walk down the aisle." He hoped she had walked down the isle. "For some reason I thought we were still on Casperia, that's why I asked what we were doing out here." He lied and it made him feel bad to lie to her. He also didn't want to disappoint her by letting her know he could not remember their marriage. He was sure it would wound her and he never would do anything intentionally to hurt her. He reached up and brought her face down to his. He needed to touch her, taste her, let her fill him with the strength he knew she could give.
The feel of his kiss made Jadzia swoon. She felt as if she was floating through space. A warm flutter began to flow out from her center as he continued to explore the silken flesh of her mouth. His teeth gently nipped the inside of her bottom lip and she tasted her blood. Worf sucked gently at the small wound and Jadzia felt the heat build deep within her core. Worf had ignited a flame of desire with just a single kiss. He slid his hands into her hair and began to massage her scalp. Freeing his lips from hers he pulled her head back exposing her neck to his now ravenous kisses.
Jadzia knew there was still work to be done. Barely able to speak she broke the spell. "Yes I see your mind is still on Casperia. But we need to get power restored to the sensors and communications. Furthermore I want to run another brain scan. I would not want you to lapse into another coma. O.K.?"
"O.K. You are right" Worf sighed. "I am hungry also."
"You're hungry all right!" Jadzia smiled down at him. She shifted him off her lap and stood. As she turned back to him she said quietly, "I love you."
Worf's heart expanded, never had three words meant so much to him. "And I love you."
"Let me get you some field rations, so we can get this hunk of junk working.", Jadzia said as she left him sitting there. I am the luckiest woman alive she thought.
After eating, Jadzia scanned Worf as she explained what had happened with the Cardassians. She also filled him in on the status of the shuttles' repairs.
"I really don't think the Cardassians will be hanging around looking for one small shuttle. Besides they may have assumed they destroyed us, since you say we came hurtling into the nebula. But I would definitely like to have the long range scanners and communications working before we venture outside the nebula." said Worf as Jadzia turned off the medical scanner.
"Well it looks like your neural pathways still show some damage. Are you experiencing any headaches?" Jadzia questioned Worf.
"Only a slight headache, nothing that is going to stop me from helping you get the shuttle up and running. Don't look at me like that. I will be O.K. I promise you that." Worf said as he reached out and wiped away a tear that slipped down her cheek.
Worf was amazed how easily his knowledge of the shuttle's systems returned to him as he and his wife finished the repairs. However his memory of his marriage and his wife's name still lay hidden somewhere in his mind.
"We need to run a diagnostic of all the systems now" Worf said as they completed the last of the repairs.
"I'm tired, why don't we get some rest and resume this in the morning." Jadzia said. She understood Worf enough to know that he would never admit to being tired, even though signs of fatigue were all over his face. Therefore she had to be the one to suggest they rest.
"That would be a good idea, I don't want you to get ill. You are looking a little peaked." Worf declared, noting the strained look on her beautiful face. The thought of having his lovely exotic wife lying in his arms aroused all of his senses. They had been so busy in the past few hours he had almost forgotten the kiss they shared earlier, but her natural aroma had lingered in his mind all day.
"I beg your pardon, do I look that bad?" Jadzia teased Worf as she casually punched him in the shoulder.
"No, what you look is absolutely perfect. Perfect for me.", he stated. "Are you hungry?"
"I think I can do without rations right now. Let's lay down." Jadzia yawned as she made her way to the back of the shuttle. Looking at the small bunk she decided the floor would be more spacious.
"How about we sleep on the floor. That way I can lay next to you without falling out of bed.", she prompted.
"Certainly. I have no problem with that idea. Is sleep all you had in mind?" Coming up behind her he began to deeply massage her shoulders.
"Mmmm, that feels so good. I didn't realize how tense I was." Jadzia responded, as he continued the slow circling motion.
"Here lie down, and I can get your entire back." He loved the feel of her body beneath his hands.
Jadzia stretched out after removing her jacket and rested her head on her hands. Worf proceeded with the massage. He marveled at the contrast of her firm well-toned muscles, and the soft, satiny feel of her skin. Suddenly he realized her breathing had slowed to a deep steady rhythm. His lovely wife had fallen asleep.
Just as well, she needs the rest, Worf thought. Lying down next to her he pulled her into his arms. She instinctively nestled herself into his embrace resting her head on his broad chest. "Computer, dim lights."
Worf fought sleep as long as he could. The thought of slipping back into that dark void made him hesitate to close his eyes. Soon fatigue overtook him and he entered a deep restful sleep.
Four hours later Jadzia awoke to the feel of Worf kissing each finger of her right hand. He then turned her palm over and with his tongue traced the path of her life line. A low moan escaped her lips. This brought his attention to her face. She saw the passion in his dark eyes. Giving him a seductive smile, she reached up and loosened the cord that held his hair in place. He had already removed the clip from her own.
"I was hoping you would awaken soon." Worf shook his hair free. He knew she liked it to flow freely when they made love. Little by little memories were returning to him. The sleep he had avoided had been good for him. Crystal clear memories of them working together ran through his mind only to be replaced with vague images of the two of them battling in a dark cave. He understood with great clarity that although they shared much in common they were as different as night and day. They complemented each other perfectly.
She inched her way up his body and began to nibble at his neck. Moving his hair aside she whispered in his ear, "Would you like more?" His blood felt like liquid fire flowing through his veins.
In response he tightened his grip on her hand until it was painful. Jadzia knew the amount of restraint Worf was using because he refused to hurt her. He had told her he did not need to be as physically aggressive in their love making as they had been when they first became par'machi. Out here adrift in space he would never dream of causing her to break any bones. She also felt Worf was embarrassed that every time they entered the infirmary Julian gave them a wide eyed knowing look. She had heard a couple of the medical technicians giggle as he glowered back. But a little love bite wouldn't hurt Worf at all. She loved the way his taste and scent aroused her.
Worf sat up and began to quickly undress her. His fevered rush heightened her excitement. She in turn helped him remove his clothing just as rapidly. When they were nude they knelt silently in front of each other. "Magnificent," Worf said in a deep throaty voice. He felt enthralled as he followed the trail of spots that outlined her breast and hips.
To Jadzia it seemed as if Worf were seeing her for the first time. His gaze slowly traveled down her body. It pleased her that he enjoyed looking at her. Her hands tingled with anticipation of touching him. She couldn't wait any longer. Jadzia's cool hands touched Worf's hot flesh sending shivers through his body. She stroked the coarse hair on his chest and felt the muscles beneath tense. Her fingers glided their way down his belly tracing the pattern of his hair. It was Worf's turn to moan as she wrapped her long fingers around his manhood.
Desire overwhelmed him, the emotions his wife stirred within him were like a hunger. Placing his hands at the small of her back Worf lowered her onto the floor. Her sultry fragrance washed over him stimulating his appetite for her. His large strong hands delighted in caressing every inch of her enchanting body. Tasting the moist sweetness of her mouth his tongue began to eagerly explore every delicious part of her, finally ending its journey as he licked at the nectar found between the folds of her lower lips. Jadzia's nails dug into his back as she succumbed to the tidal wave of passion he created.
The bodies intimately joined, the two lovers were oblivious to anything around them. They were only aware of the sight, sound and feel of each other. Their sense of smell and taste melded. Time and space became one. There was no beginning and no ending, simply the bonding of two souls.
In that infinite universe they had created for each other a single thought entered Worf's mind. One word that completed his joy....Jadzia!...as he called out her name, memories of all they had shared came rushing back. Memories as beautiful and alive as the woman he loved so dearly.
***
"And after finishing repairs to the shuttle we left the nebula. We scanned the entire sector, but there was no trace of the Cardassian vessel." Worf explained to Capt. Sisko and Major Kira as they made their way off the Defiant.
"We would have made it back safely," said Jadzia. "But thank you for coming to find us, Benjamin."
"I got worried about you 'old man', after you two didn't report back on time. Even if it was your honeymoon I know Worf would never be late reporting for duty. I knew something must have gone wrong." Capt. Sisko said as he smiled over at Dax and Worf. His smiled turned to a frown, "We haven't had any activity from the Jem'Hadar, haven't even seen any Cardassian ships in several weeks. I wonder what they are up to?"
"I would be more than happy to find out for you, sir" growled Worf. His blood boiled when he thought about how Jadzia could have been injured or killed. Just the idea of losing her put an empty feeling in his heart but she was alive and safe. He would make any sacrifice to ensure she stayed that way.
"Hold on, I want Julian to check you out thoroughly before you run-off." Jadzia encircled Worf's arm with her own. "We will talk with you later after we stop by the infirmary.", she said to her friends as she escorted he husband down the promenade.
***
"Hmmm, No broken bones" Dr. Bashir said teasingly. He was about to make another wise crack, but changed his mind after seeing the twin scowls on both Dax and Worf's face.
"Well, everything checks out fine. You are the picture of health, only a small residual of the electrical shock is showing up on the neural scanners. That should be gone in a day or two. I've always thought it miraculous, the power the Klingon body has to heal itself."
"No Doctor, what is miraculous is the healing power of love. Jadzia's love gave me the power to fight for my life. Without her.....I...I don't even want to think about it. All I want to think about right now is how much I love her." Worf turned and taking his wife in his arm they headed home.
~finis~

REGENT
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and all the regular characters are the property of Paramount. This fictional work is the original idea of the author and was not written for profit. Please do not reprint or distribute for profit without written permission of the author. Thank you and I hope you enjoy the story.

He looked over at the sleeping female, her fiery red hair tousled from their sexual encounter. He could not call it love-making, nothing about the experience intimated at any deep emotion. It had been simple lust. She was nothing more than a vessel to relieve his burning urge. Fair was fair, he knew she had tried to use him as well. With all the false charm and every sexual overture she could think of, this female had hoped to get him in her bed. Women constantly threw themselves at him, attracted by his power and fortune if not by his looks. Also he had earned a reputation for his ability to please, a well deserved one if he should say so himself.
This female viper had sought more than just the satisfaction his rock hard body could give her. She thought she could conquer him the way she had other men. He had let her believe she had seduced him. If the bitch only knew it had been his plan all along to get in her hot little cunt, she wouldn't be looking so smug. He laughed, even in her sleep she appeared haughty. Not that he didn't like that, indeed he liked strong, proud women. But this narcissistic witch was deeply in love with herself. That sickened him.
The warrior understood she would do anything to get what she wanted. Including subjecting herself to his fierce sexual appetite. He looked at the scars and bruises his sharp teeth and brutal hands had left on her pale white body. Although he had been careful not to break any bones, she was going to be extremely sore in the morning. Of course she would have her doctor remove all the scars especially the large bite he had left on her peach colored face. He laughed, she wouldn't dare leave her room before that mark had been completely eliminated. This would buy him time.
He was confident her personal physician was experienced at this sort of thing. Rumors of her own perverse sexual nature had reached his ears years ago. The warrior had been intrigued, often wondering what it would be like to sample the goods she had to offer. He also wanted to know if the hair nestled between her legs was red. It was. But he had been married at the time. The thought of betraying his mate and their vows was repulsive to him. Therefore he had kept at a distance from this living vampire, until now.
He remembered his mate, B'Etor of the House of Duras. How he had loved her. They had been good together, she was as politically motivated as he was and she inspired a deep passion in him. Because of her he had worked hard, trained his body and mind, so that he would become the greatest warrior in all of the Klingon Empire. He had also been cunning and ruthless in his pursuit of power. The result was that he was now Regent answerable only to Emperor Gowran. Perhaps one day he would be emperor, he was still young compared to Gowran. But that idea did not appeal to him as much as it once did. He had wanted B'Etor to be his empress, but she was no longer by his side. He was alone.
He believed in fidelity. B'Etor had been his first and only lover up until her death. Dead now for two years. Sometimes it seemed like yesterday, other times an eternity. When he thought about all the women he had had sex with in the two years since her death, he regretted killing her.
Then he remembered finding her in the arms of his own brother, Kurn. Not just in his arms, but naked with Kurn buried deep within her, while she writhed with pleasure beneath him. And they had been in his bed! Worf had quickly killed Kurn with his disruptor. As B'Etor groveled at his feet, muttering something about being lonely, he had grabbed her by the hair and pulled her head back. He had hated and despised her in that moment. Taking the dak'tagh she had given him on their wedding day, he slit her throat. Not enough to kill her instantly, but enough that she would slowly bleed to death. All the while he stood above her, watching as she clutched at her throat in agony. He had called Duras, his former brother-in-law and his friend General Martok to witness the scene, so there would be no doubt as to his right to execute the two of them. He then set the bed on fire and watched as the entire house was engulfed in flames. Worf chose to never live on Qo'nos again.
