Beginning: A Star Trek Novel (New Frontier Reloaded Book 2)

by ROVER MARIE TOWLE

  "And if you don't, he is still going to die. Whether you want him to or not, his death is inevitable." Odo hardened his expression. "Either you can see him off properly, or you can hide from it until the bitter end. Which would you regret more?"

  They were hard words to hear. Kejal knew Odo only took on that tone when he had a point to drive home. And it worked. He felt it burrowing into his chest like a knife.

  His father was going to die, and nothing he did could prevent that eventuality.

  "I think...I-I need to be a Tarkalean hawk for awhile." Kejal said, avoiding Odo's eyes. "My transport sticker is next to the container I used to regenerate."

  Odo held him closer. "Don't be too long."

  As soon as his mother released him, Kejal crouched low and relaxed. Morphogenic enzymes flooded his system, breaking up his cells into cytoplasm until he told his body what to become. He compacted his substance. Feathers appeared on his gelatinous surface. He focused on perfecting the shape. The curved beak was the hardest, but the fierce golden eyes were easy. His vision sharpened until he could distinguish individual freckles on the face of a little girl a mile away.

  Kejal gave a hawk's shriek and flapped his wings. The wind, a bird's best friend, lifted him upward. His feet folded up against his underbelly as the hospital facility shrank away.

  Air moved differently in the city than it did in the wilderness. He sensed the currents ricocheting off the buildings like rapids in a river.

  Finally, an updraft! Kejal spread his wings to let it carry him so high the city below was just a miniature diorama between rolling green hills. Morning fog hugged the ocean, obscuring it from view. The distant mountains were majestic creatures reaching for the atmosphere. Even further off, he saw the curved horizon.

  A breeze sent something pale brown skittering in the city street far below. He recognized it from thousands of feet away.

  Tarkalean hawks were the greatest showoffs in the sky and the fastest predator in the Alpha quadrant. Known for making kills in mid-air, off the ground and even in water-- able to soar for hours and capable of reaching dizzying heights --yes, they truly fit the profile of a perfect bird.

  Kejal twirled through a cloud. He tucked his wings in, closed up his tail feathers and let gravity take over. Within ten seconds of beginning his stoop, he reached speeds of over one hundred and fifty miles per hour. Wind roared past his ears and tore at his feathers. Baffles in his nostrils kept the air from ripping his inner substance apart. Every nanosecond he adjusted his teardrop shape for maximum aerodynamic control. The city grew like magic.

  He felt weightless. He felt free.

  But his aim was a little off.

  Not a problem. Not a problem at all.

  Turning his head would send him out of control, so he flicked his wings and did a graceful barrel roll to keep his target centered in his sights. The horizon spun. His central vision stayed clear. He maintained his balance. Almost there!

  The side of a skyscraper whipped through his peripheral vision. His instincts screamed, and at the last possible second he fanned his wings and tail. His momentum shot him forward. Pebbles on the street were blurs. G-forces slammed into him as he stretched his talons to grab his prey before flapping back towards the sky in a harrowing death-defying spin.

  Him against gravity, and he won.

  Kejal circled another cloud, shaking from the thrill. A dirty hasperat wrapper dangled off his feet.

  I still got it, Kejal thought triumphantly to himself. He swooped past an outdoor waste unit and dropped the trash inside, leaving a very confused street merchant staring at his retreating tail feathers. If only birds could laugh.

  It was impossible to be sad while flying. Impossible.

  But he couldn't put off reality forever.

  Kejal circled the city once more and headed back to the hospital.

  Chapter 12: Bittersweet Homecoming

  "...and so far those are the three wedding bowls we like." Kira handed Mora a PADD showing three elaborate bowls for the ceremonial sip of wine.

  The first bowl was silver and covered in beautiful decorative engravings. The gold one had small red gems along its rim. The third looked two-toned, gold and silver arranged in spirals.

  Mora smiled softly at being included in the planning.

  "I like the second one." He glanced at Kira's new betrothal bracelet. "It matches."

  "Our wedding colors should be red and gold." Odo remarked. His eyes literally sparkled when he gazed at Kira. "I always associated those colors with you."

  "Mm." Kira's expression mirrored Odo's. "Then I know what colors my dress will be."

