By The Sword's Edge By Diana Bloomfield & Joanne Spizzirri Atlantic Ocean 1598. The late afternoon sky stretched out ahead of Captain Bashir for as far as his eyes could see from his position on the port bow of his vessel. The vast skyline was afire in a panorama of explosive violet, magenta, and dusky orange. It wouldn't be long before nightfall approached and after the hard day of sailing he and his crew had put in, he was ready for some hot food from the galley and then his bed; he knew that his crew wouldn't object. True he had been riding them hard for the last week they had been at sea, but it had been necessary. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the First, had entrusted him, one of the best naval officers in her fleet, to carry out this imperative mission. Lord Miles Collins had been abducted from his estate over two weeks ago with a ransom demanding no less than one thousand gold doubloons, to be delivered to a contact once they were to reach Portugal. Normally, the Queen was not one who would give into such demands, but Miles was someone she was uniquely 'fond' of and she wanted to do whatever it took to ensure his safe return. That is why she chose Captain Julian Bashir to command one of the Royal Navy's fastest ships, the HMS Meridian and the best men to help sail it. Julian Bashir was determined to prove his worth to Her Majesty, regardless the cost. He would do whatever it took to make sure that the ransom currently held below deck, would reach Portugal and that Lord Collins would be returned safely. As one of the youngest captains in the Royal Navy, he often felt not as competent in the presence of his peers; so this offer not only surprised him, but made him realize that if he were to succeed, this would pave the way for his career in Her Majesty's service. As he stood at the helm, watching how the ship sliced through the chilly water, he had thought about his good fortune and couldn't help but feeling nearly jovial when his first mate, Daniel Holmes, came to relieve him of his post; now he could get some food in his stomach. ***** A Villa on the coast of Cape Verida. The warm night air infuriated the small sitting room Elim Garak was in. The scent of the local flowers and lush tropical vegetation drifted into the room, riding on the wind coming off the sea. The local animal life was making its customary racket as Garak sat down to begin eating his supper of beef stew and bread. No sooner had he taken his first bite when there was a knock upon his chamber door. "Come in," he barked and watched as one of his servants came walking in hesitantly. "Sir, am I interrupting you?" the boy asked tentatively. The fair- haired lad was no more than an adolescent, barely out of knee breeches, yet Garak had taken a liking to him after the boy had tried to stow away aboard his ship; so he had taken the orphan in and gave him a home. He had turned out to be one of the best servants he had ever received. "Yes, you are, what do you want?" Garak replied gruffly, bringing another spoonful up to his mouth. "Yes Sir, sorry Sir, Rollings is here wishing to speak to you. Would you want me to send him in?" the boy asked with trepidation. "Yes and be quick about it," Garak ordered, turning his attention back to his cooling food. Edward Rollings, the man was as despicable as they came. Garak had no doubt the man would sell his own mother if it suited his purpose, but he did business with the man anyway because he had turned out to be a worthy associate for their cause...for the right price. At the door appeared the man in question. He wore tattered pants which were in need of mending, the same could be said for the basic cotton shirt that was stained and filthy. His dark black, hair was slicked back, revealing the receding hairline that did nothing for the beady, close set eyes perched on either side of a sharp, hawk-shaped nose. While even in well-groomed clothes, the man would never pass as handsome; yet he was still as shrewd as any Garak knew when it came to business. "What can I do for you, Edward?" he asked finally "I think the proper question is, what can I do for you?" the man replied. Garak pinned him with a skeptical look before the man continued. "I have some information that may be of interest for you." Garak figured as much; there would have been no other reason he would have come to see him. "What is it?" he asked slowly. "I'll tell you but first, there is the small matter of finances that need to be settled," Edward replied with an oily smile. "You know the routine, you get your money after I'm satisfied with your information," Garak stated with a dangerous glare cast to the man. The man looked down uncomfortably and coughed, "Yes, well...." "Are you going to tell me or just waste more of my time?" Garak queried when the man continued to say nothing more. "Hurmph, well, I got word from an associate of mine in England that there is a ship set sail for Portugal with a bounty that would well worth be deserving of your time," Edward replied finally. "And is this source of information reliable?" Garak asked. "Most assuredly, Sir. In fact, I would stake my life on it," he replied quickly. "You just may be doing precisely that," Garak commented. "What kind of bounty are we talking about?" "From what I heard, at least a thousand doubloons, maybe even more," he replied. Garak could see the greed-lust dancing in the man's dark eyes at the mere thought of all that wealth. "What's the name of the vessel carrying this cargo?" "The HMS Meridian, Captain," Edward replied. Garak was silent for a brief time, deep in thought, then he finally spoke. "Tell Raphael to gather the men and prepare them to set sail at first light." "Yes Sir," Edward replied with enthusiasm, but did not move at first. "Umm, Sir?" Garak produced a bright red velvet pouch and tossed it at the man, who caught it easily. "Now be gone." Edward stood and headed for the door before turning around once more. "Sir, will I still be getting my customary fifteen percent of the cargo as a finder's fee?" Garak looked at the man with narrowed eyes."You'll be getting your usual ten percent and not a shilling more. Ask it again and you won't even get that! Now get out of here," he growled, turning back to his now cold stew. "Yes Sir," Edward replied quickly, leaving as swiftly as his feet would carry him. As Garak sat alone once again in his chambers, pushing cold beef around with the tines of his fork, a smile played upon his lips. A thousand doubloons? The fates were surely smiling down on him in fortune. With that kind of wealth, there were endless amounts of supplies that could be bought! Tomorrow morn he would sail to intercept this ship, the Meridian, and help himself to the treasure carried aboard. It would take a day or two to meet up with them, but if the trade-winds were favorable he would get there all that much sooner. ***** Three days later on the Atlantic. The noonday sun beat down relentlessly from directly overhead. The salty sea spray blew lustily over the bow and decks of the Meridian, dampening Julian's naval uniform. It went unnoticed to the young man, as his full attention was on the sea in front of him. Even though his ship was the fastest Galleon in the fleet, he wasn't making the time he wanted to be. It still looked to be weeks away from Portugal's ports and that was too long to suit him. Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder and turned around to see his first mate. "You looked like you could use some lunch," Daniel said, handing a wooden bowl and spoon over to Julian. "Thank you," he replied, taking a moment to look at the food in the dish, noting it was warmed up chowder from the night before. He reluctantly turned the helm over to Daniel while he took a seat to eat his food. Daniel was a little older than he was, thick auburn hair was hidden under his naval hat and green eyes poked out from underneath. He had served with Danny for the last two years and had advanced through the ranks right along side of him. He considered Danny a friend as well as a trusted comrade in arms. It had been an easy choice for him when he was asked whom he wanted to serve aboard as his crew. Thinking about his crew, he noticed that it was abnormally quiet, quite tranquil actually. Over half of them were down in the galley, but the rest were going about their business as usual, making sure the ship was running at its peak performance. His crew was both knowledgeable and hard working and it filled him with a sense of pride to be commanding some of the most elite that Great Britain had to offer. Daniel stood at the helm, glancing sideways at the young captain. For a brief moment, Daniel allowed his eyes to narrow with the burning envy he felt towards the younger man. Looking back out at the sea before him, the first mate noticed nothing amiss. He allowed himself to drift back to the day they had set sail on this voyage. ***** Daniel felt good; he had spent the previous night in the arms of his lover, Gabriel. After saying good-bye in private, they had each gone their separate ways. Remembering the warm feeling of the night's passion, Daniel hurried towards the docks. Turning the corner, he stopped when he heard a familiar voice. Moving closer to the stacks of crates and barrels, Daniel listened carefully. There it was again; it was Gabriel's voice. Following the sound of his lover, Daniel came upon an enclosed area, blocked from general view by the surrounding shipping crates. Peering around the crates, Daniel could clearly see his Gabriel talking with...with Julian. "Julian," Gabriel was speaking softly. "This voyage is too dangerous. Speak the word now, and I shall accompany you." He gripped Julian's arms, turning the young man to face him as he pulled the resisting body into an awkward embrace. The young captain pulled away from the unwarranted attention. When he spoke, it was in a clear, strong voice. "Thank you, for your concern, however, I do believe that I shall manage." Daniel's breath caught in his throat. Was his Gabriel trying to think of a way to be on the voyage, to accompany him on this mission? His heart beat slightly faster with the thought of his lover's scheming to be near him. Gabriel's arms reached out to take hold of Julian once again. He pulled the unwilling captain into a tight embrace. Forcing the younger man against his chest, Gabriel ran his hands up and down Julian's back. Julian's struggles were ineffective in the larger man's strong embrace. Gabriel raised one hand to play with the tied-backed, long, silken hair of his captive. "Dear, sweet Julian, do you not realize just how much I love you? If anything should happen to you...if I should lose you...my life would be empty. Allow me this chance, to prove my love for you. Allow me to protect you." The bigger man leaned down to place a kiss on the pouting lips of Captain Bashir. Daniel's eyes clouded over with unshed tears. He turned and quickly walked away. "How dare he?" he spoke in an angry whisper. "My good friend, Julian...He knows how I feel about Gabriel, and then he does this to me? Well, 'dear, sweet Julian,' you will regret this. I swear that I shall have my revenge on you." ***** Staring out at the vast waters before him, Daniel struggled to maintain his composure. He risked taking another look at the captain. Julian had been watching his friend, noticing the change in posture, the look of anger, and pain, in the first mate's eyes. When Daniel looked back at him, Julian smiled slightly, hoping to reassure his friend of his concern. The captain was not expecting the look of unadulterated hatred in his friend's eyes, apparently directed towards him. Startled, he dropped his spoon and looked back at Daniel. It was gone now, that feral look had been replaced with Daniel's usual friendly smile. Now was not the time nor the place to confront Daniel about this. He would wait until later to counsel his troubled friend. Julian watched as Daniel turned his attention back to his task. Had he imagined it? No, there was the look of hatred. But why? With a slight catch of his breath, Julian's own eyes widened. Could Daniel know? What could Gabriel have said to him? His own thoughts drifted back to several days earlier. ***** Gabriel had caught him unawares near the shipping crates on the dock. The stronger man had pulled Julian into the recesses of the crates. There Gabriel had begged to accompany him on the voyage. As usual, when Gabriel accosted him, Julian refrained from lashing out too strongly, lest Daniel be hurt as a result. This time, however, Gabriel had gone too far. Oh, he had expressed his love for Julian, that was something of which the captain was getting used to. No, this time, Gabriel had breached the unspoken agreement of no physical contact. The man had not only grabbed him and forced Julian into an unwanted embrace and caresses, he had actually dared to kiss him. Julian's body produced an involuntary shudder at the remembrance. When Gabriel's open mouth had touched Julian's lips and that tongue had tried to force the young man's lips to part, Julian had reacted with his own force. His right foot raised up and came crashing down with all the captain's strength, down onto the other man's foot. As Gabriel instinctively leaned away, Julian took the opportunity to pull back and pushed the larger man away. Julian's eyes alerted Gabriel of the anger behind them. "You cad! How dare you profess your love for me, when you have already given yourself to my best friend! Or have you forgotten Daniel, already?" Julian paused, his face reddened with the anger and frustration he felt. All of his life he had waited for someone to say those words to him, to touch him as if he were the only thing that mattered in the world. All of his life he wished for such love, but he was not going to be a part of stealing another person's chance at happiness. "Leave now, Gabriel. Leave before Daniel arrives, before you cause him any pain." With that said, Julian had turned and headed towards his waiting command, the Meridian. He didn't look back; he didn't want his strength to abandon him. Julian Bashir felt empty inside. Would there ever be a person who would release all of the passion he had buried deep inside of him? ***** The captain's thoughts were abruptly interrupted as he heard the alarmed tone of voice from one of the ship's lookouts. "Captain, I think you'd better take a look at this," one of his Lieutenants, Matthews, requested. The baby-faced officer shoved the spyglass he was holding at Bashir. "What?" Julian asked, holding his hand up to block the sun's rays from his eyes as he scanned the white-capped waters. "Over there, Sir," Matthews replied pointing in the direction over the starboard bow. "Is that what I think it is, Sir?" the man asked, obvious uneasiness tinting his voice. Julian raised the spyglass to the insidious looking cloud coming closer on the horizon. Even as he tracked the movements, a knot of dread tangled in his stomach. If he had any doubt whatsoever as to what was approaching them, the brilliant red flag of blood flapping high in the mist left no doubts in the young man's mind. Julian turned to face his crew and drew in a breath. "Attention!! Everyone to your battle stations!! Pirates off the starboard bow!!!" There was a furry of movement as the same crewmen who had been in a serene state moments before flew around the deck, running trying to get to their posts, loading their ammunition, readying the guns and cannons that would help to protect them from the invaders. Julian handed the spyglass back to the Lieutenant, who looked once more at the approaching ship. "Captain, that's the Seawolf!" Matthews cried, once able to make out the etching on the side. "The Seawolf?" Daniel asked, turning the helm back over to Julian while he looked through the spyglass himself. "Have you heard of her before?" Julian asked. Daniel turned back to face Julian, "Captain, we are going to have to surrender the ship." Julian was stunned into silence. The only sounds to be heard were the mad rushing of the crew and the mast as it snapped in the wind. "Surrender? What on Earth are you talking about?" Julian finally asked, finding his voice again. Daniel drew closer. "Captain--Julian, it is a known fact that the Seawolf is captained by Greyridge himself. He's known in these seas to be the most ruthless, bloodthirstiest pirate of them all. He and his crew were responsible for the attack on the Tempest!" Julian recalled the attack well. Stories were told of the pirates who had attacked and killed over three hundred solders with a viciousness that would have made even grown men want to cower. Still he did not care, he'd be damned if he was going to allow a group of renegades to board his ship willingly...not while he was in command anyway. "We aren't surrendering," he barked at his first mate. "Captain, we'll be massacred if we don't! I can guarantee that they have us out gunned and out manned. There's no other option but to surrender," Daniel countered. "He's right, Sir, I've heard the rumors, seen the results. If we don't surrender, none of us will be spared," Matthews stated. "I don't care! We are not surrendering and that is an order! We have to get this ransom to Portugal and I'm not about to let a group of savage barbarians take this cargo! Is that understood?" Julian demanded angrily. "Sir, think about your crew! Many of them are married with children. I will 'not' stand by and watch their families be widowed and orphaned because of the desires of a glory-hound!!" Daniel spat back. Before Julian realized what he was doing, he swung hard, landing a powerful blow directly with Daniel's mouth. Bright red blood colored the officer's mouth. The man lifted a finger to the swollen skin, and glared furiously at the captain. "Don't speak that way to me again or rest assured it 'will' be the last time you do," Julian replied with dead calm. He then swung his eyes back to Matthews. "Now get to your posts immediately. We 'are not' surrendering, am I understood?" Julian watched Matthews' eyes grow wide and instinctively turned just in time to see the butt of a musket being raised and aimed at his head. Before he could react, the weapon slammed against his skull, filling it with a fierce and blinding pain before a cloud of darkness washed over him and claimed him. "Sorry Julian, but fighting isn't an option," Daniel replied, turning his eyes to the stunned and speechless Lieutenant. "You heard me, I'm in charge now and I say we're surrendering. Get that flag lowered immediately." "Aye, Sir," he responded once he regained his senses, trying not to notice the trickle of dark blood coming from his Captain's head, the crumpled body now lying on the deck. Daniel nodded and then turned to the rest of the crew. "Now hear this!! I am now in control of this ship and we are going to be surrendering. Hold your fire, repeat hold your fire!!" he bellowed in a voice loud enough to carry over the pounding waves that slapped against the hull. None of the men contested as their flag was lowered as a sign of their submission. Before long he heard a voice cry out, "Stand down your weapons and prepare to be boarded or suffer the fate the sea will have in store for yea!" Matthews felt the thud of graphling hooks; the ship pitched and he was flung violently to the railing. No sooner had he regained his balance than the deck became infested with men, all wielding their swords, daggers, and bayonets, screaming and laughing as they had the run of the ship. His fellow British officers got down on their knees and bellies, hands behind their head. The pirates blurred around the crew with blades slicing, and the acrid smell of torches filling the air. Daniel watched as he was approached by a man whose very name brought veneration by some, bone chilling fear by others. "You know what we're after, where is it?" Garak asked. "In the hold below," the officer replied. Two men, who had been standing behind Garak, took off in that direction and soon returned with a huge wooden chest. "Aye sir, we have it, we can be gone now," one of Garak's men carrying the chest reported. "In a moment, first I want to assess my newly acquired prize," Garak stated and using his sword, pried off the locks and opened the lid. Hundreds upon hundreds of gold coins sparked and glistened in the sun. Satisfied, he slammed the heavy lid back down. Then for the first time, he was drawn to the figure that was sprawled on the deck. Taking in the uniform and the bars on it, he asked, "Is that your Captain?" "Was our Captain," Daniel responded. A thin smile drew upon the pirate's lips, instinctively knowing what the British officer was telling him. "Ah, so I see," Studying the figure still further, Garak took in the fallen man's appearance. His skin was the color of honey. The hair which fell over his forehead was a deep chestnut brown and the length of it would have brushed his shoulders had it not been tied back with a piece of black leather. The form fitting blue and white uniform he was wearing showed a slight figure. There was something exotic about this younger man that Garak couldn't put his finger on, something that bordered on innocence as he looked upon the younger man's unconscious face, something he found quite beguiling. "Raoul, Carlos, bring this one aboard," he heard himself saying, wondering just when he had come to that decision. "Cap'n, why