He was still turning over the little that he knew and the rest that he was guessing, about just what this place was as he tried his wrist link in the first access point he came to. The link, he'd been told, was designed to operate the transport pods and entry ports but it was obviously coded. He had to try a number of access points along the hallway before one of the doors finally slid open. As he drew his wrist back he saw that new lines of data now streamed over the tiny panel, whoever had opened the door had clearly just issued his suit with a lengthy list of instructions.

He stood for a long moment in the arch of the small pod like turbolift, looking in balefully at the small size. Tisk had no love of confined spaces. Too much time in too many life pods bouncing through phaser fire and debris fields had left him with an appreciation of the durability of the machines, and no desire to spend any more time in one, or anything else that resembled them - especially not in one of these. He'd seen these kinds of long distance body movers before. They used them at the Utopia Planitia Shipyards, cheap, fast, no grav, no life support; just stick the traveler in an EVA suit, shove him in a tube and let centrifugal forces spin him to his destination.

Tisk was still chewing on the ironies that saw him finally planetside, yet still being forced into what looked like a life pod and an EVA suit, when the angry tinny squawk of a COMM channel sounded from the helmet that hung in the pod.

"Sani-drone 859 beta. What's the delay?"

Tisk stepped into the pod and reluctantly slipped the helmet over his head. It hissed softly as it sealed around his neck, at the same time as the door snapped shut and the suit he wore began to pressurize. He tried to pretend that the shudder of apprehension as the suit closed around him wasn't due to claustrophobia but a perfectly reasonable reaction to setting off on an unknown journey. Then he tried to study the readouts on his wrist link in order to keep his mind off the play of g-forces, inertial dampeners and suit padding on his body. The schematic gave him no idea of what kind of structure he was whirling through. The only clue was the type of transport itself - these pods implied long distances. Wherever he was, what ever this place was - it was big. When the suit began to depressurize again, he felt it start unclipping itself from the restraints.

"Smart fucker aren't you." He muttered bitterly to the insensate collection of fibres and hardwiring, that comprised the smart Sani suit he was encased in, then he braced himself for the notoriously abrupt halt of the pod. He felt his teeth snap together and his rocky stomach drop as it slammed to a stop.

"Keep your comments to yourself Sani-drone 859 Beta. Comm channels are for official communications." The disembodied voice sounded less tinny and a lot terser now it was being fed directly into his ear.

Tisk peered out through the wide visor of his helmet as the pod door rolled open and a vast wave of blue drenched him. He entered a long wide atrium a clear ceiling of some kind revealed an unnaturally deep blue sky, struck with stars, the whole wide aspect reflected in the water of the huge mosaic lined pool. He looked up at the ceiling trying to debate whether what he was seeing was real, a holo image or some other kind of projection. Around the pool were a selection of finely worked ceramic pots containing a variety of exotic species of plants which, he saw as he began to move to the side of the pool, also provided a screen of privacy in front of the doors that studded the long plain walls.

He moved along the corridor watching the lights on his wrist Comm as it plotted his suit a simple course to its destination. He paused in front of the door that lit up in response to his approach and bit back a verbal response.

~Whinging to my fucking clothes.~ He thought to himself. ~Pathetic.~

The lack of Izak's presence since he'd come to in this place was starting to play on Tisk's nerves. It would be just like the prick to summon him up here dressed like some shitkicking clown, he thought. When the door slid back, Tisk was half expecting the Section 31 human to be standing on the other side, leering back at him.

The room was, however, devoid of life. There was an oddly chemcial smell about it that penetrated the bio filters of his helmet. From the look of the low couches and lounges, the tables littered with bowls and utensils, Tisk guessed it was a banqueting suite and walked in, disappointed to find he'd anticipated Izak to no avail. It was just a filthy room. One he'd been assigned to clean. He was lost in contemplation of what game Izak was playing at as he approached the tables.

It took only the blink of an eye.

The subliminal glimpse from his peripheral vision of the contents of the ornate serving dishes. The sudden sheer clarity of his conscious mind as it took in the appearance of five little fingers, softly curled into a tiny fist, still attached to a cooked half gnawed forearm.

In that blink of an eye Tisk knew, with gut searing certainty, that he'd been completely and utterly wrong to have ever doubted the necessity of any action he'd been called upon to perform on behalf of the Federation.

Because the alternative - was this.

As bile rushed up his esophagus he clawed at his helmet, desperately fumbling for the locks as he fought to clear his face before the eruption of fluid launched from his lips. He swung away from the table, from the sight of the remains of infant aliens that lay abandoned, discarded as carelessly as rib bones at a BBQ.

His helmet rolled away from his feet, unnoticed, squawking ineffectually, as he retched violently, until he ran out of fluid to expel and leant his forehead, clammy and heated, against the wall of the room.

Without the filters on his helmet, he immediately recognised the low-level chemical residue that hung in the air. His eyes opened again and he noticed the hypos that littered the room. Snatching one up he confirmed with his eyes what his nostrils were already telling him.

Rush.

It had a number of names, and its structure changed slightly according to species, but there were some trace elements that remained the same. The slightly metallic, slightly sour odor, the evidence of the hypo in his hand - Tisk suddenly swung about, hurled the hypo at the opposite wall, watching as it bounced off and fell onto a pile of cushions.

Rush.

He was trembling as he stared again about the dining suite, his eyes wide and his face tinged with a green pallor.

Orion space.

The reality of what that meant - of a place where anything, anyone, was available at a price - lay all about him now. All those scruples, those ethical knots he'd been tying himself in for so long, now just seemed to be nothing more than the foibles of a pampered fool. A fool who'd lived in paradise and been too precious about his own ethical sensibilities to do what was needed to maintain that paradise.

He kicked out at the helmet, sent it rolling, chirruping and screeching electronically, into a pile of pillows in a corner. It thudded heavily against something solid beneath the sheets that were piled there. Unsteady, his legs stiff and unresponsive beneath his suit, Tisk walked towards his screeching helmet. He identified the cross chatter from a controller to a series of respondents that echoed from the ear feed into the vacant space of the helmet. With the toe of his boot he hooked the edge of the sheet and flicked it back.

