Chapter Text
The docking bays are always busy this time of day. People coming and going, all sorts of activity. Today, there are no fewer than ten ships on the schedule.
One of the ships set to depart is a K'barian frigate. Its crew rushes in and out like ants, loading the last of the boxes and crates. One of them, a young male, is standing in the crossover bridge with a human male; a Starfleet officer. A doctor. They're standing with their foreheads together, eyes closed. Another crewman bustles past, and the doctor lifts a hand to cup the K'barian's leathery jaw.
"I should go." says the K'barian in his soft, hissing voice.
The doctor laughs gently. "You've been saying that for ten minutes."
"So you want me to leave, then?"
"I didn't say that. But if you don't go now, you'll be left behind."
"Mm." the K'barian snags a kiss, and they break apart. "See you soon, Shulian." two rows of incisors make human words a little tough to pronounce.
"I'm holding you to that promise." another kiss. Then Julian playfully pushes the K'barian away. "Go on."
The last of the crew is boarding the frigate. The K'barian waves back to Julian, then turns and disappears. Julian watches until the airlock slides shut, and then until the ship un-docks and flies away.
He's just about to turn and leave, himself, when he feels a presence behind him.
"Good afternoon, doctor." a smooth reptilian voice speaks up.
"Hello, Garak." Julian turns around and tries to wipe the last of the smile off his face. Garak, in his teal pants and green tunic, stands behind him like he's been there all along. Knowing Garak, he might have been.
"The K'barian...a friend of yours?" he says coolly. He starts to walk, slowly, and Julian unconsciously falls into step.
"His name is Taubal. He and his crew have been staying here for a month or two, and they're headed back to their homeworld."
"You seem fond of him."
Julian's smile comes right back. "It's...it's mutual. When he's finished his trading for this cycle, we're going to meet up again. He might even come to live on the station."
Garak gives him a long, considering look. There's something close to amusement in his expression. "My dear doctor. I do enjoy your company, but you really are terribly naïve."
"Excuse me?"
"K'barians are a notoriously flighty people. I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you."
"What are you implying?" Julian glares.
"I imply nothing, doctor. I am simply saying that a man of your persuasion should be cautious about getting involved with someone like Taubal."
"A man of my - I'm not sure I like what you're getting at, Garak."
"What I am saying and what you believe I am saying are often two different things, my dear." they descend a flight of stairs and find themselves at the replimat. Garak makes a sweeping gesture. "But all accusations aside, I believe it's time for lunch."
And then he's off before Julian can even answer, talking about goodness knows what as he goes. But arguing with Garak is a lesson in futility. Julian sighs in annoyance, and follows him.
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