By Proxy

BY PROXY
by the OdoGoddess
DS9 [R] O/K

Written: Nov 1996

(-|-) * * * (-|-) * * * (-|-)

First I want to apologize to those who want action (read: s-e-x) right away. Nope, sorry, you've got to suffer through the story for that! ;)

Last and definitely least, I don't presume to be trying to tell anything but a seriously steamy, highly erotic, smutty fanfic piece that is hopefully (at least) a little entertaining.

(-|-) * * * (-|-) * * * (-|-)

DISCLAIMER: Not intended to infringe on copyrights of Viacom, Paramount, nor any other legal holders of Star Trek copyright.


"I don't see any other way around it, Captain."

"I don't envy you, First Minister."

A long silence filled the ward room where the two men had been in quiet discussion for the better part of an hour.

"If this treaty weren't so damned important to Bajor..." Shakaar looked back to Sisko. Sisko merely shook his head most somberly.

"Ever since the Dominion threat, I have urged the Federation Council to expedite Bajor's inclusion...the answer is always the same. They will help, of course, but until Bajor is part of the Federation...Bajor's matters are Bajor's matters. I'm sorry. I can't interfere." Before the First Minister could respond he lifted a large dark hand and added softly, "But I sympathize. I understand what it is like to have to order someone to do something I'd rather not. Look at it this way, Shakaar-- you're not ordering two people to death."

"I've done that, Captain." Shakaar Edon looked momentarily troubled. "I've done that more times than I care to remember. Frankly, I think it would be an easier decision to make right now."

"Well..." Sisko cleared his throat. There was little else to say. In actuality, the entire meeting had been unnecessary; the matter was a Bajoran one. While he was the Emissary, he could not tell the Bajoran government what to do.

To his surprise, the Bajoran man looked to him once more. "Emissary." He nodded. "Do you have...any advice for me? Anything that might help me decide?"

"You plan on going through with the treaty with the Salk'hai?"

"I have to. They are offering a steady supply of small transport ships and equipment, parts...the Federation hasn't seen fit to send even one industrial replicator. We need ships, we need transports for our exported goods without having to keep paying others to ship them."

"Bajor--"

"--doesn't have a treaty or belong to the Federation, yes. But you are of Bajor, Benjamin. You're the Emissary. Now...please help me...give me something I can use."

Sisko pursed his lips, bowed his head. "I'm sorry. All I can tell you is that...if I were you-- I'd choose people I trust, friends that understand the magnitude of my request, and I'd be damn clear that it wasn't an order from me, but a request."

Shakaar considered this, nodded thoughtfully. "Yes. Yes, I can see what you mean." He bowed his head deeply. "Thank you, Emissary."

"Good luck, First Minister."

(-|-) * * * (-|-) * * * (-|-)

Odo considered the security report Kira held over the rising steam of raktajino from her cup.

His own cup was half-full, no longer hot, Kira liked her coffee brutally hot. Still not having experienced a great deal of humanoid foods and drinks, Odo accepted the replicator's safe-guards.

It was good to be sitting opposite her again. After the truth behind events had been revealed regarding one of his earliest cases from the time of the Occupation, Kira had avoided him for a week. It had been a time of pure unadulterated torture for Odo. Then one evening, she had called him to her at the Replimat, asked him to join her. Uncertain, but willing to accede to her wishes, he had. He was glad he had.

She had quietly confided that her time of avoidance had been painful. He understood this only too well, but said nothing. She had meditated, sought answers from the Prophets and the prophecies, then last night, she had a dream. A vision from the Prophets she called it actually, but it sounded like a dream to Odo. He knew; ever since his conversion he had experienced a few dreams of his own...not to mention suffered more than a few nightmares.

Anyway, Kira's dream had been one of her parents. Her father-- so handsome, she'd confided to Odo with a tearful smile and he had nodded, so glad to be sitting by her and have her speaking to him civilly, much less telling him about her dream, that he would have listened to her recite the main computer's ciphering code if she'd asked-- but her father had chided her for being too harsh. If she wanted to chastise someone, punish someone for the deaths of Bajorans during the Occupation, then she should aim her vitriol to the Cardassians...and then he had morphed. Odo blinked.

