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Garak couldn’t remember the last time he’d heard such howling.
Had to be when he was still living on Cardassia, he figured. They had their fair share of windstorms back home, and he’d been caught in them more times than he cared to count. One particularly ill-fated mission for the Obsidian Order came to mind.
He shook his head, trying to clear away the thought. He needed to focus. Julian was counting on him. This current storm wasn’t too different from those earlier storms, after all. He could handle this.
Still, the harsh wind continued to distract him, its whistling positively eerie. The ship rattled and creaked and groaned. He could see Julian just ahead of him – he’d turned back to yell something, but what he was saying, Garak couldn’t quite make out.
Next thing he knew, he found himself on the ground, surrounded by wreckage. He sighed, and went to stand, only to let out a pained gasp as he grabbed his left arm.
Strange. The safetys were on. At least, they were supposed to be on.
“Garak? Are you all right?”
He looked up to see Julian take two strides before appearing at his side. “Computer, pause program,” he said, before gesturing at Garak. “Remove your coat.”
Garak sighed, and eagerly complied. Honestly, why Julian and the Chief insisted on these ridiculous outfits during their holosuite games was beyond him. The goggles, the ill-fitting uniforms, the jackets that were so big one could almost get lost in them… Such a curious artifact of human history.
He had to admit, though, the coat was quite warm. Garak suppressed a shiver as he felt a sudden chill on his scales. Once he got his arm free, Julian carefully pulled up the sleeve to take a look. A decent bruise had started to form right around Garak’s elbow.
“It seems these particular ships are beyond my capabilities,” he muttered. He watched, keeping his expression neutral, as Julian gently poked and prodded at the aching spot.
“I told you, Garak, they’re not ships, they’re planes. This is a World War Two program, back then people flew planes.” He pulled a dermal regenerator from his coat.
“You brought one of those into a game?” Garak asked.
Julian looked up at him. “A doctor must always be prepared,” he said, as though this was obvious. “Even in a make believe setting.” He ran the regenerator over Garak’s arm.
“I thought Quark had fixed the safetys on these holosuites,” Garak said as he glanced around the frozen scene.
“That’s what he said,” Julian said. “But consider the source. There.” He smiled as he glanced up at Garak, who couldn’t help noticing he was still holding his arm. “That should help. Unless you want me to take you down to the infirmary for a proper look.”
“Quite all right, Doctor.” Garak spoke before Julian could even finish his sentence. He reluctantly pulled his arm away, cradling it as he did so. “I’ve had worse pain. I assure you, I’m fine.” He flashed Julian that smile, the one that told him all was well and now would be a very good time not to press any further.
Julian narrowed his eyes. “All right. But if you feel any pain – or if I see you wince even once – we’re going to the infirmary.” He raised his brows. “Deal?”
Garak considered this. “Deal.”
“Would you like to keep playing?” Julian gestured to the room. “I’ve still got an hour left on this holosuite, after all.”
“I’m afraid world war games are not for me, Doctor,” Garak sighed. If he wanted to be completely honest, he hadn’t even planned to be here tonight at all. But the Chief was called away for some work on the station, and Julian didn’t want to let his reservation go to waste, and he’d been looking forward to this for some time, and before Garak knew it, he’d somehow volunteered to accompany him, just this once. His dear doctor could be quite persuasive, after all, and besides, after all they’d been through lately, they could both use a distraction.
Julian shrugged. “We can play another game if you wish.” He turned away. “Computer, play Cardassian holonovel The Poisoned Castellan...”
They waited.
Nothing happened.
Julian frowned. “Computer.” He repeated the request.
Still nothing.
They glanced at each other, concern dawning on both their faces. Julian tapped his combadge. “Bashir to Quark.”
“No, I don’t know what happened, Doctor.” Quark rolled his eyes. “All Rom told me was that there was some kind of temperature malfunction. The entire station is affected, there’s nothing I can do about it.”
