As he continued to think about things, Julian decided a group of insensitive and arrogant soldiers weren’t going to take away a good memory. Maybe he was one of a very long line of lovers, but last night had made him feel as if he were the only one ever. It was enough.
Julian got up and headed to take a shower, smiling as he thought about the many pleasures which Dukat had given him.
Two weeks later and Julian was back in his usual routine on Deep Space 9. The rest of his holiday had been uneventful and dull; he had been glad to get back.
Within hours of his return, he’d spoken to most of his friends and none of them knew about his visit to Jupiter station. Perhaps Dukat had decided to not to mention their meeting. After all, he probably had a lot more to lose than Julian did.
That evening, Julian was in his quarters getting ready to go out for a drink with Chief O’Brien.
"Ops. to Dr. Bashir, you have an incoming message from Gul Dukat. He says it concerns a medical emergency with one of his crew."
Bashir grunted to himself. Medical emergency indeed! He had no idea what Dukat was going to say but it had better not be anything annoying. After taking the time to chat with Garak about Cardassian family values the other day, he had realized Dukat would need to keep their tryst a secret to safeguard his career. Although he had no wish to hurt the man, the thought of Dukat’s lovers’ notepadd still rankled.
Julian asked Ops to put the message through and Dukat’s familiar face appeared on the viewscreen. He looked cautious and wary. "Good day, Dr. Bashir. Apologies for disturbing you, but I thought we needed to talk. This is a coded channel by the way, so please feel free to speak frankly."
"What do you want to talk about?" Julian asked coolly.
"I have a question. Have you told anyone about us?"
"No, and I don’t intend to. As far as I am concerned, I would much prefer to keep it a secret."
"A commendable attitude, and you can be assured I will do the same."
"How can you possibly do that? The men who came for you-"
"Are loyal. And they can be bought, which is almost as good. It has been dealt with. The matter will not become public knowledge. Now we have settled that issue, perhaps I can be more personal. I wish to thank you for a most pleasant evening. You made my stay on Jupiter station a very entertaining one."
"Oh, I’m sure I did. What was my score by the way?" Julian could no longer resist mentioning it.
Dukat looked confused. "Score? I don’t understand."
Julian sighed. "Don’t play the innocent with me. The officer who collected you said you kept a record analyzing your various... partners with a score for each one and you-"
"A record? He said that?" Dukat laughed out loud. "Well, believe me when I say there is no record. I fear the officer concerned was playing a game with you. I promise, that is the truth. There is no reason for me to lie."
Julian was relieved to hear it. "I’m glad. And... well, I had a most pleasant evening, too."
Dukat smiled. "That’s good. May I ask another question?"
Julian leant forward and caressed the image of Dukat’s cheek on the viewscreen. "Ask me whatever you want."
"When we were together, you said I was the best lover you ever had. Was that true?"
"Yes."
"I’m most flattered by the compliment. I suppose any man with as many children as I have should have learnt a thing or two about pleasing a partner by now. Although there is no notepadd, if there were, I would find it hard to give you anything but a perfect score." Dukat grinned impishly as Julian blushed bright red.
"I have duties to perform, so I must leave you now. Thank you again for your company."
"And the same to you, Dukat. Goodbye."