does ye want to do that? This British pig ain't going to do us any good," a big burly man questioned from behind him. Garak turned cold blue eyes upon the man. "Are you questioning my orders?" "No Sir, I ain't," the man replied quickly. "Good because that would be a dangerous habit to start," Garak warned him. "Not that you need to know, but I think that we can use him as a bargaining chip in case Her Royal Majesty decides she wants to try and recapture the treasure," Garak explained and then turned his attention back to Daniel. "And I don't think this gentleman or his crew would mind in the least if we take him off of their hands for them." "Aye Sir," the large man replied, picking the boneless officer up and with one good swing tossed him over his shoulder as if he weighed nothing. Daniel stood by as he watched the group of men disembark from his craft back to their own, carrying with them the trunk filled with gold and his former captain. He felt a momentary pang of remorse at the thought of what might happen to his onetime commanding officer at the hands of the vicious varlets, but it was quickly swept away and replaced by the thought that he would live to see his precious Gabriel another day. ***** Slowly dim light started filter through Bashir's closed eyelids, growing brighter as his consciousness began to slowly return. He stirred and tried to sit up, only to find the pain in his head too excruciating and moaned out painfully. "Ah, so ye finally returning from the living dead is ye?" he heard an unfamiliar feminine voice say to him. "You's was makin me to begin to wonder about ye." Julian opened one eye wearily and tried to focus on the voice. It was coming from beside him. Opening his eyes even further, he saw a woman sitting at his side holding a basin and cloth. She looked to be somewhere in her forties, he estimated; by the looks of her, they hadn't been forty good years. She was large enough that she could have made up two smaller women - her dingy blond hair was strung about her face, and her coffee brown eyes showed the signs of a rough life. "Who are you?" he asked, ashamed when his voice came out as a broken rasp. "Rosemary Autinbaulm at your service, Sir, but people 'round here call me Sister Rosie," she replied with a smile. "I'm the boy's Quartermaster, makin sure they got all the clothes and supplies they need, and occasionally serving as their nursemaid." As if to prove her point, she dunked the cloth into the basin she was holding, and squeezing it out, she then placed it to cover the wound on Bashir's head. He moaned and tried to pull away, and in so doing, discovered for the first time that his wrists were bound to the bed posts. "Here now, stop yer squirming! We need to get that blood off," She rinsed the rag out in the basin, turning the water a bright red and placed it against his head again. This time Julian didn't protest quite as strongly, even though the pain was still nearly unbearable. She kept cleaning and dunking until the rag ran clear and then took some large strips of clean cloth and secured it around his head. "There ye go, going to be fit in no time at all," she announced, admiring her handwork and patting Julian on the leg. "I'll go tell Cap'n Garak that you be awake." She then left the room without so much as a second glance back to her patient. Moments later, Julian watched as a shadow appeared in the doorway. The dim light coming off the various candles set about the room did little to illuminate the shadows and it wasn't until the figure drew closer that he was able to get a good look at his adversary. The other man was dressed in a flowing black cotton shirt that billowed at the wrists, tight black trousers covered muscular legs that worked themselves down into black leather boots which came halfway up his thighs. What Julian really noticed though, was the gray skin upon the man's face and hands, noting the ridges around the eyes, nose, and chin were no doubt where the reprehensible creature drew his nickname. Around his neck hung a bandanna of the same shade of red as the flag he flew. "Captain Greyridge I take it?" he asked finally as the man stepped closer. "So, you've heard of me then?" the pirate asked with thin smile of satisfaction. "Not until today," Julian replied tartly. The smile didn't fade in the least. "Yes, well it was a shame to be forced to meet under such unsavory conditions, but it couldn't be helped. Regardless, the others on my vessel call me Garak, as you may. Now that I've shared my identity, what is your name?" "Captain Julian Bashir," he replied. Unable to keep his head up, he leaned back into the soft, down pillow. "Will you please tell me why I'm here? What do you want with me?" "You are merely a guest aboard my ship at the moment," Garak replied. "A guest??" Julian exclaimed. "Is that what you call this? Taking a guest aboard? You kidnapped me!" "Calm yourself boy and keep your voice civil," Garak warned, "perhaps you see it as kidnapping, but I consider it saving your life." "How in bloody hell do you consider kidnapping me saving me life?" Julian asked incredulously. "Because, had I not taken you aboard, do you really think your men would have let you live considering you would have the right to bring them up on mutiny charges?" Garak asked. Julian was quiet. As much as he wanted to disagree, he knew that he couldn't because Garak spoke the bitter truth. He inevitably would have been killed and now he was at the pirate's mercy realizing that no one would be searching for him or coming to his aid because it was quite likely that everyone he knew outside of his crew would be told that he had died during the pirate attack. Garak's eyes glinted as he regarded his captive. "I see you're beginning to have an appreciation for your situation. I will leave you to heal for the next three days, but then you and I will meet for another discussion," he informed the young officer before turning to leave. Julian was left alone to wonder just what laid in store for him on this boat, now realizing that he would have no allies who would help him to escape. He simply would have to find a way to escape himself. Perhaps he could make an ally aboard who would help him? Not likely, but perhaps if luck was with him.... He was suddenly jarred from his thoughts as the door opened again and Sister Rosie entered the room. "The Cap'n wanted me me to bring you yer dinner," she explained as she set the tray down on the bedside table. She then helped Julian to sit up farther on the bed, supporting his head with a couple of the pillows. She then picked up the wooden bowl and held out a fork-full of hash and held it to his lips. "Eat up now," she ordered as Julian looked speculatively at the food. Finally giving in to his growling stomach, he wrapped his lips around the fork to discover that the food was actually very tasty. "Mmm, this is wonderful! Did you make it?" Julian asked, looking up through lashes at the woman. "Aye, I did, glad someone has the manners to compliment it! Most of these hooligans just scarf it down and the only thing I hear from 'em is a grunt or a belch!"Rosie replied, obviously pleased. "Well, if this is any indication, you're a good cook," Julian said as he leaned forward for another bite. After the bowl was emptied, Julian leaned back against the pillows again. "Rosie, if I ask you something, will you answer me honestly?" he asked. "Depends on the question mate," she replied, straightening out the coverlet over Julian. "Does Garak have plans to kill me?" Rosie looked up and her eyes locked with clear hazel ones. "Honestly, I don't think so, I think he wants to keep ye around for a while in case we gets into trouble with yer Queen. So I's heard," she replied. So, the pirate had plans on keeping him held prisoner in case someone came back looking for the ransom...smart move on his part, Julian admitted to himself. That only left one question in his mind though, "So what do you think he 'does' have planned for me then?" "I can't rightly say mate, that's up to whatever the Capt'n decides. He'd be a better one to ask that of than me," she replied and gathered up the dishes and started for the door, and once again Julian had more questions than answers about his future. The following days were relatively uneventful. True to his word, Julian had not see Greyridge once since their initial meeting. The only one Julian ever really did see was Sister Rosie who came and brought his meals to him, changed his bandages, and had given him a partial sponge bath. His energy was returning and his head was beginning to heal- actually the bandage had been removed the day prior. All of this led to the restlessness he was beginning to feel. He detested the leather straps that bound his wrists. He wanted to move and stretch his body once again. His restlessness wasn't only coming from being bound though, he had ample time to wonder and speculate about just what Garak would discuss with him. On the third day, his anxiety was starting to cause his stomach to flutter. With each movement he heard out in front of the door, his heart jumped at the thought of the pirate coming to speak with him. He chastized himself for his skittish behavior and told himself to relax. There was no way he was going to let Garak have this kind of control over his emotions. As the sun descended and the eve of the next day approached, he questioned whether or not he would be put through another day of conjecture. He was about ready to resign himself to sleeping when he heard heavy footsteps approaching outside. The heavy, wooden door creaked as it was opened. The stateroom was cast in the delicate glow of candle light as the ocean waves crested and swelled, rocking and undulating the craft that carried them as the man in question entered. Julian noticed that the black shirt of earlier had been exchanged for a stark white one that was unbuttoned to expose the massive chest underneath, but the breeches and boots were the same. This time however, he also noticed the silver handled dagger strapped to the pirate's side. Arms folded over the massive chest as Garak spoke, "I have heard from Sister Rosie that your injuries are much better now." "I suppose that's the case," Julian replied, hoping that his voice wasn't quivering as much as it sounded to be to his own ears. Julian thought he saw a small smile on the older man's features. "I am pleased to hear that. Seeing as how you are now well, there is something we are in need to discuss." "And what would that be?" Julian asked cautiously. "We need to talk about your compensation for your passage on my vessel," the rough voice replied. Julian blinked several times completely dumbfounded and it took a minute before he recovered his voice. "You kidnap me and then expect me to pay for my way???" "As we already discussed, it wasn't kidnapping, it was rescuing your life, and yes, I have every intention on being repayed in full for the cost of your stay on this voyage. You very well can't expect to be provided a bed, clothing, food, and other supplies that depletes the reserve for my men without some compensation on your part. It wouldn't be very profitable in the least," he replied and Julian swore there was a dangerous gleam held in the cool blue eyes that were regarding him. Julian's eyes narrowed."And just how do you expect me to repay you?" The question out of his lips before thought was given to it. Garak was silent for a long moment, taking his fill of the sight of the young man's body lying supine on the bed. Julian had already been divested of his uniform jacket and the frilled white cotton shirt. The candle's luminescent glow bathed the young officer's body, heightening the golden tint already cast over the bare, exposed chest. That chest tapered down to thin hips and long, lean legs. He was indeed quite the exotic beauty that Garak had considered him to be the first day he saw the hapless officer unconscious at his feet. He was going to enjoy the expression that was bound to be in the dark, hazel eyes when he delivered his next piece of news. "After giving it thought, I've come up to what I consider a suitable solution," Garak replied slowly. "Starting tomorrow you are going to be my servant and slave until I say otherwise." Garak watched as shock dissolved into disbelief, replaced by fear, and then finally anger within the dark expressive eyes. "Just how hard do you think I was hit in the head?!? If you think for one second that I would agree to such a ludicrous suggestion, you're the one in need of repair to your head!!" The pirate merely smiled lasciviously at him, "Oh you will agree, Julian, because you have no choice but to. Remember that you are at my mercy. My kindness spared your life and it keeps you alive even now." Julian could not say anything because he knew that it was true. He did owe this man his life and now it looked as if he were going to be paying a very high price for that one act. How had this happened?? How could the Fates have allowed him to come into this situation? What would be done to him under this man's service? Visions of endless, torturous possibilities filled his mind with dread and fear. The pirate drew closer to his prey, taking a seat upon the wide bed. Garak noticed the look of fear and apprehension that awaited him within his captive's hazel eyes. "Don't be frightened by me, my pet," Garak stated huskily, "you have no reason to be unless you give me one." A cool hand reached out and drew a path down the center of the young man's smooth chest, then up again to stroke a nipple that became hard and erect at the touch. Julian was unable to repress the shudder that ran through him. "Don't touch me you bloody bastard," he shouted venomously, as he tried without success to pull away from his captor. Garak caught Bashir's chin in his hand brought his face close to his. "Listen and listen well, I have no plans on taking anything that isn't offered to me. When I do take you, and believe me, I will take you, it will be because you've begged me to. Your body is going to ache for my touch, call out for the release that only I can provide for you. Then and only then will I possess you completely." The pirate's face was so close to Julian's own. He could feel the warm breath from the lips only a scant inch away. Despite himself, his stomach churned with nervousness while he could almost feel himself hardening against the stiff fabric of his breeches. His tongue snaked out to draw against his parched lips and in one movement, felt the older man's lips descend upon his own. Involuntarily his lips parted to allow the persistent invader into the warm depths of his mouth - the strong tongue driving into him, tasting all that Julian offered. Julian's arms twisted the corded leather that bound him to the bed even as he felt himself responding helplessly to the passionate assault. The pirate tasted of wine, spice, and heat. Before he could contain himself, he realized that he was not only returning the kiss, but his tongue had somehow managed to work its way past the warm, gray lips, tasting the recesses within. Then, to his amazement, just as quickly as the kiss started, Garak pulled back and looked at the officer with a knowing smile on his face. "You will beg," he whispered into Julian's ear before standing up and walking away, leaving the younger man to ponder his fate. Julian's heart still pounded furiously in his chest. What on Earth had possessed him to react like that? Had the blow to his head days prior really affected his sanity? It must have because otherwise there was no logical reason why he would have let that vile man touch him like that. Of course, he couldn't have fought very easily anyhow without the use of his arms. He fell into a fitful sleep, still trying to rationalize just what precisely had happened and what it meant. The next day Bashir was awakened roughly by a strong pair of hands shaking him. "Wake up you Brit dog, the Cap'n's wanting to see you." Julian opened his eyes to see a weather-beaten, leathery face with deep set green eyes and a head topped with a cap of bright red hair. On this man's cheek was a white jagged scar that told a story of a previous battle. With a sleep sodden brain, Julian barely registered the fact that the man was untying the corded leather around his wrists before he was yanked roughly to his feet. With one arm wrenched painfully behind him, Julian was forced to be led to what he only assumed to be Greyridge's cabin. The redheaded pirate knocked on the door. "Is that you, Beau?" Julian heard the growingly familiar voice ask. "Aye sir," came the reply. "Bring him in." The door was opened and Bashir was thrust inside so hard that he nearly tripped. Regaining his balance quickly, he came to stand several feet away from his tormentor. "That shall be all," the captain ordered dismissingly to the redhead, who left with a nod of his head. Garak then turned his attention upon the officer. "Are you ready to begin your days of service to me?" "As I said before, I have no plans on servicing you," Julian threw back bitterly. "And as I told you, you have no choice, Bashir," Garak stated closing the distance between them until he stood toe to toe with the younger man. "I have plenty among my crew who believe it was a mistake to take you aboard, that I should have left you to die at the hands of your crew." "Are you trying to threaten me?" Julian asked, eyes narrowed with distain. "I'm merely telling you that you are not well liked right now by the majority of my crew and that it is only by my orders that you are being kept out of harm's way; so it would be in your best interest to act accordingly to my wishes," Garak informed him. Julian watched as he raised a hand as if to reach out and touch him, only to have it drop back down to the pirate's side, even with the level of his dagger. "Julian, I can either be kind or cruel, your fate is for you to decide." Julian was silent for a long moment, while he considered his options. As he ran through the list of them, he realized that his options were severely limited. He could either agree to do the pirate's bidding, hoping to be spared any physical agony and that the pirate's requests wouldn't cross a certain boundary, as he had promised the night before; or he could refuse the proposal and suffer the consequences. As much as he detested the thought of it, he was going to have to concede. "All right," he said finally through gritted teeth, "I will become your servant." His hands were clenched tightly at his sides. "A wise choice, I assure you," Garak replied and Julian had the strong urge to try and slap that smug, superior smile off of that face. Garak walked over to his wardrobe closet and pulled something from a shelf that Julian couldn't see, turning around Garak walked back over to Julian and he could see that he carried a collar of sort; one that was made of a deep, black, leather. Then to Julian's mortification, it was secured around his neck. "This serves to remind you of your station aboard this vessel. Occasionally you will still show signs of an attitude befitting the captain's title you grew accustomed to, but aboard the Seawolf, there is only one captain and I don't want you forgetting that fact," Garak replied as he snapped the lock shut and took at step back. "Now, you will go fetch my breakfast from the galley and when you return I will issue you further instructions. Understood?" From his closet Garak had also produced a cotton shirt the color of evergreen that he tossed at Julian. "Yes," Julian muttered, shrugging into the shirt that hung on him. "Yes, what Julian?" the pirate asked him. "Yes, Sir," he replied through gritted teeth. "Very good," Garak stated and then dismissed him with a wave of his hand. Julian went to the galley where Sister Rosie offered him the captain's plate of a chunk of bread, eggs, and a piece of fried ham to take to him. The smell made Julian's stomach rumble with thoughts of his own breakfast. After receiving his tray, Garak then ordered Julian to go fetch his own breakfast, but as soon as he was done, he was to report to the hull where he would be expected to have it spotless. While he tried to eat his own breakfast, he noticed the snickers and grins from the crew in the galley that were directed his way. "Why if it ain't the Cap'n's latest playtoy," he heard one of the men behind him remark. Suddenly his collar was jerked back and he found himself staring up into coffee brown eyes of a crewman he hadn't seen before. "Tell the cap'n if he needs any help breaking in his new toy that I'm more than willing to help out, pretty one." The repulsive breath rushed against Julian's face, causing him to want to gag. The man then abruptly let out a yelp as a big wooden soup spoon was cracked against his scull, making him release the collar. "Why'd ye do that fer ye wench?" he cried. "Best be leav'n him be unless you wanna become acquainted with the Cap'n's blade," Sister Rosie replied. "You's know what he said. The Brit's to be left alone." The man walked off grumbling, but the hostile, dangerous, gleam in his eyes didn't go unnoticed to the young officer. He looked appreciatively up at the older woman. "Thank you," he said simply. "Just followin' orders mate," she responded with a shrug of her shoulders. As soon as he was finished eating, he went into the hull where the smell of rotting meat and vegetables nearly knocked him