There was a pause. Odo watched from the stairwell as Quark glanced up at him, giving an exasperated shrug. “Looks like you two are stuck there for the time being. I don’t know what else to tell you. Yes,” he said after another moment. “I’ll contact you when things are working again. Goodbye, Doctor.”
“Temperature malfunction?” Odo said as he made his way down the stairs.
“Yeah, there was some kind of glitch and the station’s temperature is dropping. All the systems are going to start slowing down or stopping completely as it gets colder.” He cast a glance upward as he rested his hands on the bar. “This is just what I needed.”
“Did Rom tell you how long the repairs will take?”
Quark shrugged. “A couple hours, maybe?” He turned to look at Odo. “I have to keep an eye on things here, but you can go if you want.”
“No, I think I’ll stay.” Odo settled himself on one of the barstools, arms folded as he leaned against the counter.
“Why?”
“For one thing, I probably won’t be able to get into my office or my quarters. For another,” He leaned in towards Quark. “I might have a few questions of my own about this...malfunction.”
Quark rolled his eyes.
“How’s your arm?”
“I do wish you’d stop asking me that, Doctor.” Garak fixed his gaze on Julian. “I told you. I’m fine.”
“I’ve heard that before,” Julian muttered, but he let the matter drop.
Garak frowned, and wrapped his coat tighter around himself. “I wonder what the temperature is right now.”
“About minus two degrees Celsius. Or, if you will, twenty-eight degrees Faiherenheit,” Julian said.
Garak narrowed his eyes at Julian. “And just how do you know – oh. Right.”
“It’s an estimate,” Julian replied, unconvincingly. Garak noticed the faint embarrassment in Julian’s cheeks.
Such an odd thing, this “genetically engineered” business with Julian. Garak still wasn’t quite used to any of it. He’d always sensed Julian was holding something back over the years, and wasn’t surprised his instincts had been proven correct. One didn’t get to be at his level in the Obsidian Order without being able to read others, after all.
What did surprise him, however, was his conflicted reaction to the reveal. Impressed by the ability to lie, intrigued by the possibilities, and also...vaguely unsettled, for reasons he couldn’t quite place.
He realized then the silence had lasted a bit too long. “How much colder do you think it will get?” he asked.
Julian shrugged. “Depends on how soon Miles and Rom can fix what’s wrong, I suppose.” He sat with his coat completely unzipped, his gloves and hat still in his pocket.
“This temperature doesn’t bother you, I take it?” Garak asked.
Julian flashed a small smile. “Hardly. I’m from Earth, remember? I’ve had my fair share of experience in cold climates. In fact,” He leaned back against a rock, allowing Garak a chance to see the plane wreckage that still lay nearby. “this time of year on Earth is known for its colder weather and longer nights.”
“Yes, it’s been a common theme in some of your Terran books,” Garak said. The concept of snow had particularly interested him – he remembered seeing some of it from Noah’s mountaintop hideaway in the spy program, but he’d never had a chance to properly experience it firsthand.
“ - and then of course there’s the winter solstice.”
Garak had gotten so caught up in his musing that he’d missed Julian rambling on. “Hm? Winter solstice?”
“The longest night of the year. It happens in December, right before Christmas.”
Christmas. Another curious human tradition that had popped up in some of Julian’s books, full of festivities and gift giving and lots of food.
A time for family to gather. Garak’s heart ached suddenly at the thought.
“Fascinating,” was all he said in response. He’d meant it, too – it’d been a while since Julian had spouted any interesting little factoids.
“It didn’t snow much in London,” Julian said. “But I do remember one holiday as a child, where we got a little snow. It was nice. I even went sledding.” A teasing smile crossed his face then as he looked at Garak.
“What?” Garak frowned.
“Just suddenly had an image of the two of us on a sled, coasting down a hill.” He made a downward gesture with a hand.
“A sled?” Garak blinked.
