Title: Heis' he - Love, Rihannsu Style
Author:Saklani
Series: DSN/TNG
Code: B/Bochra
Rating: [PG]
Disclaimer: PARABORG owns all. I make no money, I swear!!
Warning:
Summary: A Rihannsu named Bochra begins a quest to win the heart of one Julian Bashir.
Feedback: Send to Saklani
Beta: Java Green
Note: This story is the first part in a small series. As Java pointed out, there are many ways to go with this one! I will follow where my Muse leads me, which may be a very scary trip. We'll see. :) - Part of the Doctor Fuh-q Fest
Once upon a time, on a far away planet, there lived a young Rihannsu, named Bochra. His parents and teachers taught him to regard his people as superior to all others. A loyal child, Bochra grew up believing the Rihannsu Empire would someday eliminate all their enemies.
As soon as he was able, Bochra joined the military. He served aboard a starship and traveled many places. Along the way, he met representatives from many different races. As a result of these encounters he began doubting his people's claim to supremacy.
One day, Bochra went on a survey mission with another officer. Their shuttle crashed, and Bochra found himself alone on a desolate planet. He despaired of his life.
But Bochra discovered a stranded Terran and captured him. Bochra taunted his captive, Geordi LaForge, but the Terran refused to retaliate. In fact, he showed concern for Bochra's disintegrating health and proposed they work together to get off the planet. Eventually, Bochra worked with Geordi. When they found a way to contact Geordi's ship, the Terran hugged Bochra enthusiastically. Unused to displays of affection and friendship, Bochra enjoyed the warmth of that touch.
However, life returned to normal once Bochra got back to his ship. He continued to spout the patriotic jargon, but no longer believed in its truth. He yearned for a chance to explore more intimate relations, but his fellow Rihannsu were cold in comparison to Geordi.
Bochra hid hs desires and waited for an opportunity to meet more Terrans. His wait lasted over five years. Then, after a long and boring mission, his ship stopped for shore leave at a former Cardassian station. A station now governed by the Federation. A station called Deep Space Nine.
* * *
Dr. Julian Bashir sipped Tarkalean tea and gazed moodily into space. Jadzia had rejected another of his advances. He could not understand what he was doing wrong. He sighed, contemplating another night of taking a high pitched sonic shower and going to bed alone.
"Excuse me," a gravely voice said. "Is this seat taken?"
Julian looked up and nearly dropped the tea in his lap. A tall, foreboding Romulan stood next to the table, his hand indicating the chair across from Julian's. //Oh my God!// Julian's mind squeaked.
//A Romulan! First, a Cardassian and now, a Romulan. Why do they
all pick me?//
"Um.... of course.... please do." Julian tried to look unperturbed and failed miserably. His mug shook in his trembling fingers.
The Romulan sat down and appraised Julian the same way a lion might look at a gazelle. The Terran stared back at him with terrified eyes. Finishing his scrutiny, the Romulan's mouth spread in a menacing smile. "My name is Bochra."
"I'm.... ah.... Dr. Julian Bashir."
"A pleasure to meet you, Dr. Bashir." Bochra raised a pointed eyebrow. "Did I use that expression correctly? I am unfamiliar with Terran courtesy."
"Wha? Oh.... yes, that was right. Your standard is excellent."
Julian fumbled with his mug. "We don't see many Rihannsu on DS9."
Bochra beamed at him. "Your pronunciation is perfect, Doctor. Rihannsu do not often mingle outside their own kind. Regrettable, really. We miss the opportunity to enjoy what other cultures have to offer." His eyes swept over Julian's body.
Panic fluttered in Julian's stomach, but a different part of him began to stir as well. He squirmed. It really had been too long.
"Tell me Doctor, is there any food which Quark's makes well?" Bochra asked.
Julian's mind struggled to concentrate on the question and not his groin. "I don't think Quark's makes any Rihannsu dishes."
Bochra laughed. "I eat Rihannsu food everyday, Doctor. I wish to try a Terran dish."
"Oh...." Julian thought a moment. "Well, the cous-cous is good, but I really enjoy the chicken nan-ban.
Bochra nodded and signaled a waiter.
"But you don't even know what it is!" Julian protested. "What if you don't like it?"
"Then I will try the cous-cous," Bochra said. "One order of chicken nan-ban," he told the waiter.
"Make it two orders," Julian said. The waiter nodded and left.
"How kind of you to join me for dinner, Doctor. You know, Doctor is very formal. May I call you Julian?"