Shaking that image from his head, he rose from the bed and dressed. He wanted to leave her presence as quickly as possible, lest she try to curl up next to him. Or wake up wanting to talk; undoubtedly about herself. He hated the sound of her voice. But tonight he had been glad to listen to her gloating. The foolish female had thought to get him inebriated and instead ended up drunk herself. That was probably the only way she had been able to tolerate his initial thrusts into her small body. To her credit the muscles of her vagina had quickly stretched to accommodate most of his large member. Intoxicated from the wine and delirious from several orgasms, the nymphomaniac had told him everything he wanted to know. Before he left her chamber, Worf placed several strips of gold pressed latinum on the pillow next to her. After all he did owe Kira Nerys some type of payment for all she had shared with him.
***
Why didn't they hurry up and kill her? That would be preferable to laying here in a living hell. Jadzia Dax had refused to cooperate with the Intendant. She had also refused to eat and threatened suicide. She no longer cared if she lived or not. So they had placed her on life support. Every day now for the past two weeks Kira had come to question her. Kira, but not her Kira. This vile woman did not deserve the honor of that name. The fact that Major Kira Nerys had been her friend made Dax's captivity all the more painful.
Her Kira was gone, so was O'Brien, Nog, Jake and Benjamin. And Worf. Her beloved Worf. Her par'machai, gone from her forever. She remembered that fateful day, it had been over three months ago. The day had started out bright and beautiful. Worf and she had agreed to start a family, Julian had even told her that the ovarian resequencing had worked. She was so happy. On the way to the temple to say a prayer of thanksgiving to the prophets Dax had seen Quark. She couldn't resist sharing her good news with her Tongo partner. Quark had a wistful expression on his face, but had walked with her to the entrance of the temple and finally congratulated her. Jadzia had given him a hug and kiss. That was her last moment of happiness.
Entering the Bajoran temple she found the vedek's body on the floor. As she leaned over the corpse she heard Quark scream. Suddenly the Ferengi was throwing himself in front of her as she heard the sound of a disruptor. She then saw Dukat vanish. Quark's lifeless body fell on top of her. She screamed when she realized what had happened. Dax rushed from the temple to find help. All she found was chaos. Bajorans all over the station were weeping and wailing. The worm-whole had collapsed, the orbs were black and the prophets were gone.
After that her sorrow only escalated. It didn't take long for news of the Federation's defeat at Chintaka to reach DS9. The entire combined fleet of Federation and Klingon vessels had been wiped out. And with it the life of her husband, her mate, the one man who made her life complete. Julian had had to sedate her. For two months she grieved, living in a drug induced state of euphoria.
Then the Romulans came. The Bajoran government and the Federation had agreed to turn over the space station to their new allies. She and Julian were among the few remaining Starfleet personnel left on the station. Even with the Romulans in the war, the Dominion continued advancing further into Federation territory. And Jadzia Dax continued seeking solace in narcotics and alcohol.
She was pacing the floor late one night, she never slept in her bed, their bed anymore. It held too many memories of Worf. Instead she opted for the couch, whenever she did sleep. Having finished her second bottle of blood wine Jadzia turned at the sound of a transporter beam. Bariel appeared in her quarters. Bariel from the alternate universe. Dax told him about Kira and the others. She saw the pain in his eyes. Then he mumbled something about that making his assignment easier.
Jadzia woke up in the mirror universe. She would kill herself before she would help the Intendant. And if they tried to place the Dax symbiont in another person it would force the new host to commit suicide. Maybe she could make it through the gates of Sto-Vo-Kor. Worf was waiting for her... Jadzia Dax lost all consciousness as she was disconnected from life support.
***
The Regent and three of his most trusted officers made their way to the basement infirmary. The men who followed him had all been loyal to him for years now. He believed in rewarding loyalty generously. Unlike some Klingon leaders, Regent Worf knew it was to his benefit to treat those under him with respect.
But he was a hard task master. He tolerated nothing less than 100% obedience. Numerous soldiers and servants had lost their lives at either his command or by his own hand. Each had been deserving of the fate they earned. No one dared cross him.
Just as he was relentless in his punishment he was excessive in his rewards. The warriors that swore their aligience to him enjoyed the finest of ships, homes, food, jewels and what ever other pleasures he could find to share with them. Even his servants were treated well. Many of them lived better than some governors and council members who had been banned to remote, desolated planets by Emperor Gowran.
The Regent had only three or four select men he counted worthy enough to be his advisors. One of them was his friend, General Martok. It had been Martok who brought him the news of the Intendant's most recent acquisition from the mirror universe: Jadzia Dax!
Worf and his men quickly and silently killed all the guards in the Intendant's palace on Bajor. Foolish woman, did she not know who she was dealing with. To think Kira Nerys had planned to bargain with him, didn't she know he did not negotiate with idiots like her and those stupid Cardassians she had working for her. It was because of them that Jadzia Dax from this universe was dead.
He was mesmerized by her exotic beauty as he looked down at her unconscious form. If she was this lovely hovering at death's door, how splendid she must be alive and in good health. Sgt. Toq moved to lift her from the bed. "STOP! I will carry her." Worf refused to let his officer touch her. Toq was a good man, but he was not worthy. No one must touch her accept him and Dr. Selar. The female Vulcan was his personal physician and had been in his service for nearly ten years. He refused treatment from any of the Klingon doctors, he had made many enemies in the Empire and doctors like lawyers were easily bought. But Selar he trusted. She owed her life to him, and although she had saved his own countless number of times, she still remained at his side. Selar was the only other person he counted as a friend.
Jadzia Dax was limp and her skin felt cool as he lifted her from the bio-bed. Clothed in only a thin white gown, Worf could feel her womanly curves. His palms tingled at the feel of her soft body. Looking at her lovely face he felt his arousal grow. The great warrior had to fight a hard battle to bring the urge to join with her under control. The effect this unconscious Trill woman was having on him was amazing.
~
"She will live. If she wants to live. She needs food and the desire to hold onto life." Selar stared back at her long time employer and friend. The Vulcan saw something in his eyes, something that had been missing for a long time. After B'Etor and Kurn's treachery Worf had changed. The quiet and pensive Vulcan female had not liked the man Worf had turned into. Perhaps another change was at hand.
"I will make sure she lives," Worf stated emphatically. After Selar left he sat on the edge of his large firm bed. He hoped the mattress was not too hard for her soft delicate body. Caressing her face, he longed to look into her eyes.
What was he going to do with her, now that he had her? One thing was certain, he would not give her up, not even to the Emperor himself. He sat there and watched her sleeping form for hours.
Early the next morning Jadzia's eyes fluttered open. A familiar scent filled her nostrils. "Worf?" she peered at him through the dim light.
"Yes, Jadzia?" He leaned over and looked into her enchanting blue eyes. His soul was lost to her in that moment.
"Oh Worf, it really is you!" She was still weak but she flung her arms around his neck and reached up to kiss him.
Her lips were soft, moist and her mouth seemed to fit his perfectly. This was not what he expected her to do, but it was what he desired. He savored the taste of her sweetness.
Laying her head back on the pillow Jadzia whispered, "It was all a bad dream. I knew you would come home to me."
"Are you thirsty, hungry? The doctor says you need nourishment and rest."
"Julian is right, yes I am quite thirsty and a little bit hungry." Dax closed her eyes again.
Worf said nothing. He could not tell her the doctor was Selar, not Julian. He was the Regent not Lt. Commander Worf, her husband. Not now, not after that kiss. He brought her food and tea.
Jadzia opened her eyes again. She was happy again. Eating the food he gave her and washing it down with the tea, she contemplated what she had been through: Did I have a bad orb experience? That nightmare had seemed so real.
Worf had not taken his eyes off of her. After she finished eating, he smiled happily. "Thank you," she said. "I thought I might never see that miracle again." He gave her a puzzled look. " Don't look like you don't know what I mean. You promised to smile for me as much as I wanted you to."
"And I will," he said smiling for her again. She didn't know it but Regent Worf smiled often. Especially when he got what he wanted. Or when something particularly delighted him. As her dancing blue eyes were doing at the moment.
"Why are you looking at me like you've never seen me before?" she asked.
"I haven't ever seen you before," he replied, honestly.
"Silly!" she laughed. He liked the sound of her laughter as much as he liked the way her eyes lit up. Sitting up she wrapped her arms around him. "So did Julian say we had to abstain from...exercise?" she flirted with him.
The Regent became erect instantly at her suggestion. "No... he did not say that." Feeling guilty about what he was about to do, the warrior asked, "Are *you* feeling up to it?"
"Actually I feel great, just a little weak. But if you will be gentle until I regain my full strength I'm sure I will be fine. You don't know how much I want to feel you inside me." Her voice had become low and husky as she began to massage his scalp and neck.
His heart pounded loudly in his chest. Was this wrong? In her mind she thought him to be her mate. In a way he was. Could he be gentle? For her he would try with all his might.
Glad that he had showered upon returning to his quarters, he wanted now to wash away the memories of his night with Kira, just as the soap and water had washed away her scent. Making love to Jadzia Dax would wash away the memory of the countless women he had bedded. And he wanted to love every inch of her glorious body. He throbbed in anticipation of being with her. " I will be gentle."
Jadzia could see the burning desire in her husband's eyes. When he lifted her into his lap she felt his erection next to her thigh. Worf was ready for her, this knowledge heated her blood. They kissed tenderly relishing the flavor of the other's mouth. Worf groaned when Jadzia nibbled at his bottom lip. He quickly removed his shirt and she ran her hands across his massive shoulders. Her gown was in his way, she lifted her bottom as he scooted the garment up her body. His thumbs lightly grazed the sides of her breast as he inched the gown past them and over her head.
There was just enough light in the room for him to see that her supple body was magnificent. He wanted to bury himself in her right then. But he wanted to bring her pleasure first. Worf's large brown hand cupped one of her breast while the other started a slow sensual massage down her back. He kissed her gently again, surprised that he could be so tender, but he had promised.
Jadzia sighed as Worf's fingers began to caress her breast. His touch was so delicate, so sensual. She could tell he was restraining a great urge, all for her. His thumb flicked back and forth across her hard nipple. The pressure from his hand increased as he continued kneading her breast. "Yes, like that," she sighed into his mouth. She wasn't so weak that she couldn't take a little pain or better yet give it. Pulling her lips from his she kissed her way up his jaw, then sank her teeth into his cheek.
Worf almost lost his control at that point. The pain in his cheek traveled through his entire body. Jadzia even had the nerve to scratch her nails down the pectoral muscles of his hard, solid chest. As she touched him, the Regent was amazed at the way this woman knew his body, but then it was the same body as her husband from that other universe.
Leaning her back he lowered his head to take her breast in his mouth. He suckled gently at first, gradually increasing the pressure until he was biting her erect nipple between his teeth. Her breathing had become ragged and he could hear her heart beating in her chest. Moving his head to the other twin mound ,Worf traced his tongue round and round her dusky rose areola, faster and faster, before he swallowed her breast into his mouth. His suckling was having the desired effect. Jadzia squirmed in his arms and her body ached with a great need. Her breast were on fire and her lower stomach began fluttering like it always did when Worf nursed at her ample bosom.
The fluttering spread, even as Worf's hand started a downward descent. Her smooth alabaster skin was cool to his touch, but it made his hands hot as every nerve ending came to life. Never had his hands been so aroused. His rough palms literally ached as they began to explore her body. Worf could tell she worked out, her muscles were well toned. And to contrast that her skin was soft and satiny. He wanted to taste her. He placed her back onto the mattress and let his eyes feast on her gorgeous body. She was tall and he thought about having those long legs wrapped around his waist while he moved inside her.
Standing, he removed his shoes and pants. Worf watched as Jadzia's fingers traced along her exotic Trill markings. She caressed both of her breast and slid her hands down her sides and over her stomach. All the while she watched the play of emotions on his face. He smiled provocatively as her fingers glided through the downy triangle and then disappeared between the folds of her lower lips.
Worf's lids became heavy with passion and he ran his tongue over his lips. He sat next to her. His fingers began following the same path hers had taken until they finally joined hers. Placing his hand over hers they both began to massage the hard little bud nestled at the top of her womanhood. Taking her hand in his he guided her middle finger in and out of her own wetness. Over and over he continued the motion until she was completely damp with her secretions. This intimate act made Jadzia's breath catch in her throat. Worf had never done anything so bold, but she liked it. She moaned loudly when he slid his long thick finger into her sex, right next to hers.
Worf could feel the moist silky flesh of her inner walls as his finger probed and explored. Jadzia slid her finger out to give him complete access. He knew when he had found the most sensitive spot as she started writhing beneath him. He continue the slow deep massage. Lowering his head, his tongue began to tease her now engorged clitoris. Worf was delighted at Jadzia's response as he continued to lick, suck and blow on the sensitive little bundle of nerve endings.