“It’s an object – people like to take them to the top of a hill and then slide down. Mostly done in the winter, when there’s enough snow and ice for sliding purposes. There’s lots of things one can do in the winter. Sledding, skiing, ice skating…”
Garak let out a scoff as Julian’s smile grew wider. “It all sounds rather unappealing to me.” Well, perhaps for the sledding, at least. That, he had to admit, did sound rather fun.
“You should come to Earth someday.” Julian said then, his voice sounding distant. “I bet you’d find it a fascinating place.”
“Perhaps,” Garak said. “I’d need a reason to go, though.”
Julian’s next words were so quiet Garak almost had to strain to hear them.
“I could think of one.”
He didn’t know what to say to that.
“Oh, that’s just great.”
Odo glanced up at Quark, who looked visibly dismayed.
“What’s wrong?”
“The drink.” He tapped the bottle against the bar.. “It’s frozen.” He turned to examine the other bottles on the shelf. “All the drinks are frozen! Every last one of them!”
“Quark…”
“My business is ruined. I’m done. Nobody will ever come in here again.” Quark began frantically pacing back and forth. “First the Commerce Authority, then Brunt, now this cold snap. I can’t win!”
“Quark - “
“Maybe not.” Quarks eyes lit up., and Odo could almost see the wheels turning in his mind. He always got excited like this whenever a new business venture presented itself, and it was hard not to get caught up in the excitement. His enthusiasm was unnervingly infectious.
Not that Odo would ever tell him that, of course.
“Maybe I can turn this place into a tropical bar! Frozen drinks only!” Quark dramatically swept a hand about the bar. “Romulan Ales, Klingon Grogs, Plomeek Teas! No, wait.” He shook his head. “People will still want their warm drinks, too - “
“Quark!”
Odo grabbed Quark’s arm, dragging him close.
“Ow! What was that for?” Quark yanked his arm away.
“Calm down.” Odo’s voice was surprisingly gentle as he settled back onto the stool.
Quark huffed. “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one whose business is in danger.”
“They’re working on it, Quark. Just relax. The Chief and Rom know what they’re doing.”
“Oh, I trust Chief O’Brien!” Quark insisted. “It’s Rom who has me worried. One false move and who knows what could happen.”
Odo knew he was fighting a losing battle here. “Give it time, they’ll figure it out,” he said, continuing to keep his voice steady. It seemed to put Quark at ease, if only slightly.
Quark shrugged. “Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Hmph.”
The two fell silent for a few moments. Then...
“Hey, Odo?”
Odo turned back to face him. “Yes?”
“If you were in your liquid state right now...would you freeze?” He poked Odo’s shoulder.
Odo glared.
Even wrapped in a thick coat, gloves, and heavy boots, Garak was still shivering. The temperature had dropped even further, to the point where he wasn’t even bothering to hide his discomfort anymore. He could feel himself growing sluggish, drowsy, and was at the point where he could only offer up one or two word sentences at most. A dire situation, indeed.
Julian clearly took notice – rather hard not to, after all, as he’d been pressed up against Garak’s side for the past half hour or so. He had his arms wrapped around Garak’s torso, and was rubbing at his arms.
“Is this helping at all?” he asked.
It was, but not in a way Garak wanted to admit. “A little,” he said.
“I’d suggest we replicate some blankets, but I have a feeling the replicators aren’t working, either,” Julian mused. He started to look around the area. “Perhaps we could – wait!” He sat up straight, and Garak lamented the loss of the body heat. “I know what we can do!” He began to dig around in his other coat pocket. “I know I packed them in here somewhere...aha!” He held up his find, a triumphant smile on his face.
“...sticks?” Garak asked flatly.
Julian held up a finger. “Observe,” he said, his smile turning to a smirk that sent a curious sharp jolt through Gaak’s chest. He took a few seconds to walk around the area, grabbing a few strands of grass and bark before returning. “I don’ know why I didn’t think of this sooner,” he continued as he began to make a small circle in front of them.
Garak watched, curious, as Julian began to rub the stiicks together. His movements were swift, his fingers almost as long as the sticks themselves. The whole effect was strangely fascinating.