Her father had morphed, she related, and mocked her-- saying if anyone was to blame for Odo's behaviour it was his people, the Founders, for sending him from his home in the first place. Sent out alone as an infant and treated so harshly and still he had decided to stay with those who treated him that way. She had awoken, Kira quietly told him...then wept. Odo frowned. Kira wept...for him?

"I was doing what the Founders did to you. I had shut you out of my life...but Odo... you are my life, or at least a big part of it. I've missed you. I can't stay mad. I did terrible things myself and you forgave me. So I can't do less than forgive you, too." And she'd taken his hand there at the Replimat and squeezed it as she swiped the tear that slipped free of her control. Odo trembled...and had squeezed her hand back...and thanked the Prophets or her father or perhaps the Founders-- he didn't care which-- whoever had seen fit to bring her to him again.

Now he waited as she sorted through this week's list, basically a token since her input was not necessary. It was a courtesy between them that helped her keep on top of possible developments between personnel and postings, not to mention apprise her of any trends aboard the station she helped manage.

"Looks like you're right on top of things, constable."

"I try."

She handed him back the padd, just as the security office doors opened. Odo straightened as the First Minister stepped in. Shakaar didn't notice, his expression was grim...grim enough that Kira started levering herself up, not an inconsiderable task taking her considerable bulk into account. Odo swiftly went around the desk and helped her up after Shakaar merely looked at her with dismay...looked at them both with dismay.

To their astonishment, once Kira stood looking at him expectantly, Shakaar shook his head, muttered, "I must be insane." He turned on his heel and strode out of the office, leaving Odo and Kira to look at each other questioningly.

(-|-) * * * (-|-) * * * (-|-)

Kira caught up with him at the turbo-lift, Odo noted. He had watched her hurry out after Shakaar...her normally graceful stride an awkward gait thanks to her pregnancy. The First Minister shook his head at her, his shoulders slumping. Obviously a discussion of import. Odo sighed.

It wasn't often he wished he was still a changeling. In this instance, he could easily have adjusted his ears to tune in their conversation...or become the wall and shimmered his way beneath the upper walkway well above anyone's notice until he reached the two and easily followed them as they conversed. Now he could only stand and wonder, especially when they both turned to look at him, Shakaar with a rather hard expression and Kira with dismay. Had the First Minister wanted to speak with him or Nerys?

Kira turned back to Shakaar, gesturing eloquently. It had something to do, the constable noted, with her pregnant state. She put her hands on her belly. He dropped his eyes as Shakaar put his hand over hers. His heart skipped a beat and Odo frowned, turned back to his office and went to sit heavily down. Maybe the First Minister finally pled his troth...Kira and he would marry, perhaps after the baby's birth. It would explain the momentous look on his face when he'd walked into his office and his momentary inability to even address Kira. Odo know; he'd had the same reaction himself to her a few times. She was an incredibly beautiful woman. Now that he was human, he had also learned of the other reactions which followed from such observations for a man.

He sat back down at his desk and called up the duty roster. He still had to work it out. He cleared his throat and tried to ignore the hopeful rising below his waist that tended to occur when his mind wandered in the Major's direction. She's probably getting married, for Bajor's sake!

The doors suddenly slid open and Kira and Shakaar entered, effectively numbing the troublesome reaction. He forced his face into a pleasant expression. If they announced their betrothal, he would be pleasant, he would be polite, he would be glad, he told himself, for Nerys' sake. "First Minister. Major?"

"Odo, I need to ask you for the biggest favor you've ever been asked for in your life," Shakaar murmured.

Odo looked at him, then looked to Kira who suddenly reddened for some odd reason and looked down, not meeting his eyes. He frowned, standing.

"What is it, First Minister?"

(-|-) * * * (-|-) * * * (-|-)

"I can't."

"But you can. You're human now."

"That's besides the point, Major...and that's not what I was referring to." Odo's voice sounded desperate to him. He cleared his throat, but the odd sensation that was making his skin goosepimple didn't go away.

"I'm just pointing out that you're not a changeling and it's not...well...unnatural to you anymore," Kira murmured quietly.

His eyes blazed at this. "Unnatural?"

Both Shakaar and Doctor Bashir, who had been called to their impromptu meeting in the wardroom lifted their hands.

"Excuse me--" "If I may interject--"

The Major and the Constable ignored them both.

