FAMILY TIES

Content:
Gen
Odo
No Sexual Situations
No Violence

With thanks and apologies to Paramount, and proceeding under the assumption that forgiveness is easier to ask than permission….

This story takes place following "Resurrection."

... and forgive us our trespasses
As we forgive those who trespass against us ...

~~~

The elderly man tightened arms shaky with age around the box he carried. Careful, Sisko, he thought. No more where this came from. Allowing the bottles to crash to the Promenade floor would be as great a sin as inquiring of Mr. Quark how they had been procured, he mused, and he had no intention of doing either.

He made his way slowly through the bustling crowd, hugging his precious burden protectively to his chest. Well done, Benjamin, mused the old man, as he watched the station residents preparing for the Thanksgiving festivities. Even the Vedeks had embraced the idea of the Terran holiday when the station commander had suggested it. The Dominion war was not over, but there was much to be grateful for all the same, and they had wholeheartedly endorsed the Emissary's call for a celebration of thanks. Sisko himself was especially thankful this year. His son and grandson were alive and well, and the old man had made the long and fatiguing trip from Earth to be with them on this holiday. It had been all too clear to him that there may not be another chance to do so, regardless of the outcome of the war.

He paused, leaning against a bulkhead and hefting the box to a more secure position. His heart was thumping in his chest, and he knew he needed to sit down. At that moment the doors to the Security office opened, and the security chief himself moved quickly through the crowd toward Sisko.

"Sir, allow me to take that for you," the alien offered in a gruff voice. Without waiting for Sisko to acquiesce, the box was lifted from his arms. Too winded to argue, the old man nodded his thanks. Blue eyes peered out from the oddly plain face, concern showing in them where it did not in his expression. "Would you like to step into my office for a few moments?"

Sisko nodded again, and leaned a bit on the shapeshifter's arm as they crossed the Promenade. The office doors slid aside almost soundlessly, and Sisko sank into a chair as Odo placed the box carefully on the computer console. The contents clinked musically, and Odo inclined his head to peer inside. "What is this?" he asked automatically.

"Good old-fashioned Terran rum and whiskey. And a few other essential ingredients. Everything you need for a New Orleans Hurricane." Odo arched an eyebrow. "Now, young man, I don't want to hear a word from you," grumbled Sisko in warning. "That fellow Quark has done your commanding officer a favor, and it would be a bad business if you arrested him for it."

Odo nodded wordlessly, and Sisko directed a sharp look into the expressionless face, surprised at the lack of argument. Not at all like the fellow I met on Earth, he thought. This boy's acting as if he's had the fight knocked out of him. "Why aren't you already at the party?" he asked. "Benjamin was counting on your help with the cooking ... he says you're the only one he can rely on to not help yourself before the turkey is ready."

Odo circled the computer console slowly and settled into his chair. "I have work to do," he growled.

"The work will be there tomorrow," chided Sisko.

"If you'd like, sir, I can have a deputy assist you to Commander Sisko's quarters," the security chief replied evasively.

"No," Sisko said, insight dawning on him. "I'd rather sit here for a bit and talk to you. My grandson told me a little about what happened during the Occupation. That's no reason for you to avoid my son and your friends...."

"Did Jake tell you I was responsible for his arrest?" the changeling grated harshly. "Did he tell you that I came close to causing his death?" He turned his face away from his visitor.

"Odo...."

"I have no right to join them," Odo said with finality.

"You have every right," Sisko shot back. "You turned your back on your own people for the sake of your friends, including my son and grandson. They know that, and they're grateful for it. And so am I." He rose slowly from his chair and rounded the computer console, reaching out to rest his hands on the changeling's shoulders. Odo winced, and the old man sighed.

"My boy has told me a bit about you, Odo," he said in a gentle voice. "I know you grew up without a family. But I owe you for my son's life, and the life of my grandson. That makes you part of our family now. And let me tell you something about families, Odo; they hurt each other, and fail each other, all the time. And then they forgive each other." He looked down into Odo's face, his dark eyes offering much more than mere forgiveness. "Now, come along, son. It's time to join the others."

Odo hesitated. Sisko smiled warmly. Slowly, the changeling stood, lifting the box of contraband. His shape shivered a bit but he did not draw back as the old man reached and linked arms with him.

Together, they left the office and walked down the Promenade to join their family.

~ 30 ~

~ Return to "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" ~

~ Return to The Library ~