The identical outlines of agony on the two Binars' faces hadn't been soothed away by death. They lay wrapped in each other's arms, their bodies showing the abuse that was written in their twin faces of suffering. Tisk felt his knees begin to buckle and he lurched sideways, crashing into the wall in his ungainly suit, propping himself against it to stop from sliding down into the tangled limbs of the two little Binars.

He stared down at them, unable to break the gaze from the colourless dead eyes. What was done to one Binar, was felt by the other. They would have amplified each other's pain.

The door of the room slid open and Tisk's head snapped around at the sound. A figure dressed identically to him entered. He rolled back against the wall, using it to remain upright, and watched the figure reaching for its helmet. Unlike his own, clumsy, desperate efforts to remove the covering the figure merely touched a small panel and the visor opened smoothly, to reveal an alien face that Tisk couldn't identify. The alien leaned down; picked up Tisk's abandoned helmet then threw it towards him.

" … looks green … but that could be natural." Tisk heard a voice crackling in his helmet as portions of the alien's face moved. "Leave it to me."

"Suit him and shift him then."

Tisk recognised the sound of the controller's snappy irritated tone as he manipulated his own helmet to open the visor and tentatively replaced it on his head.

"I'll take this then." The alien said walking slowly about the room, examining everything through facial slits that may have been visual, olfactory or auditory for all Tisk knew. The alien's outer dermis was covered with a fine mesh of scales which Tisk saw were flickering and shifting as if alive to every element within the room. It stopped, its face, narrow and elongated within the bulbous helmet, swayed for a moment in front of Tisk's. With a sudden movement the alien grabbed Tisk's wrist and slapped its Comm against Tisk's unit. "You'll learn."

The alien's voice, synthesized through the head set and the translator, continued coolly.

"Opportunity doesn't come our way too often. Don't take it when it does…" The alien shook its head. " … then you're a fool and you'll die …" The alien picked up a small morsel from the table. " … or end up as dinner." Its face split open lengthways as layers of fine serried teeth made short work of the flesh and bone of the leftovers of the feast.

Tisk turned and fled. His stomach rebelling against the sight and sound of it, his mind unable to let go of the image of it.

"So, did Koren tell you exactly what you're taking over?" Makarov asked Izak as he flew their shuttle towards the co-ordinates Izak had given him.

"Oh yes." Izak smiled. "He most certainly did."

"And?" Makarov's eyes widened.

"Let's just say...." Izak started laughing. ".... it will be a great place to work, while we wait for word from Ross."

"Alright..." Makarov nodded, chuckling. "... I hope you're not just getting my hopes up."

"From what Koren said...." Izak took a puff from one of Koren's cigars that he had taken. ".... I would describe it, as the biggest hive of scum and villainy this side of Orias Alpha."

Makarov nodded in delight. "You've done it again, Keir. Life just gets better and better."

"Call it my mission in life."

(0) Arriving at The New Dawn (0)

Izak and Makarov exited their shuttle, and looked up towards what would be their new place of employment.

"I've always wanted to own a bar." Izak laughed as he took in the sight. It looked even bigger from here than it did at Koren's. The building was at least 10, maybe 20 stories. This wasnt just a bar. This was a full entertainment extravaganza. Koren had been modest. Very modest.

Izak couldn't wait to see inside. This was going to be the best assignment in a long time.

A small Ferengi exited a booth at the front of the building, and came over towards them. "Mr. Izak?" It asked.

"Yes, what of it?" Izak leaned down towards it.

"I..." The Ferengi gulped, taking in the human. "Welcome to The New Dawn, boss. I... am here to park your shuttle."

"Oh." Izak stood up. "Park away then...." He grabbed the Ferengi, and whispered, leaning down again. "Oh.... and if I find anything missing.... I'll skin you myself, you little troll."

"Yessir." It gulped and scooted off into the shuttle.

"Well, business is going well already." Izak grinned. "Shall we?"

(0) The New Dawn (0)

T'rii let the music that wove through the air move her body. Gyrating, swaying...naked from the waist up. She'd paid attention to Jerik's threats when he'd mentioned bids. John had entered the slave pen after she'd fallen asleep, and brought with him a selection of clothing for all the slave women.

They dressed, and one by one the women were lead out by the bar workers to the barroom floor. There were energy field "cages" set around the interior of the room, and each woman was settled into one, the four "walls" of energy humming to life as they stepped up onto the raised caged platforms. Cushions were provided, as well as other "props", clothes and chairs and one woman even had a terran dove.

T'rii had stripped off her bra immediately; she knew the fastest way to sell. Pok had winked up at her with a knowing grin, then moved on to finish his inspection. Still, she hadn't seen her new owner, and she wondered if she ever would.

The music had started, testing the sound system. She started dancing and the other women giggled or followed suit. The front doors opened, and she saw the brightness of daylight come streaming through. Jerik and the other workers squinted, expecting to see the bar's owner step through.

Jerik stepped forward as a strange human entered. "We're not open for another hour...after sundown..."

"And what the hell do you call yourself?" Izak glared at the Tellarite.

Jerik scowled at the invading human, motioning to John and Pok who moved up beside him. "I'm the handler here..." he rumbled.

"Handler?" Izak nodded. "I see. One of my employees then." He smiled. Izak looked up the two had joined him. One appeared to be human. Izak would see that his fellow human would not be dealing with filth as the Tellarite for long. "So are they I imagine?" Izak motioned towards them.

"New owner?" Jerik stepped forward, his nose wiggling. "We were informed of no new owner!"

Pok suddenly stepped between them. "We earn fifteen percent of the profit here!"

Izak shook his head. "Fifteen percent?" He pretended to ponder over it. "I don't know If I can keep that up. You are.... of course, free to dispute my appointment with Koren." Izak grinned widely.

Makarov put a hand on Izak's shoulder. "What a good idea. Perhaps I should call Koren now? Tell them about our warm welcome, Keir?"

Pok put a restraining hand on Jerik's arm. "Sirs...we're not disputing your right here...things change quickly here...but you won't find a better staff...we draw in quite a profit...You won't even miss the fifteen percent..."