Soon, there was a small spark, and then…
“Success!” Julian grinned, raising his fists in the air as the fire started. It was a small fire, but for now it would suffice. He held his hands near the flames, letting out a satisfied sigh. Garak mirrored his actions, marveling at the intensity of the heat.
“Ah. That’s better,” Julian said, almost to himself.
Garak glanced at Julian, taking in the way the light flickered on his face.
“Indeed.”
Odo tightened his arms around himself as he attempted to suppress yet another shiver.
What was taking so long? Just how serious was this malfunction anyway? Did he need to go see the Chief and Rom himself to find out what was going on? He was the security officer, after all. Perhaps this was some kind of sabotage.
He was about to hit his combadge to check for an update when he was distracted by a flash of blue and green.
“Here.”
Odo looked over to see Quark holding up a rather garish-looking blue and green vest.
“What’s this?” he asked warily. He gingerly touched the piece of clothing, as though it were made of some hazardous material.
“It’s one of my jackets. Take it.” Quark gestured to the item in question, shaking it at Odo.
“...why?”
Quark dropped his arms, exasperated. “Because you’re clearly cold. This might help keep you warm. Take it.” He held up the vest again.
Odo narrowed his eyes. Quark? Being helpful? The cold must be getting to him.
“Thank you, but I’m fine,” Odo insisted.
Quark dropped the jacket onto the counter and held up his hands. “Suit yourself. Just thought I’d offer.” He thumbed towards the back of his bar. “I’m going to check my inventory, see what I can salvage.” With that, he headed off.
Odo continued to stare at the jacket, gingerly picking it up with his finger and thumb. It really was a hideous-looking thing. Loud, bright, jarring, flashy.
Just like Quark. He had to admire the self-awareness, at least.
It did look warm, though, he had to admit. Odo glanced about the room, and slipped it on. A snug, somewhat uncomfortable fit, to be sure, given their difference in size, but it would do for the time being.
He continued to debate going off in search of the Chief and Rom. If it were sabotage, would they have realized it by now? Were they incapacitated, and unable to even respond? Should he alert Captain Sisko?
He’d gotten so caught up in his internal debate that it took some time for him to realize that Quark hadn’t returned. He knew his inventory was large, but surely it wouldn’t take that long for him to go through everything.
Course, when it came to his bar, Quark was nothing if not thorough.
Still, Odo was suspicious anyway. Maybe he was looking for more of his ridiculous outfits to offer him. He made his way to the back of the bar, calling Quark’s name all the while.
“Quark? Everything all right? Is there something - “
He stopped, taking in the scene before him.
Quark was sound asleep in a corner of the room. He was curled in on himself, a small blanket wrapped around him, softly snoring away.
An odd feeling of deja vu came over Odo then. Memories came flooding back. A cold, vast mountain range. The long, seemingly endless days he and Quark had spent climbing and dragging themselves through those mountains. The deep cut on his head, a sensation Odo could still feel the effects of even now.
The way Quark had carried him on that stretcher, and had created a makeshift tourniquet to tend to his injuries.
Odo sighed as he glanced at his vest. He had to admit, sleep did sound rather good right at the moment.
He walked over to where Quark slept and settled in next to him, turning himself into a blanket as he did so. After draping himself over Quark, it didn’t take long before he too drifted off.
“The fire’s dying.”
Garak watched as the flames slowly began to diwndle, the cold air making its presence felt once more.
“On it.” Julian immediately began searching the area for more items.
“Perhaps this is a sign,” Garak said, tightening his grip on his coat.
Julian briefly glanced up at him. “What do you mean?”
“Clearly we aren’t meant to be in a holosuite together. Every time we are, something goes wrong.”
“It’s just a coincidence, Garak. I know, I know,” he continued before Garak could speak. “You don’t trust coincidences.”
“That’s right, I don’t,” Garak confirmed.