  Odo smiled, gazing down at his feet. "I look forward to seeing it. I'll wear a tuxedo...and Doctor Mora, I think you should, too."

  Mora lifted both eyebrows. "The fitting is going to be a nightmare."

  "I can take your measurements to Garak when I go back to Deep Space Nine," said Kira.

  "I'm losing weight." Mora admitted. "Fitting the pants might be an issue. Better make sure it comes with a belt."

  Nodding, Odo cast a sidelong look at Kira.

  "Nosing in. Coming through." Aleexa wiggled her way towards Mora's bedside. "I see you ate everything on your plate. That's good. Any nausea, sweetie?"

  "No...eating actually makes me feel better." Mora pushed his plate towards her. "Thank you, that tasted nice."

  "Glad to hear it. I'll make sure you get to clean your teeth in a minute. Let me take this first." Aleexa took the whole food tray away. She grinned at Odo and Kira. "I hear you two are planning a wedding. Congratulations!"

  "Thank you." Odo replied. Kira bumped her shoulder into his.

  "Yes, Aleexa, thank you."

  The Talaxian giggled and left with the tray. She came back carrying an ionizing toothbrush. Not Mora's favorite type, but he didn't complain as he used it.

  "I hate to be a bother, but is there any way I can get a shave?" Mora rubbed at his stubble.

  "Oh, of course! You like straight razors, don't you? We only have disposable laser razors here...will that be okay until you're home again?"

  "Yes. That's fine."

  "I'll be right back then."

  "Hm. I never grew facial hair when I was stuck as a humanoid." Odo scratched thoughtfully at his own chin. "I still can't quite mimic it."

  Kira swatted at his hip. "I always wanted to see you with stubble."

  Odo crinkled his nose at her.

  Mora laughed as Aleexa passed him the tiny laser razor. A short stick ending in a flat rectangular emitter. The laser cut off his stubble and the plate underneath collected the hairs when he passed the emitter over his skin. A very soothing shave, though not as close as he preferred it. He discarded the unit once he finished.

  Almost immediately after, his head swam. His body was reminding him of the battle happening inside. "Ooh...someone please lay me down."

  Odo adjusted the bed. "Are you all right?"

  "Yes. Just a little dizzy. I still have a fever."

  "I can tell." Kira touched a cool hand against his brow.

  "It should pass once the antibiotic regimen is finished." Mora said. Then he realized Kejal hadn't returned. "Where is Kejal? It's been three hours. Is he all right?"

  "I wondered the same thing." Kira's brow knit. "Odo?"

  "Don't worry about him. It's a behavior he inherited from me." Odo leaned over. "He should be back-- "

  " --right now."

  Kejal was leaning on the doorway with his arms crossed.

  Kira rushed over to embrace him. She held onto his shoulders and they spoke to each other in hushed tones. After a few moments, she patted his cheek. He hugged her and walked with her into the room.

  "I needed some time alone," Kejal said by way of explanation. "I'm sorry for worrying everybody."

  Something about him had changed. His eyes now carried the odd light Mora saw in everyone else who learned of his diagnosis.

  It's sunk in for him.

  Mora held up an ar
m. "Kejal, come here."

  When Kejal came closer, Mora pulled him down into a hug. He wasn't sure if the trembling he felt was his own body or Kejal's.

  "I'll take care of you, father." Kejal whispered. "Just like you took care of me."

  Mora patted Kejal's back, smiling. "It will mean a lot to me when we reach that point. But we aren't there yet. This is a temporary setback." He glanced up at Kira and Odo and winked one eye shut. "Besides, I have no intention of going anywhere when I have a wedding to look forward to."

  "Mother says I should help you plan, but I don't know how."

  "We will figure it out together."

  "...I'd like to do the sand." Kira's voice filtered across the room. She and Odo had moved over by the window where they talked to each other in gentle tones that included no one else.

  Mora clasped Kejal's hand and patted it. "When they head home, I want you to go with them. Get some proper rest. I'll be all right."

  "But father," Kejal tightened his grip, and his eyes grew large and pleading. "What if you need something? That's why I'm here, so I can go fetch if you require help."

  "This facility is full of trained doctors and nurses who are a button push away. I'm in good hands. The best help you can offer me is to take care of yourself right now."