Izak pushed past them into the main area of the Bar. "Well, it does look like a nice little shithole I'm now sitting on here... I tell ya what," Izak put an arm round the tellarite. "I'll sleep on it." He smiled. Stupid oafs. Questioning their pay?. He'd make sure life was never as good... for the two non-humans at least.

Pok eyed the human warily. It was a chance, to try and up their take when the new owners showed. He scowled...this bastard looked more likely to have a shrewd air about him.

"Sir..." he began with a smile. "We are, of course, happy to have our livelihood..."

T'rii had stopped dancing once the doors had opened. The two men who stepped into the bar from the bright outdoors walked through with a confidence that was familiar to her on an instinctive level. This was the owner...but not the one anyone was expecting.

She eyed him nervously, glanced at the other women looking curiously...but her superior breeding held out, and she sang a short tune softly, drawing attention to herself before the others could...

"As you should be." Izak directed as a general comment to the bar. Izak's attention was drawn to the group of Orion slave girls. One was singing to him. He raised an eyebrow, and whispered towards Makarov. "One of the reasons working here will be worthwhile."

Makarov nodded, looking them over. "Most definitely."

Izak turned back towards the three bar staff. "Now, what is your name?" He asked the human.

"Uhhh..Jonathan..." he stepped forward, "John."

T'rii pouted. The new owner had glanced over, with his friend...but then turned away.

"John." Izak nodded. "You shall take me on a tour of my new premises." Izak turned to the two others. "As for you two, back to work... but one of you escort my partner here to his room, with a girl of his choice." Izak winked.

Makarov smiled. "Not two?"

Izak chuckled. "You can handle two? Well, if you like...."

Makarov wandered over to where the girls were. "You know... I'm feeling blue tonight... I'll save the Orions for later. These two." Makarov indicated a Bolian, and an Andorian. "Unless you wante.."

"No." Izak held up a hand. "Enjoy." He smiled.

John coughed. "I wouldn't suggest the Bolian in a combination ... she tends to misbehave ..." he glanced at Izak, the one obviously in charge, "She's good as a loner, but doubled up ... she'll use any distractions to sneak off ..."

Izak looked towards Makarov for an answer.

"I..." Makarov frowned, and thought about it for a moment. "...well, I suppose I am a little tired...."

John shrugged towards the blue striped woman. "Of course, you don't want to wait until she's used up from the evening to sample her, would you?"

Makarov snickered. "I am not that tired." He grinned. "I will test the fiery Bolian..."

Izak chuckled and put an arm round his friend. "Good, Good. Enjoy it while you can. There will be a lot of work tomorrow..."

Makarov nodded.

Izak walked over to the Tellarite. "You heard my friend. Make it happen."

Jerik frowned and glanced at John, taking note of the change of power that had just happened. John shrugged, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. The Tellarite snorted, and moved towards the Bolian's cage.

T'rii licked her lips. The human walked behind Jerik as he lowered the field and the Bolian reluctantly stepped down. The woman gave them both an icy glare, but she shrank slightly from Jerik, having obviously felt his wrath before. T'rii shook her head, that woman wouldn't last long if she kept at it.

The Bolian's plight, however, took second place to her own. The human walked off with his prize to one of the many suites provided. T'rii didn't really notice, her attention had drifted over to the other one; the one obviously in charge. She'd done all she could to get his attention, but had only earned a glance. Twisting around, she dropped down onto her knees, so she was closer to eye level with him from the raised energy cage. "Me'lhe?" It was a risk, to be so bold as to address him first, but she knew if it worked, she would stay in his mind...and perhaps become a personal pet rather than passed around to many.

Izak looked up. One of the Orion girls was talking to him from her energy cage. She was indeed... well designed. Izak smiled, and leaned close to the cage. "That would be me. Maybe we can get better acquainted later." He then turned to John and raised his voice. "Who is this one then?".

John stepped up, taking up the role of top dog with apparent glee. "New arrival. Her name's T'rii. You'll have to pardon her boldness...it's her breeding. She's just trying to get your attention."

T'rii pouted at John and sat back daintily on her heels. "I just wanted to know if it was him..." From across the room she caught sight of Jerik glaring at her, and she clamped her mouth shut.

"Yes, a little bold perhaps..." Izak nodded, and turned towards T'rii. He looked her over. Very well designed, he decided. The Orions knew what they were doing when it came to this kind of thing. "So she's new then?" Izak asked looking back at John.

John scratched his chin. "Yep. Uhhh...Tabbot won her. She just got here in the early morning..."

T'rii's eyes narrowed slightly. Tabbot was the man Cley had gambled with...not this man. She frowned. "Does Cley know? You're not the man he bet with..." Surprised at her own words, she slunk down on her belly, backing slightly away from the men as Jerik started walking over.

"Very bold, isn't she." Izak glared at John. She would soon learn some respect though. Izak smiled at the girl. Best not to be too harsh with them. They *were* rather brainless at times, after all. "I am the owner of the bar now, and that makes me your owner. Tabbot's assets...are my assets." He grinned. "You don't... have a *problem* with that do you?"

She shook her head, her eyes darting between the three of them. She wasn't even sure why she'd spoken up like that, only that Cley had been a good owner and she wanted to be back with him. Jerik was silent, his small eyes boring into her threateningly. John was chewing his nail, shaking his head slightly as if to warn her. Last she settled her gaze on her new owner. Slowly she rolled over on her side, letting the cool floor and soft veils there caress her into a state of physical stimulation she was more accustomed to. It comforted her, and she smiled up at him. "I'm sorry, Me'lhe...I got confused..."

"I am glad we are in agreement on that." Izak nodded. The girl was obviously somewhat attached to her former owner, Izak surmised. He would have to make sure that she didn't see or hear of this.. Cley... again. It could damage her profitability. Izak waved a hand to John. "Drop the forcefield for this cage."

John's brow creased slightly, Jerik stood aside, forgotten. T'rii cringed slightly as the force fields dropped, wondering if she was bound for some punishment. With barely a swallow, she dropped down out of the cage, just barely missing John's outstretched hand, and sidled up to the new owner, nuzzling him softly.