"Ambassador Troi didn't seem to find it unnatural." Odo pointed out to her, miffed.

"But you weren't really married were you?" she riposted.

"Just because I married her to help her keep her child didn't mean we didn't engage in sexual activity, Major."

"Ah...I think a line is being crossed here." Everyone turned to the feckless doctor who merely pasted a small, professional smile on his face as all eyes turned to him and lifted his hands. "Now. Let's focus on the reason for this request...and the answer you both plan on giving."

Odo relaxed a little at this, nodded. "An excellent idea, doctor." His voice clearly conveyed that he had no plans on honoring the request.

"Agreed." Kira gave the same clear impression.

Shakaar sighed and looked to Bashir who merely shrugged and wished he wasn't needed here.

"The doctor is right. First of all, Nerys, you were in the resistance... in my cell, as a matter of fact-- and you know I don't ask anyone to do something that I wouldn't do mysel--"

"Then do it yourself, First Minister!" she blazed, crossing her arms now over her belly protectively.

He cleared his throat and finished his statement. "You know I don't ask anyone to do anything I wouldn't do myself if I could. I can't do this, Nerys, not and conduct the treaty negotiations with the Salk'hai."

"Then don't conduct the treaty negotiations, First Minister," Odo interrupted now in a quiet, decisive undertone. "Surely there are other qualified cabinet members?"

"Sure there are. But it took this long to get the Salk'hai to accept my word as the highest official of the Bajoran government. They won't accept anyone lesser. So that leaves me to conduct the treaty. I'm sorry."

"Then why can't you ask the cabinet ministers to...to do this thing?" Odo's voice was growing plaintive, but he couldn't help it.

Kira agreed. "Yes! Get minister Ojai or minister Khadrel."

"Odo...first of all, per the Salk'haian codes of treaty conduct, the proxy has to be someone under my command. Technically, the minister's council runs by the coda of equality among members with none being more prominent than another...not even me. You know that."

Odo nodded, upset.

"Kira...second of all, I couldn't really ask my ministers to do this and then have them trust me or be wondering what I might ask of them down the road. I need them for a unified government. You both are outside the council, but still under my command and that is enough to satisfy the Salk'Haians codes of conduct.. You both know me now. You know the sort of man I am. You know I wouldn't ask this on a whim. Now-- I can promise that you won't even see these Salk'haian's after the treaty negotiations, once they're satisfied, all further talks take place between myself and their liege."

"Then don't make this treaty." Odo suggested, crossing his arms in a position very similar to Kira's. "It's...indecent."

"No, it's not. It's different from what we are used to is all. We can't judge other people like that, the Prophets know we aren't perfect ourselves."

Bashir frowned. "First Minister, forgive me for inquiring, but is the treaty all that important? Couldn't you get help from another government perhaps?"

Shakaar growled. "What other government? The damned Ferengi soured the perceptions of all the friendly governments thanks to the treaties they worked out with the Dosi and the Kammerians. Almost all the governments think the Ferengi are representative of us and that we cheat. I'm lucky to have gotten this far. The Federation can't be bothered until we're a full-fledged member and our local governments here in the Alpha Quadrant all have ties with the Cardassians. The rest are too far to consider working with us. Everyday the situation grows worse. Now the Maquis are nipping at our heels. We need ships, ready to fly, ready to fight."

Kira snorted. "Ironic when a planetary government 60,000 lightyears away is closer to meeting our needs than say the Vulcan's or Rigellians."

"It's got to do with what we need as well, Nerys. There are plenty of allied governments...who don't have the goods we require. And the others...well, even if the council were willing to try working with, say--the Klaestrons for ships-- the Klaestrons get their ships from Cardassia. Most of the local governments worked out a treaty with Cardassia for their large imports...ships, equipment, industrial goods. The council may do things they'd rather not, but they won't lie down with governments that have Cardassian ties."

"But you expect us to lie down for these Salk'Haian's you barely even know?"

"Constable, you are crossing a line. This isn't for nothing, it's for the good of Bajor. We've got food enough now, but we need ships to help export, to help defend against agressors...like your people."

"His ex-people, First Minister, to be fair," Bashir quietly interjected.

"I know what he means, doctor," Odo sighed. He was beginning to appreciate the untenable situation the First Minister was in. It didn't mean he liked it.