  "If you're sure..."

  "I am. Besides," Mora's eyes glanced at Kira and Odo, "They might need your help planning their wedding."

  Just as Mora expected, Kejal's expression brightened. "Mother dreamed about it all the time."

  "Did he?" Now Mora found his curiosity piqued.

  Kejal nodded his head once, resolute. "Leaving wasn't easy for him. He knew it was the right thing to do. Why should innocent Changelings die with the guilty?" His voice lowered to a rumble that sounded so much like Odo. "Their fear of solids is going away a little at a time. Especially after I went home and shared my experiences."

  He touched Kejal's hand again. The skin on the young Changeling's fingers felt as real as his own, but unnaturally smooth and hairless.

  "You must miss the Great Link."

  Shrugging, Kejal patted Mora's forearm. "I'll miss you more. Will you miss me, too?"

  "Yes." Mora said it without hesitation. "But listen...it won't be all over. I know it. This face, this voice, these eyes, this heartbeat-- they are all transient, Kejal. I'm beginning to think the transition between life and death is the greatest shape shift of all. From flesh to energy. Consciousness without form."

  "I can do that."

  "What?"

  "I can shape shift into light." Kejal looked up. "Mother, I'm going to shape shift. Don't get upset at me."

  "Why should I get upset at you for that?" Odo groused, not pleased at being interrupted.

  Kejal smirked, refocusing on Mora. "Watch this."

  His whole body shimmered like liquid gold. From within his chest came a faint, steady glow. Suddenly his entire form dissolved into the auroras seen near Bajor's magnetic poles.

  "Oh..." Mora stretched out his hand. Kejal coalesced around it briefly before rising towards the ceiling again.

  "He loves showing off." Kira kissed Odo's cheek. "I remember the first time you did that for me."

  "Hm. You mean, like this?" Odo glistened and joined Kejal.

  They danced in circles together, two misty spirits untouched by gravity. Wherever their ribbons of light crossed, sparks of color sprang out.

  Mora's eyes watered. He couldn't tell which was Odo and which was Kejal.

  Kira reached for his hand. She was smiling.

  "Do they realize they are capable of such beautiful things? Do they even realize?" he asked her.

  "Odo was afraid to show me for so long." Kira shook her head, her face softening. "The only sight more beautiful than this was seeing him give birth to Kejal." Her smile brightened a little. "He was completely open. Did you see the way he looked at me?"

  "Mmhmm."

  "He still looks at me that way." Kira's cheeks flushed pink. "Now I know what it meant. It wasn't just the sensations of giving birth. I was blind then...he was a friend who needed me."

  One of the auroras dipped down and surrounded Kira. It dimmed and pulled itself together into Odo's familiar form. He slid his arms around her shoulders. A very amorous display for someone like Odo, Mora noticed.

  "I'm glad you were there, Nerys," said Odo.

  The other ribbon of light sank and reformed into Kejal.

  He was standing on his head.

  Odo rolled his eyes. "Kejal, you are ridiculous."

  Kejal stuck his tongue out and righted himself. "So's your face."

  Odo sniffed in mock contempt. Kira slapped his arm, giggling.

  Mora couldn't hold back a yawn. The others noticed despite his attempts to cover it.

  "We should go." Odo straightened. "Kejal, say goodbye for now."

  "Okay, sure." Kejal leaned over the edge of the biobed and kissed Mora's brow. "I'll see you again soon, father."

  "I'm going to be home in a flash." Mora rubbed Kejal's shoulder. "Aleexa will contact you if anything changes for the worst. I promise."

  Kejal straightened. He grabbed his transport sticker and stepped onto the transporter pad. "She better."

  "We'll see you soon, Pol." Kira moved Mora's water glass closer. "Get some sleep."

  "Thank you. I will. Odo?"

  Odo looked over his shoulder. "I'll keep your house in order."

  Mora chuckled. "Thank you. Take care."

  The three of them vanished, leaving Mora's room silent. Mora sighed contentedly and closed his eyes to rest.

  .o

  Green leaves shivered in the gentle breeze. The deka tree's drooping branches moved past the oval window like giant waving fingers.