Izak put his hand around the green Orion. He lightly ran his left hand down her back. Yes. This one would do nicely. Very nicely. He moved his other hand up to her breasts, and caressed her. Orion girls might not make good conversationalists, but that certainly didn't matter at the moment. He forced her to look up at him.

T'rii felt her skin tingle in response to the warm touch of another. She pressed herself against him, reaching up to wrap her arms around his neck. Her body started to shiver slightly, the slight trembling of arousal.

Izak whispered to her. "You won't remember Cley in a few hours." He smiled, and ran his hand through her hair.

He pushed her away now, and looked to John. "Has anyone had her yet?" He said curtly.

It was like a chorus line. "Nope."

"No..."

"Of course not."

T'rii let her eyes dart over the three liars, and she smiled slightly.

Izak frowned. That response was just a little too orchestrated. He shot a glance to each of them to see if they would flinch. They didn't, but perhaps they were just well trained. Izak didn't appreciate the thought of his merchandise being tested by others. He looked back to T'rii. "Have you... pleased anyone yet?" He whispered, and stared without blinking into her eyes, his face remaining perfectly still.

T'rii froze, and swallowed. Quickly she weighed the dangers of turning her three handlers in versus getting caught in a lie to her master. The options didn't seem all too promising, however, if she could stay close to her new owner, if he liked her enough, perhaps she wouldn't have to deal with them. On the other hand, with all the selection this man suddenly had, why would he stay with her?

He was staring down at her, and she felt her trembling increase, though not from any passion. She cringed slightly from him, too frightened suddenly to lie to him directly. She found another option. "Tisk."

Izak froze. He was hoping, for her sake, that she wasn't suggesting what he thought she was. He gripped both her shoulders tightly, and glared at her. "What did you say?"

She would have fallen to her knees if he wasn't holding her up. "He...he didn't know any better...I had to do what he said...I didn't want to...It was over very fast..."

Izak breathed heavily, in an effort to stop the rage welling within him. It was clear, at least, that the girl had not been a willing participant in the abomination. He smelt the girl's fear. "It's alright." He pulled the girl towards him. "You will not have to worry about dealing with that scum again." He whispered, and then dropped her.

Izak jumped off the cage onto the bar floor, his face a picture of anger. "Have her cleaned up, and sent to my room!" He shouted to Jerik. "I will repair the girl's corrupted mind myself." He muttered loudly to himself.

Izak vaulted onto the bartop. "Now, you listen to me, fuckers." He flashed his teeth in an angry smirk. "Any of you let that fucking dirty reptile touch my bitches again, and I'll have you strung up by your balls as my own personal punching bag. You get me?"

There was general nodding from the men gathered. John ushered T'rii through the back door, back to the room with the old metal cages. Once there, he turned her around to face him. "God, woman! Why didn't you just say 'No...no one's had me...' It's not that hard!" He slapped her rump. "Get over to the shower!"

T'rii trotted off, dropping what was left of her clothing and reaching up to the crossbar. John gripped her wrists painfully and attached her to the restraints. "Stupid, stupid," he muttered, and splashed her with the cold water.

Izak left John to do his work, and searched out the lizard. Apparently, he was off shift now, and would be in his quarters. If they could be called quarters, Izak smiled. At least he could have the pleasure of watching the mongrel stewing in his own filth in some basement cage no bigger than their shuttle.

He would make the Kasarak pay for this insolence... this debauchery... this abomination. No one, even his human underlings... even Makarov... was permitted to try out a girl before the boss. Tisk didn't know what a dangerous path he was treading. Obviously his deficient half-scaly mind just couldn't comprehend it.

Izak finally reached the room that had been in the computer as Cleaners quarters. Or, Cleaner's dormitory anyway.

Izak pushed the door open slowly. The room was dark, and he could hear one body breathing heavily inside. Tisk. He could tell by the putrid smell of lizard. It sounded like Tisk's health had... deteriorated. Izak grinned. Well, at least this would be easy then.

"It's the first of the month, my friend!" Izak flipped on the lights as he shouted. "Time to wake up and greet the boss..." Izak's voice trailed off as he spotted the pool of vomit beside the Kasarak. How ironic it would be, if he died of natural causes....

The light sheared Tisk's eyes as he woke reluctantly from his restless sleep back into the steady queasiness that immediately demanded he hang over the side of the bunk again and half spit, half retch another thin stream of bile. Of course, he noted sourly, Izak would be here - he'd had no doubt that the spy would return in fact he'd been counting on it. If he was to have any chance of carrying out his mission, then he had to stick close to the brain-fried spy and his dour Russian buddy. Izak was Tisk's key back home.

There was, however, another reason Tisk was actually grateful to see the smug prick. He pushed himself up on his elbows and dropped his feet onto the floor. Sitting up he paused, suddenly exhausted by the effort of doing even that.

"Boss ... eh?" Tisk said clearing his throat and spitting a little more forcefully onto the floor and looked up at the smartly dressed, clean, gleaming appearance of his nemesis. "Explains why I didn't see you on sani-duty then."

Izak looked the lizard up and down. If he had, had T'rii, then it must have half killed him. Or perhaps... the girl had, for some reason, said it was Tisk to save one of the others. This was all too confusing. Still, even if Tisk hadn't, Izak's mission was the same. Make the half-caste realise what would happen if he *did* do it.

"Tiskil...." Izak pouted, as he spun a chair and sat down. "...you sound ungrateful." Izak paused and ran his finger along the wall. It left a clear trail as he did, picking up slime and gunk. Izak gave Tisk a glance as he wiped it off onto the replicator. "I know it isn't the best room in the house... but I assure you, mine isn't much better." He smiled.

"I'll take your word for it." Tisk said dryly.

Izak's voice was like white noise and Tisk's head began to sag forward. He jutted his elbows on his knees and propped up his chin in his hands. The jaw still felt stubbornly touchy, but it had the advantage of allowing him to keep eye contact with Izak. The human was staring at him like a BBQ cook looked at steaks.