Awash with emotions and sensations she couldn't control Jadzia found herself panting and moaning in pleasure and pain. Her body arched up off the bed as Worf continued the tortuous assault on her senses. His fingers and tongue teased and tantalized. Her head was spinning deliriously. When the spasms started, her nails scratched into Worf's shoulders. The waves washed over her again and again. And he wouldn't stop. Just when she thought to come down he would increase the pressure and carry her back into another orgasm.
Worf had become intoxicated with her aroma and taste. She was in estrus and he could smell it. The strong spicy scent was erotic and driving him mad. He growled with pleasure when he felt her spasms come. Yes!, he had succeeded in bringing her to fulfillment. And the delicious pain she inflicted on him as her nails drew blood from his shoulders was all he needed to spur him to continue inflicting the passionate attack on her body until she finally went limp.
Unable to wait any longer Worf spread her legs further apart as he knelt above her. Their eyes met and her cool hand grasped his thick turgid member. If he hadn't wanted to be inside her so badly he could have come right then when her slender fingers wrapped around him. "Now," they said in unison. Jadzia guided him to her opening. Worf paused for a second, she had felt so tight around his finger. He feared she wouldn't be able to hold him, and the last thing he wanted was to injure her. Jadzia solved his dilemma by arching her hips upward as she wrapped her strong legs around his buttocks and pulled him into herself.
As his manhood entered her wet passageway, Worf could feel her muscles giving and stretching as her body yielded to him. Her sex surrounded his completely. Even some Klingon females had difficulty holding his thick extra long member. She was perfect for him. Slowly he pulled back elated by the slippery feel of her. He pulled out just to the point where his head was all that remained inside her. Worf could feel Jadzia quivering with anticipation beneath him. He then forcefully plunged back into her.
He continued moving in and out of her as she rocked her hips, matching his rhythm and timing. His mouth covered hers and their tongues performed their own intimate dance, darting in and out of each others mouth. The slow sensual pace Worf had started became quicker. Encouraged by her response he began to boldly thrust into her. Their bodies were slick with sweat as their hands massaged one another feverishly.
Jadzia's low moans grew louder as Worf nibbled at her neck. She knew she would come as soon as he bit her favorite spot. He was unable to take his eyes away from her. Watching her enjoyment of their lovemaking heightened his own pleasure. He loved the way she looked, smelled and tasted. And the sounds she made were driving him crazy.
Worf noticed a cute little brown spot closer to the front of her throat. It was all by itself, alone and lonely. Like me, he thought. He was drawn to that spot. Something about it appealed to his very nature. He kissed it; her vaginal walls squeezed tightly around him. Having found how sensitive she was to this spot he continued to lick and suck at it. Her movements became erratic. Finally unable to resist he gently bit into her throat. He was shocked at the force of her orgasm.
"Worf!," she screamed his name, her arms and legs locked around him, her nails dug into his back. Jadzia was still caught up in the rapture of her climax when the shock waves rippling through her body transferred to him. The tension that had been building throughout his entire body consumed him. He was lost as the spasms of his own climax racked through his body. Worf roared in ecstasy as his hot semen poured into her pulsing chasm. The two lovers trembled violently in each others embrace as their orgasms subsided.
While Jadzia's mind was lost in time and space the Dax symbiont's consciousness focussed on the tingling sensation in her right ovary. Jadzia had felt that little bite of pain and the fluttering sensation every month since she had reached puberty and never paid much attention to it anymore. But today the symbiont did.
The ovary released one single egg cell, ripe and ready for its journey. The finger like extensions of the fallopian tube beckoned the microscopic cell. As it flowed along the small passage way it was bombarded by millions of even tinier tadpole shaped cells. Finally one very determined sperm cell penetrated the membrane of the small ovum. And wondrous magic began to happen. The little egg cell grew and changed at a phenomenal rate. No longer was it a Trill cell, just as the sperm that had joined with it was no longer a Klingon cell. They had merged, become one, a new living creation. It was now an entity that had never existed before. Distinct with its own life and destiny. Having reached the large cavern it would call home, this new being instinctively nestled deep into the rich life giving tissue of its mother's womb.
The Dax symbiont was aware of all of the events that had occurred over the past two hours. From the moment she had awaken to find their parmachai to the rapturous orgasm that exploded through their being. Jadzia Dax was happy again, she was with Worf. The mind of Jadzia was sleeping blissfully while her body lay in the embrace of their lover. Dax's mind stored this secret little tidbit of information away. Let the Jadzia mind be pleasantly surprised when she found out in a month or two. Then one night while Jadzia was sleeping it would place these special memories in her dreams.
~
Jadzia had fallen asleep. The Regent was surprised that he could attain such ecstasy without the roughness he was used to. Unwilling to pull out of her Worf wrapped one arm around her shoulders and the other around her buttocks. He then rolled over onto his back bringing her with him so that she lay astride him.
She nestled her head against his broad chest as if this was a familiar position. He supposed it was. Jadzia must have slept like this in the arms of his counterpart. The Regent became jealous at the thought of someone else sharing her body. But then that someone else had been him, at least his duplicate.
He thought about that other Worf. The same and yet different. He must have loved and cherished Jadzia dearly, if her response to their lovemaking was any indication. "My brother, rest assured that I will protect her, care for her and love her until the day she passes through the gates of Sto-Vo-Kor."
~
Hours later Jadzia awoke, groggy as always, to the feel of Worf's penis flexing inside of her. He had never done anything like that before. She liked it. Raising up she looked down into his smiling face. "Where did you learn that?" she asked in a breathless voice, her own muscles beginning to pulsate.
"I was wondering when you were going to wake up. Learn what? This?" Worf increased the speed of his flexing. "I just thought it would make you feel good. I want to make you happy." Placing his hands around her slender waist he then began to rhythmically stroke in and out of her wetness.
"You do make me happy; exceedingly beyond belief happy!" Jadzia exclaimed breathlessly as she threw her head back and arched her body closer to his. Her long brown hair cascaded down her back and a low moan escaped her lips. She placed her hands on the corded muscles of his thighs for support. Every nerve ending in her body was on fire and she couldn't get enough of him. Dax didn't know what had happened to her but that didn't matter. The only thing of importance was that they were together.
After the ecstasy of another orgasm, Jadzia and Worf lay entangled in each others arms and legs. "Worf, I love you."
"And I love you, Jadzia." Guilt stabbed at the Regent's heart. He had deceived her, but surely it had been for the best. The life and color had returned to her pale complexion. And most important desire burned in her eyes. He had assured Selar that she would live. That was a vow he intended to keep.
Worf reached for the knife that was always at his bedside. He had to do this before it was too late. Before she discovered the truth. Sitting upright in the dimly lit room, Worf ran the tip of the blade across the palm of his left hand. Jadzia sat up also and watched as the blood flowed from the cut. He held the knife out to her, handle first.
"We've done this before, my love. Why do you want to do it again?" she asked.
"This is a new beginning of the bond between you and I." He stared at her with those fierce brown eyes, that burrowed straight through to her very soul.
"Sort of like renewing our marriage vows. How romantic." Her heart ached with love. Jadzia took the knife in her left hand and bravely let the sharp blade cut into her flesh.
With pride the Regent noted that she did not flinch as the tip sliced into the palm of her hand. He knew she was worthy. "Jih'dok," Worf said as he held up his left hand.
"Maj'dok," Jadzia responded placing her right palm against his. Their fingers laced as Worf squeezed their hands together, allowing their blood to mingle. "Tlinghan jIH" \{" I am a Klingon" \} He was satisfied. She was now his mate, for life.
They made love again and then Jadzia fell asleep. Her body was still recuperating from all the drugs she and the Intendant had pumped into it. She slept peacefully, the Dax symbiont was glad of this rest. They both needed it. Jadzia Dax dreamed of happy times, still unaware that she was in another universe, unaware that she had taken the Oath with the Regent. And the consciousness that belonged to Jadzia was still unaware that his child now grew inside of her.
***
"Regent, forgive me, but you have made a grave mistake." Dr. Selar faced the formidable Klingon. "You should have told her the truth, before you forced her to take the Oath with you." "I didn't force her. She willingly took the blade from my hand." He turned away from his friend.
"Worf, she thinks you are her husband."
"And I am!" he yelled. "Nothing and no one will change that."
"She can. Soon she will know the truth. The narcotics in her system will have worn off before we reach Khitomer. And you my old friend will have questions to answer. I cannot believe you, YOU, would take advantage of a helpless female." Selar stared at the back of her friend's head. Sometimes she was ashamed to be his friend. This was one of those times.
Worf turned and looked directly into the Vulcan female's accusatory gaze. Was he no better than his father, Mogh? Had the sins of the father become the sins of the son? He grabbed Selar by the shoulders and shook her. "But I love her. I love her desperately!"
The physical contact gave Selar access to Worf's mind and emotions. Unprepared, she was assailed by the magnitude of emotions emanating from him. He was telling the truth. Selar began to feel weak.
"I am sorry, Selar. Forgive me." He removed his hands from her. He had not meant to subject her to his thoughts and feelings.
"I will help you all I can, Worf."
"Thank you," he said before leaving the infirmary.
***
The Dax symbiont was the first to realize that something was not right about their surroundings. Jadzia had been so enthralled by making love to Worf she had paid no attention to the room or the bed she was in. Waking up fully alert and completely alone in the dimly lit room she listened to the sounds. Warp drive. She was on a starship that was moving very fast. Dax had been a pilot in more than one lifetime and they both had been on countless numbers of ships. Standing Jadzia Dax concentrated on the vibrations. Warp 9.5 at the very least.
"Computer, increase light by 50%." Her eyes looked around the room. This was not the Defiant. This wasn't even a Federation vessel. She moved to the computer console.
Worf walked through the doors. Dax turned and stared at him. He was dressed in full battle gear and his luxurious hair hung freely around his shoulders. "Worf, why are we on a Klingon attack cruiser? Vor'cha class if I read the monitor correctly." Jadzia was still naked but she stood authoritatively, hands on hips glaring at her husband.
Magnificent, the Regent thought. He stood there awed by her beauty. His arousal pressed tight against his pants. Just the sight of her made him crazy. "You are correct. We are on board the Tiq'Dun."
"Heart of Greatness? I've never heard of this ship. Where are we going?" "To Khitomer," he answered bluntly.
"Why?" she demanded, fist balled at her sides.
She is a strong willed woman, he was pleased. "So you can recuperate in safety." "Recuperate? Safety?! What has happened to DS9? Worf, what happened to me? Am I suffering some type of amnesia?"
"Jadzia you need to get back into bed. I don't want you to have a relapse. We will talk tomorrow." He turned to leave.
"No Worf! I want to know now what is going on here!" Dax rushed across the room. Her intentions had been to grab him before he got out the door. But her legs were still weak. She collapsed.
Rushing to her he lifted her in his strong arms and gently placed her in the bed. "You will listen to me now? You won't try to get up again?" Worf smiled when she nodded her head in agreement. He brought her some medicinal tea which she drank completely. He sat next to her and held her hand.
Just before dozing off, Jadzia looked up at him. "Worf, you're so handsome with your hair like that." She was then asleep. The Regent smiled at her compliment, he rarely received such genuine flattery. He then kissed her tenderly on the forehead.
***
They dined together that night. Worf had removed the uniform and slipped on a gray knit shirt which hugged his muscular chest and a pair of dark gray pants. He did not want her asking questions about the medals and insignias on his uniform.
But she did continue with the questions. He refused to answer her. Instead he knelt in front of the statue of Kahless. "Well I can be just as stubborn." She rolled over on her side, placing her back to him as he crawled into bed. "Take your hands off me!" she snapped at him when he tried to caress her.
"Don't you want to feel me inside you? Feel me moving between your legs? Touching you only the way I know how? Perhaps you would like to ride on top, I liked this morning immensely." Worf whispered seductively in her ear.
"NO, I don't! I am mad with you. So unless you are going to tell me what I want to know you might as well go to sleep. After all *you* did say I need my rest."
The Regent's anger flared and he grabbed her turning her over. "You are my wife!"
"Are you going to force yourself on me? I am your wife, not your slave." Her blue eyes turned icy.
"Fine. Go to sleep," he snarled. No woman had ever refused him. B'Etor had never denied him his privileges as her husband. What kind of universe had this Jadzia Dax come from? Had she often deprived his counterpart of what was rightfully his? He slept fitfully that night.
Jadzia didn't sleep well either. The nightmares returned. She could see the Admiral telling her and Julian about the destruction of the Defiant and its crew. She awoke in a cold sweat. Rolling over she saw that Worf was by her side. It was all a bad dream. Jadzia curled up next to her husband.
When Worf woke the next morning he found his beautiful new bride snuggled against his chest. He dreaded telling her the truth, but he knew he had to. The Regent had hoped to win her heart first. He was dressed and sitting at his computer when she awakened.
"Good morning, why didn't you wake me up like you usually do?" she stretched and yawned.
"You were resting peacefully and looked so divine," he responded.