Shakaar's voice was quiet...and hopeful. "Then you'll help me, Odo?"

At this, the constable started guiltily, glanced briefly at the Major, fought the helpless flush of red that colored his face and cleared his throat. "I...I'll think about it, First Minister."

"Odo..." he didn't look up at Kira's betrayed whisper, merely turning to Bashir.

"Doctor...aside from the political issue, there are practical ones here. I refuse to do anything that would...harm someone else. Would engaging in sex with the Major pose any health risks to her?"

Bashir straightened. "Er...in this case, constable, there would be no harm. In fact, it would be very helpful."

"Doctor!" This time all three men looked to the glowering Major. She stood, not without difficulty and glared at him. "I'll thank you to keep my private medical history to yourself."

"This isn't private medical history I am divulging, major," he countered. "I am discussing Bajoran anatomy with the constable." He turned back to Odo who merely waited for the doctor's answer.

"As I was about to explain-- during pregnancy, Bajoran females develop a complex interconnective vascular system with the baby. This is part of what helps the baby to mature so much more rapidly than a human, but also increases the level of warmth in the pelvic girdle. This increase of warmth increases certain glandular reactions and subsequently, the hormone levels of the mother. This is all to the good since these same hormones help the mother's body prepare, make milk for the baby, widen the hips for delivery and so forth. They also have the effect of increasing the, er...libido."

"Heck, just state it doc," Shakaar suddenly drawled with amusement. "We've got a saying on Bajor: 'adaly'al sal'yal'. It means--"

"I think we know what it means, First Minister," Odo chided primly.

Bashir still looked puzzled, but kept his mouth shut after a look at the constable's expression. He cleared his throat and continued, "In any case, sexual activity isn't hazardous. It actually helps ease the mother's tension and gives her a sense of well-being."

"And I've been so far away on Bajor," Shakaar sighed.

Odo felt his face flushing again and looked away. This was unthinkable--was it possible he was actually sleeping and dreaming all this? He looked up, noted the tender look Shakaar was giving Nerys, the troubled look Bashir had...and the distressed look on Kira's face. He most definitely wasn't sleeping. Kira's distress decided for him.

"I can't."

He stood, felt his face coloring even more but ignored it to say, "I appreciate your dilemma, First Minister, but the Major is a friend. I treasure that. I don't want to ruin it. The idea is obviously distressing to her and I won't." He looked to Kira and nodded. "I'm sorry this ever came up, Major. I promise you that in my book-- it's already forgotten." He stepped out before anyone could say anything.

(-|-) * * * (-|-) * * * (-|-)

He spent the rest of the day patrolling diligently...on the Docking Ring. He assigned his deputies to the Promenade for the rest of the week and kept himself far from the central hub. It barely helped. Even as his shift neared completion, his mind kept straying back to the meeting of earlier.

How could Shakaar possibly ask this of him? Of Nerys, the woman he purportedly loved? It was unthinkable. It was for Bajor, he reminded himself, and those obligations were stronger than that between a pair of lovers. And lovers is all Kira and Shakaar were, they were not betrothed, at least not yet. If they had been, Odo reflected, he would never have asked her. Either way, Odo never thought he'd be requested to make love to someone else as a part of his job!

The First Minister had been quite specific, spelling out the situation with his typical mumbling clarity. Odo wondered how he had become a hailed rebel leader with such a manner, but this was a secondary concern now. His first concern began when Shakaar had said, "I'm asking, constable, if you would see clear to...performing a service for Bajor...as a favor to me personally...by way of proxying Nerys for a witnessing ritual."

By proxy...an extremely old custom on Bajor, no longer practiced, but many old stories spoke of it. In the days long before the Occupation, long before Cardassia was even known, the Bajorans had followed their d'jarras'. Of course, many love relationships had sprung up that were untenable, when a Bajoran of a lower d'jarras fell in love with one of a higher. That was impossible. However, if a Bajoran of a higher d'jarras fell in love with one of a lower...there was a custom that permitted the keeping of their lower-class lover. By proxying. The lower-class Bajoran would perform (there was no way Odo's mind could think of it as 'making love') with another person of their same class which was witnessed by the higher-class person and another witness of the same high class, typically a cleric. If the act seemed to be of 'worthy' enough to pay homage to the Prophets, respectful enough to the sex partner to satisfy the higher class standards that would be called of them, then the proxying was considered a success and taken as a betrothal between the lower-class partner and their partner-witness. If not, the two lovers could not join, regardless of the depth of their love.