"I need meds." Tisk said bluntly. There was no demand in his tone, he stated it as the fact that his slightly greening skin and eyes were clearly signaling. If Izak didn't realise the causes - he must have been aware of the results.

"Oh... yes, there are some nasty bugs going about. What type?" Izak grinned.

Tisk straightened up and bit back the description of a particularly nasty bug that smirked, sneered and bullshitted. Instead he moved to the communal basin and splashed the cold, slightly oily water over his face. He rinsed out his mouth, spat down the sink and hung over the tub, dripping.

"Regen precursors, catalysts and stabilizers." The hybrid said matter of factly. He grabbed a towel and dried his face off, then turned to the spy. "And a liver enzyme stimulator." He threw the towel aside and picked up the portable reclaimator, pointing the nozzle at the patch of stinking vomit by his bed. "Be easier if I did it. I know what I need."

"You under-estimate my research skills." Izak chuckled, and reached into his pocket bringing out a small plastic case. "This should provide you with what you need, hybrid." Izak threw the case over onto Tisk's bed. "You know, I never knew how much it took to keep your impure heart beating."

Tisk looked balefully at the small package. The size alone told him that whatever Izak had put in there wasn't much. He sat on the bed and snapped open the case. A couple of hypos glinted up at him and he checked the readouts.

Generic drugs. The names were unfamiliar, but the major active ingredients were. With a sibilant hiss they released their loads into his neck.

"You've had a change of heart then ..." Tisk said, almost sighing in relief as he felt the waves of nausea lulling. The fact that Izak had given him the meds he needed was the first positive sign he'd had that his continued existence in this hell hole might actually be worth something to someone. " ... you were trying to take my head off last I recall ..."

"Yes, I recall that." Izak drawled laconically. "I think it was the pain from my arm...sent me a little crazy, y'know.." Izak moved over to where Tisk was and stood next to him. "So, what do you think of the new face?" Izak smiled. "Chey restored my beauty perfectly don't you think?"

As the human drew closer Tisk's scales skittered uneasily. He rose to his feet again and scratched his head, moving away from the bunks, and from Izak.

"Couldn't do anything 'bout your personality though, eh?" The hybrid said. "Shame."

Izak grinned. He followed the hybrid and forced him into a corner. He whispered. "If you want to keep getting your meds, I'd be a little more respectful."

"Oh right - yeah - the boss ..." Tisk said with a chilly smile. The dependence he had on Izak was more than irksome, it was like a slave collar around his neck. "... and tell me - just what am I respecting then eh? You had a look at this place yet? This part of your *vision thing* is it? This the future you plan to deliver?"

Izak's face went cold. He didn't have to explain himself to no hybrid. He cuffed Tisk round the ear. Not too hard as he realised the mongrel was still tender, but enough to annoy. "Were you listening when I said we were waiting.. biding our time.. if you can't enjoy it, then too bad for you. Just remember who holds your life in his hands." Izak clenched his fists and pushed Tisk into the back wall. Perhaps now was the opportune moment to relate the 'policy', before Tisk talked back enough to get himself killed. "Now," Izak kept Tisk in a tight grip. "What have you seen of the bar so far, eh? Met any of the girls? The new one?" Izak flared his incisors. He had grown accustomed to doing that in anger from his time as scaly scum.

Tisk stared into the wide maddened eyes of the human. Their usual fanaticism tinged with something else, an avaricious grasping tightness around them, that matched the animal snarl. He longed to snap his head forward and butt the sneering mug of the spy into next week. But longing was as far as he dared risk it. Physical confrontation was an extravagance that Tisk couldn't afford at the moment.

"I've cleaned from top to bottom of this pissoir." Tisk said steadily. "There's nothing enjoyable going on here." He frowned as Izak continued to glare into his face, then almost intuitively he understood the spy's apparently careless questions. He couldn't resist grinning at what appeared to be a jealous new owner of a fine Orion sex machine. "Yeah - I saw your stable - you're likely to end up with saddle sores if you don't take it easy 'Boss'."

Izak put his hand up to the hybrid's neck. He squeezed gently for now. "Just be sure..." Izak said slowly. "...that I am the only one who gets the saddle sores. You get me?"

"You're an authentic Cur aren't you ... born to be an Orion slaver ..." Tisk hissed. " ... anyone would think you actually coveted those pets down there. They won't turn you much profit with that kind of an attitude now will they?"

Izak breathed deeply, struggling not to lose his temper. If he was going to kill the hybrid, he didn't want it to be a spur of the moment thing. "I test out the bitches to make sure they're worthwhile..." Izak spat. "*I* test them."

"Said like a true Orion." Tisk breathed triumphantly, his lip curling in scorn as he continued. " I didn't come here to watch you fuck green gened orgasm machines, or play out your mogul fantasies." He stepped into Izak's space, his face darting swiftly, snake like into Izak's face. "This place is everything the Federation isn't - and you look too fucking comfortable by far in this shithole. You're no saviour - or is this about fucking for the federation mate."

He watched as a flame of anger flickered behind Izak's eyes. It was a dangerous game but the only one Tisk thought had a chance of working. He had to try and out patriot the fanatic.

"You came here..." Izak roared but released Tisk, and stepped back, trying to calm himself. His heart was racing now. This hybrid dared to question? How would he stop himself from killing him in the next few weeks, he didn't know. "... because I brought you here, you half-Bajoran, half-Cardassian scum! My choice! My choice! I could have killed you anytime. I still can!" Izak turned around and kicked over one of the bunks and slashed at the air. He waved a hand towards Tisk. "I play my cover well!" Izak grinned, although it was more like a growl now. "You should know *that* by now... if that involves fucking for my flag, then hey, good luck to *me*! I'm more than you'll ever be..." Izak hissed, and clenched his fist till it began to bleed. ".. I'm a Souljah at war. Something the likes of you will never understand! Just pray you don't become a casualty." He said coolly, and paced from side to side. "What you think doesn't interest me anymore." Izak exhaled deeply, trying to find calm. "You keep working until I say otherwise, and you'll get your fucking demon-sustaining meds..." Izak said as he slammed the door and left.

(0) Main Bar (0)

Izak sauntered back out into the main bar.