"My love, you do have a way with words." Jadzia stood and made her way to his desk.
Worf turned the computer monitor off. Standing he took her in his arms and ran his hands up and down her back. "Good morning, how are you feeling?" he asked with tenderness in his eyes.
"Much better, thank you." She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his head down so she could kiss him.
"Here put these on, the doctor will be here shortly," he said when their lips finally parted and he reached for some clothing and pointed her in the direction of the shower. "Julian is here?" she inquired.
"No. The doctor on board is Vulcan, her name is Selar."
"Now that is strange. A female Vulcan on board a Klingon attack cruiser."
Worf made no comment, he simply pushed her in the direction of the bathroom.
After showering Jadzia put on the lovely royal blue dress. The soft flowing silk seemed to have been made just for her, the fit was perfect and the color made her eyes stand out even more. She liked the way she looked even though it appeared she had lost weight.
Worf smiled appreciatively when she came back into the room. He sat at a round table in one corner of the room. An assortment of food and beverages was laid out. The Regent stood up and pulled out the other chair for Jadzia to sit down.
"Worf when are you going to tell me what's going on. These are very extravagant quarters for a Klingon ship. Even for a Vor'cha class ship you wouldn't expect the captain to have this much luxury. So how did we end up in these quarters? Did you and Martok have Gowran assassinated or something?"
At the mention of his friend the general and the Emperor's name the Regent quickly looked at her. "Do you think I should kill Gowran?" he asked, curious about these people in her universe. He knew his counterpart was or had been a Lt. Commander in some military unit called Starfleet, if Bariel's report was to be believed. What of the other people he knew?
"Worf please! Don't look so serious when you say that. I know that you and Gowran have not always seen eye to eye. And he has definitely not given you the proper recognition and respect you are due, but that's no reason to think about killing him. Although you would make a better Chancellor than he."
"You really think I would?" he asked reaching across the table and taking her hand in his.
"Of course I might be a little bit partial." Seeing the intense look in his eyes she observed, "I never knew you had political aspirations." "There is much you have to learn about me Jadzia. Never the less, I will not be killing Gowran unless he gives me good reason. Here try the gagh."
"That's a relief to hear. I would not want my husband court-martialed." Taking the squiggling serpent worms Dax popped some in her mouth. "Oh my this has got to be the best gagh I've ever tasted. Every thing is wonderful or am I just starving."
Making no further comments on politics, Worf said, "Only the best for you, parmachai. By the way you look lovely in that dress."
"I love it when you're romantic. But that brings me back to my original question. How did you manage these quarters and this dress? If I make no mistake this is Tholian silk. Do you know how rare and expensive it is?"
"Like I said, only the best for you."
"Worf! Stop avoiding my questions."
The Regent opened his mouth and was about to tell her the truth when the door chimed. It was Dr. Selar.
After examining the Trill, Dr. Selar gave her a clean bill of health. She instructed Dax to take it slow, get her rest and proper nutrition.
"Doctor, what was wrong with me?" "Your system was full of a variety of narcotics. You've been drugged heavily for quite some time."
"By whom? What kind of drugs?" Dax implored.
"It would be best if your husband tells you these things." Selar looked at Dax, her expression unreadable.
The Vulcan left without any further comment.
"Well? Is my husband going to tell me what is going on?" "Jadzia come here," he said softly. Worf wanted to hold her, smell her, taste her sweet kiss. He wanted to see the love in her eyes one last time. "Always remember, I do love you."
He kissed her passionately. Jadzia trembled in his arms. An unknown fear gripped her heart. Intuition told her something was wrong, terribly wrong. Worf then led her to the bed where she sat down. He paced the floor while he told her the truth about everything.
Jadzia began to cry, deep racking sobs of agony. She thought about her friends and about her husband. The terrible nightmare had been real. Worf her husband, her love, her parmachai really was gone. Then she remembered *him* touching her. He had used her, violated her body, her soul. Screaming as she ran toward the Regent, she began cursing him. First in Trill then in Klingon. Jadzia pounded his chest, she was hysterical with grief and anger.
Worf stood still. As solid as a large tree and firmly rooted, he did not move. The Regent allowed her to vent her frustrations on him. He didn't deserve anything he had taken from her. All the foul names she called him, all the hell fire and damnation she swore on him, this was what he deserved.
When Jadzia finally collapsed on the floor from exhaustion Worf lifted her up and placed her on the bed. He brushed away the tears that slid down her face. Opening her eyes, she saw how concerned he was about her. Jadzia Dax was filled with hatred as she glared at him. Through gritted teeth she uttered, "Take your filthy hands off me. Don't ever touch me again. If you do... I will kill...myself."
***
"If you touch me I will kill myself." Why had she said those particular words? Why didn't she threaten to kill him? He could have dealt with that. But no, she had struck at his very heart, she had threatened her own life. How did she know that was the one thing he could not allow her to do?
Seven tortuous days had passed since they had arrived at his home. He was in agony but she was still alive. For this restless warrior that would have to be enough. Standing on his balcony he looked out over his lands. He spotted her sitting in the garden watching the children play.
As she sat in the tranquil garden, Jadzia thought about the luxurious mansion she was now living in. The Regent's estate on Khitomer was impressive. The garden was filled with flowers and plants of every kind. There were orchards and rolling meadows that went on for acres and acres. And the house was immense. It was elaborately decorated with the best of furnishings from all over the galaxy.
Apparently he also had a passion for music, art and sculpture. Like her own Worf, the Regent listened to opera which was piped throughout the house. Beautiful pieces of artwork adorned every room. Some rooms were dark and somber in the traditional Klingon style. But other rooms totally baffled Jadzia, in that they were light, airy and colorful. Her bedroom was such a room.
She remembered the Regent leading the way into the room that was to be hers. She had been amazed. Opposite the door leading into the room were three large windows that extended from the floor to the ceiling. Light poured into the room. The middle window had French doors that led out onto the balcony overlooking a magnificent courtyard. In the middle of the courtyard was a fountain.
The walls of her room were graduating shades of color, ranging from the palest of lilacs near the floor to sky blue at the ceiling. When the sunshine came through the windows the effect was breathtaking. The carpet was soft, creamy and richly padded beneath her feet. The furniture was gracefully carved from some type of ivory material.
Only one piece of art work was in the bedroom. A sculpture made of a pearlescent stone sat on the large dresser. It was the nude figure of a fairy nymph or angelic like female. Her arms were stretched out in front of her perfectly formed body. She seemed to be reaching out to someone. Her wings were extended behind her and from the position of her legs and feet she appeared to be hovering in mid-flight. Her beauty was resplendent.
Every night Jadzia would lovingly touch the angelic statue, she was so taken with her. "Where is your love? Do you reach out to him and find he isn't there?" Jadzia's heart ached for her parmachai.
For the most part she loved the room. The only thing she didn't like was the fact that it adjoined the Regent's master suite. She kept the door locked from her side. But he kept his promise to never touch her.
Dax thought back to the first day they had arrived. The Regent told her that he would honor her request and not touch her unless she asked him. His only request of her was that she dine with him, at every meal. Jadzia didn't know why she did it, but she agreed to his terms.
The first night of their arrival on Khitomer there had been a great feast. Apparently the Regent had been away for quite sometime. The large dining hall was filled with warriors and servants. If Dax had not spent two lifetimes surrounded my Klingons she would have been frightened.
The Regent had come to escort her to dinner. She drew back when he extended his bent arm. "I said I would not touch you. That does not mean you cannot touch me. I am simply offering my arm out of courtesy, my Lady."
"Regent, I think I should dine in my room."
"Are you feeling ill?"
"No. I just..."
"Then I judged you wrong. I had thought you a woman of her word. If you cannot honor your word in such a small deed as eating with me, then perhaps you don't deserve me honoring my word to you." His black eyes burned.
"What do you mean?" she asked. Dax noticed that the veins in his neck were standing out.
"The men waiting downstairs are sworn to me. But they are tired and hungry. And I have promised them a grand meal. Might I remind you, you are my mate, this is your House. I don't know how they do things in your universe but here the feast cannot begin until the Lady of the House slays the first targ. I expect you to feed its beating heart to me with your own hand. So you will come with me to the dining hall one way or the other. Either of your on free will or I will drag you down the stairs by your hair and fling you into the midst of my soldiers. I would rather not discipline you. Do you understand? The choice is yours, my Lady."
He stood there, arms crossed, staring down at her, jaw firmly set. In that moment Jadzia knew true fear. It angered her that he had insinuated that she could not keep her word. But the thought of being dishonored by being dragged by the hair into a room full of Klingons frightened her tremendously. She would be branded a woman unworthy of respect. Would he punish her in front of his men? Something in his manner let her know he would do exactly what he said. Here was a man unaccustomed to being disobeyed.
The Regent frightened her, yet on some sub-conscious level she was drawn to him. Jadzia placed her hand in the crook of his arm. Every day since that time they had dined together. He proved himself to be a very considerate gentleman, pulling out her chair, pouring her wine, offering her the choicest cuts of meat, the largest slice of blood pie. In every way and in everything he catered to her first.
And he watched her. If they dined in the great hall with his men she would sit next to him, and his eyes would always find their way to her. If they dined alone in his library, she would sit across from him and he would watch her from beneath hooded lids. But he kept his word. The only physical contact they had was when she placed her hand in the bend of his elbow. Secretly Jadzia had come to look forward to this touching.
Jadzia was enjoying watching the children play. These small children belonged to the servants who worked for the Regent. They were not old enough to attend school, so they accompanied their mothers. One little boy in particular caught her attention. He was obviously not full Klingon. When Dax stretched her arms out to him he toddled over to where she sat. He was slightly older than Yoshi. The thought of Yoshi made her heart ache again. She and Worf had wanted a baby so badly. Damn Dukat and the Dominion.
The adorable little toddler soon made Jadzia forget about her sorrows. The two were sitting in the grass playing and giggling when a female voice called out, "Dan, Dan where are you?"
"Mama," the little tyke called out. Jadzia turned to see the woman approaching.

"Leeta?" she asked in amazement.
"Yes my Lady? Is he troubling you?"
"Oh no, quite the opposite. Is this your son?"
"Yes, my Lady. Is something wrong?"
"I apologize for staring it's just that you look like an old friend."
"Oh yes. I heard that you were from the mirror universe. I would love to hear about my counterpart someday. Is she a gardener too?"
Dax then noticed that Leeta was dressed in overalls and wore sturdy gardening gloves. Definitely not what her Leeta would be caught wearing. "No she was a hostess at Quark's. She's now married to my colleague, Rom."
"Well I really want to hear about her."
"So do I." The deep baritone seemed so out of place in the peaceful setting that Jadzia jumped at the sound.
Turning to her left she looked up at the awesome warrior standing over her. This man was not her Worf, but he still had the power to take her breath away. Little Dan hopped from her lap and ran to the huge warrior who picked him up. Jadzia's heart skipped a beat as she watched him toss the child into the air and then catch him in his strong sure grip. Dan laughed wildly.
"My you are getting big. Ouch!" Worf said as Dan's pudgy little fingers grabbed his beard and pulled. "Learning fast aren't we?" he laughed.
"My Lord, I'll take him now. It's time for his afternoon meal," Leeta said as she looked up at the tall Klingon. Dax saw the obvious devotion the Bajoran woman had for him. She also observed the affection the Regent had for the young Klingon-Bajoran child. Jadzia felt a pang of jealousy.
Jadzia, Leeta and Dan soon became good friends. Every day she would go to watch the children. Dan always made his way over to her. If the Regent was away, Dax would have lunch with Leeta and her son. Jadzia wanted desperately to ask her new friend about Dan's father, but was afraid of what the answer might be. Surely he would have married Leeta if she had given birth to his child. But this was a different Worf, one without honor or morals.
They dined alone that evening. Jadzia played with the food on her plate. She was very quiet as she listened to the Regent talk about his plans to expand the colony he governed on a neighboring planet. "What are you thinking about Jadzia?"
"Dan."
"You are wondering if I am his father."
She looked at him, surprised that he had read her mind.
"I have seen the way you look at me and the boy every time we are together. Rest assured I am not his father."
For reasons Jadzia didn't understand, she was glad. "Where is his father? Obviously he is Klingon." "He is dead."
"Oh, poor Leeta. I'm sorry to hear that." She was about to comment on how kind it was of the Regent to have taken in Leeta and her son.
"There is no need to be sorry. I know Leeta was glad when I killed him."
"You killed him? You killed Dan's father?"
"Yes." Worf realized he had said too much.
Jadzia jumped up. "How could you murder someone and then speak so casually about it?"
"I did not murder him."
"Murder. Kill. What difference does it make which word you use? Why? Why did you do it?"
"That is between Leeta and me."
Disgusted Dax stormed from the room. Worf sat in silence. He had promised Leeta he would never tell anyone what had happened.
