DS9--Bashir/Garak (sort of) This story probably takes place right before the fourth season, but it can be placed anywhere in the timeline, really. Most of the main characters make an appearance but the only other two that have semi-significant roles are Dax and Kira. Summary: The station celebrates the Cardassian New Year courtesy of a party thrown by Garak, but Garak has other plans for the evening...that involve Doctor Bashir. (do not be misled--there is *no sex*!) Rating: PG Festival by R'rain "I never really thought Cardassians had celebrations," said Bashir, "When Garak explained this one to me I must admit I was quite intrigued." "What is it exactly?" asked Kira, "I spend most of my life around Cardassians it was never exactly in a social manner." The two were sitting in Quark's after Kira's shift in Ops. The room was full, but surprisingly quiet. Then again, mid-afternoon wasn't usually a time for revelry. Bashir was nursing a drink, but Kira had opted not to partake. Watching other people get drunk was always far more interesting. Too bad Julian was only drinking synth- ale. "It has something to do with the Cardassian New Year and a new cycle of the sphere, what ever that means. Apparently it's quite important to the culture. Many people spend the day in silence." "I can't imagine Garak doing that," admitted Kira. "He's one of the others...the ones who spend the day, well, partying." "I can't imagine Garak doing that either!" "No, loss of control is not one of his identifying features. Well, we'll soon see, won't we. He's already informed Quark and the celebration begins here at 1900 hours." "I don't think I want to miss this one." "No one does. He's invited practically the whole station, though I don't know who'll have the nerve to show up." "When the word 'party' comes up, you'd be surprised how many people work up the nerve. No doubt Odo will be here, in some way or another." "No doubt. Captain Sisko says he's already got extra security teams on it, though I think it's a bit premature. This could turn out to be a quiet gathering for all we know." "Come on, Julian, you're not that naive. Odo trusts Garak almost as little as he does Quark, and this sounds like it will be more than a 'quiet gathering'." "Fair enough. Well, thank you for the company, Major, but I'm due back in the infirmary. I'll see you later?" "Wouldn't miss it for the world," she said with a smile and a wave as he left the bar. ******************* Bashir stretched and checked the time. 1700. The reports on the hyparidian experiment weren't helping him pass the time any faster. When things were this quiet in the infirmary, the time usually crawled, but this was obscene. He felt as though he'd been there for hours already. Not that he minded the fact that everyone was healthy, but a minor medical emergency usually made his day a little more interesting. He rubbed the back of his neck and looked at the screen again. Was this really necessary? Yes, of course it was. He never knew when this sort of information might save someone's life. Despite his best efforts to the contrary, his mind wandered away from the information in front of him and towards Quark's where he knew preparations were being made while he sat there. Another hour and he wouldn't feel guilty about leaving, but for now he had his duties to the crew. Perhaps it wouldn't be appreciated right away, but eventually all his research would pay off. It always did. He blinked heavily and stared at the screen again... ******************** "Splendid, Quark," said Garak with an enigmatic smile, "Precisely what I wanted. Perhaps we will have to do business more often." "Really?" Garak walked around the empty bar, leaving Quark standing there with a eager look on his face. "Are you ready to reopen?" "I'm always ready to open for business," said Quark, heading for the doors. There were already a lot of people waiting outside, the first in line being, of course, Morn. He probably didn't even know that there was a party going on. "Greetings," said Garak, "and welcome. The first round of drinks is on me." That roused a cheer from the crowd. Odo, at the back near the door, grimaced. There was no quicker way to get a crowd drunk and rowdy than to offer them free drinks. Good thing he had the foresight to assign extra security to the bar. "Well, Garak," said Dax, walking up beside him, "This looks like quite a success." "Yes, indeed. It certainly does, doesn't it." "It's funny, I've never heard of this particular celebration before." "Really, Commander? I find that quite odd, considering you've spent many more years in this universe than I have." "Yes, it is. I don't suppose you could tell me just what it is we are celebrating?" "Why, it's the new year, Commander, a new cycle. Surely there are such observations in your culture as well." They were watching as the bar quickly filled up. Word had gotten out about the event, and a lot of people were just plain curious. There were even a surprising number of Bajorans, given that it was a Cardassian holiday. Apparently, Garak was earning a reputation as a congenial, if mysterious, character on the station. "Well, Commander, it's been a pleasure, but I must get out among my guests." Jadzia nodded as he walked away and into the crowd. She looked