I must apologize, Ms. Chapman. My Terra Online account has been hacked, so my friend Rhiannon has graciously consented to let me use hers until I can obtain a new one. MEETING THE IN-LAWS "May I help you?" I turned, startled. So, this was the Cardassian my Jules was seeing. Perhaps he was considered handsome among his people; me, I could not tell. I have not known many Cardassians. To cover my discomfort, I grabbed the sleeve of the dress nearest me. "Yes, please, could you tell me, have you this style of dress in gray?" The Cardassian cocked his head to one side. "I don't think gray is your color, Mrs. Bashir, but I have it in a lovely shade of emerald that would suit your complexion admirably." "How do you know who I am?" Mr. Garak only smiled. "Who else would you be?" he asked cryptically. As he led me toward another rack, he added, "I understand we're having dinner tonight, the three of us. Julian's very excited for us to meet." He held up the dress for me to inspect. "What do you think?" "It's lovely," I murmured. "You - you don't seem to be upset that I'm here now." "Why would I be upset? I'm flattered that you chose my shop, out of all the places you could have gone." Now, I knew Cardassians rarely ever meant what they said, but still, I found it hard to believe that this tailor of Julian's would not be angry that I had come to - how do they say it? - "check him out" ahead of time. I said as much, and he grinned at me. A Cardassian grinning is an interesting sight, I tell you. "Mrs. Bashir," he said, shaking his head. "How can I blame you? Your only son, involved with a Cardassian of ill repute who's half again his age - I completely understand." I found, to my surprise, that I rather liked this man. Me, I have always had a weakness for rogues. I married Julian's father, didn't I? "Oh? Have you a child?" "Now, that would be telling." He gazed at me critically. "Yes, I think this will do nicely. Shall I wrap it up for you?" I reached for my credit slip, and Mr. Garak patted my hand. "No, no, consider it a gift. You are Julian's mother, after all. Consider it a 'thank you', if you will." The way he said my son's name convinced me. Whatever his flaws, whatever his past crimes, this man truly cared for my son. That, to me, was what mattered. "Only if you will call me Amsha." "With pleasure." He turned to wrap the dress, and seemed to remember something. "Although, I think perhaps it would be best if tonight we didn't mention this little meeting to Julian. He might think we were ganging up on him." I couldn't help laughing as I left his shop. FINIS That is the story, Ms. Chapman. I realize that to many people, it would seem hard to believe that I did not threaten Mr. Garak - excuse me please, he asks that I call him "Elim" - or order him to leave my son alone. But, after all, to a mother, her child's happiness is what is important. He makes my son happy, and I truly believe he loves Jules. I am content. Richard - well, leave Richard to me. I will make him understand. Amsha Bashir feedback can be forwarded to Mrs. Bashir at