***
Although he had not wanted to go, the Regent had to journey to Qo'Nos. For Jadzia's protection he left a squad of his best men to guard her and their home. During his absence Dax remained in her room. She didn't even go to the garden to play with the children. Three days after Worf left a soft knock sounded on her door. It was Leeta and Dan.
"Thought we'd stop by and see how you were, Jadzia. Dan's been asking about you, he's missed you. And frankly I've been worried about you."
"I'm glad you came by. I missed you too, little fella." Jadzia picked up the little boy, unable to resist his outstretched arms. "I've been.... I just haven't felt like venturing out."
"You must miss the Regent."
"Definitely not!" Dax rolled her eyes. "Actually I'm glad the ogre is gone." She watched as little Dan squirmed from her arms and began to explore her bedroom.
"Don't be so hard on him. Regent Worf really is a good and honourable man." Leeta commented.
"Good? Honourable?! How can you say that?" Dax asked, eyes wide.
"The Regent has always been kind to me and my son."
"Leeta, have you ever... slept with him? I mean how else can you stand to look at the man that killed your son's father?"
With a pained expression Leeta replied, "No, Jadzia. Your husband has never approached me in that fashion, not that I would have refused him. And... and as for him killing Dan's father..... well, the Klingon that fathered my son....raped me." Leeta dropped her eyes.
Jadzia sat in stunned silence for a moment. Standing she placed her hand over her friend's. "I'm sorry. Forgive me for prying."
Leeta went on to tell Dax about the incident and how Worf had come to her aid. When he had discovered that she enjoyed gardening, the Regent had given her a job and a home. The Bajoran woman also told Jadzia about Worf's first mate, B'Etor and her betrayal. Dax listened and learned much about the man who held her prisoner. He may have saved her from the Intendant, but he had used her, violated her body and tricked her into taking the Oath with him.
Yet as much as she hated him and the things he had done to her, Jadzia never tried to escape. What was the use, she thought. Her existance in the other universe had become pointless. She remembered the lonely days and nights spent drowning her pain and sorrows in alcohol and drugs. Jadzia had been on a road to self destruction, and the Dax symbiont had been unable to stop her. Besides most likely by now the Federation had been destroyed.
"Leeta, was this her room?" "Yes, but it wasn't a bedroom in those days. She slept with the Regent."
Leeta blushed. Dax thought, 'Like a wife should.'
"She used the room for a study, whenever they were here. While his first mate was alive the Regent never spent much time on Khitomer. She hated this place. B'Etor preferred to be on Qo'Nos, where all the political powers were. After her death, Worf had this room and every room that she had decorated completely redone. He chose a style as opposite from B'Etor as night is from day. He even burned the bed they had shared."
"He doesn't take disloyalty very well does he." Jadzia thought about how jealous and possessive her own Worf had been. She understood the Regent a little better.
The following day Jadzia did something that she and the Dax symbiont knew was very stupid. The symbiont had tried to convince her to resist the urge. The craving was so strong her body wouldn't let her fight it. She thought perhaps one little sip would make her feel better. But of course she wasn't able to stop at one sip. She drank the entire bottle. Now she was paying for it.
Worf entered Jadzia's room to find her pacing the floor, frantically scratching at her face, neck, sides and legs. She had scratched her neck so much that the collar of her shirt had blood stains on it. Frightened by her appearance, he rushed to her and grabbed her hands. "STOP IT! You are bleeding!"
Jadzia struggled in vain with the large Klingon. "I don't care. Now let me go!"
"Computer, have Dr. Selar beam directly to this room, medical emergency." Worf ordered.
"What happened to you? Why are your spots red?"
Jadzia still struggling, was unable to free her hands from his grip. She raised her foot in an effort to kick him. He laughed at her when she was only able to succeed in grazing his shin.
"You will have to do better than that, my love."
The Trill was angered by not only his laughter, but by his calling her love and the fact that he had actually put his hands on her. She twisted her body around in an attempt to flip him over. Worf anticipated her actions and he followed through her movements. As he went somersaulting over her he maintained his hold on Jadzia so that when he landed on his back she landed on top of him.
Dr. Selar materialized in the large bedroom just in time to see these acrobatic feats. "Regent you could have at least waited until you were finished before summoning me," she stated dryly.
Surprised by Selar, Worf released his hold on Dax, who promptly jumped up from the floor. The Regent stood up also and smiled at his wife, amused by the glaring look she was giving him. Jadzia slapped him hard across the face. He laughed out loud. She scowled at him again.
"Doctor, it seems that my wife has some type of rash affecting her spots. I, unfortunately, did not draw the blood you see staining her clothing. STOP!" Jadzia had returned to scratching at her red itchy spots.
Dr. Selar quickly gave Dax a hypo-spray which soothed the itch. The doctor asked about the source of the irritation. Jadzia explained about her allergy to icoberries. Worf looked at her strangely. "Why would you drink something you knew would cause this reaction?"
"I love icoberry juice. I just couldn't resist the craving today." She was unable to look away from his deep brown eyes. Dax saw that he truly was concerned about her. She remembered what Leeta had told her.
Still looking into Jadzia's eyes Worf spoke to his physician, "Selar, I want you to develop some type of antihistamine that will allow Jadzia to drink and eat icoberries without having an allergic reaction."
"I can do that. I will need a blood sample," the physician stated.
After Selar left Worf walked over to where Jadzia sat looking at herself in the mirror. "I am sorry I broke my promise about not touching you." His large hand gently stroked the delicate statue sitting on the dresser.
Watching his hand caress the nymph, Jadzia suddenly became aroused. "You don't have to apologize, you were only trying to help me. Thank you." She looked up into his face, identical to the one that haunted her dreams. "Why did you ask Dr. Selar to come up with an antihistamine for me?"
"You said you loved icoberry juice. I want you to have the things that please you. But you have never told me what you like or what you want. All you have to do is ask."
"What if I asked to return to my universe?" "No! I do not have one of the transpoter devices. And if I did I would not let you go. From what you have told me of the war, your people are likely at the mercy of this Dominion by now."
"I like to play Tongo." "Tongo??"
"A Ferengi board game."
"The Ferengi in this universe have no games. But I will have Miltor create the game for you."
"Will you play it with me?" she asked.
"If you will teach me, I will play," he responded sincerely.
Just as he had promised, the Regent had the artisan Miltor meet Jadzia in the library that afternoon. In no time at all they had replicated the board and all the pieces necessary to play her favorite game. They even replicated 'play' money to replace the strips of latinum. Dax dedicated the board to Quark, who had given his life to save hers. She realized she never knew how much he had cared for her.
That evening Jadzia paid particular attention to her dress and appearance. The Regent had filled her closet with the loveliest dresses she had ever seen, but most of the time she only wore a simple blouse and skirt. She curled her hair and selected a deep burgundy dress from her closet. The dress was a sheer see through chemise style that draped over a satin under slip of the same color.
When Worf arrived to escort her to dinner he complimented her on how beautiful she looked that evening. She felt very happy, happier than she had in a long, long time. After their private dinner, Jadzia showed the Regent how to play Tongo. He learned quickly.
"This is amazing. My Worf never got the hang of this game. Already you have picked up enough of the subtleties to be a challenging Tongo partner."
"It is a game about acquisition, and I have spent most of my adult life acquiring not only power but all the things you see around you. One must use strategy to gain anything of value. And I place a high value on things of beauty. I suppose I have this in common with your Ferengi."
"My Worf loved beautiful things also. He just..."
"Yes, he did love beautiful things..." his voice softened as he gazed into her blue eyes with so much adoration that Jadzia lost her train of thought.
It had been a long time since Jadzia had blushed, but that was exactly what she was doing under the intense appraisal of the Regent. He continued, "I would give up all my possessions to have what he had." Silently the Regent completed his thought: your love.
That night as she lay in bed Jadzia had doubts about being joined. Although it was an advantage, tonight the Dax symbiont's incredible memory was bothersome to say the least. The symbiont's memory provided her with great clarity, all the details of the time she had spent in the Regent's arms.
The Regent was restless that night also. But then he had become used to waking up thinking about the voluptuous woman sleeping in the room next door. He ached to be with her but alas he would have to settle for his memories. And they were glorious memories.
***
Dr. Selar had spent the entire day and night working on the antihistamine for Jadzia. She knew how important this was to her friend. The Vulcan liked Dax but was saddened by the fact that the Trill spurned Worf. Perhaps with time the Regent could win her heart. Having successfully completed her task, Selar beamed to the Regent's mansion. It was early morning and she was surprised to see them sitting at a table in the courtyard, playing some type of game.
"I am determined to win at this game, Jadzia. You know I am fiercely competitive," he stated. "Well Regent, we share that much in common. Don't expect me to give you *any* more pointers. I can't believe you woke me up to play Tongo," she yawned. "I do so love to sleep late."
"That is a bad habit, you should break yourself of." "Hey, yesterday you said I could have whatever I wanted. Well I want to sleep late." "You can go back to sleep as soon as I leave. Remember you did promise to share every meal with me. This particular day I had to eat early. I will be away most of the day but I wanted to get a game in before I left."
"And I thought Quark and I were bad. Oh, good morning Dr. Selar," Jadzia looked up at the Vulcan woman. "Full consortium! I win!"
Breathing in deeply Worf was not disappointed by his loss. He was too happy to see Jadzia enjoying herself. "Next time." He pointed a finger at the pretty Trill woman across from him. "Selar, you must learn to play this game. It is fascinating."
"I'm sure. I have the antihistamine." Selar looked at the happy couple in front of her. Things were looking up. "You are a genius, my Vulcan friend. I knew you could do it." Worf stood up and pulled Jadzia's chair out for her.
"That was fast. Maybe I can have icoberry juice for lunch?" Jadzia licked her lips in anticipation.
Selar replied, "I do believe you will be able to indulge as much as you like. You will need to get an injection once a month until your body builds up enough immunity of its own."
"Oh, thank you! I don't know why Julian and I didn't think of this years ago. I've been denying myself."
"I hope you never have to deny yourself anything again." Worf said as he looked into her sparkling blue eyes. "If the two of you will excuse me, I must go. We will have company this evening Jadzia. General Martok will be joining us for dinner. Selar you are invited also."
"Thank you Regent, but I have other plans. Give my regards to Martok."
After Worf left, Selar gave Jadzia her hypo. Then she requested one of the servants to bring a glass of icoberry juice.
"Pardon me doctor, but from your tone I take it you don't like Martok."
"No. Martok does not like me. He tolerates me because I am the Regent's friend. We both have Worf's best interest at heart. Martok respects and admires my skills as a surgeon and scientist, I have save his life on more than one occasion. But the good general is not partial to non-Klingons."
"Some things don't change no matter what universe you are in. Martok's counterpart in my universe is not so bad. It is his wife that gave me grief. Tell me how did you and the Regent come to be so close."
"I have known Worf for over ten years. When we first met I was a medical student on Vulcan. I was on my way home to the colony where my family lived on Taleria V. The transport ship I was traveling on was attacked by a Nausican fighter. They, the Nausicans, were at war with Mogh's army. Why we were attacked I don't know."
"Mogh, as in Worf's father Mogh?" Jadzia asked.
"The same. To make a long story short, I and what few survivors there were of the civilian ship were taken prisoner. Worf saved me and helped me to return to the medical school on Vulcan."
Jadzia had a strange feeling the doctor had left out a lot of details. She really wanted to know more but the look on Selar's face told her she wouldn't get any more information out of the stoic Vulcan. Dax understood why Worf would like this woman. Selar didn't talk much and only revealed what was absolutely necessary to complete a thought.
"So after you graduated from medical school you decided to return the favor by going to work for the Regent."
"Yes, but he was not the Regent then. Over the years we have been through many battles together. I was by his side as he moved up through the ranks of the Klingon Defense Force. Worf and I have become friends, we respect each other and are equally indebted to the other."
"So you have lost track as to who owes who their life."
"Precisely. Well it has been twenty minutes since you drank the juice. Do you feel any irritation?"
"No. Usually by now I would be turning red and starting to itch. Thank you, Selar. May I call you Selar?"
"Yes, you may call me Selar. I have a feeling we will be seeing quite a bit of each other. And you are welcome. But it is your husband you should thank, he is the one who came up with the idea."
My husband, those words still stung. The Regent had been very kind to her and she didn't loathe his presence as much as she had when he first brought her here. But it was hard for her to think of this Klingon as her husband.
~
That night at dinner, Jadzia could tell that Martok did not care for her. She didn't appreciate him judging her before he knew anything about her. The two men remained in the library after she returned to her room for the night.
"Worf, my friend, I did not tell you about this Trill woman so you could go off and mate with her. For an alien she is fair of looks but you could have had her without marrying her. I had thought she would prove valuable in your pursuit of the Emperor's throne. She must possess a vast knowledge from her universe that could help us in this one."