off his feet. With a disgusted sigh, he took his pail of soapy water and his wire brush, got down on his hands and knees and started to scrub. "Someone's going to pay for this," he vowed aloud to the empty room. It became nighttime before he was finished, only stopping for lunch and his evening meal. By time he was done, his muscles ached and he was so tired that he could barely see straight. All he wanted to do was climb into his bed and pass out till morning. He was on his way to his room when he was stopped by the redhead from earlier that morning...Beau. "The cap'n wants to see ye in his quarters now," he ordered. Julian's stomach clenched in that familiar knot of fear as he drew closer to Garak's cabin. What could he want with him at this hour? He refused to let his mind go in the direction it was wanting to take. He raised his hand and knocked on the door. "Come in," he heard Garak call. Julian stepped into the room and saw Garak sitting in his chair. Julian's eyes took in the surroundings of the room which he had neglected to do earlier that day. The room was small and neat, much like his own, lacking in an overabundance of furniture, and completely set up for the work of a captain. The dark harshness of the mahogany walls was broken by the occasional chart and map set up along them. Along the aft was a row of high and narrowed windows that, as the moon's light entered and refracted, caused an iridescent glow. The floors were bare of carpeting and unpolished. The bed was covered with a tightly drawn woolen blanket. The desk bolted to the wall sat opposite the closet that Garak had drawn the collar from. A lantern hung from over the desk that illuminated the compass and sextant resting upon it. In the center of the room though, stood an object that Julian was sure was not normally there, a very large metal tub laid in front of him upon the unpolished floor. "You called for me?" Julian asked finally. "Yes, I wish to bathe, go fetch the hot water that's heating in the galley," Garak replied with a casual ease. Julian nodded and went to the galley where he loaded his arms up with two large buckets with hot water. He took them back to the cabin, careful not to spill any, dumped them into the metal tub as Garak stood watching and left again to make the journey three more times before the tub was filled sufficiently with the steaming water. "Will that be all?" Julian asked, his pulse beginning to jump as Garak began unbuttoning his shirt. "No, I want you to stay. You shall help me," Garak replied nonchalantly. With each button unhooked, another inch of Garak's chest was left exposed for Julian's eyes to behold until it was completely shrugged off onto the floor. Julian shook himself, realizing he was staring, and turned his back to the man who continued to undress. "Does something unsettle you servant?" Garak asked and Julian could hear the amusement in the older man's voice. "Of course not, I'm just trying to be polite," Julian replied, feeling heat rising to his cheeks. "What a gentleman you are, Julian," Garak remarked, amusement still coloring his voice, and Julian heard the sounds of the pirate's body lowering into the tub. "But you'll soon learn that a pirate ship is no place for a gentleman, now turn around here and hand me the soap." Julian hesitantly turned around, grateful to see that the sides of the tub came fully up to the pirate's underarms. He walked closer where he saw that the bar of thick lye soap laid. Picking it up, he handed it to Garak along with the rag and the pirate began to lather the cloth. Tossing the soap back to the floor, Garak then held the cloth out to Julian and leaned forward in anticipation. Knowing what was expected of him, Julian descended upon his knees onto the hard floor, and brought the cloth up to the wide shoulders and began to rub, traveling up to the thick, scaled neck, and back down over the muscular expanse of the broad back. Julian tried not to notice the soft sigh that escaped the older man's lips. He also noticed a thin, white, jagged line that marred the otherwise smooth skin and couldn't help wondering where the faint scar had come from. Before he could dwell on it too much, he dunked the cloth into the warm water and rinsed the soap off of the warm, gray, skin. When Julian would have handed the cloth back to Garak, the pirate leaned back, closed his eyes, and said, "Continue." Julian lathered up the cloth again and began the task of washing the older man's chest. The muscular torso was well defined and sculpted, and, Julian would discover, firm and warm to the touch. Starting at the neck down, Julian gently washed the upper part of his chest, finding himself unable to take his gaze off the charcoal colored nipples that hardened to pebble-like erectness as the cool air hit them. The temperature in the room seemed to have gone up; suddenly the cool night air didn't seem quite cool enough. Julian cursed himself for the slight trembling he could feel in his normally steady hand and quickly tried to finish the task. It took only moments to finish washing the firm, washboard stomach. Garak then moved around and stood up. Julian softly gasped at the unexpected movement, or so he told himself, as he now was able to fully view the pirate's body. Powerful calves led up to toned, well-defined thighs that glistened as the light glimmered off the droplets that clung to him. Almost unconsciously Julian's eyes followed farther up to the older man's groin. The heavy sac of his testicles cradled and framed his thick, stocky, and currently flaccid, member. Julian assiduously averted his eyes, feeling the unbidden heat rising again to his cheeks. Garak seemed not to notice as he turned around giving Julian yet another view to experience as his eyes were again drawn up only this time, to a pair of perfectly shaped, muscular, half spheres that looked utterly soft and smooth. Trying with determination not to look, and feeling a sudden painful awareness of his position on his knees, Julian again took the rag and soap and began gentle motions over the sturdy legs. As he washed, he couldn't help but think that Garak was indeed in fine shape for a man and would even be considered quite attractive by some. Julian pushed the thought aside as he finished washing the front and back of both legs, which left...Julian growled in frustration. This was more than he should have to put up with. He cursed the Fates again for bringing him into this situation and for the unsettling feeling that was growing in his stomach as he raised the rag to slowly wash the two, firm globes of the pirate's rear and quickly as he could rinse him off. Garak then turned around allowing for Julian to wash the rest of his front. Julian swallowed hard as he hesitantly reached out with the cloth and lifted the flaccid piece of flesh. It felt heavy in his hand as he slid the cloth up and down, still able to feel the texture even through the cloth. His hand moved as if on its own volition up and down the study flesh. His head still bent down, unable to look up into the cool blue eyes he knew were boring into him, he could feel it as easily as he felt the heat from the member in his hand. He then reach behind and also began to suds the weighted flesh of his testicles. The unsettling feeling in the pit of Julian's stomach grew with each intimate touch as he then gently rinsed all of the lather off. He then stood and took the cotton towel that had been at the side and began roughly drying the droplets of water off the warm, smooth, gray skin, working his way from the top down quickly. Garak stepped out of the tub and took the towel and wrapped it around his waist, tucking it in. His crystal blue eyes looked intensely into Julian's soft, hazel ones and taking in the quickened breathing and the flushed skin on his face. With a vexing half-smile, he said, "Thank you, that shall be all for the evening," then turned his attention away from him. Julian looked at him a moment longer before coming back to his senses where he left the room as quickly as he could, longing for the sanctuary of his own small room. As Julian washed and climbed into his bed, he wondered again over the evening's events. The night before Garak had told him he wouldn't try anything that Julian didn't ask for, but had he really believed him? No, he hadn't, that must have been why he had felt so unsettled before, just waiting for something more to happen. Garak so far had stood by his word, so did that actually mean he believed that Julian would eventual come to him? That was absolutely preposterous! Why...how, could he believe that?? Well, Julian decided, if he did, then he was going to be proven just how wrong he was. As he closed his eyes, he tried not to think about how that flesh felt under his hands, or how Garak's lips had felt upon his. Julian flipped over onto his stomach and buried his head in the soft pillow. Yes, absolutely ridiculous, he told himself as he drifted of into sleep. Garak decided that he would be the one to wake the British officer the next morning. Silently he entered the small room that he had issued as Julian's. As he looked down at the sleeping figure, he still continued to be unable to shake the thoughts of how innocent and handsome the young man was. He thought back to the night where he had told Julian that he would possess him only when Julian asked it of him and couldn't help but to smile. Of course he could have the taken the youthful man anytime he wished, but it was more interesting to let him come to Garak on his own accord. The pure challenge of it was tantalizing to the pirate, as he never could resist a good challenge. The other aspect of it was the fact that if he simply took what he wanted, he would have control over the body and while that may be satisfying enough for some, he wanted more. He wasn't sure just what, but there was something about the officer's fiery spirit which drew him and he didn't wish to see that light extinguished, nor to take away the sense of innocence he still felt surrounded the man. Pulling himself from his thoughts, he reached down and shook Julian's slender shoulders until the man stirred. Julian, realizing who was standing over him, jumped slightly and pulled the blanket that had slid down to his bare waist back up over his chest. "You've slept long enough servant, get down to the galley and get your breakfast, then report to Rosie. Today you will be helping her prepare the men's lunch and supper and will also be assisting in clearing and cleaning the dishes and cookware afterwards," Garak informed him, as Julian rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. "Am I understood?" "Yes Captain," came the reply and even though Garak could sense that Julian had not meant for it to come out as sarcastic, it still did. "You've got five minutes to get to the galley," Garak replied before he turned to leave. Julian quickly rinsed his face with water, grabbed the green shirt he had been wearing the day before, and ran down to the galley to grab his plate. As he ate by himself in an unoccupied corner, he noticed that there weren't as many snickers, snorts, or off-colored comments there had been the other day, and those who did met with a warning scowl from Sister Rosie. He ate his plate of flat bread covered in gravy, and downed his cup of bitter, hot coffee quickly and as all of the men headed above for the deck and their duties, Julian remained. "So the Cap'n's assigned ya to me huh?" Rosie said without looking at the officer. "Very well, while I get the dishes gathered up, ya can go to the hold and bring up the baskets of potatoes an' carrots. Oh, there's also a large hunk o' ham I want brought up too." Julian nodded and headed down to the hold. The baskets of produce he was supposed to bring up were huge and heavy, he was only able to carry up one basket at a time and his muscles cried out from the abuse, being added to the previous day's ordeal. By the time he was finished, Rosie had collected all of the wooden dishes and was waiting patiently for Julian to gather his breath. "Okay, here's how we're doin' this, we're startin' the stew first, then doin the dishes while it's cookin'," Rosie replied, handing Julian a sharp knife, a white apron, and pointing him in the direction of the carrots. "Get to choppin," she ordered, turning to a bin of potatoes and picking one up to peel. The onetime Captain, now reduced to kitchen duty, was definitely feeling put out. It was demeaning and made him feel resentful, but knowing there was nothing he could do about, tried to push the thought out of his mind and concentrated on his task. After a while, the silence became too much. "Rosie, could I ask you something?" Julian asked, continuing to peel the vegetables. "What is it mate?" Rosie asked. "What brought you aboard a ship with people like this?" Julian asked curiously. "People like wha'? Blood thirsty, cutthroat, uncivilized, savages?" she asked with a smile. "First off, those men are m' family now. Also, don't sell um short 'cuz you don't know um the way I do. They may not be the most pleasant of company to someone like ya, but you ain't goin to find more loyal men anywhere." Julian was surprised to hear the level of respect and admiration in her tone and wondered what led her to have that opinion. "Now, as for why I'm on the Seawolf, years ago I was workin' in this little English pub when the Cap'n came in. He got into a heated argument with another customer and when the other man pulled out a sword, the Cap'n was badly injured. Would've died too, if I hadn't had the sense of mind to mend him up. Can't believe someone would have the gull to stab a man in the back like that guy in the pub did," Rosie said with a shake of her head. Julian suddenly recalled the white scar that marred Garak's back. "Anyhows, after that, the Cap'n said I was his good luck charm an' asked me if I wanted to sail with him an' the boys. Seeing as how I didn't have much going for me anyhow where I was at, I said sure and ain't looked back yet," she replied with a lopsided smile. "Yes, but doesn't all the stealing and bloodshed bother you?" Julian couldn't help but ask, as he watched over one of the boiling pots. Rosie just let out a loud laugh, "Mate, don't believe all rumors ye hear." "What do you mean?" Julian asked. "Just what I said, many of the rumors is just that...rumors an' lies. There's still a lot ye don't know 'bout the Cap'n an' the crew," she replied mysteriously. When she didn't elaborate, Julian fell silent again as he began washing the towering stacks of dishes that awaited him. It seemed that he had no sooner finished the pile of disgusting dishes then a whole mass of people filed into the galley again and filled up all the clean plates with lunch. He was sweaty, his hands were nearly raw from being submerged in water for so long, and he was tired. The thought of preparing dinner and clearing the lunch mess filled him with rancor. He had almost gotten most of his energy back before he put his apron back on and began clearing tables. Time passed quickly as he helped Rosie to prepare the ham, beans, and cornbread for the crew's dinner, and supper-time was there before he knew it. He took his plate and began to eat when he was approached by the man Garak had called Beau. "Cap'n wants ye to bring him his supper. Said for you to bring yours too," the man replied. Julian heaved a weary sigh and gathered his own plate as well as the plate Rosie made up for Garak and took both of them above deck to the pirate's quarters. Balancing the two plates with one arm, he knocked with the free hand. "Enter," he heard Garak call out. Julian opened the door and took a few cautious steps inside. He noticed that the tub had been removed and vaguely wondered just where it had been stored. "Your dinner," Julian replied and handed the hot plate and flatware over to the older man. "Thank you," he simply said, taking the offered food. Julian stood still a moment before Garak spoke again, "Come, sit and eat as well. That's why I had you to bring your own dinner after all," Garak admonished, pointing with his fork to a nearby chair that had gone unnoticed to Julian. Taking the offered seat, Julian looked curiously at the man who was taking another bite of the ham and beans. "You're wanting me to share a meal with you?" "Why not, I figured you might benefit from a bit of friendly company," Garak replied with a maddeningly smug thin smile. Julian sat uncomfortably, continuing to concentrate on his food. He refused to even look at the pirate. Garak let out an exaggerated sigh. "All right, since you don't seem to be particularly verbose tonight, perhaps I'll encourage you. Why don't you tell me a bit about your family?" Julian thought about it for a moment. It seemed like an innocent enough of a question. "What do you want to know?" he asked finally. "Do you have any siblings?" Garak asked, taking a sip of the glass of ale he had. "Yes, I have an older brother and sister. I also had a younger brother for a while," Julian replied, taking a bit of the cornbread and sopping up some of the juice from the beans. Garak looked at him curiously. "Had a younger brother for awhile? What happened to him?" Julian wondered why Garak even wanted to know. "Conner died when he was five when he got a case scarlet fever," Julian replied, not knowing that his voice still held the pain he felt to the day whenever he thought about his younger sibling and the horrible death he had suffered. "Were you two close?" Garak asked. "Yes, pretty close. Closer than my older brother and myself," Julian offered. "It must have been pretty hard to deal with," Garak replied, taking another drink of ale. "Yeah, well it wasn't easy. I think it was roughest on my mother most of all though," Julian admitted. "What did your father think about it?" Garak asked casually. "Father had been out to sea when it happened. He didn't know until three months afterwards." Garak could detect the bitterness in the tone and knew that Julian still held resentment for his father not being there for them during that time. Julian started feeling distinctively uncomfortable with the conversation. How had Garak managed to get him to start talking about his family?? He shouldn't discuss anything personal with this man, he thought to himself. He then looked about the room to see if there was anything else that would offer him the chance to change the topic of conversation. He spotted a book with a cover obviously worn from usage laying on Garak's desk. Picking it up, he was more than mildly surprised at what he saw. "You read Shakespeare??" Julian asked with astonishment as he opened it up and noticed that it was a short collection of plays and sonnets. "Why do you sound so surprised Julian?" Garak asked, with a mocking tone. "It's just that I didn't think..." Julian let his voice trail off. "What? Didn't think that a person of my caliber would be interested in literature? Let me guess, you probably think I didn't even have the ability to read...right?" Garak replied. Julian shifted uncomfortably and he felt the familiar heat rising to flush his face. "Well, actually...that's precisely what I thought," Julian admitted with chagrin. "Julian, there is much you still don't know about me. One of them is that I actually derive a great deal of pleasure from literature...Shakespeare in particular," the pirate replied, as he and Julian both finished the last bites of food. He started to hand over the plate to Julian, but then he saw Julian flinch as he reached for it. "What's wrong with you, Julian?" he asked, taking the officer's plate out of his hand instead. "It's nothing," Julian lied, trying to shrug it off. Garak stood up and then grabbed Julian by a shoulder hard and Julian cried out in pain. "Just as I thought, you've injured yourself somehow haven't you?" "It's nothing serious. I probably just pulled a muscle when I brought the baskets of food up from the galley, is all," Julian replied. Garak walked over to his bed. "Come here," he ordered. "I have some salve that will help that." "No, that's quite all right, I don't need it. A good night's sleep and I should be fine," Julian argued, feeling a sense of panic start to rise. "Nonsense, you're not going to be able to perform your work tomorrow well if you can't even move. Now do as I say and get over here," Garak ordered in a no-nonsense voice. Not wanting to anger Garak, Julian moved slowly over to the bed and sat down. "Take your shirt off," Garak ordered in a softer voice. Unsteady fingers managed somehow to work the small buttons of his shirt and when Julian was finished, Garak took the shirt by the shoulders and pulled it down over his arms until it fell into a heap on the bed. Garak was so close to him that Julian could now feel the older man's breath caressing the back of his neck. He heard the jar open and soon felt the cool gel being applied to his skin. Strong, firm hands worked the muscles of his strained back. Julian bit back a moan as the fingers dug into the sensitive skin. "Now where were we?" Garak said in a very low voice. "Oh yes, we were discussing Shakespeare. Actually, I think one of my favorite plays that I've read so far by him was 'Taming Of The Shrew'," Garak remarked, continuing to work the aching muscles. "Mmm, um, what makes it one of your favorites?" Julian asked, trying to keep his mind clear as his muscles cried out in pleasure of the pressure