He was fairly happy that Tisk knew what the rules were now. Tisk belonged to Izak now, and he was sure Tisk could see that. Still, breaching any rules was usually a death sentence.

Izak was surprised he hadn't killed the mongrel yet, but then again, Izak decided he could be generous.... on occasion.

If the Bacardie dared to question his patriotism again though? . Well, he wouldn't be around for long. Izak would tell Koren that he had found the hybrid with one of the Ferengis... stealing their profit, and he had had to kill them both.

Still, Izak would make sure he kept an even closer eye on the lizard's activity. One day, Izak decided, he might reward him with some clapped out Orion slut, but if he ever tried out one of Izak's girls again.... well, he'd die. It was a simple as that.

Luckily, the Orion that the reptile may have poisoned.... T'rii was it?.... she wouldn't have any permanent damage. Izak would see to that.

Izak spotted John, the human, working behind the bar. He wandered over to him. "You have had her cleaned?"

John straightened up. "Yeah...cleaned her myself. She's sulking in the back now...Shall I fetch her for you?"

"Just have someone take her up to my suite...." Izak said nonchalant, and turned away from the human to face out from the bar. "I assume my suite is prepared?"

John frowned. "Sure. All prepared....you want some mints on the pillows? Otherwise, it's just been cleaned."

Izak turned back to face the human. That was not the tone of a happy underling he had been hoping for. "No, no mints." He said coolly. "Do you have a problem, my friend?" Izak raised an eyebrow.

John smiled, wiped the counter. "Nope. Look ... no one goes in the boss's suite without express permission from the boss ... so as for 'prepared' ... I guess it's as good as can be expected ... Tabbot was a clean bastard." He raised a brow. "You wanna give me the codes to go in and ... prep the room?"

"I see ..." Izak chuckled. "That won't be necessary." Izak said and leaned down onto the bar. He had under-estimated the human. What an ironic idea. Underestimating a human?. Izak grinned. This one was smarter than the other bar shitkickers. Izak was glad of that. The human would do well under him. As would any human... of course. "Tell me... John... do you enjoy working here?"

John leaned forward, leaning on the bar. "It does have it's advantages ... certain fringe benefits ..."

Izak smiled widely, and leaned closer to John so the other workers were out of hearing range. "I've noticed." He chuckled. "… and, if you work well under me, you my well notice those .... 'benefits' ... sharply increase." Izak winked.

John's smile grew. He decided to test an idea. "I'm sure Jerik will enjoy hearing that..."

"If it applied to him..." Izak's smile quickly turned to a blank face, and he stared at John. "... he may well be pleased to hear it. Shame that it isn't." He gave John an understanding nod. Izak had no place for Tellarites .... Ferengis .... or any other weak race as his bar leaders.

John's brows raised, and he nodded back. "Well."

"Indeed." Izak said simply, and then drew himself up. He continued in normal tone, so as not to raise too much suspicion. He had noticed a couple of the Ferengi's watching him. "So, are we on target for profit this week?"

Pok sucked his teeth for a moment. "I should think so...new management might chase away some loyalists ... and attract a few curious newbies. It tends to balance out ... Shall we offer a happy hour?"

Izak looked over the Ferengi for a moment. Little troll. Still, his accounting was probably useful for the bar. However, if he found out the little bastard was stealing from the bar, he'd be happy to be judge, jury, and executioner for him. "Good idea." Izak tried to smile. "Call it a gift from the new management."

John had placed T'rii back in her cage in the back room while the boss was "talking" to Tisk. He glanced around and noticed Jerik had gone missing. Scanning the room, the Tellarite was no where near the other girls, as he usually was, giving them the "pep" talk for the beginning of the night. Placing down his washcloth, he turned to Izak. "You want that girl now, boss?"

Izak grinned. "My thoughts exactly. I shall be in my suite." Izak paused, remembering that the girl herself could not get into his room. "Will you bring her up, or should I take her myself?"

John stepped around him, heading towards the back. "I'll bring her up to you ... you can let her in ..." he said over his shoulder. Before Izak could answer, he was in the back room. No sign of Jerik ... or T'rii. "Shit ..." John hissed, glancing through the cages as he rushed by them. Bursting into the sleeping quarters he shared with the others, he headed immediately to the door on his right. "Jerik!"

As he feared, the Tellarite had the girl, his hand around her neck, shoving her towards the bare metal chair in the corner. She was crying, pleading, struggling as he moved her into position. He stopped in his tracks at John's voice. "What?"

"Wait ... just wait..." John almost sighed; he'd gotten there before Jerik could strap her into the amp. "What are you doing? C'mon..."

Jerik huffed, sending hot air across her tear stricken face. "Just teaching her to keep her mouth SHUT!" he growled.

"She did!" John grabbed her other arm, pulling her out of the chair before Jerik could apply the straps. "Besides ... the boss is back and wants her NOW."

Jerik shoved her back into the chair, "Just a minute will do..." he turned his small eyes on her, "I'll set it hiiiiigh..."

John pulled her out again, and she this time she clung to him. "She won't be in any shape to do her job if you start on her now ... You'll have to wait till the boss is done with her." He pronounced each word as if he were speaking to a simpleton. "You don't want to lose your job, do you?"

Jerik glared, and released her arm. T'rii gratefully clutched at her human saviour, not even risking a glance over her shoulder as John led her out of the makeshift torture chamber. John ushered her out, back to the cage room, where he suddenly stopped and turned her to face him. "All right ... all right ... no crying ..." he wiped hastily at her face. "Look pretty...I got you away ... you're all right ... You gotta go see your Me'lhe now, get it?" He wiped as she sniffed. "Look pretty ... that's better ..." Once more he moved her towards the doorway to the bar, and she tried to stop her trembling.

The bar had opened, the lights were going, men were shuffling in. He put a finger under her chin, lifted her head up, stepped away from her so people could get a look at the new girl, but still held tightly to her. After pulling her through the growing crowd, he led her up the stairs to the hall that led to Izak's suite. He stopped once to check her over again, and smoothed her hair. "Ok..." he breathed, and rang the chime.