"Ah.... I.... um.... ok," Julian stuttered.
"Thank you, Julian." Bochra purred the name.
Julian took a big gulp of tea and choked on it. He coughed and spluttered. Trying to catch hs breath, Julian felt a gentle hand rub his back. The touches sent a thrill down his spine and straight to his groin. It had been way too long.
"Are you all right?" Bochra asked.
"Yes, thank you. I'm fine. Forgive me. I'm not usually so clumsy."
Bochra removed his hand and sat down again. "I understand your confusion, Julian. How should you react to being approached by a strange Romulan?'
"With a small bit of composure," Julian muttered.
Bochra smiled. "I can only assure you that I mean you no harm. I have no wish to sabotage the station, steal any secrets, start any wars or do any of the terrible things you suspect of me."
"I know. You're just a plain,. simple Rihannsu," Julian said under his breath.
The waiter brought their food, and Bochra said, "Ah, I almost forgot. I want a Coca-cola." Both Julian and the Ferengi stared at him. "I read about it in an ancient Terran novel." He glanced at the waiter. "Look it up. Your database must have the formula." the Ferengi scuttled off.
Julian watched Bochra take a large bite of chicken. The Rihannsu chewed slowly, savoring the morsel. "You like it?"
Bochra nodded. "Very much. I never tasted a spice like this one."
"Terran cuisine does feature many different spices," Julian said, taking a bite of his own dinner.
"As does Rihannsu. You should try some."
Without thinking, Julian said, "I've never had the opportunity."
"I would be happy to introduce you to some Rihannsu delicacies," Bochra said.
Julian bit his tongue. "Ah!"
Bochra looked concerned. "Did you injure yourself?"
Julian shook his head.
"Good. I was going to say, I have several days leave, ample time to introduce you to some of the finer parts of Rihannsu culture."
Julian said, "It's not that I'm not.... um.... grateful for the offer, but.... um...."
Bochra placed a hand over one of Julian's. "I have no evil intentions, Julian. I merely wish to get to know you better."
Bochra's warm hand sent tingles through Julian;s already sensitive nerves. "Uh.... uh.... uh...."
"Please?"
Julian looked into Bochra's eyes and saw a soft plea in them. His pitiful attempt at resistance broke down. "I am free for dinner tomorrow at 1900 hours."
Bochra squeezed his hand. "Excellent. I shall bring you food fit for a king." He smiled. "Another Terran expression. I have been practicing."
At this moment, the waiter arrived with the cola. Bochra took the glass and chugged half the drink. His eyes bugged, and he shook from head to toe. Julian's eyes grew huge, and the Ferengi stumbled back.
Bochra gasped, "That has quite a kick."
Julian began laughing, while the waiter made for the hills. "Oh, what a wonderful face you made," he said, between laughs.
Bochra watched him through half-lowered eyelids, pleased to see the
lovely creature enjoy himself. //Oh yes, this is the one.//
Julian's laughter trailed off into occasional snickers. He relaxed into his chair and continued eating.
Bochra began talking about his past and his disenchantment with the Rihannsu government. He also told Julian about how he met Geordi LaForge. Julian reciprocated by telling how he became a doctor. He also mentioned his relationship with Pallis. The evening past pleasantly, and before he wanted, Julian found it was time for him to go to bed.
"May I escort you to your quarters, Julian?" Bochra asked.
"I would like that," Julian answered without hesitation.
They strolled through the station, oblivious of the curious stares that followed them. Neither noticed the figure following them.
When they reached Julian's door, the two men stopped. "I had a lovely evening," Julian said.
"As did I," Bochra answered. "Meeting you is the best thing that could have happened to me."
"Would you like to come in?" Julian asked with a touch of trepidation.
Bochra smiled. "You really are far too kind hearted, Julian. Truthfully, there is nothing I would like more, but I think you should know me better. After all, I could be a spy."
Julian laughed.
Bochra leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Julian's lips. The doctor returned the kiss.
"Be warned, Julian," Bochra whispered, "I am in deadly earnest. I will see you tomorrow."
Julian nodded and watched the Rihannsu walk away, His heart beat hard and fast. He was being courted, and by a Romulan, no less. Dazed, he entered his quarters and headed for his shower. He was going to need a real high pitched one tonight.
As soon as Julian left the hall, Garak stepped out of the shadows.
[TO BE CONTINUED - WATCH OUT FOR ROUND II]