"At first I had thought to kidnap her just as the Intendant had and for the same reason. But one look and something told me I could not treat her dishonorably. I have never bedded a woman without her wanting me and I was not about to start with Jadzia Dax. She was the mate of my counterpart. Jadzia is special and not because of the knowledge she possesses nor because of the symbiont that lives within her. The throne does not appeal to me as it once did. As long as Gowran continues to rule in a manner I can tolerate his seat is safe. But do not fear if he should become sloppy or puts the Empire in danger, I know what I must do."
"But that is it. You cannot do it alone. Your allies will question this marriage arrangement you have made. Never in the history of our people has a leader taken a mate that was not Klingon."
"Her heart is Klingon. If my fitness as a leader is to be questioned because of my mate then to hell with all who dare to challenge me."
"Listen to me, Worf, divorce her. Send her back to her universe if you cannot keep her as a mistress and take a true bride from among your people."
"NEVER! If you were not my oldest friend and most trusted ally, I would have your head in my hand. You will *not* speak against my wife ever again. For that is what Jadzia is and will remain. Now if you value your life, you will return to your ship. If I dwell in your presence any longer I will surely become irate. I do value your friendship and realize you speak in ignorance. Good night."
After Martok left Worf went to say goodnight to Jadzia and to apologize for his friend's rude behavior. Jadzia was curled up in bed reading when Worf knocked at her door. "Come."
"Am I disturbing you?"
"No. Please come in. Martok is gone already?"
"Yes. I could not stomach his company any longer."
"Really? I thought he was your best friend."
"He is. I even look up to him like a father. But if he continues to treat you the way he did tonight his wife will be a widow."
Jadzia dismissed this last comment, she could not imagine him killing Martok. "His wife is Sirella?"
"Yes. I take it they are married in the mirror universe."
"Oh most definitely. In that universe I had my run-ins with her, not Martok."
Dax proceeded to tell the Regent about her wedding and the incident with Sirella.
"You don't have to worry about this Sirella. She is not so outspoken, but she is still a strong woman. Besides you are the Lady of the greatest House in the Empire, not counting the Emperor's of course."
"Things are very different here," she commented.
"Am I that different?" he asked quietly as he sat down on the bed next to her. Jadzia didn't answer him.
Her pulse quickened and the muscles in her stomach tightened when he sat down. She remembered her dream from the previous night. The man next to her carried his masculinity with practiced ease. Just like her own Worf he didn't seem to realize the sexual magnetism he exuded. Or did he?
The Regent let his eyes slowly travel over her body. She watched as his nostrils flared and his pupils dilated with passion. Jadzia's body betrayed her; her breathing, her heartbeat, her muscles, all began to respond to his nearness. He had not touched her. That one look was all it took, she could feel the moisture increasing between her thighs.
"Would you like to play tonight?" he asked seductively.
"Play?" she swallowed the lump in her throat.
"Tongo," he clarified.
"Tongo?
"Yes, my Lady. Tongo."
"Yes, I suppose a game of Tongo would be fine," she sighed.
Over the next few days Jadzia and the Regent spent a lot of time together. Much of it was occupied with playing Tongo. In the morning they would sit in the courtyard and play. Afternoons were spent in the garden with little Dan trying to run off with the game pieces. Each evening the two would sit in the library playing and talking.
Worf enjoyed these times. When Jadzia was involved in a game she would relax and talk. As each day passed she opened up more and more. He listened and learned much about her during that week.
One night at dinner Worf said to Jadzia, "I am tired of betting 'play' money. Let's raise the stakes. The winner of this hand will get whatever they wish."
"I don't know about that." She eyed him cautiously. "Indulge me. Be adventurous. Tell me what you would like if you win. A new dress? A painting or sculpture? Perhaps jewels?"
"No, none of those." Jadzia thought for a moment. "A bat'leth."
"A bat'leth?" he raised one eyebrow.
"Yes. One of my very own. Don't give me that amused look. I'm quite skilled at handling a bat'leth. You will see."
"All right. If you win the next hand I will give you as you say, your 'very own' bat'leth."
"I look forward to getting some exercise, I'm recovered and am tired of sitting around. So tell me Regent what is it you want?"
"A kiss." He stared at her luscious lips.
"A-a ... kiss. No. I think we should call off this deal."
"One little kiss. Are you afraid you will lose?"
"No, I'm not afraid...." Jadzia hesitated.
"Good. Let us begin." Worf set-up the board.

Although Jadzia had won every game they had played, she realized that the Regent's skills at Tongo had improved. But she was still confident in her ability to win.
All that week Worf had not only been listening to his wife talk but he had been studying her methods. He had devised his own strategy. The Regent was determined to win. As the game progressed Jadzia started to feel intimidated. The Klingon sitting across from her was playing more boldly than he ever had. And he kept watching her mouth.
And he won. The Regent looked triumphantly at her.
"O.k. then, a kiss. Let's get this over with," Jadzia said as she stood and walked around to the other side of the table. She was about to lean over when he raised his hand.
"Not now. I do not want to collect on your debt, just yet. But remember, you do owe me." He stood up arrogantly. "I'm tired, that last hand took a lot out of me. Besides I have a long day ahead of me."
While laying in the darkness of her room, she thought about the smug look on the Regent's face. He liked having people in his debt. She had been stupid to accept his bet. She should have known better. 'Yes you should have,' the symbiont thought. Dax knew Jadzia's heart better than she did at the moment.
**
It was late in the morning when Jadzia woke up. He had not awakened her as he normally did. When she came out of the shower she spotted a large package on the dresser. An attached note read: "You won - my heart." Opening the package she found a bat'leth, finely crafted and polished to perfection. The gift brought tears to her eyes.
One of the soldiers the Regent always left to guard his home told her he would not return until late. So Jadzia spent the day working out in his private holo-suite. When he did make it home Jadzia was already asleep. She woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of angry voices. They were in the Regent's master suite. Doing something she had never dared to do, Jadzia unlocked the adjoining door and stepped into his bedroom.
Martok was pacing the floor ranting and raving. A mumbling Selar was kneeling in front of Worf attending a wound on his leg. And Worf sat in a large high-backed chair, arguing back and forth with the two of them. He had stripped off his battle gear and was only dressed in his shorts. Jadzia saw the blood stained uniform then quickly looked back to Worf. The lighting was dim but she saw the freshly healed scars on his face, arms and chest.
That was when she saw the long jagged scar on his side. Although Selar had stopped the bleeding and sealed the wound, the scar would remain. This was a scar a Klingon would be proud of. The three were so pre-occupied they did not notice her, until she spoke. "Worf, what happened?"
The Regent looked into her sincere blue eyes. She was concerned about him. This pleased him. Also it was the first time she had called him by his name since he had told her the truth. He smiled at her.
Martok took advantage of Worf's silence, "He was stabbed in a fight. Actually he fought with three warriors. Two were former allies, the other... well, only Gowran will miss him. And it was because of you." Martok pointed his finger at Jadzia.
"SILENCE! Martok, I will speak with you tomorrow. By the way, thank you for your support, old friend." Worf frowned as the general left his room. "HURRY UP SELAR! Or leave it. I am not in any danger of dying."
"If Martok had not come along you may have bled to death. I don't care if you did kill all your opponents, you lost quite a bit of blood. What were you thinking, going off this morning and leaving me behind?"
Jadzia was surprised at the depth of emotion she heard in the Vulcan woman's voice. She watched with interest as Worf humbly looked at his physician and friend. "I did not anticipate trouble. Besides I knew it was the Vulcan Day of Marou. I wanted you to have the day off," he said quietly.
"Thank you for remembering. But I could still have accompanied you. Finished. Once again you will live." Selar stood and looked at Jadzia. She gave the Trill woman a look Dax could not fathom. It was as if the Vulcan was pleading with her to be kind to Worf. Selar left the two of them alone.
Worf looked at Jadzia. This was the first time she had set foot in his room, the first time she had addressed him as Worf. "Forgive my appearance, my Lady."
"You killed three men because of me?? Why?" she was deeply disturbed by what Martok had revealed.
"Those men challenged my position as Regent. Questioned my abilities to lead the Klingon military. All because I took you as my mate. I do not tolerate veiled threats against my person or those under my protection. You are familiar with the Klingon way. So of course you understand why I had to eliminate them. One was a spy sent to stir up trouble, as Martok said no one will miss him. I don't even think Gowran will miss him, you see I have used the man to bring me news of the Emperor as well. The other two were allies but they leaned whichever way the wind blew. I do not want men at my side who do not know their own heart. Do you understand, Jadzia Dax?"
"Yes I understand," Jadzia answered. As they gazed into each others eyes he knew that she did understand.
"Did you like your prize?" he asked changing the subject.
"Yes thank you, the bat'leth is magnificent. I practiced with it all day."
She knew he was finished talking about the earlier incident. "Would you like something to eat, drink?"
"Yes please. There is some blood wine in that cabinet." Worf pointed to a large dark wooden cabinet behind her. "If you would bring me some I would greatly appreciate it." She brought a bottle of wine and two cups.
Pouring two cups of wine, she handed one to him and sat in the extra chair and sipped on the other cup. As she expected it was an excellent vintage. 'Only the best' he always said. Silently they drank the strong wine. She wanted to ask how he was feeling but thought better of it. This man was a Klingon in every sense of the word. But still like her Worf, he was some how not very traditional.
Their eyes played a flirtatious dance. Each stealing looks at the other. She was unable to keep from looking at the massive chest her head had rested on and the powerful arms that had held her closely. And looking at the corded muscles in his thighs made her squirm in her seat.
His eyes simply adored every inch of her beautiful body. She wore a purple gown with thin straps. The satin material clung to her curves as flowed down her tall exquisite figure. Standing Worf said, "My Lady, you had better go back to bed. I wouldn't want to keep you from your rest."
"That is very considerate of you." She thought, 'you need rest more than I do. Of course you'd never admit it.' Looking around his very masculine room her eyes saw it. Saw him. Sitting on the Regent's dresser. It was her fairy nymph's mate. He was perfect in every way, just like her angel. Jadzia was drawn to the statue.
Carved from an onyx type stone, its brilliance shone in the dim light. Just like his female counterpart, this perfectly formed nude male hovered in mid-flight, arms and wings outstretched. Picking up the statue she gazed into his handsome face. "Here you are," she whispered to the statue.
"Why do you keep them separated? They should be together." Jadzia turned to face the man who had moved to stand directly behind her.
"Yes they should be together. But she does not realize this yet." Worf looked down into his mates eyes, searching for a glimmer of hope.
"Maybe she needs more time." Jadzia turned away from his scrutinizing gaze.
Worf stepped back to allow her to get by. As she walked back toward her room he called out her name.
"Jadzia, I think I would like to collect on that debt you owe me."
Stopping just inches from the door that led to her room, led to safety she held her breath. How could he ask to kiss her. Here in his room and him practically naked. She was already struggling with the desire burning within her just from being in his company. To kiss him would be too much. But she owed him.
Jadzia turned and watched as he gracefully moved across the room to stand within an inch of her. Worf lowered his head as she tilted her face up toward him. He did not put his hands on her, just his mouth. His mouth pressed against hers and then his tongue started to lick at her lips. She concentrated on keeping her mouth closed and his tongue out. He sucked on her bottom lip and continued nibbling at it until she moaned and gave in to his kiss.
His mouth possessed hers. She opened to allow him access to the moist inner flesh of her mouth. His tongue explored its every inch. Jadzia felt her self loosing control. Her own tongue sought out his and began to delve into the heat that had trapped her. She wanted him to pull her closer, but he still had not touched her. Instead he had placed his hands on the wall behind her effectively pinning her between those long strong arms.
Unable to resist any longer, her arms snaked around his neck and she wantonly pressed her body into his. She loved the solid feel of his hard muscles beneath her palms.
Worf moaned into her mouth. He refused to relinquish the contact between their lips. This was his kiss, he had not said how long the kiss would last. But he had to make sure it lasted long enough. He might not get another one. He wanted her so badly but she had to be the one to initiate the union. When she wrapped her arms around him and arched her body into his he knew she wanted him just as much. But still he waited for her to say it.
Jadzia ached with a longing so desperate she thought she would go insane. Rubbing her taut nipples against his chest she ignited a flame between them. She pressed her pelvis into his groin, and felt his erection hard against her lower abdomen. She rotated her hips back and forth, fanning the flame even higher. She wanted him, wanted yo feel those strong calloused hands all over her body. Why wouldn't he touch her? The memory of his promise not to touch her unless she asked, came back to mind. It had to be her, she had to ask.
With a great effort she pulled her lips from his. "Touch me. Let me feel your hands on my skin."
This was all Worf needed to hear. She wanted him to touch her, he would gladly oblige. Weeks of pent up frustration turned him into a wild man. He ripped the gown from her body, tearing it straight down the middle.
He looked into her eyes, "Do you want me?" he asked. "Yes," she said breathlessly.