around and saw Major Kira at the bar, talking with a young Bajoran man. Captain Sisko was even there, standing by the door with his son and Nog. There was no sign of Doctor Bashir, which she found strange. Julian would have been the first person Garak invited. She took it upon herself to find him, and luckily he was in the first place she looked. "Julian." She gently shook him. "Julian, wake up." "Huh?" He raised his head and looked around him, as if trying to figure out where he was. "Julian, it's Jadzia. You fell asleep in the infirmary." He jerked upright, "Infirmary? What time is it?" "Yes, you're late, but not by much," she said, skipping the first question and going straight to the one he had yet to ask, "Do you need any help?" "No, no," he said, his words slurring just a little, "I just need to get dressed. Please apologize to Garak for me...I'll be right there." ******************** Bashir entered Quark's about half an hour after that. Right at that moment, the entertainment began. It was some of the most splendid music Julian had ever heard. "Wonderful isn't it," said Dax, finding her way to his side. "I've only heard this a couple of times before. It's from a particular area in southeastern Har-Noch on Cardassia. I never realized Garak had his roots in that area." "My God," he said. Beauty wasn't something traditionally attributed to Cardassia, at least not in Julian's experience. "Garak's over at the bar. He's been waiting for you." "Thanks Jadzia," he said, starting in that direction, "I really should apologize to him myself." It was slow going. The bar was still quite a popular place. By the end of the evening, there was sure to be a lot of inebriated patrons in Odo's holding cell until morning. Finally, Julian reached the host. Why, Doctor Bashir, how nice of you to make it." "I'm terribly sorry Garak. I was doing research in the infirmary and the next thing I knew...Jadzia was shaking my shoulder." "No need to apologize, Doctor. You're here now and the evening has barely begun." The music was still going on. Apparently this part of the evening wasn't live--there was no sign of where the sound was emanating from. Garak was uncharacteristically silent for a moment. "Doctor Bashir," he sad finally, "I have a proposition for you..." ******************** "Garak," said Julian, surveying Garak's deserted shop, "What is this all about?" "Just a moment, Doctor, be patient." He locked up the shop with them inside. "I apologize for the secrecy, but there is something I need to discuss with you." "Without anyone else around? What *is* this all about?" "Sit down," said Garak, "and I'll explain." There were chairs in the fitting area, so that was where they sat. "This holiday, we call it Kar Madan, is not just a time to have fun. I take it quite seriously.' "I don't doubt you Garak," said Julian, "But what does this have to do with me?" "Patience, Doctor. I'm getting to that. This day, the new cycle, only happens once every seven years. It is normally a time to be spend in the company of one's family but, as you know, I am confined to this station. I was hoping that perhaps you would like to fill in that void in the ceremony. You are free to refuse, of course." "Refuse? Now why would I do that?" "It would mean missing the party," Garak said gravely, with that smile still on his face. "I went to that party because you invited me, Garak, and because I was quite curious about Cardassian culture. This is obviously much more important...to both of us. One thing, though...why me?" "If I have one person I can call a friend on this station, it would be you, Doctor." "Garak, I am truly honored that you would ask me. What do I have to do?" "It's quite simple, really, but quite tedious for those not prepared. It may take most of the night." "There are some human cultures that do similar things," said Julian, "this won't be the first time I've participated in something I was unfamiliar with. Is there any particular time we must begin?" asked Bashir. "Only that it must be before the end of the day." "Well, then, shall we?" "By all means." ******************** "I wonder where Garak and Julian are?" asked Kira, "You don't suppose they left early?' "Oh, they're probably just talking by the Dabo tables," said Dax with a shrug. "Or in the holosuites?" said Kira, raising an eyebrow. "I doubt it. In all likelihood, Julian has gone back to the infirmary, and Garak is around here being enigmatic, as always." "You're right," said Kira, "It's been a good night hasn't it. I was expecting something quite different." "You've had a lot of negative experience with Cardassian culture. Of course you were expecting something different. Probably something a lot more violent." "You're right, that's what's been different. This is so...peaceful." She looked around the room, marveling at the revelation. ******************** Garak sat up from the floor and opened his eyes. There was silence in the room for a moment. "That is...all," he said. Bashir opened his eyes. "What time is it?" he asked. "Early morning, I would imagine," said Garak, "I'm sure you want to go home and get some sleep." He was turned away. "Not just yet," he said, "there's one last thing." He turned Garak around to face him. "Thank you, Garak." "No, Julian, thank you." THE END.