“You also don’t believe in luck, good or bad,” Julian reminded him.
“Also true. Still,” Garak said, frowning, as the last flame died out. “it does explain some things.”
“Such as?”
The words were out before Garak’s brain could catch up. “Why you always pick the Chief for these outings.”
Julian stopped. “Miles?”
Damn.
A seemingly lengthy silence followed. Garak shifted uncomfortably.
“is that why you joined me tonight?” Julian’s voice was soft, with a hint of sympathy that made Garak wince.
He said nothing in response, instead staring at the small circle of brush.
“Garak?” The sound of footsteps drew closer, and before he knew it, Julian was sitting next to him again. He could feel his gaze on him, and he refused to look up. People talked all the time about Garak’s eyes being a weapon – they clearly hadn’t yet met Julian Bashir. One look at him could make a man confess any and everything.
“Garak?” Julian tried again, nudging him. Almost as though he were trying to make sure the cold hadn’t caused him to shut down oompletely.“Talk to me.”
“You spent a lot of latinum on this holosuite. It seemed a shame to let it go to waste,” Garak said, staring straight ahead.
He thought he heard Julian let out a soft chuckle. “For your information,” he began, “I invite Miles because he enjoys these sorts of games. I know you’re not one for holosuite games, and I’m not going to make you do something you wouldn’t like.”
“It doesn’t bother you?” Garak asked, finally looking up at Julian. “That I don’t take interest in something you enjoy?”
Julian shrugged. “It’s not like you haven’t given these games an honest try. Besides, we do other things together all the time. We have lunch, share novels, have weekly debates.”
And even those have fallen by the wayside lately, Garak noted. There was that faint ache in his chest again.
“It’s okay if we each have something that’s just for us alone.” Julian patted Garak’s shoulder. “For the record, though, I am glad you did join me tonight. If only because at least you wouldn’t be out in the cold alone.”
“I must admit, Doctor, your treatments have proven helpful. And, while these holosuite games may not be to my liking….” Now he looked directly at Julian. Maybe it was the cold getting to him, or Julian’s sympathy and remarkable depth of understanding, but he needed him to understand his next words. “...at least the company is quite pleasurable.”
Julian ducked his head, a shy grin spreading across his face. “For once, Garak, we’re in complete agreement,” he chuckled.
“Ah! Common ground at last!”
For some reason, this sent them both into a brief fit of laughter. As they started to calm down, Garak glanced at Julian’s hand, still resting on his shoulder. Julian also noticed it, and moved to cup Garak’s chin. Before he knew what was happening, Garak felt Julian’s lips against his own. It was a gentle, short kiss, but it left a tingling on Garak’s mouth.
Garak was about to respond when Julian’s badge chirped.
“Doctor?”
“Yes, Chief?”
“Just wanted to let you know the problem has been fixed. The temperature will be back to normal shortly.”
The two let out a simultaneous sigh of relief. “Ah, wonderful. Thanks, Miles.”
“Thank Rom, actually, he’s the one who figured out the problem.” There was a note of genuine pride in Miles’ voice. Garak and Julian looked at each other, brows raised.
“I’ll tell him when I see him.” Julian grinned. “Bashir out.” He turned to Garak. “Well! Shall we get out of here?”
“Yes. Anything to get out of this ridiculous outfit. Besides,” Garak said as they stood and began to remove their holosuite outfits, “I assume you’ll want to bring the Chief back here to continue this game.”
Julian hummed. “Actually, I was thinking we could head back to your quarters.”
Garak’s head shot up. “My quarters?”
“It’s set at your temperature, you’ll warm up faster there. Plus,” He stepped closer, his mouth hovering just near Garak’s ear. “I might have an idea of another way to warm up and get you out of this outfit.” He pulled back, raising a brow at Garak.
This shiver, Garak knew, had nothing to do with the cold. He gestured ahead of him.
“Lead the way, my dear.”
As they started to head out, an idea came to Garak.