Worf then took the material of her panties in his hands and tore them off, leaving her standing naked before him. His hands were all over her then. He could not get enough of her. Jadzia pushed his shorts down his legs.
Where as their previous encounters had been gentle and tender, they attacked one another in a frenzy. Jadzia bit into Worf's cheek tasting his blood as her teeth penetrated his flesh. He grabbed a hand full of her hair and pulled her head back, exposing her neck to his ravenous kisses and love bites. As his teeth and tongue blazed a fiery trail down to her breast, she clawed at the muscles of his shoulders and arms. She lifted her right leg when she felt his left hand clutch at her behind. He squeezed the muscles of her butt as he pulled her closer. Worf inserted two fingers into her warm opening and found that she was ready.
Jadzia'a own fingers found their way to his manhood. She began to deftly stroke him until he was groaning in agony. Holding on tightly to her, Worf backed back until he was able to lower himself into his chair. Jadzia kneeled in front of him and swirled her tongue around the head of his penis. He grabbed her around the neck and lifted her head, "I want to be in you. NOW!" he demanded.
She stradled him. Jadzia spread her lower lips apart and holding his shaft in the other hand, she impaled herself on him, moaning as she took the entire length of him inside herself.
Worf's eyes and hands never left her body. He massaged and caressed every inch of her creamy flesh as he watched her sensuously ride his loins. His fingers found her clitoris and began to stroke it roughly, soon she was whimpering with pleasure as he teased that sensitive little organ. Seeing her face as her orgasm vibrated through her being, he knew that there was not a more glorious sight in the universe.
"We aren't finished yet," he rumbled as he grasped her tightly around the waist. "Wrap your arms and legs around me," he demanded. Once her long silky legs were secure, he planted his feet firmly on the floor and hoisted them both up from the chair. Jadzia's weight was nothing to him as his mighty arms and legs not only supported her but began the intimate movements that were as old as time. Their bodies were covered with sweat when they finally collapsed on the bed, both spent after another powerful climax.
Feeling a happiness and fulfillment he had never experienced before Worf wrapped Jadzia in his embrace as he pulled the cover over their bodies. He slept very contentedly that night.
Jadzia dreamed of the first time she met that Klingon in the Starfleet uniform. She dreamed of their first away mission together, of their adventure looking for the Sword of Kahless, of the first time they made love, and dreamed of their wedding. Jadzia was walking down the isle looking into her parmachai's loving eyes. Suddenly the wind rose, she heard thunder, torpedo fire. Worf was no longer standing there on the platform. She looked around, where was he? She thought she saw him on the Promenade, she ran after him but was unable to catch up with him. Someone grabbed her arm, turning she saw the Regent. He was dressed in his uniform, adorned with all his medals and insignias. He pulled her toward him, in the process ripping her beautiful wedding gown. The gown Worf had designed for her.
Another hand clutched her other arm, it was Worf, in his Starfleet uniform. He too pulled at her, tearing at her dress. Jadzia struggled between the two Worfs, screaming as she tried to get away from both of them. They continued pulling and ripping at her dress until she was naked. They both disappeared, she was alone, cold and nude. The Promenade turned into the caves on Trill where the symbiont pools were located. She felt herself drowning in one of the pools. Her eyes flew open as darkness surrounded her.
When Worf woke up he was alone. It was early and he sensed something was wrong. Jadzia hated getting up early. Her shredded gown and panties lay on the floor and her scent remained in his bed. Naked he walked into her room. She wasn't there. Worf stepped onto the balcony, he thought he saw movement in the garden.
After hurriedly dressing in pants and a simple shirt, Worf made his way to where he thought he would find Jadzia. She was there in the garden, standing alone beneath a large tree. She was beautiful in the light of dawn. He reached out and touched her shoulder.
Jadzia jumped at the feel of his hand on her body. She had awakened in his bed feeling very disconcerted. His scent and sweat had covered her. Having showered and dressed in a skirt and blouse she decided to take a walk outside. She couldn't tolerate being inside. She couldn't stand the thought of what she had done. Betrayal.
'Oh, Worf, my love, forgive me,' she whispered silently. How could she have let that brutal beast touch her? Feeling more confused than she had in a long time, Jadzia stared out across the lovely garden. Even the Dax symbiont seemed disconnected from her. It was as if she no longer knew who she was.
"Jadzia, why are you out here, so early? It's chilly in the morning air, come back to bed."
"NO! Get away from me. Don't touch me." She recoiled at his touch.
"This is getting a bit old. After last night I thought you had changed your mind. Thought you had decided to truly become my mate."
"Mate!? How can you say that? I don't know you, you are not my husband! Get away from me!" She ran toward the orchard. Worf followed her into the grove of trees.
He caught up with her and grabbed her, turning her to face him. "You are my mate. You asked me to touch you. I know you wanted me, just as I wanted you. And you enjoyed it."
"No! Never!" she cried as she began to struggle in his grasp. "I hate you! You could never be what he was to me. I want to return to my own universe. I don't ever want to see you again!" Shrieking, Jadzia slapped him hard across the face. She saw the fury in his eyes, saw the pain also.
The Regent's frustration made his blood boil. What had come over her? Didn't she know how much he loved her? As they struggled underneath the trees, he slapped her in an effort to stop her screaming. Having hit her harder than he intended, Jadzia fell to the ground. Looking down at her, a savage and primal need overcame him. Before he knew what he was doing, Worf was on top of her. His large body covered hers as his rough hands pushed her skirt up and ripped her panties.
"No! Stop!" she cried out. Seeing the terror in her eyes and the blood drain from her complexion, Worf stopped. He was just about to penetrate her when reality swept over him. No rape her, he thought to himself. He rolled onto his back.
Silently he lay there staring through the leaves as light from the rising sun brightened the sky. He wished he could make his heart cease beating. He wanted his life to end. The thought of living without her was bad enough but the idea of what he had almost done was truly abominable to him. Worf knew what he must do.
Jadzia lay shivering on the ground, disoriented and afraid. She felt disjointed as if part of her were missing. Awareness that indeed half of her was gone hit her like a ton of bricks. She was getting no response from Dax. It was as if the symbiont had been surgically removed.
Worf stood and looked back down at Jadzia. She appeared catatonic. Gently lifting her in his arms, he carried her back to the house. He was surprised at how docile she was compared to a few minutes earlier. Worf assumed that she was in shock from him having almost raped her. Guilt consumed him.
"I am so sorry, Jadzia. So very sorry," he murmured over and over.
Returning to the house he took her to her room and placed her on the bed. He called for Selar, then proceeded to his room where he dressed and prepared to transport to his ship, the Tiq'Dun. The Heart of Greatness, he no longer felt worthy of the ship he had commissioned after becoming Regent.
Selar came and examined Jadzia. The Vulcan could not comprehend what had happened. The night before they had looked like two people in love. Not that she had much experience regarding love. But she had seen others consumed by the passion and devotion that she saw in Jadzia's and Worf's eyes.
Selar reported to Worf that Jadzia would be fine, but she had detected some unusual readings in the symbiont. She would need to do more scans and some research. "Take care of her, Selar. I will return as soon as I can."
"Where do you think you are going, without me?" the doctor asked.
"There are matters I need to attend to. You will remain behind, and watch over her."
"But..."
"I will not hear any arguments." With that the Regent beamed to his awaiting vessel.
The Regent was gone over a week. During that time Selar stayed at the mansion with Jadzia. She was quite worried about the Dax symbiont. It was alive but she was not detecting any neural activity. Jadzia was up and about in a couple of days. Her body was fine, she ate, exercised and even played with the children. She would dine with either Leeta or Selar. But she would not talk about what had happened. Selar constantly questioned her about what Jadzia thought was going on with the symbiont. Usually she got no response.
"Dax has shut down. Most likely it is the result of traumatic stress combined with all the drugs I and the Intendant pumped into my body," Jadzia revealed one evening as she and Selar dined alone. "Before coming here, I did not take care of myself. I'm afraid the drugs and alcohol have taken a toll on Dax."
"Well that would explain a lot of the readings I've gotten. Perhaps it needs time to recuperate. Jadzia, will the symbiont recover?"
"I hope so, I believe so." Tears began to flow from the Trills eyes.
"What is it Jadzia? When I touch you I sense that you are deeply troubled. And not about the symbiont."
"I betrayed my husband." Jadzia looked down at her lap.
"I don't understand. Why do you say that?" Selar asked.
"My first husband. I betrayed him."
"Jadzia, he is dead. You think by making love to Worf, the Regent, you betrayed your deceased husband? I assure you, you didn't."
"He tried to rape me," she stated rather flatly.
Selar looked up. Her dark lashed blinked rapidly in unbelief. "Jadzia, I'm not saying you are lying. But I find that very hard to believe."
"Well he did."
"He didn't rape you though, you said he tried. I assume he stopped himself. You must give him credit for that, because if he had wanted to rape you, there is nothing you could have done short of shooting him that would have stopped him."
"Why do you always take up for him? Selar, why do you stay? Wouldn't you be more comfortable among your own people?"
"You are Trill, why didn't you choose a mate from among your people?"
"After I met Worf, I knew there was no one else for me. Don't try to change the subject. I asked you first. Why do you defend him so loyally?"
Selar stood and walked to the other side of the room. "I told you about being captured during the battle between the Nausicans and the Klingons. I didn't tell you that we were taken by the Klingons. Not the Nausicans." The Vulcan woman showed signs of distress as she recalled her past.
"There were two other females among the survivors. We were taken on board the lead Klingon vessel. I was chosen by the captain to accompany him to his quarters. My two companions were not so fortunate, they were left at the mercy of the rest of the crew. I am sure you understand a Klingon in blood-lust has no mercy. Especially when they have been in battle for weeks and are celebrating a great victory."
Jadzia thought she heard Selar's voice quiver. "I don't know exactly what happened to the other two, all I know is that when I was freed, I was told they both commited suicide. I suppose I was fortunate in that I was subjected to the brutal emotions of only one Klingon. And that was almost more than I could bear. Thankfully my captivity only lasted two days. Worf, who had been aboard another bird of prey, beamed over and saved me. But even after returning to my family and finishing school I was never quite the same. I don't think I could ever enter a relationship with anyone. I have major problems with people touching me. Of course I can touch others because I prepare myself mentally in advance. Any way I feel I owe the Regent for rescuing me."
"So he is a knight in shining amour, or so you would have me believe. Selar, I know you are not telling me every thing. I am not stupid, nor am I ignorant of Klingon ways. The only way Worf was able to rescue you, was for him to kill the captain of that ship. Why don't you just say it? He murdered one of his own people, perhaps his commanding officer. But I do understand now why you and Leeta are so dedicated to him. And why you find my earlier statement hard to believe."
"Actually, Jadzia, Selar left out the most important aspect of her tragic story. Important as far as its impact on me." The deep baritone boomed across the room. Jadzia and Selar both jumped. His voice was just as powerful and commanding as his physical presence. His large frame filled the doorway. When he stepped over the threshold he dominated the room with his forceful personality. Jadzia found that he still made her heart skip a beat. Her breathing became shallow as she watched him move around the library. He sat on the edge of his desk.
"Welcome home, Worf. I see you returned in one piece. Are you in need of medical attention?" the doctor asked. Her demeanor had changed entirely. "No, Selar. Other than a few cuts and bruises, which I attended to myself, I sustained no life threatening injuries." Worf looked from the Vulcan to the Trill.
"In that case, I will leave. I have some research I need to complete. I will be returning to my own home tonight, but if you need anything Jadzia, feel free to call me." With that Selar left.
The two persons remaining in the room looked at one another warily. "You look to be in better health. I am glad Jadzia."
"So are you going to tell me about this important aspect of Selar's story. She has been attempting to paint a favorable picture of you. I must say she is a good confidant. Selar never reveals more than she deems necessary." "I know. That is one reason I am indebted to her. She and I have been through many battles. Selar knows many things about me."
"I am sure your first wife didn't care for her."
"B'Etor was jealous of the friendship. And you? I assure you we are only friends."
"I know. I can tell. Your relationship is a lot like mine and Benjamin's was. So are you going to finish the tale? Or am I to be left in suspense?"
"I will spare you the grisly details. Surely your imagination can fill that part in." Worf stood and walked to the wine cabinet and poured himself a cup of blood wine. He frowned, "The captain of the ship, the patak who took Selar and her companions as prisoners, was Mogh." He gulped down the blood wine as if to wash the name out of his mouth.
"Mogh," Jadzia whispered the name. Worf had killed his own father in order to save Selar. But why? This was definitely unexpected. Her Worf had always looked up to, almost worshipped his father.
"I did not get along with Mogh. He was a vile man. Yes, he trained me to be a great warrior but I detested the ground he walked on. You see he killed my mother. I loved my mother. She was glorious. Kalen was said to have been the most beautiful young woman on Khitomer. Her ancestral home was on this very spot. She was the only daughter of my grandfather." He moved to stand near the window looking out across his vast estate.