that was working them into slow release of tension. "The whole concept of it," Garak replied. "Just think of it, Petruchio knew that Katherine was in love with him, even if she didn't know it at the time." "She wasn't in love with him in the beginning. Perhaps, Katherine wasn't in love with Petruchio at all, perhaps she just gave into the--the pressure he was putting on her," Julian stated, his throat becoming dry. "I don't think so," Garak rebutted, increasing the pressure on the officer's back. "Kate was a fiery spirit in need of someone stronger than herself. Any pressure Petruchio put on her was simply to fulfill a craving that Katherine didn't even realize she had. A hidden desire within her that Petruchio could see; one that she couldn't," Garak whispered in his ear. "But with the constant wooing, he helped to make her realize it." "She had been satisfied before Petruchio, maybe she would have preferred it that he left her alone like she had wanted," Julian refuted, feeling Garak's fingers travel lower on his back, working the stiff muscles there. "That's just it, she didn't know what she wanted at the time. She thought she wanted left alone, but after getting the merest taste of what she had secretly craved, there was no going back," Garak whisper huskily. "She had to have more and wouldn't be satisfied with any less." Broad hands stroked the smooth skin in a gentle manner now, sensing the reluctant relaxing under the agile fingers. "Petruchio also realized right away that force wouldn't work to tame that fiery spirit of hers, that a delicate, yet firm hand was what was needed." The hands continued to glide over the pliant flesh, and Julian's slight shivering and slightly faster breathing didn't go unnoticed to the pirate. "It wasn't until then that Kate realized her own passion that had been buried for so long. She had denied it so long because she thought that giving into it meant that she would lose something by it, not realizing how much more there was to be gained." "And what more was there to be gained?" Julian asked in a weak voice. "Petruchio's heart," Garak replied softly then stood up. "There you are, the salve has been worked in and you should be fine come tomorrow. Now, take the dishes back down to the galley and then you may retire for the evening," Garak ordered in his usual voice. Julian was still for a moment while Garak's words caught up with him before he put his shirt back on and buttoned it quickly. Grabbing up the dishes, he promptly left the pirate alone. After returning the dishes without a word to Rosie, he cleaned himself up and went to bed where strange visions and half-images plagued his dreams. Phantom images kept him disturbed and unsettled. He had tossed and turned about in his bed so much so, that come the following morning when he awoke, he felt he hadn't slept at all. When he did finally awake, without being rudely aroused by someone else for a change, he noticed that a new shirt of dark blue, and a fresh pair of black pants were set upon his table. Grabbing them, he dressed quickly, and knew without being told to head to the galley for Garak's breakfast. "Come in," Garak called at hearing the knock. Julian entered and handed him the eggs, toast, and roast pork. "Good morning, Julian, after breakfast today your orders are to swab the deck, stern to bow," Garak replied. "Yes," he muttered unhappily. "Yes what Julian?" Garak asked with obvious displeasure. "Yes, Sir," Julian replied indignantly. "Very well, be gone now," Garak dismissed. Julian ate his breakfast in silence and as soon as he was done asked Rosie where she had last seen the bucket and mop. After getting the water and soap, he started his chore. As the midmorning sun beat down overhead, Julian looked over the railing and noticed that they were on a course due south and not for the first time, wondered where exactly they were headed. He knew it didn't matter much, as he wasn't the one navigating the large, twelve cannon Galleon, but his natural curiosity couldn't keep him from wondering. His mind then traveled from that path to start thinking about the previous evening in Garak's cabin. The strange, unsettled feeling returned to the pit of his stomach every time he thought about those gray, nimble fingers brushing across his skin and working the muscles in his back with strong, soothing, strokes while that maddening, enticing voice whispered into his ear. Then his mind took the turn to remember helping the infamous Greyridge with his bath...feeling that skin that turned out surprising smooth, supple, and pliant under his touch as he cleansed it. The well-defined chest and stomach, the firm, rounded...Julian jarred himself out of where his thoughts were going. 'That's enough! You're being absurd; now just knock it off. He's the one who kidnapped you, turned you into his slave, stop thinking about...other things," he admonished himself. After a while though, Julian put his thoughts aside losing himself in the repetitious motions that came with mopping down the deck. He was about a third of the way done when he looked into the black water, knowing it definitely needed to be changed if he was going to get the deck clean. He bent over the wooden bucket, getting ready to grab the roped handle when suddenly a shadow fell over him, blocking the sun. "Hello pretty one," he heard and eerily familiar voice from over his shoulder. Turning around so quickly that he accidentally kicked over the dirty water, Julian looked to see the man that had accosted him that first day in the galley. The coffee brown eyes were squinted, looking dark and dangerous, and the reeking stench of his breath let Julian know he's had one too many ales for it being so early in the day. "Um, is there something I could do for you?" Julian stammered, taking an unconscious couple of steps back. The man followed. "You could say that gorgeous, I think we're going to have a little fun." Julian's collar was grabbed in the beefy hand. Garak was currently at the helm, guiding the large body of the Seawolf though the sea, watching as it cut and sliced through the white-capped waves that churned under them. It would not be long at all now until they reached their first destination. A balmy breeze blew around him and suddenly he heard a loud yelp being carried in the wind. He wasn't sure at first what he heard until an even louder cry reached his ears. His blood turned colder than the North Atlantic as he recongnized whom that yelp had come from. He left the wheel in the hands of one of the closest crewmen and took off at top speed towards the stern of the boat. The sight he came upon caused a raging fire of anger to ignite under his skin. One of his men had Julian backed up against the wall, the younger man's hands were being held up above his head by one large hand while the interloper's free hand was currently groping Julian's groin while the man's mouth was plastered to Julian's. The officer was trying to struggle against him, but the other man easily had a good hundred pounds on the young man. How dare he lay his grimy hands on his Julian! Garak reached out and grabbed the scruff of the man's neck and hauled him backwards causing him to fall hard onto the wooden deck flat on his butt. Garak watched Julian's chest heaving as he tried to catch the breath he had been fighting for. "Wha' the hell ye do that fer?" the man protested, getting up to his feet. "I was just havin' some fun with that Brit pig." "I've told you, Riley, that as long as he's on this ship, he's under my protection. That means you have no right to lay a finger on him!" Garak yelled. "Yeah, well he was askin' for it, shakin' that tight arse in front of my face all the time...he was wanting it," Riley insisted. Garak grabbed the front of the large man's tattered shirt and dragged him close hard. "You've had too much to drink mate, I'd suggest you go sleep it off before you do something you regret." With a shove, the man had to take several steps backwards to keep his balance. "Is it my fault you ain't man enough to keep your toys under control?" the man snarled. "If you can't satisfy 'im enough that he has to go flaunting it to everyone that'll look his way, then he needs a man who can." Julian watched as an eerie calm descended over Garak. A nearly peaceful, serene expression on his face that put Julian in mind of the center of a squall. Garak started towards Riley, who reached down to his hip to grab his dagger. Just as the pirate pulled it, Garak kicked hard, sending the dagger sailing over the side of the ship. Garak then landed a hard right cross to the man's jaw. Riley came back with a blow to Garak's gut and then a left hook, splitting Garak's lip. That was the last blow he managed to get in as Garak hit him with an uppercut, another right cross, a knee to the groin and then when the man was bent down, Riley got a knee to the face that split his nose open and sent him sprawling onto the deck. "Wha' happen here Cap'n?" Rosie asked, running to find out what all the commotion was about. Several of the men followed quickly at her heels. "Carlos, Raoul, take this swine down into the hold and keep him there. He's being brought up on charges of insubordination," Garak replied. Each man grabbed an arm and pulled the man up and onto his feet. "Aye sir," one of the men answered as Garak turned his attention to Julian. "He didn't injure you, did he?" the Captain asked, eyes critically taking in the younger man's appearance. Julian simply shook his head, still not having found his voice yet. Neither man noticed as Riley struggled free from the hold on him and grabbed a dagger off of one of his captors. "Cap'n watch out!" Rosie cried, but it was too late. Riley had launched the knife directly at Garak. The captain managed to turn in time to catch the blade of the dagger in his shoulder before his men subdued the other man. Julian watched with horror as dark, black blood started flowing freely from around the knife, soaking the pirate's shirt as he winced in pain. Rosie rushed over and yanked the dark, red bandanna off of the captain's neck, pulled the blade of the knife out of his shoulder quickly and shoved the bandanna at the wound. "Garak, are you all right??" Julian asked in an anxious voice, and Garak could see the worry in his eyes. Garak didn't say anything, only moaned in response. "God, this is all my fault, now you've gotten hurt...." Rosie looked from Julian to Garak, then back again. "Ye, there," she called out to get Bashir's attention. She grabbed his hand and pressed it firmly down on the bandage. "Hold this hard. Don't let up on it," she told the young man and took off around the corner. The bandanna was nearly soaked with wet, sticky, blood before she came running back with some proper bandages. She ripped Garak's sleeve the rest of the way off to get a better look at the wound. Julian watched as she slowly raised the bloody bandanna up. She tisked. "Look's pretty deep here Cap'n, lookin' pretty nasty." She then looked at Julian. "Can ye help me get 'im back to his cabin?" "Of course, whatever I can do to help," Julian replied quickly, placing his hand back firmly over the wound covered with a fresh piece of bandage. Once back in his quarters, Rosie made Garak get into bed as Julian gently helped him out of his shirt. "Okay mate, go outside till I call ye back in," Rosie ordered and Julian, still in a bit of shock, did as he was asked. After a while he heard Rosie's voice asking for him to come back in. When he walked inside he noticed that Garak's wound had been properly wrapped with the cloth and he was sleeping peacefully in the bed. "Is there anything else I can do to help?" Julian asked, feeling sickened that he had been the cause of this. "Aye, there is," Rosie answered. "You can stay with 'im and make sure his bandages get changed every hour or more if it's needed. Keep an eye out for infection, if the wound starts getting weepy or hot, let me know. Also let me know if he starts runnin' a fever. Can you do that?" she asked. "Yes, I know how to change bandages," Julian replied. "Good," she replied and handed him an unmarked bottle. "Now that stuff should be used to clean the wound every time ye change the bandage." Julian nodded in understanding, taking the bottle. "What's that?" Julian asked, noticing a second unmarked bottle on the bedside table. "It's a little somethin' to help dull the pain. It could make him slip in an' outa consciousness an' it's fast actin', so use it sparingly," Rosie warned. Julian nodded again, pulling up a chair to the bedside; Rosie left the men alone. Once outside the quarters, Rosie ran into one of the men who had taken Riley to the hold. "How's the Cap'n doin'?" Carlos asked, his eyes landing on the closed door. Rosie just smiled. "Ah, he's goin' to be fine. It was only a flesh wound. He'll be on his feet in a day or two," she answered with a wink. Back inside the cabin Julian looked down at the injured captain, who looked to be resting so peacefully now. His chest rose and lowed with a steady stream of slow breathing. Julian thought that the medicine did its job quick enough, but what if he wasn't really asleep? He decided that he needed to know for sure. "Captain....Garak??" he called softly. When the older man didn't stir, Julian picked up the bottle being used as painkiller. Popping the cork out, he took a sniff and nearly started to swoon. The potent medicine smelled like it contained a good deal of alcohol and whatever else was mixed with it. 'No wonder he's out. This stuff would probably knock out a horse!' Julian thought to himself and put the bottle back down. Not knowing what else to do with himself at the moment, Julian picked up the book of Shakespearean plays and thumbed through it. His fingers soon came to a dog-eared page that marked the page where 'Taming Of The Shrew' started. Julian's mind was brought back to the night prior when the captain had discussed the play with him. When he closed his eyes, he could still feel the sensation of the agile fingers over his bare back. "You know, I never did apologize for assuming you couldn't read," Julian said to the sleeping man, just as much to hear his own voice to break the silence. "I should have known that someone who has been as successful at pirateering would have had to have some intellect to him," Julian smiled slightly and added, "okay, so anyone who is interested in Shakespeare would have more than just some intelligence." Julian set the book back down on the desk and looked again at the bandage over the older man's shoulder. A spot of black blood was beginning to show through the white fabric. With gentle fingers, he unwrapped the cloth. He let out a small gasp as he got a good look at the injury for the first time. It looked deep, long, and incredibly painful. Julian couldn't stop himself from having his heart go out to the wounded man. The only thing that hit Julian harder was the realization that it was as a result of him that the captain had been wounded. "You know, no one has ever tried to protect me like that, I mean I've had friends to stand by my side and fight with me, but never someone who would fight rather than me. I can't start to figure out why you did it and I am sorry that you were badly hurt because of it," Julian said, not even looking at the man in the bed. He then shook his head in disbelief. "What am I even saying this to you for? Right now you can't even hear me." Julian slowly poured some of the clear cleansing liquid into the open wound and then took a fresh bandage and secured it around the pirate's shoulder. 'Oh, but I can hear you, Julian,' Garak thought to himself behind closed eyelids. Actually, he had heard every word thus far. True, that vile tasting potion of Rosie's would have helped ease the pain, not to mention knocking him out, but he had refused the powerful brew. He would rather stay in control of his faculties and put up with a bit of pain. At first he had been tempted to let the British officer know he was indeed awake, but since this was proving to be turning into an interesting one-sided conversation he chose to let his state of awareness go unnoticed to the younger man. "It's all my fault actually, had I acted differently somehow perhaps I could have stopped things from escalating like they had," Julian said aloud. 'Ah my Julian, what has happened in your life that makes you feel so responsible for everything that happens to others? I suppose you would take blame if a storm were to hit, sinking this vessel. Don't you know that as surely as the sun rises and sets, that I had no choice but to intervene? There was no way I could stand by and do nothing when I saw that varlet touching you.' Julian looked down into the sleeping face of the dreaded Greyridge. With his eyes shut in slumber, the muscles in his face were relaxed. It seemed to melt years away from the older man, giving him a nearly vulnerable appearance. A lock of ebony shaded hair fell across the ridged brow and Julian reached up absently and smoothed it back into place. "You know, I don't know why I should even feel any pity for you. You did kidnap me after all, but then you also saved my life. You make me wear this collar and act as your slave to command, yet treat me with kindness. You, Garak--Greyridge, or whatever you choose to call yourself, are a very difficult person to figure out," Julian said, still speaking aloud. 'Not so difficult, Julian, not when you know where to find your answers. I knew from the first day I saw you there was something that was hidden within you, something powerful yet buried so deeply within that even you weren't aware of its existence. Something that brings fear to you only because you cannot recongnize it yet.' "Julian? why are you basically talking to yourself?" the British officer asked himself with a shake of his head. Not able to come up with a suitable answer, he decided to concentrate on the Shakespearean plays. He began reading one of his favorite comedies, 'A Midsummer's Night Dream', and leaned back in the chair and made himself comfortable. He hadn't gotten very far when he heard a shifting of the bed and a low moan coming from the pirate. He glanced up to see that Garak had moved slightly in his sleep, only to moan in pain. Reaching over, Julian laid a cool hand on the gray forehead to test for a heightened temperature, but the man's skin seemed as cool as was normal. The touch of his hand seemed to quiet the pirate's subconscious moaning, and he waited a moment before removing it and going back to his reading. Try as he might though, his mind was not content to stay on his reading. When he least suspected it, his eyes would travel to the supine pirate. His eyes moved over the broad expanse of the man's well defined and muscular chest, as the sheet rested at his waist, leaving his chest bare and exposed. Julian tried to fight the memories that came back unbidden into his mind's eye...memories of that skin under his fingers, gently stroking those charcoal nipples into pert hardness. 'What would it be like to taste them? As sweet as his kiss?' Julian wondered. 'Where the bloody hell did that come from?' he wondered in shock from the stray thought. 'Get a grip Bashir, you're a captain under the service of Her Royal Majesty," he told himself. Had he met Garak under other circumstances he would have been duty bound to arrest him and his crew, and then Garak and the rest no doubt would have been hung for crimes against the Queen, but now he couldn't help but feeling compassion and concern for the man who had saved his life and had protected him. 'Any concern I feel for him is the same as I'd feel for anyone person who was injured because of me,' he assured himself and tried to ignore the part of his brain that added 'Yeah, anyone with piercing blue eyes that looked right through you; anyone with strong arms you want to feel around you; anyone who literally left your body trembling with a solitary kiss.' He promptly told that part of his mind to be silent and forced his eyes back on his reading. Time passed slowly and when Julian looked up again, he noticed that the bandages needed changed yet again. Julian gently eased the bandage off and cleansed it thoroughly with the medicine before rewrapping it securely. When he turned his head, he found himself only a scant few inches from the older man's soft, gray lips. It would be so easy, he thought, to just lean over a little farther...What if he woke though? 'He hadn't awakened yet and maybe one little taste that he would never find out about, would help clear your mind,' Julian's inner voice told himself. Somehow, he wasn't sure of that, but even as he tried to argue with himself, he felt his head bend forward until his lips touched the pirate's. Garak, not knowing how he succeeded, managed to contain his surprise as he felt warm, soft, moist lips being pressed down to his own. His arms ached to reach up and capture the officer, turning the kiss into something more passionate than the light, cautious, exploratory kiss that the younger man was offering, but knew he must be patient. 