“Tell me, are there any of these holosuites have games involving this...sledding?” When Julian turned to look at him, Garak explained further. “Perhaps sometime you could introduce me to such an interesting activity.”
The brightness in Julian’s expression, Garak thought, could’ve warmed the entire station.
“It’s a date.”
Odo woke to someone yelling.
He knew that yell all too well. It was the shout of a Ferengi. More specifically, it was Rom, screaming “I DID IT!” over and over and over again.
“What’s he want?” Quark grumbled as he stirred. He turned to get up, only to take note of a gooey blanket covering him. Another turn, and -
“Aaaaaah!” Quark screamed as he scrambled to his feet. “What are you doing?”
“I was keeping us both warm, if you simply must know.” Odo stood too, returning to his humanoid state.
“I had a blanket already!” Quark continued.
“It barely covered you! What happened to that coat we shared when we were on that mountain?”
“It’s in my quarters!” Quark yelled, still trying to be heard over the yelling. “Rom? Are you out there?”
“Brother? Is that you? Where are you?”
“in the bar!” Quark said as he made his way into the main area. Odo followed, briefly fantasizing about getting earplugs.
Soon, Rom appeared, running in all excited. “Ah! There you are! I did it! I fixed the station! Chief O’Brien figured out the problem, but I knew how to solve it.” He looked positively cheerful as he spoke, doing some sort of happy little wobble as he stood there.
“So what was the problem?” Odo asked.
“And how did you solve it?” Quark added, suspicious.
“Turned out there was some sort of problem with a couple of the heaters. They just needed to be replaced, so I got the spare parts to replace them. It took a bit to get them, but I got them.”
“From where?” Quark asked.
“...that’s not important. Anyway, I fixed it.” Rom grinned, still clearly pleased with himself. He glanced at Odo. “How come you’re wearing one of Quark’s jackets?”
Before Quark could answer, Odo quickly stepped in. “Thank you for your help, Rom. Give the Chief our thanks as well.”
“Will do. You’re welcome.” A pause as the three all stared at each other. “Well, I should go check on Leeta. Good night!” And with that, Rom scurried off.
Quark shook his head. “I’ll never understand it,” he muttered.
“You know, Quark,” Odo began, thoughtful. “since things have been so stressful here lately, perhaps what you need is a vacation.”
“I just went to Risa a few months ago,” Quark said.
“Not there.” Odo rolled his eyes. “I’m talking about home. Fereignar. Perhaps a visit to see your family could do you some good.”
Quark considered this. “It would be nice to see Mother again”
“Perhaps you can talk to the Grand Nagus again as well. He might be able to help.”
“Yeah!” Quark grabbed Odo by the lapels and pulled him in for a messy kiss. “That’s perfect! He can help me figure out how to get back in the Commerce Authority’s good graces again.”
Odo cleared his throat. Quark must’ve been feeling better, if he was open to such a public display of affection. “Yes, well, I’m sure you’ll figure it out. After all,” He fixed Quark with a knowing look. “you’re nothing if not devious and conniving.”
Quark ducked his head and waved a hand. “Aw, you’re just saying that.”
Odo couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle.
“Well. Back to checking my inventory.” Quark turned to head back into the room.
“Do you need help? I could make a list of anything that needs to be replaced.”
Quark shrugged. “If that’s how you want to spend the rest of your evening.”
“I could think of worse things.” He began to follow Quark.
“You know,” Quark began, looking him over. “that jacket actually looks pretty good on you. You’d need a bigger size, of course...”
Odo harrumphed.
“Maybe we can get Garak to make one that fits! We can have a matching set!”
“And let everyone know about us?” As new as this...thing...was between them, he had to admit, the idea did have some appeal.
“It was a joke. Oh,” He stopped, touching a hand to Odo’s chest. “by the way….thanks. For...you know. Earlier.” He made a sort of covering gesture with his hands.
“Don’t mention it,” Odo said. “Last thing I want is you getting all soft on me.”
They shared a small smile, and headed off.