"Kalen had just reached the age of mating when Mogh spotted her. He was the first officer aboard a bird of prey scouting this area. He and several other soldiers had beamed down for supplies when he saw my mother in the town square. Mogh found out who she was and managed to get an introduction to her parents. They invited him to dine in their home. Even though he was an officer in the Klingon Defense Force with a promising future, Kalen was not attracted to him. You see she was already in love with a merchant named Joran. But Mogh was determined to have her. He violated her. She still refused to become his mate. So he threatened to kill the man she was in love with, if she didn't marry him. Kalen's love for Joran was so great that she married Mogh in order to save him." The Regent paused briefly.
"I lived here on Khitomer with my mother and younger brother until I was eight years old. Mogh had become a captain of his own vessel and was increasing in rank and status. He moved the family to Qo'nos. I was always close to my mother, the things she loved, I loved; art, music, nature. I also hated the things she hated. First and foremost her husband, my father."
"Perhaps he was not your father, perhaps Joran was your true father?" Jadzia wanted so badly to comfort Worf.
"No, my mother assured me Mogh was the only man she had ever been with. You see I had asked her that very same question. Although she was an obedient wife and had bore him two sons, Mogh became bitter toward Kalen. He knew that she didn't love him, would never love him. When I was about ten, we had a visitor, Joran. The visit was innocent. Unfortunately Mogh arrived home to find his wife and sons sharing a meal with his rival. He did allow Joran to leave without assaulting him. But after that he constantly harassed my mother, he even hired a spy to watch her. A month later Mogh sent Kurn and me away to school. This broke my mothers heart. I remember the day, the last day I saw her alive. She did not weep or beg but I could see the sorrow in her eyes. She gave me one last hug and told me to remember how much she loved me. I think she knew that we would not meet again in this life. Six months later our father came to the academy and told us our mother was dead. That was all he said. No explanation. But I knew. And when I was older, he confirmed my suspicions.
He was silent then, staring out into the black night. Jadzia could feel the pain emanating from him. She wanted to go and comfort him but hesitated. She didn't know how he would respond. So many things made sense to her now. But still his past was no excuse for the way he had treated her. 'But how has he treated you?' a little voice whispered inside her head.
Had that been Dax? The Trill still did not feel the familiar presence of the symbiont's mind. She moved to stand beside the Regent. They both looked out the window. Both somber in their meditations.
Worf was some how comforted by her nearness. She said nothing but he knew. Knew that if she could she would reach out and touch him, offer words of empathy. But she couldn't. He was not the Klingon that held her heart, he was not the man that made her blood sing. He could not let their life turn into a replica of Mogh's and Kalen's. Because surely if he could not have all of her love, he too might come to resent her.
"I must return to my ship. But there is something for you in your bedroom. If you will excuse me my Lady." With that he bowed to her and then quickly left the room.
Jadzia hurried upstairs to see what he had brought her. Sitting in the middle of her bed was a transporter device. One that would send her back to her universe. He had either been to DS9 or Bajor to procure it. She didn't even want to think about how many lives may have been lost in his effort to gain this prize. Jadzia wondered if the Intendant was still alive.
A padd on the bed instructed her that General Martok would arrive on the morrow to take her to DS9 so that when she transported she would be back at her old home. Or if she wanted the general would take her to either Trill or Earth or where ever she wanted to go. She was free to take any of the items he had given her during her stay. The message ended with a thank you from the Regent for teaching him to play Tongo so well. And one final word: Remember.
Jadzia packed only the things she would absolutely need for the trip. She listened for the Regent to return but he never did. Jadzia didn't sleep well that night. When she woke up the next day she found several vials of the antihistamine Selar had developed for her sitting on the dresser. She checked his room but he was not there. One of the servants told her that the Regent had briefly returned early before daybreak. Jadzia knew he had left the vials of medicine.
General Martok was waiting for her down stairs. Looking around the room Jadzia spotted the Tongo board, she decided to leave it for Worf. Maybe he would teach Selar to play. There was only one other item she wanted. Jadzia placed the statue of the fairy nymph carefully between the few articles of clothing in her bag. She had asked to be returned to her own universe. Why did she feel so empty?
***
A week later she was sitting in her quarters on DS9. The station was still standing but so much had changed. The Romulans had completely taken over. They had installed troupes on Bajor and several other Federation outposts. The Vulcan government had even allowed the Romulan military access to their space. It seemed that if the Dominion didn't take over the Romulans certainly would.
The wormhole was still collapsed. Julian was still on DS9. But so many others had been killed. And Dax was still dormant. Julian had run all kinds of scans and tests, to no avail. Jadzia knew she must return to Trill. She packed her things and also packed the transporter device she had brought with her from the other side. She might as well keep it. Maybe one day she would get a chance to study it. 'Or use it' that little voice said. *Remember* it said. Jadzia was beginning to become weary of this voice.
It was always whispering in her mind, bringing back memories she wanted to forget. Memories of strong Klingon hands that held her and loved her. Arms that protected her and comforted her. The warrior that had saved her life. Saved her from the Intendant and herself. Saved her from his own passions. But had reawakened deep passions in her that she thought would be dormant forever.
Just as she was about to step through the airlock, Julian came running toward her. "Jadzia! I need to tell you something. You never told me about what happened while you were in the mirror universe. And I didn't ask because I could see that you didn't want to talk about it. It is none of my business but you need to know this. You are two months pregnant. The child is a Klingon-Trill hybrid. I took the liberty of running a DNA comparison. The baby you are carrying is Worf's." Julian stared hard into his friends eyes.
Jadzia almost collapsed. Julian caught her. Pregnant. She was stunned and elated. Afraid to and yet eager to have this child. After regaining her composure and assuring Julian she would be alright Jadzia boarded the transport ship.
***
The physicians on Trill were unable to help Jadzia. Dax did not respond to any of the usual treatments. It had been weeks since Jadzia had last felt the mind of the symbiont. She was slowly becoming accustomed to the way life had been prior to her joining. Never the less she missed that part of her. She missed someone else also. Emptiness would have consumed her, had she not been carrying his child. This child she had wanted so badly. She knew she would love the babe as much as she loved the father.
'Love the father,' the voice whispered again. Had she, Lt. Commander Jadzia Dax actually admitted to loving the father of her baby. Not Lt. Commander Worf of Starfleet, but the Regent Worf of the mirror universe. Breathing in slowly as if for the first time, she faced the reality that she did love the Regent. She looked around her old home on Trill. She didn't belong here. She thought back to Julian on DS9, she didn't belong there either. 'Khitomer,' the voice whispered. "Khitomer," she said aloud. Jadzia then realized that voice whispering in her mind, was not Dax's but her own voice. It was her heart speaking to her. She packed her bag again, hopefully for the last time.
***
The servants were glad to see her when she arrived at the mansion. One of the soldiers informed her that his Lord the Regent was away but should return late that night. She asked all the servants and soldiers to keep her presence a secret.
Nothing had been changed she noticed as she walked around the room. Except the Tongo board was missing. She went to the library, it was not there. Jadzia went back to her bedroom and unlocked the door leading to Worf's suite. The Tongo board sat on a small table beside the window leading onto the balcony. She imagined him sitting there late at night spinning the wheel and looking out at the stars. When she turned to go back to her room she saw the lone statue sitting on Worf's dresser. Smiling she rushed to unpack her bag.
It was late and Jadzia could stay awake no longer. She had wanted to greet Worf when he arrived home. But she drifted into a peaceful sleep. The image of a small circular object floating in space filled Jadzia's dream. She was that circle floating through space. Suddenly she was surrounded by unknown objects. A figure moved through the barrier that separated her from the outside world. It was him, Worf. His thick luxurious hair flowed around his broad muscular shoulders. His magnificent chiseled body was naked as was she. He was perfect in her eyes. He came toward her and the two embraced. Their bodied blended and they became one. Then Jadzia was no longer the object floating in space but an observer looking on at the miracle taking place. She watched as the little cell grew and changed then implant itself in its new home. She witnessed it grow into a small child, tiny, yet perfect in every way.
'Dax?'
'Yes, Jadzia'
'Where have you been?'
'That is a stupid question. I have been here. Where else would I go.'
'You know what I mean. Why have you been silent? Why did you shut yourself off from me?'
'Jadzia, you needed to find your heart. I did not want to influence you.'
'But aren't we one?'
'Yes we are one. But you are Jadzia and I am Dax. I am also Kurzon, Emani, Torias, and all the rest. But you are not them. And I did not want them to influence your decision. You remember the near tragedy we had with Lenara Kahn. I wanted you to have no doubt about why you chose Worf, to love.'
'Did you influence me when I chose Worf from the other universe?'
'Not exactly. Would the shy, introverted Jadzia that had never been joined have chosen him? I think not. But I brought out characteristics that were apart of you all along. A part of you that you were afraid to face. A part of you none the less. The choice was yours. Just as this choice was yours.'
'If you had to make a choice what would it have been?'
'I cannot choose in such matters. This is your journey Jadzia. I am only here to journey with you.'
'Are you happy with my decision to return to Worf?'
'I think we will have a fascinating and exciting journey.'
'I think so too. Welcome back Dax.'
***
It was after mid-night when the Regent returned to his home. He had started to remain onboard his ship but was tired of the company of his men. He wanted to be surrounded by the things he loved. His mother's picture, his home, music, artwork, the board game Jadzia had left behind, the bed they had slept in, her clothing, and the garden she had walked in.
Weary he entered his silent, dark room. He removed his clothing and poured a cup of blood wine. He went to the window. Nude he stood and stared out at the stars. Absently his hand touched the Tongo wheel and spun it. He remembered how her eyes sparkled as she would spin that wheel. He smiled. He prayed for her safety. Finishing the wine he walked to his dresser. He sat the cup down. His eyes had adjusted to the darkness, and he saw her. Her pearlescent form reflected the minute amount of light coming in the window. Her mate's dark onyx body glowed as it reflected the light from her body. They were together. Wings spread out, hovering in mid-air, their arms and bodies had been crafted so that they fit perfectly in each others embrace.
Worf rushed into her room. She lay there asleep. Her silky dark hair fanned out on the pillow. He carefully sat on the edge of the bed and watched her breathe in and out. She was magnificent! And she had returned to him. He felt whole again. Unable to resist any longer his hand brushed against her delicate cheek. Her thick dark lashes fluttered open and she looked up at him. He found himself drowning in the deep blue pools of her soul.
Jadzia smiled up at the liquid brown eyes that mesmerized her being. She sat up and wrapped her arms around him. "Worf, I love you."
"And I love you Jadzia, with all my heart." He pulled her closer and ran his fingers through her sweet smelling hair. "I see your fairy nymph has found her home."
"Yes she has, and so have I. We are both here to stay. I don't plan on going away again."
"I don't plan on letting you leave," Worf stated matter-of-factly as his hands began to stroke her soft body.
"Make love to me, Worf. I have missed you, missed your touch."
"As have I. I have dreamed of you every night."
Worf kissed her tenderly, savoring the taste and feel of her lips. Jadzia drank in his masculine flavor mixed with the blood wine. Their hands caressed each other slowly, exploring every inch of their hyper-sensitive flesh. The two lovers were in no hurry, they knew they had the entire night to rediscover the pleasure of one another.
Jadzia stared deep into Worf's eyes as she opened herself to him. As he entered her, became one with her, she knew true happiness. All the pain, fear, doubt and loneliness were washed away as she and the man she loved soared to higher heights of pleasure and love.
She lay with her head resting on his broad, solid chest, his arms wrapped securely around her and their legs entwined. "Worf, are you asleep?" Jadzia asked as she sat up in bed.
"No," he responded.
"Worf, I have something important to tell you." She was nervous, uncertain how he would take her next statement.
"I am listening." A frown wrinkled his brow.
"Well before Worf died, we decided to start a family. Dr. Bashir performed an experimental procedure on me that would make my eggs more genetically compatible to Klingon DNA. The same day I found out that my first husband was dead, I also found out the procedure had worked." Her voice was shaking because Worf had sat up in bed and was staring at her intently. Dax continued, "When I returned to DS9, Dr. Bashir examined me. I am pregnant. I'm going to have *your* baby."
Worf stared at Jadzia, speechless. He had given up all hope of ever having a family. During the past few weeks the Regent had also resolved himself to the fact that he might live the rest of his life alone. But then Jadzia had returned, bringing happiness with her. And now she had restored his hopes for a future filled with offspring. A baby, a child, perhaps the first of many. They were to be parents.
Unable to contain the joy he felt any longer, Worf pulled Jadzia into his embrace. "You have truly made me the happiest man in the universe!" He smiled lovingly into her eyes.
"And you have made me complete," she said, returning that smile.

---- End ----