'Ah Julian, I do believe you're starting to awaken to those fears you're harboring and realizing that they aren't quite so frightening after all, yet you're still like a skittish colt...still unsure to venture into the unfamiliar. But in time...' Garak's thoughts were cut off as he felt a soft hand lightly exploring over the muscles of his chest. It was removed when kiss was broken. Garak heard Julian leaning back into his chair and the sound paper rustling and knew Julian must be attempting to read again. As the hours pasted by, Garak felt himself truly grow tired and slipped into sleep. When he woke up later, he heard the soft, gentle, breathing coming in slow and steady near him. Cautiously opening an eye, the pirate saw that the British officer had fallen asleep and his head was resting on folded arms on the bed near his hand. Knowing it was risky, but not able to resist, Garak reached his fingers to gently stroke the soft, mahogany hair that was so close. How he would have liked to take that leather band off and release the hair about the younger man's shoulders so he could run his fingers freely through its softness, but he'd settled now for the few locks that had fallen loose. Suddenly the door creaked open and Sister Rosie stepped in. "Hey mate, I brought ye yer dinner an'..." She stopped speaking when she saw view in front of her. The young British officer was fast asleep with his head on her captain's bed and the captain had his fingers tangled in a lock of his hair. Garak brought a finger up to his lips, silently telling his quartermaster to keep quiet and not disturb the younger man's slumber. Nodding in understanding, she walked lightly over to the desk where she set the platter of food down and walked lightly back to the door. Just before she opened it and walked out, she looked at rugged pirate and gave him a wink before leaving, only getting a glare as a response. In the morning, both men awoke to a knock at the door. Julian groaned as his aching muscles complained of the uncomfortable position he had slept through the night him. He was startled when he realized he had fallen asleep so close to Garak, but dismissed it quickly as Rosie entered. "Cap'n, sorry ta wake ye, but I thought ye'd want to know we've docked," the quartermaster said, looking at both men who were now wide awake. Julian rubbed his aching back while Garak stretched out his muscles as well. "Thank you, Rosie, I'll be ready in a moment to help the men with the cargo," Garak replied. "Aye Sir, I'll tell um," Rosie replied before leaving. "Where are you going?" Julian asked curiously. "We have some trading to do for supplies here, it's nothing to concern yourself about," Garak replied, getting up and pulling on a fresh cotton shirt the same shade as his black pants. "What about your injuries?" Julian asked, a slightly troubled look on his face. "Why Julian, if I didn't know any better, I'd say you were worried about me," Garak replied with a mocking smile. Julian glared at his coldly. "Hey, if you want to go and possibly do something to rip the wound wider or something that's going to get it infected, that's your choice. Personally, I don't care what you choose to do." Garak continued to smile unnervingly at him. "Don't worry, Julian, Rosie is going to be there and she can change the bandages if they need to changed and I'm not going to be doing anything to injure myself further." Garak then stuck his head out of his door and called for Carlos to come. The tall, lean Spaniard entered quickly. "Ye called Cap'n?" Carlos asked. "Yes, Carlos, you won't be leaving the ship with the others today," Garak informed him. "Wha'? Why not?" The dark brown eyes narrowed in confusion. "You've got something else just as important to do," Garak replied and went over closet. Reaching above his head and back into a deep shelf, he pulled out a long chain. Walking back over to Julian, he latched one end of the chain to the small metal ring on the side his leather collar and locked it. Garak then let the chain drop into the floor with a thud and both Julian and Carlos saw the wrist shackle on the other end. Garak then took the shackle and secured it around Carlos' wrist. "You're job will be to guard my servant in my absence and help him if necessary." The pirate then turned to Julian. "And your orders for today is to finish swabbing the deck and then you're to clean my quarters." "But Cap'n, I wanted to go ashore," Carlos protested. "You'll get your chance later, I need you to do this now. All right?" "Aye Sir," the other pirate acceded, but obviously not happy with the matter. As Carlos went with Julian to get the mop and bucket, they watched as the other pirates file off the ship, two of which were carrying the truck that Julian recognized from his ship. Julian glared as Garak met the two carrying the trunk. He couldn't help but remember just where that trunk had come from and what it contained. It was all his fault that Her Majesty had lost the treasure; he had to figure out a way to make it right once again. With his mind thus occupied, Julian went to work on the deck. When he had finished with the deck, and put away the bucket and mop, Julian stretched his aching muscles. His shoulders were tight, as he moved his arms about, Julian felt a strong tugging on the chain, his head bent forward involuntarily. "Just what do ye think yer doin'?" Carlos questioned. "I don' need to be bothered by yer movin' about like that. Just get yerself over here and start on the Cap'n's cabin." He jerked once again on the chain, pulling Julian forward. After gathering the needed supplies, Julian was led back to the captain's quarters. Once inside Julian set about the task of scrubbing the floor. Carlos sat in the captain's chair watching, eyes slowly drifting shut. As Julian moved about the cabin, the clanging of the chain kept the Spaniard from getting any rest. Opening his eyes, he watched the graceful movements of the young captive as he worked. Carlos took in the lean figure, the roundness of the younger man's firm rear as he bent to move a chair out of the way. 'Oh Dios,' the pirate thought to himself.'Ye lookin' to get a beatin' from the Cap'n ye are. Been on board this ship for too long, that's all.' He looked about the cabin, spotting the solid brass headboard of the captain's bed. Carlos yanked the chain, pulling Julian to the floor. "I need my air," the pirate mumbled. "Get over here," he ordered the younger man, as he walked over to the bed. Fishing into his pocket, Carlos withdrew the key Greyridge had slipped to him earlier. Unlocking the chain from his own wrist, Carlos reattached it to the headboard. Checking the give, he tugged with all of his might. The chain held as did the headboard. "Now get yeself busy, boy. An' don' ya try anything either, I be right outside that door." Carlos slipped the key back into his pocket and headed out the door. Julian sighed, as he continued his chore. His gaze then fell onto the huge roll-top desk. Glancing towards the door, Julian moved slowly until he reached the desk. Maybe there was something here that would at least let him know where he was or maybe even find out what kind of man this Garak really was; people often hid secrets within their desks. Moving aside the uneaten tray of food, he smiled as he tried to lift the top; it was locked. Next, Julian tried the drawers; all were locked. He really shouldn't have expected any less from a man of Garak's reputation. Defeated momentarily, Julian resumed his cleaning. Soon he came upon a wooden box, pushed way under the bed. He would have missed it, had it not been for the sunlight coming through the portal at that time and casting a ray of light on the corner of the bed where the box was hidden. Pulling it out, Julian could see that it was old and battered. 'Now why would he try to hide this?' he wondered. It wasn't heavy and when he shook it, there was a slight rattling sound. His curiosity getting the better of him, Julian tried to open it. Naturally, it was locked. 'Doesn't trust anyone, does he?' Still undaunted, Julian felt around the box, checking for another way in. He noticed that the lock was a spring type, and could easily be popped open, without breaking in the process. He then glanced about the room, his gaze falling on the tray of uneaten food that must have been brought in last night after he had fallen asleep. Checking the door as he got up, Julian looked out the door portal and saw Carlos, leaning against the railing smoking. He gingerly moved back to the desk and the tray of food. Sitting in the chair, he used the knife to gently pry open the lid of the box. Finally opened, Julian took his first look at the mysterious contents. Mystified, Julian picked up the box's only item, a key. Turning it in his hand, the Englishman, couldn't help but wonder just why Garak would go through all that trouble just to hide a key. A key to what? It was small; it obviously wasn't made for a door, or a chest. It must be for something smaller, but what would Garak have of value that would be kept under a lock so small as to require this key? Julian nearly dropped the box, as his body reacted reflexively when his mind reflected on the only lock small enough to be opened by this key. Looking around the room he saw a polished silver tankard. Checking the door once again, he moved carefully over to the small table on which the ale mug sat. Positioning himself so that the tankard gave off a reflection of his throat, the young man began to gingerly twist his collar around until the small lock in the back was revealed. Taking a deep breath, and praying with a fervor, Julian inserted the key. His heart beat faster as the key slid into place. With shaking hands he slowly turned the key. The resulting click sounded loud to his ears within the confines of the chamber. Julian's eyes darted back to the door, fearful that the sound was heard by Carlos. When no response came from outside the cabin, Julian released the breath he had held. He began to ever so quietly remove the slave collar from his neck, rubbing at the slight burns he received as he twisted the collar around. 'Okay, so now you're free of the collar. So what, you're still a prisoner,' he chided himself. 'So now, you escape.' Julian moved to the door, glancing out through the portal. Carlos was still there. Try as he might, Julian knew that he was no match physically for the Spaniard. There had to be another way, but what? He could put the collar back on and keep the key, and put everything back just as it was. Then when the opportunity opened itself, he'd be able to take advantage of it. He set about replacing everything into their exact positions. Satisfied, he picked up the collar and placed it about his neck. Just then, Julian heard a loud uproar coming from outside. Cautiously, he made his way to the door, just as Carlos stuck his head in. "Ye stay right where ye are. There's a big fight gettin under way, and I need to help my mates." Checking the chain on the headboard, Carlos stomped out, slamming the door behind him. Julian couldn't believe his luck. Removing the collar once again, he went to the door. Checking out the portal, he observed Carlos heading down the ramp. Opening the door slightly, he peeked out. No one was around; pulling it open a bit more, Julian slipped out the door and headed towards the side of the ship. Making sure that he wasn't being noticed or followed, Julian grabbed hold of one of the ropes securing the ship to the dock. Shimmying down the rope, he landed on the dock just behind the crowd that had gathered to witness and apparently bet on the fight. Turning in the opposite direction, Julian walked swiftly towards the edge of the dock and onto dry land. Crouching amid stacks of barrels, Julian paused to consider his current predicament. He glanced about his surroundings. Off to the left, the direction he had just come from, the fight continued. To his right stood the battered buildings of the makeshift town. Ahead of him, lay the vast ocean, while directly behind him was the lush overgrowth of a jungle. The young officer sighed and leaned back against a barrel. 'Now what, Jules? Just how are you to get off an island without being seen?' He rubbed his forehead with a shaky hand. 'What will Garak do when he finds that you are missing? What will he think?' The hand stopped its movement across the now furrowed forehead. "What? Where did that come from? Why should I care what he thinks, he did kidnap me!' Caught in the midst of his internal debate, the Englishman was startled as he heard the object of his thoughts loudly expressing his displeasure. "What do you mean he's gone?" Greyridge's voice was explosive. "Find him, how far could he have gotten." As he heard the commotion of men preparing for a hunt, Julian made his decision. It was time to move, time to find a safer place. Cautiously, he began to rise and move slowly backwards at the same time. The deafening thud of running footsteps grew closer. Behind him, the overhanging branches of the trees seemed to form a doorway leading to the copious jungle beyond. The young Brit rose to his full height determined to make a break for the relative safety of the verdant haven in back of him. Standing, Julian found himself facing the tattered town buildings. Within his direct line of sight stood Greyridge. The impressive pirate, arms crossed about his massive chest, stared simultaneously at the naval officer. Heart pounding wildly in his chest, Julian stood transfixed by the mesmerizing ocean blue eyes. His own soft hazel eyes widened in confusion. Time stood still as the captivated younger man and the enticing older male formed a connective link across the distance. The edges of Greyridge's lips turned slightly upward in a smile as Julian took a hesitant step towards him. He nodded his head in silent encouragement to the younger man. 'What are you doing? You should turn and run. Get away!' the voice boomed loudly in the officer's mind. Then a softer, quieter voice made its presence known. 'No, you are safe; he won't hurt you. Go to him; stay with him.' The link was strong; Julian was pulled closer and closer. Hesitant steps turned into a purposeful stride. The pirate's smile grew larger as he too began to move forward towards the younger man. 'Yes, yes, my sweet Julian. Come back to me.' As the naval officer made his way back to the man who held his future, he was distracted by an abrupt movement off to his left. Stopping, he turned his head and saw a group of men approaching. Carlos was at the lead; anger flashing in his eyes, and determination was etched on his face. Julian turned back as he heard Garak's voice shouting angrily, "No! Stay back!" The link was broken, whatever mysterious power the pirate had held over the young man was gone. Eyes widened even more, pupils dilated with fear, the British officer turned and fled, his long well muscled legs carrying him swiftly and easily into the gaping mouth of the jungle. Greyridge also moved with great speed and grace, arriving at the edge of the rain forest just as his men approached. "Fools," he reprimanded. "He was returning to me. Your stupidity made him run. He was mine!" The disgruntled pirates moved back, away from their visibly furious captain. The men stood before Greyridge unsure of what to do next. Drawing in a deep breath, Garak regained his usual composure. Dividing his men into three groups, he ordered them to split up the search. One group to the left, another to the right, and his own to follow the path of the fleeing young man. The pursuit had begun. Thrashing through the undergrowth, Bashir realized the hopelessness of his predicament. There was no where to go, no place to hide. He had no idea of where he was going. 'You are on an island, what were you thinking?' Julian chastized himself. Lost in his thoughts and the adrenaline induced sense of self-preservation, Julian continued to flee. Branches snapped back as he passed, bushes snagged at his clothing and skin, he fell several times on the moss slickened forest floor. Bleeding from his numerous cuts and scratches, the frightened man paused. Chest heaving from over exertion, he tried to assess where he was and where to go. His mind was a whirlwind of conflicting, confusing thoughts. 'Run, get away, they'll kill you for this.' Wiping the perspiration from his face with a soddened shirt sleeve, Julian began to move forward once again, his eyes moist with sweat and tears. 'Where are you going? There's no place to hide, they'll find you. No, 'he'll' find you. He'll protect you, keep you safe. It's what you want.' Confusion reigning, the young man turned hopelessly about in circles. He was lost; he was frightened; he was hurt. When he heard the movements not to far off in the forest, his body relaxed in submissive resignation. "They're here," he whispered. As the group approached, Julian's heart sank as he realized that Greyridge was not among them. Panic overtook him once again, and he turned to race deeper into the forest. His flight brought him to the edge of a swampy lake. Pausing at the edge, his training told him not to cross, to find another way around. He could hear the pirates, coming closer. It seemed to his confused mind that they were coming from all sides, except ahead. He had to move forward; there was no other choice. Julian was beyond clear levelheaded thought as his body reacted to its inherent flight response. He pushed forward into the marsh. His feet sank into the soft wet bottom, and murky water swirled about his waist as he slowly trudged forward. He heard a splash of water and knew that he wasn't alone in the bog, Quickening his pace, Julian soon came upon the mud encrusted edge of the swamp. He heaved himself up onto the muddy shore. Clawing at the slimy ground, he hefted himself up higher. Julian fought to control his erratic breathing. His body betrayed him as the aching, tired muscles refused to cooperate. He inched forward, snaking through the mud, until he could go no farther. As he lay, gasping for breath, mud hardening on his open, bleeding wounds, Bashir felt the presence of others. Slowly opening his eyes, his sight fell upon the multiple sets of muddy boots. A well-taught response took over in his weary mind. The naval officer slowly pulled himself to his knees. Pride stiffening his back. He looked at his captors, defiance still evident in his eyes. Deliberately his gaze fell upon each of the men standing around him. His head lifting higher with each rebellious glance. Julian's eyes then beheld the one face that he had dreaded to look upon. Inwardly, secretly, he desired to see forgiveness and acceptance from that face. Outwardly, he held his gaze steady, only the moisture in the corners revealing his feelings. Greyridge stood looking down at the battered, heavily bruised body of the British officer before him. His heart clenched at the sight of such a beautiful young man so bloodied and soiled. Outwardly, his face remained impassive. He was the captain; he had to maintain the respect of his men. As much as he wanted nothing more than to reach out and comfort the devastated captive before him, he knew it would be wiser and safer, for both of them, to ignore this response. Julian's shoulders slumped forward and his head bowed lower as he observed the stoic face of Greyridge. 