Izak looked around his new living quarters. Tabbot certainly knew how to live well. Being an agent, could at times, be a struggle. This, however, would have to be his cushiest assignment ever. Izak promised himself to enjoy every minute of it. Suddenly, the door chime rang. "My first reward." He smiled to himself, as he tapped the control to open the door.

The door opened and John stepped back with a bow. "T'rii ..." he patted her rump.

The green woman felt flushed. She'd seen devices like that chair before, the one Jerik was ready to strap her into. Pain amplifiers ... they could set them to work continuously or in bursts ... for as long as the handler wanted, and as intensely as the handler wanted. It left her shaken; she thought she'd pleased him by not turning him in. For a moment she stood there, breathing, still in shock by her sudden rescue. She glanced over her shoulder at John, who nodded slightly with a bit of a smile.

Turning back to Izak, she stepped in, and the doors shut behind her. Her gaze fell to the floor, then she looked up slowly at him, gazing up through her thick, black eyelashes. "I thought I was in trouble ..." she said softly, pointing a toe and twisting her ankle, bringing attention to her long legs.

Izak grinned wildly now. Dedication to his work had meant it had been a long time since he had the chance to ... the chance to ... relax. He couldn't help wondering if Makarov would have as good a time with a Bolian. He doubted it. "No, not in trouble, my dear." He smiled, and stood up. "Can I get you a drink?"

T'rii's eyes widened slightly at his generosity, and she nodded. As he turned away, she stepped over to the bed, her gaze wandering up and down the luxurious fabrics there. Slowly, her fear of Jerik began to diminish, and when she caught sight of the soft shimmer of velvet, she could no longer resist. Sinking down onto the cushioned mattress, she stretched herself out on the softness, her skin tingling in response to the stimulation. The familiar feelings soothed her further, and she looked up from her rolling to see if the new owner was pleased.

Izak poured out two glasses of Romulan ale that appeared to be marked 'Tabbot's Special Reserve'. Well, he wouldn't be needing them anytime soon, Izak smiled. Glasses in hand, Izak turned back towards T'rii. She wasn't there. Izak looked up towards the bed. Ah, this one really knew what she was doing. Izak grinned, and took the two glasses over and lay down on the bed next to her. He handed her the drink. "So, how do you like it so far?" Izak sipped his ale, and lay a hand on her thigh.

The caressing touch momentarily made her dizzy. She set the ale aside, and moved close to him, running her hands over him in a mixture of curious and sexual exploration. "I like it ..." she purred, pulling his hand up higher on her thigh. That stimulation was all she needed, her breeding took over and she arched her back, laying kisses on his neck and jaw, begging him to kiss her.

Izak lay back, mouth open. He was getting progressively surprised at just how well these Orion girls were trained. He put a hand up to her cheek and drew her towards him, forcing her above him so he could get a good view. "Before we enjoy ourselves, my dear..." Izak struggled to say as she ran her fingers provocatively up his chest. He pulled her down so her face was inches from his. He whispered. "I know it was not your fault, but..." He paused. "I need you to promise never to be with that lizard Tisk again. If he forces himself.... you tell me. Understand?" His face was blank.

T'rii stretched herself down over him, so she was laying on him, her legs straddled across his middle. Her mouth nibbled his ear. "I understand, Me'lhe ..." she exhaled.

Izak smiled, laughing. He turned to face her, and moved his hand to her thigh again. "Besides ..." He whispered into her ear as he moved his hand higher. "... you'll want for no one after me."

T'rii reveled in the touch, and stopped herself from giggling at his comment. They all felt the same to her ... thrilling.

"You fucking bastard! How could you??!!"

Rei looked up groggily from her pillow at Ian's yelling. "What the-"

There was the sound of an object hitting the floor and breaking then the loud thump of a body.

She was off the bed and out the door before she was fully awake. The door next to hers opened and Dori stepped out pulling on her robe. Rei looked down at her pajamas. Nah don't need a robe. "Which room?"

"The White Queen."

Three rooms down just before the stairwell. Each guestroom contained one unique object that identified it. Ian's had the one called the White Queen, an ivory statue of a warrior queen. Her companion piece, the Black King, was housed in the room across the hall where Jania slept.

Well, had been sleeping. "What the hell was that?" She asked sticking her head out of her room.

"Ian's having another nightmare," Dori replied as she opened the door to his room. "Ian?"

The room was dark. Moonlight filtered in through the gauzy blue curtains and the only sound was a slight sniffling. "Lights. Twenty-five percent," Dori said softly and gasped as she saw Ian kneeling in what used to be the reading lamp next to his bed. She and Rei exchanged a look and she went off to get the med kit while Rei went over to Ian.

Guilt suddenly crashed in on Rei. She'd gone off on a three-day bender and left him alone in a strange place with a woman he barely knew. In an alternate time and place it could have been the plot to a nice romantic comedy but now…

You can be such a shit, Rei. Rubbing her face, she carefully picked her way through the ceramic and glass to him. "Ian?" She said softly brushing his hair back from his face. He turned to her, eyes filled with tears. "Same dream?" At his nod Rei carefully helped him up out of the debris and sitting him up on the bed. She sat behind him a little, wrapped her arms around him and rocked back and forth a little the same way she had in the shuttle. Jania walked in with a broom and a dustpan and silently began to sweep up the lamp.

"Finally!" Dori's exclamation of triumph startled the other three and they looked over to see her carrying the medkit as if it were an Olympic medal. Making sure there were no stray bits of glass anywhere she knelt before Ian and carefully picked the shards out of his hands and knees before running over them with the regenerator. "There we go…Want some water or anything?" At his refusal she and Rei shared another look and she smiled at him. "Ok. I'll see you in the morning all right? Night, Ian." The medkit was placed on the table and she vanished from the room.

Jania poked her head in and yawned. Then she scanned the room to make sure nothing sinister was lurking about. As she closed the door she asked Dori. "If we ever meet this guy can we beat the shit out of him?"

"…Yeah."

Ian and Rei had to smile a little at that. They sat in silence for a long while just rocking back and forth and listening to the sounds of the night.