In this case, the First Minister did not refer to Odo's d'jarras or lack thereof. Abruptly Odo realized that, as a farmer, Shakaar would have a lower d'jarras than his own as a law-enforcement officer. This pleased him for no good reason and recalling the situation made him frown again. Shakaar needed a proxy in order to conduct treaty negotiations with the Salk'haians, this was their code. Since it was Bajor making the request, the first minister and the Salk'Haian liege would witness Shakaar's proxy ritually couple with a person chosen by Shakaar, versed in Salk'Haian custom--they had thoughtfully provided a detailed computer chip with all pertinent information--and approved by the Salk'Haian liege prior to the ceremonial coupling. Once completed, this witnessed coupling sealed the onset of negotiations in good faith, permitting a treaty to be finalized.

The Salk'Haian's would be arriving in two days. They would leave soon thereafter, too, Odo thought now, and take their needed goods with them, leaving a planet struggling to keep it's head above the waterline.

Part of him was horribly pained and disappointed, not just for the Bajorans his refusal harmed. He was pained because his feelings for Kira went far beyond any ritual he could perform. He would do anything...for her. If Kira had asked him...he shook his head. She had not asked him. Hell, she barely could meet his eyes in the ward room. The thought was disgusting to her. He recalled what she'd said during the meeting and shook his head again.

Obviously all the time he'd been a changeling, she'd thought he couldn't possibly be interested in a relationship. No wonder she'd never noticed how he felt! The turbolift before him suddenly opened and deposited the one person he didn't want to see directly in front of his path.

Kira looked right to him, as if her eyes had tracked him by sensor scan. Despite himself, Odo felt the flesh of his arms goosepimple...and the capricious flesh below his waist begin that uniquely human male reaction to her presence. He was glad his shirt was loose and went over his trousers; it covered a multitude of sins.

He drew in a breath. "Major."

"I need to talk to you, Odo."

His expression remained frozen in a sort of pleasant blankness. "I'm really quite busy, Major."

"You're off-duty in two minutes. This is your commanding officer talking, constable. Please come with me."

No way out, but through. His shoulders fell slightly and he nodded, followed her into the turbolift where she turned to the control panel. "Habitat Ring, Deck Twelve-B." Evidently, she planned on going to his quarters. It was closer, he thought, but still...

"My office is empty, Major," he interjected quietly. "No one will disturb our conversation there."

"I'm not planning on doing a whole lot of conversing, constable," was the quiet reply.

He was uncertain what to make of this, but since the Salk'Haians weren't on the station yet, it couldn't be... he cleared his throat a little and nodded and sternly told his fractious member to stop it's hopeful throbbing beneath his trousers, risking a brief glance to be sure his uniform tunic covered the situation. It did.

In a tense, but still oddly companionable silence, they made their way along the deck after the lift deposited them at the requested section and level. He risked another comment. "I take it the First Minister is off the station?"

She looked up at this, then nodded solemnly. "He is."

"The last shuttle disembarked a few minutes ago," he managed to say past a tightening throat.

"He left on the one before that."

"Ah."

No more to say and they reached his room. She waited and he entered the codes and they stepped in. Kira turned to him immediately, taking one of his hands in hers.

"We need to talk, Odo."

Despite himself, a helpless shudder ran through him. He closed his eyes, fought his reaction. "Major...I..."

"This is a 'Nerys to Odo' type of talk, Odo." Her voice was soft, encouraging.

That didn't help. "Nerys...I--"

She sighed and turned for his couch, pulling him along behind her and speaking as she went. "I've spent the last few hours talking and shouting and slapping Shakaar, Odo...I'm too tired to do that with you, so I'd appreciate it if you listened to me first, then said whatever you had to say."

He nodded, glad to keep quiet for now. Slapping? They sat and she smiled, then impulsively pressed his hand to her belly. The child within moved in a lazy circle. His eyes widened. Kira's smile widened.

"I'm here because we only have two days before the Salk'Haians arrive, Odo. And if we're to be proxy for Bajor, we're going to need a little...practice."


(-|-) * * * (-|-) * * * (-|-)

2B cont'd