'What have I done? He is angry with me. No, it is worse than that, much worse. He is disappointed with me.' Try as he might, the young man could not keep back the tears overflowing from his eyes. Defeated he fell forward, gratefully giving up his body and mind to the comforting void of unconsciousness. *** Garak hesitated to go into his own quarters. He had been so furious with Julian earlier that he hadn't even been able to think straight. He had left Julian locked up in his quarters for well over the past hour, if not longer, while Garak had finished up his dealings on the island. He had used that time to slowly let his anger simmer down to a low boil until he was ready to deal with his captive. Had he been too lenient...too tolerant with the young man? Perhaps he was getting soft where this officer was concerned. The fact was he was still Garak's prisoner and there was no reason at all to tolerate such behavior aboard his vessel. Any other man would have been whipped and beaten for such an act against him. Yes, things were going to have to change around here for the remainder of the trip, Garak decided as he entered. As he walked in, Garak's determination faltered and dissolved with one look at his captive. There sitting on the floor, beside his bed where he was chained, sat Julian. His clothes were torn and ripped, his skin was torn and bleeding from thorn scratches, and he was covered in mud with thick clumps clinging to the dark hair that had fallen loose in his recapture. The soft, warm hazel eyes were huge and expressive as they looked up at him with uncertainy and fear. Garak's expression softened somewhat as he thought about how at the moment, this man reminded him of a vulnerable, wounded child. Garak folded his arms across his chest and shook his head while Julian cast his eyes down to the floor. Finally, Garak walked over and knelt down next to him and with a hand to his chin, forced Bashir to meet his eyes. "I should beat you,do you know that?" Garak said finally. "Or worse, not care one way or another and let the crew do what they will with you. Do you know how you humiliated me in front of my men today? Pulling something like that reflects badly on me and I don't like it when someone makes me look bad," Garak said and watched Julian's eyes go even larger as he realized what Garak was saying he could have done with him. "Do you have anything to say in your defense?" Julian looked dourly at the floor again and kept silent, not wanting to incite the man's wrath further. Garak rolled his eyes and let out an audible sigh. He then surprised Julian by reaching out and stroking his cheek. Julian raised his eyes questioningly and tried to read the odd expression in the older man's azure eyes. "That's what I 'should' do, what I 'will' do is something else entirely." Garak then stood and went to the door where he called for Raoul. The dark haired, bearded man who stood a head shorter than Garak responded promptly. "Aye sir?" "Raoul, please fetch me the metal tub and bring it in here. Then please bring some warm water from the galley for me as well," Garak requested. "Aye sir." The man was off before another word could be said. Julian watched as Raoul brought the tub into Garak's cabin and hauled bucket after bucket in until the tub was filled with the steaming water. With nothing further said, Garak then brought out one of his towels, a wash cloth, and the bar of lye soap Julian had previously used on him. Garak then walked over to him. "Stand up, Julian," Garak ordered softly. Julian did so, and Garak took the key to the leather collar out and unlocked it. Garak then tossed the collar to the floor. Julian's stomach started twisting and tangling with nerves as Garak then reached for him, drawing him closer. Julian's breath was trapped in his lungs as Garak's fingers then started to undo the diminuative buttons running down the front of what was left of his shirt, yanking it out of the band of his trousers when he got to the end and slipping it off the slender shoulders and tossing it to the side. He then gently shoved Julian back until he sat down on the bed. Garak then knelt down on one knee and proceeded to pull off the black leather boots that were caked with clay and mud. The pirate then stood back up and pulled Julian with him. The gray hands then went to the fastener of Julian's trousers. Julian's breathing quickened as Garak slowly unbuttoned them and let the material fall around the younger man's feet. Rough hands then grapsed the band of his underdrawers, loosening the drawstrings, and yanked them down, the suddeness making Julian gasp. When all the material was down around Julian's feet, Garak stepped back. "Get in the tub," the pirate ordered, his eyes raking over the bare flesh in front of him. Even covered in the muck and mire, the golden body was still enough to steal the pirate's breath. Julian was motionless at first, until he saw the dangerous glint within the calm blue eyes. Rousing himself, he moved to the tub and climbed tentatively into the warm water until he was submerged within it. The water's heat stung the sores and scratches on his body, but it also relieved the aching in his muscles. He looked over to Garak, who was removing his own shirt and tossing it onto the bed. Garak then came over to the tub and knelt down with the cloth and soap in hand and began to lather it. Taking Julian's face in hand, Garak gently ran the soaped cloth over his cheeks, chin, and forehead. Moving down, he then started washing the slender neck and moved around to his back. "Sit up," he said and Julian complied as the cloth was being rubbed across his shoulder blades and it moved down over his back and thin arms. Garak was close enough that Julian could hear his breathing and his nostrils filled with the scent of him. "Why did you do it, Julian?" "What?" Julian asked, a little stunned by the unexpected question. Garak moved the cloth back around and started the unhurried movements to wash the young officer's chest, gently working his fingers over the muscles through the thin cloth. "Why did you try and escape? Honestly, haven't I been kind to you?" "Yes," Julian whispered hoarsely. "Haven't I treated you fairly? Making my requests for the work you're to do more than reasonable?" he asked. "I...uh...suppose...so," Julian answered barely above a whisper as Garak's fingers caressed his nipples with the soapy cloth, going from one to the other and back again until the chocolate peaks hardened and stood out before he continued further down his sternum. "Then why did you try to run? I gave you my trust Julian and this is how you repay me?" the pirate asked, moving down over the slender, firm abdomen. Julian wanted to say something, but currently the only thing his mind seemed to be able to concentrate on were the strong, capable fingers roaming lower on his stomach. "Stand up," Garak ordered quietly. With shaky legs, Julian managed to find strength enough to stand up in the metal tub. With the way Garak was positioned, when Julian stood, his behind was eye level with the pirate captain. The taut golden globes shone as driblets of water cascaded down the smooth skin. Garak draped the wash cloth over his palm as he reached out to gently caress each half-orb, giving both sides a vast amount of attention and care before he washed the suds off just as gently, a finger slowly traveling down the crevice ever so lightly. Julian's eyes drifted shut as he gave himself up to the feeling of the knowing finger that worked with deliberate care over him and when he felt broad hands on his hips, gently turning him, he followed willingly. Garak looked up into Julian's face. The young man's head was slightly bent back, his eyes were completely closed, his chest was rising and falling faster than normal and he looked absolutely incredible to him. With a gentle hand, he took Julian's tapered, lean, sex with the cloth. He could feel the deep veins that adorned the member through the cloth as he moved it up and down in a steady rhythm from tip to base, feeling the steady heat as it began thickening in his fingers. As Julian's breathing grew even faster, Garak moved to his gonads, the heavy sac filling his hand as he manipulated each one until satisfied they were clean. Julian was close to letting out a moan when Garak spoke. "Sit back down," he said huskily. Grabbing the sides of the tub to make sure he didn't fall from the feebleness his legs were experiencing, Julian sank back down into the water. Garak then reached out and pulled the leather strip off from the back of his hair, letting the muddy tangles fall free around the officer's shoulders. Garak then took several handfulls of water and poured them over Julian's head. He then took the lye soap, and lathering up his hands generously, began gently washing the officer's soft mahogany hair. "You never did answer me," Garak spoke quietly, his fingers massaging and manipulating the younger man's scalp. He'd asked him something? When?? Julian's hazy mind tried to sort things out in hope of remembering. "What was that?" he asked softly. "Why did you try to run off?" Garak repeated his question of earlier. "Why did you betray me?" Julian tried to clear his mind. "I...I'm an officer, I had to try to reach my home again," he said finally, Garak's fingers working his scalp with meticulous slowness and care. "No, I don't believe that at all, I think there was another force working behind your attempted escape, and do you know what I think it is?" Garak asked, working his hands down to the bottom of shoulder length hair, relishing the feel of the soft strands between his fingers. Julian merely shook his head and Garak leaned forward until he was right beside Julian's ear. "I think you ran out of fear, Julian, but the thing is you weren't running from the fear you believe you were. Not the fear of being unable to see your home again, not the fear of remaining on this vessel, or what could happen because many of my men dislike you, not even the fear of possible death, though all of those things you might have told yourself. No, Julian, what you were truly trying to run from was something that there is no escape from...because it's part of you, something you refuse to acknowledge." Garak took water in his hands and rinsed the suds still clinging to the tendrils and then took Julian's face in his hand making him look at him. "Unfortunately, Julian, all the denials are in vain because whether you admit it to yourself or not, you know that it's growing...getting stronger every day and becoming harder to ignore and soon it's going to be impossible to refuse it." Garak's voice was no more than a whisper even as those gray lips were only a hare's breath away, Julian had to strain to catch it. The young officer didn't know exactly when his eyes drifted shut again or when his head swayed forward to close the distance with those lips, but he was shocked when he found himself held by the shoulders. "Time to dry off," Garak stated reaching for the towel and holding out a hand to help Julian. The officer took it as he was eased out of the tub and the towel was wrapped around his slight body. The pirate's large hands quickly worked over the cloth, easing the goosebumps that were raised on the golden flesh. Both hands reached with the towel to caress and stroke firmly Julian's taut behind before being moved in the front to dry off his toned chest and stomach, down long, lean, legs, and finally his sex until he was completely dry. The towel was wrapped around the trembling body while Garak went to his wardrobe and tossed a long nightshirt at him. Julian slipped it on over his head and had it pulled down when Garak had called for Carlos. He then asked the Spanish man to empty the water and remove the tub, which he did quickly and left both men alone again. Just before he left though, Garak had also asked Carlos to bring in some blankets and pillows into his room. Garak set the bedding on his bed and picked up the black leather collar. Julian stood speechless as it was again placed around his neck with the shackle to the bed still intact. Garak then handed the blankets and pillow to Julain. "What is this for?" Bashir asked with confusion. Garak's eyes held no amusement as he spoke. "Julian, whatever the reason, you still violated the trust I put in you. Because of that, action still has to be taken, therefore many of the privilages you had before are going to be greatly restricted. Seeing as how I cannot seem to trust my men to guard you, you've left me no choice but to guard you myself. You will, from now on, be made to accompany me anywhere I go and you will also be staying in the cabin with me, so I can keep an adequate eye on you." "What?? You can't be serious!" Julian exclaimed. "Julian, I assure you that I am indeed very serious. You've left me no other recourse. You've brought this on yourself," Garak responded, taking his own clothes off as Julian stood watching him incredulously. Getting into his own nightshirt, he pulled back the covers of his own bedding and watch as a dismayed Julian spread his blankets down onto the floor and laid down, pulling another blanket up over himself. Garak blew out the flame of the lantern and the moonlight shining in through the port windows were his only light as he climbed into bed. Julian laid silently in the dark. As he watched the shadows playing across the walls, he tried to decipher and make sense of all of the thoughts running through his mind. He hated to admit it, but had Garak kissed him moments ago he would have been willing to let it happen and it shocked him. How could he possibly have any desire to have something like that happen? Garak and his kind was the type of criminals that he was trained to fight with; and now he was wanting to...what was he wanting? He wasn't exactly sure what he wanted. There was no doubt that his body instinctively started reacting to the gentle ministrations of the captain's hands upon his flesh, but that didn't make it right...something he wanted. Was he so weak that his body would react to 'anyone's' touch? No, he didn't think so. Others had shown interest in him before and he had never felt the same...What did he feel?? Attraction? Ridiculous, it had to be...there was no way he would be attracted to someone like Garak. But then why had he wanted his kiss earlier? Why did a slow fire start burning when Garak's hand caressed his member? Mmmm, that had felt delicious, Julian admitted to himself, that large, firm hand slowly working him. It would have been so easy to let Garak drive him higher and faster and...wait a minute... Julian shook his head and ignored the painful swelling growing between his legs. 'He'd make a wonderful lover and you know it," that small, soft voice in the back of his mind piped in. Julian moved restlessly on the floor under his covers. No, he'd never want the pirate as a lover...couldn't want him. 'Why not?' the niggling voice asked. That was easy enough to answer, Garak represented everything Julian despised...a thief and a muderer...besides that there was the fact that there was no way he would ever be able to bring himself to beg to a man like that. 'But think of how good he could make you feel,' the warring voice insisted. 'Think of those luscious lips on yours, running over your body, down until he takes you hard, and aching into his mouth and making you cry out...don't say you don't want that.' But it would be too big of a sacrifice to his spirit for some brief pleasure for his body. Besides, he couldn't forget that to Garak he was still nothing more than a mere slave...what had Riley called him? A playtoy? And wouldn't that be exactly what he would succumb to be if he yielded to his desire? How could he possibly live with himself after that, especially when Garak would tire of him and cast him aside like a worthless piece of trash. No, he had higher standards than that, even as a slave, he still had his dignity and he wanted to preserve that. But in the quiet darkness of night, his mind brought forth images of the two of them, limbs entangled, passions running hot and wondered if it truly would be as bad as all that. His mind conjured up different things they could do to each other, with their hands, their mouths, their tongues; and the aching in between Julian's thighs became worse. Finally, giving in to temptation, his hand slipped down under the coverlet and he gently stroked himself, trying to ease the ache the best he could. A few feet over, Garak laid listening to the restless movements coming from the floor. He could guess the torment running through the young man's mind, he had seen it earlier in his eyes. The sounds he heard also gave him a hint as to how his young officer was dealing with it. 'Ah Julian, you could make it so easy on yourself if you just gave in to it...allow me to help you discover the passion you're capable of. But no, your pride won't allow it, not yet anyway, but what I said about it growing stronger...too strong to deny, is true...truer than you want to admit to yourself. Eventually though, your wall of pride is going to crack and leave you no place in which to hide, and then what shall you do my Julian?' With that question in mind,Garak slipped into sleep listening to the slow and steady breathing of the man sharing his room as the gentle rocking of the waves lulled him into slumber. The next morning, Julian was awoken by the sound of movement around the room. Opening an eye, he saw Greyridge moving about the small cabin. Sitting up, he watched as Garak finished getting dressed. "Ah, glad you're awake," the pirate said, and threw a shirt made of red cotton and a pair of black pants at him. "Get dressed. You'll have to wear my clothing until Rosie mends yours up...if they're salvagable." Garak then came over to remove the chain from Julian's collar so he would be able to pull his nightshirt off and put the clothing on. The oversized clothing hung on him so badly that even with the sleeves rolled up and the belt drawn as tightly as it could be, it still made him looked dwarfed. Garak looked the slender man up and down with a critical eye. "They'll do." he said finally, secretly liking how the other man looked in his larger clothing. "It doesn't matter much anyway what you'll wear since you'll be doing a good deal of physical labor today anyway." "What do you mean?" Julian asked, trying to tuck the excess material of the large trousers into the cuffs of his black boots. "You're coming ashore with me today," Garak told him. Julian looked curiously at the older man. "You're having me come with you?" "You can't expect me to leave you here after yesterday's debacle now can you?" Garak asked seriously. Julian didn't answer and didn't meet Garak's eyes either. Why did he feel ashamed of his attempt to escape? Anyone else in his situation would have done the same thing...right? As Julian was thinking to himself, he noticed Garak coming towards him with the chain and wrist shackle. "You're not putting that on me before we leave are you?" he asked hesitantly. Garak stopped for a moment. "Of course... You don't honestly think I'm going to let you run around ashore without a way of making sure you don't run off do you?" Garak reached for him. "Wait! You can't," Julian cried. Garak paused. "And pray tell why can't I?" "Because...it would be...embarrassing," Julian replied quietly. "After yesterday, why should I care one way or another if you're embarrassed?" Garak questioned. Julian thought about all of the crew watching, not to mention anyone else who would be on the island. "Please, I ask you not to," he pleaded to the pirate. Garak looked at him through narrowed eyes. "If I were to let you go on your own, how would I know you wouldn't run off...I have no reason whatsoever to trust you." Wide hazel eyes beseeched him. "Please, I will give you my word of honor that I will not try to escape again....just don't put the chain on me." Garak quietly considered him for a painfully long time before finally speaking. "Fine, I will take you at your word this one time," Garak closed the distance between them until they were only inches apart. "I will have you accompanying me without the chain while staying very close by me, but hear this, if you give me even so much as an inkling that you're going to go back on your word, the chain is going to go on," Garak said in a low voice. "And if you ever try to escape again, you're going to regret it more than you could possibly fathom because I'm not going to be nearly as easy on you as before," he whispered. Julian nodded, the weight of the hinted threat sinking in completely. With nothing more said, he followed Garak closely as they left the cabin and then off the boat. The warm morning sun shone brightly in the sky while the balmy breeze blew gently across Julian, as they disembarked. The plush tropical air carried the scent of orchids and other plants to fill Julian's senses. The huge rocky cliffs overlooked and towered above the pirate's vessel as Julian followed him up the white sanded coast. When he got farther inland, Julian noticed the dense vegetation, filled with palm trees, ripe fruit trees, and marshwood. Looking to where he heard a seagull cry, Julian saw an lagoon. Farther down the coastline, the cliffs developed an alcove. "Where are we?" Julian asked with curiosity as he took in the beautiful panorama. "An island called Maspalomas," Garak replied, a wistful smile graced Garak's features when he answered. Julian was about to ask Garak something else when he heard the pirate being called. "Garak, Garak!!!" cried the voice. Julian shielded his eyes to the sun and saw a young, shapely girl running towards them, her long dark hair caught in the breeze as she ran. When she got close enough, to Julian's surprise, she threw herself into the pirate captain's arms and hugged him tightly, kissing his cheek as she did so. "Oh, Garak! How happy I am to see you!" the woman exclaimed, her Spanish accent was still very thick, though she spoke English well. Garak laughed, "Ah, Alita, I do think your enthusiastic greeting is my favorite part of my visits," he declared, hugging the girl back warmly. "Even more than my cooking?" the woman teased. "Hmm,that's a difficult one to answer, dear, I think I miss your cooking as much as your company," Garak replied, securing an arm around her slender waist. "Oh, don't tease me! I know what a cook Rosie is, you're not missing out on good food that much," Alita replied and patted his stomach for emphasis. Julian watched the exchange silently with an acute feeling of dislike for this strange woman, though he had not the faintest idea why. "Oh, and who is this gentleman?" Alita asked with a friendly smile, finally noticing Julian. "This is my servant, Julian," Garak replied with a nod of his head towards Bashir. "Ah, I see, will he be staying with you while your here?" the girl asked. "Yes," Garak answered simply. "Now, tell me about your father. How is he doing?" "Better since your last vist. The medicine you brought really helped him, but he is trying to find a way that he can harvest more of the potatoes,and fruits for trading, but he just can't do as much as he use to. I'm afraid he's going to make himself sick again," Alita answered, her smile now gone. "Don't you worry, Alita, that's why I'm here," Garak assured as they both headed inland, followed closely by Julian. The village, nestled in the center of a lush valley, was a fairly large one. Many small hovels populated the valley and apparently the Seawolf's crew were well known because many of them were talking to the villagers and were greeted with warm and friendly courtesy. As they kept walking through the village, they passed the outskirts of it to where a small dwelling stood overlooking several large fields. Sitting outside on a rickety