#juniorstarcatcher

***

Meanwhile Odo stood besides Commander Dax – or better the Dread Pirate Black Trill – and observed the naval vessel coming closer. Solids and their ridiculous entertainment programmes. Or better, Dax and her idea of fun. He still wasn’t sure how he had ended up as the “damsel in distress” in this programme. Because Nerys as well as Worf had balked at the idea. What did he say? Ah yes. “A Klingon is never in distress.” And Dax – of course – had insisted on being the Pirate Captain herself.

“So Odo, what do you prefer? Being in a cell below deck or bound to the main mast?”

The Changeling eyed his surroundings.

“It seems to me neither place is safe in the upcoming battle.”

Jadzia rolled her eyes.

“You’re being a sourpuss, Odo. This is all a bit of fun. The safeties are on.”

Odo grunted unconvinced and folded his arms on his chest.

Jadzia shook her head and threw her arms in the air.

“You’re no fun!”

The Changeling grinned his smug grin knowing full well how to get on the Commander’s nerves. Dax glared at him and said:

“Bind him to the mast.”

Odo rolled his eyes but didn’t resist. After he was bound Dax stood before him, her finger waggling in his face.

“Don’t change yourself out of the ropes! That would be cheating.”

***

The HMS Hotspur took up speed and soon the two ships were trading canon balls. The cries of the officers commanding “Fire!” could be from all sides and the smell of gun powder lay thick in the air. Before long it was too dangerous to use the canons and the crew of the Hotspur prepared to board the Pirate vessel. Kira had to admit that writers of this programme knew how to portray a battle without it being too realistic but still fun. She grabbed one of the hooks and threw it over into the rigging of the “Siren’s Booty”. After making sure the rope was secure she jumped into the fray right behind Worf, whose battle cry boomed over the whole deck. They spotted Jadzia standing next to the bound Odo almost simultaneously. The Trill drew her sabre and laughed manically as she challenged Worf to a duel.

Kira ran to Odo, ducking strikes and kicking butts. The Changeling stood stoically at the mast. When Nerys reached him he spoke very dispassionately:

“Oh my dear Captain. Save me from these dreadful pirates. My honour – but mostly my dignity- are in grave danger.”

Kira laughed while she started to loosen his ropes.

“Well, my Lord, you’re free now.”

The both of them stood awkwardly in the middle of the battle before Kira raised her eyebrow with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“Aren’t you forgetting something?”

Odo looked at her puzzled but then nodded grinning.

“You’re right.”

With that he sighed dramatically and let himself fall into Kira’s arms.

“This is all too much for my nerves. I feel faint.”

Nerys stared at him incredulously before laughter bubbled out of her.

“Would a kiss make it better?”

Odo opened one eye.

“Maybe.”

Kira gave him a peck and put the Changeling on his feet again.

“So what happens now?”

“I propose to vacate this vessel in the immediate future”, commented Nerys drily. Odo followed her line of sight and winced. Worf and Jadzia were locked in a vicious snog. The Changeling smiled conspiratorially at Kira.

“Now, why should we leave? Computer initiate emergency transport, authorisation Odo Alpha Four Seven Three. Beam Commander Worf and Commander Dax to their quarters. Energize!”

They heard only parts of Jadzia’s indignant protest before the transport sequence was completed. Kira turned to her partner and grinned.

“My hero. Now we’re finally alone!”

Odo smiled and offered her his arm.

“Well Captain, I believe I still owe you a reward for you daring rescue.”

“I would say you rescued me from seeing things I never wanted to see. That deserves at least as much appreciation. Computer delete characters and set time to night mode.”

Together they made their way to the bow of the ship and made themselves comfortable under the holographic projection of Earth’s starry sky. Nerys leaned onto Odo, perfectly content and happy to forget the world outside for a change.

“That is better. This programme is quite nice without the noise and the battles. The stars are aligned differently but otherwise the sky isn’t so different from a clear night on Bajor.”

Odo nodded but remained otherwise silent. Nerys turned her head to look at his face.

“Is everything alright?”

The Changeling smiled.

“Yes, right now it is. I’m really happy with you, Nerys. I wanted you to know that.”

Kira beamed at him and closed the distance to give him a kiss. It was a sweet and loving kiss and it warmed them both soul deep.

“So am I, Odo. So am I.”

They remained cuddled up and enjoyed the light swaying of the sea.

“Still, let’s never double date with Jadzia and Worf again.” Kira said after a while.

Odo raised his eye ridge.

“Did you not enjoy my performance?”

He threw himself into her arms again.

“Thank you, brave Captain, for rescuing me from these ruffians.”

He dipped his back dramatically while raising his hand to his forehead.

“It was terrible.”

Kira had to laugh so hard that Odo fell out of her lap. Clutching her side while trying to subdue her laughter she said: “You’ve read too many trashy Human romance novels.”

Odo looked at her – delighted at her joy – only saying “My Captain” which set them off again. After they both calmed down a bit they laid together on the deck basking in the moonlight, holding their hands.

“Odo?”

The Changeling turned to Kira.

“You know I’ll always save you, right? It doesn’t matter if it is Jem’Hadar, Cardassians or Bajoran scientists, I’ll always protect you.”

“Thank you. So will I, Nerys. I love you.”

Kira kissed him again.