  Odo noticed Kejal sitting on the wooden swing, his forehead knit in deep thought. After a long minute, he pumped his legs and set the swing in motion. Odo hated seeing Kejal unhappy. No, it killed him inside. From the moment he learned he was pregnant, he wanted his offspring's life to be only happiness.

  Hmph, that's only fairy tales, Odo mused darkly. Shielding Kejal from every little pain would be a grave disservice to him. Life and death are a common thing among Solids. He has to see it at least once. The Great Link doesn't replace actual experience.

  Something hard jolted his backside when he sat. He pulled out the beaker he brought from Doctor Mora's lab. The memories attached to it plagued his mind like nightmares.

  "You enjoyed watching me suffer."

  "Do you really believe that? How pathetic! If it wasn't for me, you'd still be sitting on a shelf somewhere, in a beaker labeled 'unknown sample!'"

  "If it wasn't for me, you'd be a nobody! Starfleet wouldn't hire you to judge a science fair!"

  Odo raised his arm in preparation to smash the beaker into a million pieces on the floor. Yet the memory of Doctor Mora looking small and sick in the casket-like biobed stayed his hand. He finally set the beaker on the chest under the oval window.

  Doctor Mora was going to die, and Odo couldn't name the emotions thinking about it brought to the surface.

  He won't be my problem anymore. Why does it hurt to think about it?

  Six loud thumps vibrated beneath the floor. Odo heard the telltale hiss of the shower in the guest bathroom. He envisioned Kira naked within the steam, her wet skin glistening from beaded water.

  A familiar tingle raced over his surface. Casting all thoughts aside, he walked towards the guest bathroom. He shape shifted his clothes away as he stepped into the shower with her. There she stood under the overhead spray, rinsing shampoo out of her beautiful hair.

  "Nerys," Odo whispered her name like a benediction. Giving himself to desire became another form of running, yet he couldn't stop. Right then, he needed her the way humanoids needed oxygen.

  Kira faced him. Her brown eyes looked right into his-- well, if he had a heart, she would have seen straight into it. Her wet auburn hair was harshly slicked back. She resembled a highly experienced Changeling.
r />   "Odo?"

  His blue eyes darkened. He leaned in. The kiss he gave her mirrored their first on the Promenade thirty years ago.

  Kira tilted her head and slipped her tongue into his mouth. A hot, wet invasion mightier than any sun. She knew exactly what drove his senses into overdrive. He felt the steam rising off her body. Her fingertips ghosted along his imitated collarbones. Golden ripples followed in their wake. His reaction rose and turned inward.

  She pushed him under the hot spray, grabbed his hand and playfully sucked on his left index fingertip. His senses were out of control from being near her. Between the vibration of the water and her mouth, he couldn't hold on. At the moment of climax, he released his shape and poured himself over her wet skin until she, too, soared.

  Odo reformed behind Kira, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. She was trembling.

  He tilted his head back. Water ran down his cheeks like tears.

  "Nerys, I-I'm sorry...I know I went too fast."

  Kira turned and shushed him. She wiped the water droplets off his cheeks.

  "You look like you're crying."

  Odo grasped her wrists. "I can't cry, although sometimes I wish I could. Today, at the lab...I wanted to."

  "Old, abscessed wounds hurt until you treat them." Kira said. "Sometimes, that takes time." Then she kissed him gently on the mouth. "You'll get there, Odo."

  "I hope so," Odo replied. He felt better already because of her.

  "So...do you want to try this again?" Kira's eyes twinkled. Gleaming droplets clung to her eyelashes.

  Nodding his head, Odo pressed himself closer. "This time, I'll stay humanoid." He smiled against her earlobe, "Rawr."

  With the urgency gone, there was no reason to hurry. They made slow, sensual love under the spray, and their hands left wet smears on the transparent shower door.

  The female Founder once said the Great Link was but a pale shadow to humanoid intimacy. As Odo looked into Kira's eyes and felt their bodies fit together, he began to think the old, jaded Founder had it backwards.

  Sensations within the link grew mundane after a short time. Like smells that faded into the background during constant exposure. Pleasure became another 'new normal.' One more side effect of being joined to many minds feeling several sensations at once. A total opposition to the transient lightning strikes felt by two solitary humanoids seeking oneness.