wooden chair was a frail looking, elderly Spaniard. The gray hair was thin on top and his face and hands were weathered and beaten. His dark brown eyes lit up when he saw his company. "Garak!" he called, holding his hand out to the pirate and shaking Garak's firmly when he took it. "How have you been? It's been awhile." "Too long, Cappi,"Garak replied with a warm smile. Julian then watched as two small little dark heads poked through from the doorway. One was a wide-eyed little girl who looked to be about five with brown hair in pigtails and an even younger boy with the same chubby cheeks covered in dirty streaks, and wide brown eyes. "Gawak!" the little boy exclaimed and came out to grab the pirate's leg. The older man reached down to tousle the dark hair. "Hello, Pipi, have you been a good boy?" The little boy bobbed his head up and down. "Gawak bring candy??" the little boy asked, feeling the pirate's pockets. "Pipi, that's not very nice to ask for things like that," Alita admonished. "Sorry, Mama," the boy replied. "Well, since you've been good, I think I just may have something for you," Garak replied and Julian watched in amazment as the pirate withdrew a piece of taffy and handed it to the boy who promptly shoved it into his mouth, drawing a laugh from Garak and a smile from Julian. "What about you, Serina? Don't you want to say hello?" Garak asked getting down on one knee to look at the little girl who hid her head behind the door, stuck it out again, and with a giggle finally came bounding out and into the older man's arms for a hug. "Who's that?" the girl asked with curiosity as she stuck her finger out and pointed at Julian while burying her head in Garak's neck. "That's my friend, Julian," Garak replied and the shy girl waved at Julian before burying her head back in Garak's shoulders. Garak stroked the child's hair. "Don't worry, dear, he won't hurt you, he's a friend." Julian couldn't believe this, the little girl felt safe in the pirate's arms, yet was frightened of him??? Finally, the little girl looked up and smiled at Julian, who smiled back. "You'd better be planning on staying here while you're here," Cappi interupted with a playful sternness. "I wouldn't dream of staying anywhere else my friend," Garak replied with a slap to the old man's back. "Before we talk about that though, I hear your having a little trouble harvesting." "Yeah, I am, the bananas are ripe, the potatoes are ready, but I've got no way to get it out," Cappi replied. "Don't worry about that," Garak replied and then turned to Julian, "Go get Carlos for me." Julian looked at him, slightly confused, before taking off to do what he asked. He found the lanky Spaniard talking to a buxom young girl that was talking to and flirting with him. Angered at being interrupted, Carlos was anything but happy when he saw Julian coming, but followed him back nonetheless. "Captain?" he asked, awaiting his orders. "Gather the men and meet me in the field in a few minutes," Garak replied. Carlos was off immediately, but Julian could have sworn he heard the pirate mubbling under his breath. Within minutes the entire crew was gathered together and headed out into the field and started picking the bananas and potatoes and filling huge baskets with them. Julian watched as Garak started out to join them beckoning him to follow, which Julian did. Julian was surprised when Garak joined his crew and started picking potatoes. "Don't stand there, start picking," Garak ordered and motioned for Julian to come and work side by side with him. Julian was quiet for quite some time before he finally spoke. "What are you going to do with all of this once it's picked?" he asked, tossing another potato into the crate he and the captain were sharing. "I have a merchant friend who I will give this to. He will take it to be traded and give the money to me, which I'll return to Cappi," Garak answered, not looking at Julian as he wiped the sweat off of his forehead. "Is Cappi someone you're close to?" Julian wondered. "He and Alita have been friends of mine since Alita's husband was killed a few years ago. Since then, when I visit, I help them with their crops," Garak answered. "So you've done this before," Julian summized. "A time or two," Garak answered simply as he continued picking. By late afternoon, the crew had managed to harvest all of the potatoes and bananas there were to be had. By early evening, all of the crates were loaded into the ship's hold. By then, it was time for dinner and it shocked Julian that the entire crew had invitations to various houses for dinner and offers to spend the night. Julian was led by Garak back to Cappi's house. When they entered, Alita shepherded them to go wash up before sitting to eat, already having a bowl of water and a clean drying cloth ready for them. The house was a small and modest dwelling. It was large enough for the children, Alita, and Cappi each to have their own bedrooms, plus a spare guest room. The floors were dirt, and the wooden walls were mostly bare except for a few lanterns scattered throughout casting a warm glow through the house and some hand-woven tapestries. What furniture there was to be had, was created from dark wood and hand-crafted by a skilled hand. When Garak and Julian finished cleaning up and showed up at the table, it was filled with dishes of potatoes, beans, blackened fish, and large glasses of wine. Garak took his seat at the table next to Alita with Julian on his other side while each child was seated on either side of their grandfather. "Mmm, Alita, I must say, I do believe you've out done yourself, this is marvelous," Garak replied after swallowing his mouthful of fish. "Why thank you, I'm glad you like it," Alita replied with a smile, blushing prettily. Garak smiled back at her, "Don't you agree, Julian?" "Hmm, oh, yes, the food is excellent," Julian replied, not really tasting the bite in his mouth. Julian remained silent, simply listening, as Garak turned his focus on Cappi as the older man discussed the various rumors and goings on in the town since Garak's last visit. By the sounds of it, Garak was very familiar with this village, as he seemed to be acquainted with everyone Cappi referred to. Julian had never seen the pirate captain as at ease as he seemed to be with these people, like they were family. Julian supposed much the ease had to do with the fact that these people weren't Garak's crew, he was able to be at ease with them instead of feeling responsible for them. Julian knew from his own experience as a captain, that no matter how close you felt to people in your crew, there was a distance you kept - a distance that helped the crew to remember that friend or not, your orders were to be obeyed unquestioningly when the time came for it. It helped to preserve order aboard the ship. Here though, in this relaxed element, Garak was allowed to be simply a man instead of a captain. Julian decided that the change suited him well, he was laughing, smiling, and seemed to be at peace. Before long the dinner was over and the children were both yawning. "All right Pipi, Serina, time for bed," Alita replied. "Aw, mama, do we have to?" Serina pleaded. "Yes, your mama is right, the hour is growing late and it's time for all good children to be in bed," Garak replied. The children's faces fell as they realized they were not going to get a reprieve just because they had company. Reluctantly, they both got off their chairs and gave both their grandfather and their mother a kiss goodnight, and then stunned Julian by going over and kissing Garak as well. "'Night Gawak," Pipi said before running off after his sister to their room. It wasn't long after that before there was a knock on the door. Alita went to answer it; Carlos, Raoul, and several other men came in carrying several covered baskets, crates, and a chest. "I brought the stuff like ya asked me to," Carlos said. "Good, thank you," Garak replied as all the items were placed on the floor. "Garak, what is all of this?" Alita asked. "Take a look and find out for yourself," the pirate replied mysteriously. Alita and Cappi both worked to open the crates, uncover the baskets, and open the chest. Julian was amazed when he saw them pull out different meats, vegetables, sacks of flour and wheat from the baskets and crates. From the truck came various articles of clothing ranging from children's to men's. "Garak, what did I tell you about this? You know you don't have to do this," Alita replied. "I know that, but I also know it's needed. I enjoy helping you out," Garak replied with a smile. "We appreciate it more than you know," Cappi replied, shaking the captain's hand. Alita walked over and planted a quick kiss on the pirate's mouth. "Yes, Garak, we both thank you for your generosity. I don't know what we'd do without you." "Come, my friend," Cappi said, moving towards the door. "I have plans for the crops that I'd like to talk over with you." With a wink, the older man added, "Not to mention some special rum I've been saving that is waiting to be tasted." "Yes, of course," Garak responded and then turned to Julian, "I'd like you to help Alita clear the table." Julian merely nodded and watched Garak leave with the elderly man. "Do you need me to get some water for you?" Julian asked, while turning his attention to the table and the dirty dishes. "No, I have some from earlier, but you can help me dry," the woman replied and tossed a towel at Julian. She had already gathered the dishes and piled them near the tub she used for washing. Julian stood beside her, waiting until she handed him the wet dishes to be dried. "So Julian, how long have you been aboard the Seawolf?" Alita asked curiously. "Going on two weeks now," Julian answered casually. "You've been there long enough, tell me, what do you think of Garak so far," Alita asked. "I have no opinion of the captain either way," Julian remarked, not knowing just how much he could trust this woman. He wouldn't want anything that shouldn't to get back to the older man. "Oh come, Julian, surely you must have some opinion of Garak by now," Alita pressed, handing another wooden bowl over to officer. Julian knew he had to distract her from this particular course of conversation. "To tell you the truth, I'm much more interested in your opinion of him. It sounds like you've known each other for quite awhile." "Years actually," the woman replied with a small smile, "As for what I think of him, Garak means the world to me. He was close friends with my husband, and then Hernando passed on. Garak was the one who helped to keep my father's fields going, helped provide food and supplies to me and my children. I would not have survived Hernando's death without him." The affection and respect were evident in the young woman's voice. Julian could imagine it easily, a scared young woman with two small children, not knowing what was going to happen to her or her family. He could see how that would create a special bond with the one that had in essence rescued her. "You care for him, don't you?" Julian asked, making it come off as nonchalant as he could. "Yes, I do, very much so. He is quite special to me and I don't wish to see him hurt by anyone," Alita replied, keeping her eyes trained on the dish in front of her. "Do you care for him more than a friend?" Julian asked, puzzling himself by even wondering. Why should he care one way or another if this woman had any interest in the pirate? "Ah, Julian, it wouldn't matter if I wanted more from him than friendship or not," Alita replied. "Why not?" Julian asked. "You are after all, a very attractive woman. I would think any man would be honored to have your interest," he responded begrudgingly. "Thank you, but no matter how attractive I may be, I shall never turn Garak's head...I'm not exactly his type," Alita answered, sounding a little sad, "and I respect that." Julian was about to question her farther when they heard Garak and Cappi return. "Well, my friend, it's been a long day and I'm ready to rest. I hope you don't think me rude if I let Alita show you where you'll be sleeping," Cappi said as he entered. "Of course not, sleep well, my friend," Garak replied. "You too," Cappi returned and then kissed his daughter on the cheek. "Good night, dear." "Night poppy," Alita answered, kissing him back before he left into the other room. She then turned to her two visitors. "Okay, if both of you will follow me..." She started heading to the other part of the house. "Okay, now we only have one guestroom, will it be a problem with sharing?" she asked as she entered a small bedroom. It was adorned only with a few pieces of simple furniture to keep clothes in and a basin with a pitcher of water beside it. "No, it shouldn't be a problem," Garak answered for them both, even though Julian looked skeptically at the rather small bed in the center of room. They would have no room at all if they both had to share the bed. "Good, the extra pillows and blankets are in there," Alita replied pointing to a small trunk in front of the bed, "and if there's no more, I'll bid you both a good night." Giving Garak another quick kiss and hug, she then left. Julian watched as Garak undressed down to his underclothing and climbed into the bed, fluffing the pillow before he laid down on it. "Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to get some sleep?" he finally asked Julian. "I'll be sleeping on the floor," Julian responded. "You may if you like, but I wouldn't suggest it," Garak replied, turning his back to Julian and pulling the blanket up over him. "Why not?" "Because it's not uncommon for snakes and other creatures to find their way into houses around here," Garak replied. Julian, who had already begun unbuttoning his shirt stopped half way down. "Snakes?" "Among other things." Julian nearly growled with frustration. He didn't 'want' to sleep next to Garak, but it looks like he was out of any other options. He was going to have to sleep in the same bed with this infuriating man. Well, Julian told himself, he'd just have to find a way to deal with it. He undressed down to his own underclothing and blew out the lanterns, leaving only the moon's iridescent glow as the only light leading him to the small bed. Hesitantly, he pulled the blanket back and climbed into the bed, being mindful not to try to touch the pirate captain. Closing his eyes, Julian did his best to ignore the body lying next to him. It proved to be impossible, as he could hear the gentle breathing, feel the heat radiating off of him, and was aware that only a few scant inches kept their bodies from touching. Julian flopped over on his stomach. He then thought about the Alita, such a pretty brunette. What had ever possessed him to ask her how she felt about Garak? Why should he care one way or another if a rather pretty woman had an interest in the pirate? What's more, why had he felt a sense of relief when she said she wasn't his type? Julian flipped over onto his back, making sure to stay on his side as he did so. He also had himself wondering just who Garak really was. Julian had though Garak was a pirate, which to him always meant a thieving murderer. Yet this man didn't seem to be anything like that though, in the eyes of the people of this village...in this family at least. He was beginning to realize that there was a number of levels to this complex person that had taken him captive. "There's still a lot ye don't know 'bout the Cap'n..." He could hear Rosie's comment as if she whispered it in the darkness. What more was he destined to learn about the Seawolf's captain? 'Better watch it Julian, you're curiosity could become dangerous,' his inner voice cautioned. How could it be dangerous? Garak didn't seem to want to hurt him or he surely would have by now. Then he reminded himself of the kiss he had taken and remembered the feel of the older man's hands running over his body. The touch was so warm that the wash cloth was no barrier for, and he realized he could in fact still be very dangerous. Julian wanted to moan his frustration but didn't lay voice to it, just turned onto his side again. Suddenly, a heavy arm wound itself around his waist and he was pulled against a broad, muscular chest. "Wh...what are you doing?" Julian asked in a tenuous voice. "I'm tired of your moving about. I'm going to get some sleep one way or another. If you refuse to be still, I'll see to it that you're still," Garak replied in a soft voice and tightened his grip. "I...I'm sorry, I'll try and be still," Julian replied, trying to get out from under the arm with no avail. "Hush and sleep," Garak replied against his neck. Sleep? He was supposed to try to sleep in this position? He couldn't move or get comfortable, forced to stay pressed up against the sturdy body of the pirate. Another part of his mind noticed that the warm steady heat surrounding him did feel rather nice. He could feel the steady heart beating and the warm steady breathing on the nape of his neck. Well, he told himself, he might as well try to sleep - he didn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. Soon his breathing slowed down, his eyes drifted shut and he fell into a deep and restful sleep. The next morning, when Julian woke up, he found he had a difficult time moving. Opening his eyes, he realized the reason he had a hard time moving was because somehow he had turned in his sleep towards the pirate's chest. His arms were now pinned against him while their legs were wound around one another. To say it felt peculiar waking up in that situation was an understatement. It was made worse when Julian tried to untangle himself only to have the pirate mutter in his sleep and pull him closer in. Julian moved slightly, suddenly realizing just how close he was to the pirate when he felt their groins accidentally rubbed against one another as he squirmed out of the captain's arms. With care, Julian managed to get out of the bed without waking the pirate...or so he thought. "Good morning," Garak greeted with an easy smile, watching Julian's graceful movements as he went about pulling on his clothing, the oversized red shirt and black pants he had lent him earlier."Hand me my clothes," he ordered, which Julian did without looking at the older man. Julian untied his hair and smoothed it back before retying it, then washed his hands and face as the pirate dressed without further word. There was a knock on their door before it opened up. "Breakfast is ready," Alita replied, sticking her head in the room. "Thank you dear, we'll be out momentarily," Garak answered. Both men joined Alita, Cappi, and the children at the table. Alita had made a large breakfast with some of the supplies she had been given the previous night. The table was set with egg, fried ham, and biscuits waiting for the group of men and children. "So Garak, what do you have planned for today?" Alita asked while filling her plate with some of the eggs and a piece of ham. "I thought I would go visit Lorenso, Josefina, and Gitana today," Garak replied, taking a sip of the coffee that had been given to him. "Ah, yes, they should be looking forward to seeing you again," Cappi replied. As the conversation moved to other matters, Julian wondered who these people were and why Garak was going to visit them. Was it another family he was friends with? As friendly as everyone had been to them since their arrival, it wouldn't surprise him in the least. Before long they had finished breakfast, the kids had ran outside to play, and Garak was ready to leave. "Come Julian," he called after the officer as he stood. "Thank you for a wonderful breakfast Alita, is there anything you need for dinner tonight?" "Oh no, after what you brought in last night, we should be fine for quite awhile Garak," the woman answered as she cleared the table. "Very well, I shall see you this evening then," Garak replied. "You had better," Alita called as Garak and Julian turned to leave. The weather was very mild. The warm, moist breeze drifted in from the coast and the sun was high and bright in the sky. Julian followed Garak up the pale, sandy beach, up the coastline, and back to the docked Seawolf. Garak led Julian to the hold, where he saw numerous baskets filled to the brim with food and other staples, chests filled with just what, Julian couldn't tell, and other sacks of goods hidden from view. "Grab those two baskets over there," Garak replied, pointing to a couple of covered baskets in the corner. With difficulty, Julian managed to heave them into his arms as Garak grabbed a trunk and several baskets himself. They were perched precariously on top the trunk. They must have been heavier than Julian's load, because he could see the large arms bulging from the straining through the pirate's black shirt. "Follow me," the pirate replied, and Julian shifted the baskets in his arms to see around them to keep his eyes on where the pirate was headed. They headed off the boat and down the coast to a rocky trail. As they walked, Julian's eyes - once on Garak's broad back - drifted down to watch the well rounded behind. He couldn't help remembering how the tight half-globes felt as he had washed them, the smooth skin...Julian shook himself and concentrated on the path they were walking. "Where are we going?" Julian asked, breaking the unnerving silence. "You'll see when we get there," Garak replied, without looking back. They continued walking along for quite awhile and