"Did you have fun?"

Rei closed her eyes and rested her forehead against his shoulder. "I went on a three day bender and wondered why…why…" She sighed in frustration and shrugged. "Just why?"

He nodded and held her hand. "The only problem with drowning your sorrows is that they're still there when you're sober again."

"True. I promise to take you to the bar and off I go on a drinking spree and leave you all alone. I'm sorry."

"Well, it's been an adventure to say the least," he replied. "So far I've toured Bajor out the backseat of a car, sampled food- half of which I can't even pronounce-," he smiled at Rei's snort of laughter. "And I've had to listen to those two yell at each other." He turned and looked at her. "…I don't think they like each other very much."

Rei smiled sleepily. It was getting harder and harder to stay awake. Apparently three-day benders took a lot out of you. "They like each other. They just like to bitch each other out more." They stared at each other for a long moment. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"…No."

"Ok then." She patted his back and got up to leave. Just as she got to the door Rei let out several sneezes. "Dammit!"

Ian looked at her concerned. He'd been hearing her sneeze all night and where a Bajoran woman was concerned it might mean… "Rei…"

She sighed and he took it to mean she'd been asked about it already. "No I don't know, Ian," she said quietly.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"…No."

"Ok then." She hadn't pushed him, so he wouldn't push her. Everything was still a little too fresh, still hurt a little too much to be able to discuss it.

And that was the sharing for the night. "I'll see you in the morning, Ian."

"Night, Rei."

The lights went off as she closed the door and went down the hall. Sliding underneath her covers Rei stared up at the ceiling. It was too early for her to tell right now. The sneezing could be anything really not just a pregnancy and she'd always taken her shots. But nature was strange that way and even in this day and age there was always that chance that you fell into the percentage where protection failed.

She just didn't want to think about it right now because she wasn't sure how she felt about it. What would be worse? Finding out she was pregnant and Tisk maybe never knowing?

Or finding out she wasn't pregnant at all?

* * * *
Several Days Later
0400

Sleep.

Sleep was a damn wonderful thing.

Except when the morning sun poked through the curtains and stabbed you in the eyes. Ian groaned and snuggled down under the covers a little more.

Sort of surprised the shit out of him when the covers moved a little more and a hand sneaked its way around his waist.

What the fuck?! He opened his eyes and squinted against the sun. Oh God…Couldn't it have rained today? He flipped the covers over his head and lay there for a few moments before looking down. Okay…there were his two hands and there was another hand right near his belly button, definitely not his hand and definitely a female one. And they were both still clothed.

Damn.

The sun- sneaky little fucker- rose a little higher and tried to push the sleep away from his brain.

What the hell did I do last night? He hadn't done anything last night except putter around the garden with Rei and nearly get eaten by that damn blood sucking vine those women had the nerve to call Sweetie. Late in the night after dinner and a look around one of the nearby cities they'd all gone to their rooms to sleep-And I had a nightmare.

He'd had a nightmare and after making sure he was all right Dori and Jania had gone back to bed. Rei had stayed with him and they'd talked about everything and nothing and somewhere along the way they'd fallen asleep. A perfectly logical, innocent way to explain why Rei was in his bed and had her arm around his waist. Ian peeked up at the clock.

It'd taken him two hours to figure that out.

I am worth shit before my morning coffee.

He went back to sleep.

The next time he wandered near consciousness he was thinking about oranges and how nice-Oh holy goddamn shit! That's her breast!!! Ian froze and looked at Rei's back in horror.

Rei, still asleep, batted his hand away and turned over. She snuggled into his chest and let out something akin to a purr. So he lay there for a little while and when she grimaced and squirmed he rubbed her lower back because he knew it'd been bothering her lately.

Odd, the little things he knew now about her and this place she called home. Blood sucking plants aside-and why the hell would you keep one as a pet? Sweetie, my ass!-it was a pretty nice place. Large too, he couldn't count the number of times he'd gotten mixed up and ended up in a completely different place than he'd intended. Gym, garage, basement with high-tech equipment-what the hell was that all about?-living room, kitchen and so many bedrooms he wouldn't have been surprised if this place had been some sort of hotel before they'd gotten their hands on it. Half of which had hidden doors into other rooms or stairwells. Stairwells led into corridors that led to other parts of the house and one corridor in particular led to a tunnel that was closed off by a door with a lockpadd.

When he'd asked Dori about it she merely smiled and said, "Just an escape route, honey. Don't worry about it. Part of the original house." Escape route from what? It was one of the things that were never explained just accepted as the norm.

Rei's grimace was easing and she relaxed against him.

Apparently he fit into the Not Explained But Accepted category as well. Various members of their family had come to visit over the last several days to see how Rei was and had given him a curious once over as introductions were made. But once Dori had said Rei'd brought him home they smiled and treated him as an old friend they hadn't seen in awhile. Rei accepted him and cared about him and that was good enough for them.

He liked that.

Jania and Dori went down the hall speaking quietly. "When she wakes up tell her thanks for letting me access her logs but I still want to talk to her. Not only about Kerok Nor either."

"I know. I know…She'll come around but she has to do it at her own pace."

"Does she have an appointment today?"

"Yeah. The sessions have been going well. She'll get through it. She did it once she'll do it again…"

Their voices faded out as they went down the stairs and Ian looked down at the woman in his arms. She looked fine to him and was the same as she'd always been: feisty, protective, and caring. What he'd gathered from various conversations was that she'd suffered some sort of minor breakdown and decided to come home before it got any worse. He could understand that. Any amount of time spent on that damn station was bound to drive you bonkers. Look what it did to T-

Ian's face darkened and anger coursed through him at the thought of Tisk. Fuck him and the horse he rode in on. He despised Kerok Nor and how it had twisted and turned everything and turned his best friend into a total stranger. Wouldn't even trust his best friend. Ian looked down at Rei's face and noticed the slightly dark circles under her eyes, Or his lover. Worse, he'd abandoned the woman who might be carrying his child, a woman who for all intents and purposes cared for him deeply.

Rat bastard.

He smoothed the hair off Rei's face and suddenly wondered what it'd be like to be an uncle.