just when Julian thought his arms were going to get so tired that he'd drop his armful, Garak informed them they had arrived. Looking up, Julian noticed they were standing in front of a large whitewashed church. It looked worn, with the whitewash chipping and peeling, and Julian noticed that the roof didn't look any too sturdy. Garak set his load down and Julian followed suit. Garak then knocked on the huge wooden door. Julian heard footsteps approaching and the door opened to reveal a large, dark skinned woman with wrinkled eyes wearing a long habit. As soon as the woman set eyes on the pirate, the hazel eyes went huge with surprise and pleasure. "Garak, my son! Please, come in," the nun exclaimed and moved out of the way to allow them to enter. The church was simple in design; It consisted of only a number of well-worn pews, the altar, candles providing a soft glow, a statue of the Virgin Mary in its proper place, and the confession box off to one side. Julian could hear the laughing, squealing, and crying of children from somewhere out back. "It's a pleasure to see you again Sister Josefina, I hope all is well," Garak replied as the woman gave him a sound hug. The sister's smile didn't quite reach her eyes, "As well as it usually is, dear," she replied. "Now you wait right here and I'll find Father Lorenso, he will be so pleased to know you've come to visit us again." The Sister was then off without another word. "This isn't just a church is it?" Julian asked curiously. "No, it is also an orphanage," Garak responded. "Go outside and bring the baskets and trunks in," he ordered. Julian went outside and did as he was told. When he returned with his arms full for the third trip, Garak was standing and talking to an elderly priest. The father was holding a child no more than a year old in his arms. "Garak, my son, it is always a pleasure to see you," Father Lorenso replied, shifting the child into one arm to leave the other free to shake Garak's extended hand. Coming to stand beside him, was a slender middle aged, Mexican woman wearing a habit as well. Garak then turned to the officer. "Julian, this is Father Lorenso, Sister Josefina, and Sister Gitana. They run St. Peter's orphanage." "A pleasure to meet you," Julian responded. "Likewise son," the Father replied. "Any friend of Garak's is always more than welcome here." Julian was unable to resist the Father's warm and friendly smile, and found himself smiling in return. "Now what is all of this?" Sister Gitana asked, looking at the baskets and trunks. "They are gifts for the orphanage," Garak replied and began to open each one. Again the baskets and trunks were filled with food, children's clothing, and handmade toys for the children as well. There was also a satchel containing a generous sum of money. "Garak, this is too generous of you. I don't know what to say. We should not take such a gift," the Father replied. "Father Lorenso, consider it a donation if nothing else," Garak replied. "Bless you, Garak, bless you," Sister Josefina said. "Think nothing of it," Garak assured her. "Now tell me Father, do you still have the problem with that leaking roof?" "Yes, we do actually. We haven't been able to fix it since you've visited last," Lorenso answered. "Just as I suspected," Garak answered with a smile, "that's why I brought a good deal of lumber with me this time. Julian and I shall gather the men and we'll make sure it's fixed." "Thank you, son, thank you," Sister Gitana replied as a group of children came racing in from outside. With a hand to Julian's back, Garak led him outside. Once there, Garak found Raoul and told him to gather the men he could find and to pass the word onto the rest of the crew. By time Garak, Julian, and the few others had brought all the wood up from the Seawolf, the rest of the crew was waiting with tools in hand. Giving the men brief orders, Garak soon had everyone working on different sections of the roof. Julian worked side by side the pirate captain while the midmorning heat beat down on them making him sweaty and hot. Every now and then, Julian found himself watching Garak work - his movements were graceful for the large body as he twisted and turned, moving the wood from one place to another when he wasn't hammering. Feeling that he was getting overheated, Julian got down from the roof and went over to the bucket of cold water that the Sisters had carried out for them. As he picked up the ladle to take a drink, Julian looked out in the back where a small playground had been set up; over twenty children ranging from three on up to twelve or older were all outside enjoying the beautiful weather, laughing and playing games. Julian couldn't help smiling at thinking he was helping them with all of the hard work he and the other men were putting in today - it was for them that this was being done. Julian looked at the group of men working on the roof; for a minute he completely forgot about the fact that they were pirates, to him at the time, there were no pirates, only men joined together in one task...to help someone in need. He couldn't help but feel a little flutter of pride at being part of this. "Fetch me some water too, while you're at it." Garak's voice brought him out of his musing. Julian took another ladle full of water out of the bucket and held it out for the pirate to drink from. "Can I ask you something?" he asked. There had been something he had been curious about since last night. "Of course," Garak replied, wiping the sweat away from his brow with the bandanna around his neck. "How did you get all the materials and supplies that you've been using and giving away?" Julian asked. "Why Julian, it's come from the treasure we took off your vessel," the pirate replied. "You mean you've been using the treasure to buy goods to help these people?" Julian asked quietly, trying to absorb what he had been told. "That's right, after purchasing enough supplies for the men, everything else goes to the people we feel need it," Garak replied. "You keep nothing for yourself at all?" Julian asked skeptically. "Julian, did you see the faces of Alita and Cappi, of the Father and Sisters when I brought the supplies?" Garak asked. "Yes," Julian answered. "That's all the payment I need," Garak answered before moving off to yell at Beau to go get more lumber. Julian stood quiet for several minutes deep in thought before he gathered his thoughts enough to go back to working. Even after he got back on the church roof though, he wasn't able to quit thinking about what Garak had told him. Garak was using all of the treasure he pirates to benefit those in need? He had never heard of a pirate doing such a thing. Could he have possibly been misled in his thinking towards the pirate? It was actually quite a noble gesture to help those less fortunate. That didn't justify it in the end though, Julian reminded himself. Theft was still theft and that point couldn't be ignored, even if it was for a noble cause. Right? Of course that's right, Julian told himself. It still didn't make it right. Try as he might though, he couldn't ignore the fact that at least a part of him felt a bit of respect for the Seawolf's captain. It became clear to him now why the islanders treated Garak with such esteem and honor. There were still quite a few unanswered questions about the pirate though, and Julian found himself curious to find the answers. "Mate, ye look like ye have somthin' on yer mind," Rosie replied as she sat next to the officer after passing out sandwiches for lunch to the crew. Julian knew that she could possibly answer some the questions that had been on his mind since the midmorning. "Rosie, let me ask you something, how long has Garak been helping people on this island?" "Years mate, whenever we get a chance to help these people out, we do," Rosie replied, taking a bite of the thick sandwich. "Do you know what caused him to start this?" the young man asked between bites. "Ya know, I've never asked him, but I'm sure he'd tell ye if ye really wanna know," the Quartermaster replied. "It seems like Garak isn't at all what I thought him to be," Julian murmured more to himself than to anyone else. "Well boyo, ye'll find out not too many people are what they seem when you take a first look at um," Rosie answered with a knowing smile. There was something else that weighed heavy on Julian's mind. "Rosie, I know that Garak has been using the money he's scavenged from other ships to pay for supplies to help these people, but has he slaughtered for it?" Julian had to know the truth. "Garak has never taken a life unless it was absolutely necessary," Rosie replied solemnly. "I've heard the rumors, that can't be true! What about the attack on the Tempest where so many were murdered?" Julian asked. "The Tempest?" Rosie asked, seeming surprised to hear of the name again. "Let me tell ye something mate, some people call it a massacre, but let me ask you something. Did you know that those men on the Tempest had been carryin' over two hundred men, women, and children from this very island...on their way to turn them over to a slave ship?" Julian was stunned speechless. It was the first that he had ever heard of that news. "No...slaves?" Julian couldn't help but thinking about people like Alita, Salina, and Pipi being traded as slaves. "That's right mate, Garak found out about it and nearly had himself a fit. He set off right away to intercept um' and had to fight when the Tempest's crew wouldn't turn over the islanders...that was all Garak had been asking for. A lot of men of the Tempest's crew lost their lives, but all the islanders were returned without a single lost life," Rosie replied. It seemed as if everything Julian was finding out about the pirate was the last thing he had expected from him. Had he indeed been so wrong about Garak? Had he been blinded by his own prejudice so much so that he hadn't been able to see the pirate captain for the man he was? Wait, his mind reminded him, he had still kidnapped him. 'Saved your life,' the other part of his mind challenged. He was so confused. It seemed that Greyridge was shrouded in a mystery that Julian wondered if he ever would be able to uncover. "What about the other rumors and tales about battles and rampages?" Julian asked quietly. "Boyo, don't ye think that occasionally tales get told and traded, getting bigger and bigger each time it's told? Most of what ye's heard is nothin' more than hearsay and drunkin' exaggerations," Rosie replied before standing up to leave. Leaving Julian more confused than he had originally been. How much truth was there to the legend? He was having a difficult time sorting it all out in his mind. What did he truly know for certain? He knew that Garak was intelligent, he was able to pick that up from their discussions. He knew that Garak had a streak of kindness in him...proved by saving his life and helping the islanders. He knew that Garak could be ruthless when he wanted to - that could be seen when his temper had been lost on Riley and what had happened to the crew of the Tempest..no matter how justified it was. He also knew that there had to be some truth to the other rumors since all rumors had at least fraction of truth within it. For ever answer he got, it just seemed to raise more questions in Julian's mind until he felt his head swimming with it all as he tried to work on the roof. Before long, the noonday sun fell low in the sky and the roof was finished. The men were all ready for a hearty dinner that was put on in gratitude by the Sisters and Father. Garak was ever mindful as he felt Julian's eyes upon him. Every now and again he would catch the British officer staring at him with frank curiosity while he worked; now throughout dinner, Julian kept stealing glances his way out of the corner of his eye. He knew that Julian was trying to figure him out. 'Good luck, my Julian,' the pirate thought to himself with a hidden smile. The night soon grew late. After paying their thanks to the Sisters and Father, the crew left to go their separate ways - back to the individual houses they were staying at, or back to the boat where a small party was picking up. Garak led Julian back to Cappi's house, finding that only Alita was still awake by time they came in. "About time you boys got back, tell me, how was your visit at the orphanage?" Alita asked, looking directly at Garak while she spoke. Garak obliged by discussing all that had happened over the day, and Alita listened with rapt attention. Before long though, Garak could tell that the late hour was taking a toll on Alita and Julian both, as both were now having difficulty keeping their eyes open. "I'm going to suggest that we all turn in for the evening," Garak said finally as Julian did his best to stifle a yawn. "I hate to admit it, since I want to talk to you longer, but I agree, it is getting late," Alita responded. She then leaned over to give Garak a quick kiss. "Good night my friend." She then moved to blow out all of the lanterns in the house as Garak and Julian found their way to the bedroom. Once in the small bedroom, Garak stripped down to his underclothing and washed off with one of the clothes beside the basin of fresh water. Julian undressed as well, waiting his turn to do the same. Garak climbed under the covers while waiting for Julian to finish washing and turn out the lantern light. When he was finished and finally did turn out the light, it made little difference as the full moon shown brightly through the opened window. Julian was annoyed at himself with the fluttering in his stomach that started up again as soon as he moved under the covers next to the pirate's body. What was it about being so close to this man that caused all these nerves? Julian was silent as he laid there in the dark and didn't flinch this time when the heavy arm rested on his stomach. He tried hard to shut his eyes and not think too intensely about the man laying only inches away. He had come to learn so much so quickly that examining it too closely still overwhelmed him. It didn't help because the more he tried to ignore it, the more it crept into his thoughts. Julian turned to face the pirate. "Garak?" he called quietly, knowing the older man wasn't asleep yet. "Yes? What is it?" Garak asked just as quietly. "What led you to doing this?" Julian asked. "By this, do you mean pirating to help others?" Garak asked in return. "Yes." "When I was young, my mother grew very ill. It got so bad that she eventually died from the illness that could have been stopped with a simple medicine, but we had been too poor to afford it. From then on out, I swore I would do everything I could to assure that the poor would get the help they deserve," Garak replied. Julian looked the pirate in the eyes. Even in the dark, there was enough light from the moon that he could see into the clear blue depths. "I'm sorry for your mother's death," Julian whispered. "And I'm sorry for assuming things about you that weren't true." "Julian, it's not your fault. You were conditioned to have a certain opinion of pirates, you had to; to do your duty," Garak replied. "Well, it seems I still have quite a few things left to learn," Julian answered in a low voice. Again he noticed how close he and the pirate were, that only a few sparse inches separated their bodies, could feel the heat radiating off the older man. Those hands that had roamed over his body when he had been bathed were not far at all from him. He also couldn't help but thinking about when he had stolen that kiss when Garak had been sleeping after getting injured...he had tasted so sweet, and those lips had been so soft. "Julian," Garak whispered, as if reading his thoughts, "do you want me to kiss you right now?" "Yes," came the answer so soft that it was nearly missed before Julian even realized it had passed his lips. Garak turned slightly, his hand coming up to cup the back of Julian's head as he slowly brought the officer's mouth on top of his. Julian's lips parted slightly, allowing the probing tongue entrance into his mouth. Julian's hand came up to the pirate's chest and his fingers played over the sculpted muscles. Garak's other hand traveled over Julian's back in a light touch as he deepened the kiss. Julian's heart pounded and the blood rushed in his ears as his own tongue battled and invaded the older man's mouth as well to explore gently. Garak thought he had never tasted lips as sweet as he had right now as he gently nibbled and sucked on the officer's bottom lip, his hand now tangling in Julian's hair. Julian started to get light headed before the pirate reluctantly broke for air. Garak looked at the confusion and apprehension that clouded the younger man's eyes. 'Ah, my Julian, you are not quite ready yet. There is still too much you are not sure of within yourself,' he thought. "Sleep now, Julian," Garak said and turned him around in his arms and pulled him close to him. He knew that the young man was even more confused now than he had been before. 'Don't worry, my pet, soon you'll be ready to give yourself to me fully, but until then I shall wait.' What had happened? Julian wondered. Why on Earth had he told Garak he wanted him to kiss him? As much as he didn't want to admit to it, he had reacted and actually had enjoyed the kiss. What did that mean? Did it have any meaning at all? All these thoughts rolled through his mind as he drifted off to sleep with strong arms around him. The next morning, Julian again awoke in the arms of the pirate. He was surprised at how comfortable he seemed to be becoming with the older man's presence. Of course, with the amount of time he had been made to spend with the captain, it only made sense that they would start to share a familiar easiness. Though he still couldn't determine if that was the case, then why his pulse would rise at times when he would catch the pirate looking at him in a particularly peculiar manor. Julian made no move to get out of the embrace this morning; instead he simply laid there listening to the steady breathing of the older man and gazed into the resting, peaceful expression on his face. Julian thought about the previous night, and the kiss they had shared. The officer's lips still tingled in remembrance and his skin felt flushed. There was no doubting the pirate's capability in that area, Julian admitted. How though, would he have reacted if the pirate had demanded more after the kiss? Again his mind told him to tread carefully and with caution on the grounds his thoughts were roaming on. The man was handsome; Julian would be lying to himself if he said otherwise. He also couldn't shake the impression that this man would also be a very talented lover but his mind would not let him forget all the dissimilarities between them. He couldn't deny though, that for some reason beyond his grasp, the Fates had decided to intertwine their paths. Julian was pulled from his thoughts when he blinked and noticed a pair of lazuline eyes watching him. "Good morning," the pirate said, stretching his body under the sheets to work out the kinks of his muscles. "Good morning," Julian replied and hurriedly got out of the bed and began to dress for the day. "You look like you slept well," Garak replied, languidly getting out of the bed and dressing himself. When Julian made no comment, Garak went on. "That's a good thing because today we're packing up. It's time to move on." Julian wouldn't admit it, but he was going to miss the people he had met and this village. Granted he hadn't been there long at all, but he had grown fond of the few he had met rather quickly. He had actually enjoyed the time he had spent in this quiescent village. Over breakfast, Julian got the distinct impression that Garak was remorseful in having to leave as well. The pirate captain's mood was still relaxed, but he was also quite somber and ruminative. Soon they both were saying their good-byes to Cappi and Alita. "Now you had better be sure to come and visit us more often now," Cappi said in a tone that left no room for debate. "Don't worry, my friend, I promise to make it a regular habit to visit," Garak assured him. "I'm going to hold you to that," Cappi said with a grin. "Yes, and please be careful Garak, I will be thinking about you often," Alita interjected, pulling Garak in for a final hug and a kiss farewell. She then turned to Julian. "Good-bye to you as well. Remember, anyone who is a friend to Garak is always welcome in this house." She then surprised him when she took him in a hug as well. "Watch over him," she whispered in a voice meant for his ears only before releasing him. Garak had gotten down on one knee in order to hug both of the children that had been tugging at his pant-legs, vying for attention as well. "Now, you promise to both be very good and look after your mother and Grandfather," Garak told them. "We will," Serina promised while Pipi's head bobbed up and down in agreement. "That's what I want to hear," Garak replied and hugged both children once more and gave each of them another piece of taffy before standing again. "Are you ready?" he asked, looking directly at Julian, who nodded his affirmation before following the pirate out the door. As they eventually reached the docked boat, Julian gave one last look over his shoulder at the tranquil, placid, island whose inhabitants he had gotten to know. He said a silent farewell before wondering where their next stop would take them.