EXPERIENCES

**Experiences**

The entire assignment had been unexpectedly quiet with no major conflicts along the border, and the ship under Gul Jorad's command had been recalled after Melset's first six months on board to transfer back to within the Cardassian Empire. In spite of the repetitive duties involved in routine that would have resulted in boredom and flagging attention among members of a human crew, it was anything but for Cardassians: the time was filled with combat drills to hone reflexes, stops at bases to deliver and take on material, effect repairs, and, for those entitled to the privilege, courses in procedures, respectively new technology.

This was a period of rapid expansion, with the result that colonies were being established and settled as quickly as feasible. Often enough, troops were stationed on outposts, ready to be called to assist colonists, and colonists themselves were systematically recruited from among the general population, prepared by means of intensive courses on procedures and survival techniques, subsequently transported from Cardassia Prime to a new world within a week. The cruisers' role in this process was to provide escort to colony ships and freighters, then, later, at arrival, to provide additional manpower and support in erecting habitats, establishing installations for energy production and water purification, infrastructure in all areas, including rudimentary agriculture. At intervals, cruisers transferred government officials who made periodic tours of inspection. At the same time, additional personnel and more settlers were brought in.

In essence, colonization was a military operation, not a uniquely civilian one. Every Cardassian considered it a given that, for the most part, colonies served to disguise incipient military installations, with militaries posing as civilians until they were called into action. Its main purpose ostensibly was to relieve population pressure on the relatively impoverished planets of the Central Systems. Cardassian families were often large, which further strained already scarce resources – yet, manpower was desperately needed, thus population growth not curbed by the government.

The settlers involved knew that they were 'on the front lines' as it were; as a result they had been trained in various basics of defence, strategy and even undercover operations by Order operatives who openly lived among them in the beginning. These were later recalled and replaced by undercover operatives to ferret out dissidents who fled to colonies in the hope of safety.

Outwardly, these colonists all appeared as harmless as was possible for Cardassians, building homes, working fields and developing industry, in brief, doing the very same things Federation settlers did. Yet even the children, who appeared no more dangerous than human ones, were educated accordingly: to them, as to their elders, any non-Cardassian was an enemy seeking to subvert their people's goals at all costs. So effective was their education that even a four-year-old Cardassian could contrive to sabotage some machinery with simple methods, or slip into areas in which an adult would find himself trapped to damage circuits or shut down sensitive equipment by primitive means.

The colonists themselves, even though they found it hard to leave the Central System, were compensated by generous assistance in the course of the first six years; this usually sufficed to make the colony fully autonomous within a relatively short time so that first exports of raw materials could begin within four years. Central Command and Detapa considered each new settlement a step ahead in Cardassia's unceasing quest for power and territory, made information on developments available to all citizens with the goal of encouraging some others to emulate the example set by those who had taken the risks of 'breaking new ground' upon themselves in service to the Empire. Families usually sent a few members with special skills ahead then, as the situation improved, the others would gradually follow. All of these volunteers were highly motivated, even fanatically so, not shying away from any hardships or hazards.

It was a time of rapid development in spite of the Border Wars which were gaining in sheer virulence. For Central Command and its members, it was an exhilarating time; all along the borders, they were claiming new worlds, annexing others in an attempt to expand Cardassia's sphere of influence. Already there was talk of expanding the fleet and staff … It was, in brief, a time of hope, dreams and expectations.

Her service as Glinn 1st Level under Gul Jasad had been highly instructive as to procedures in combat and personnel management; to her surprise, he was the first Gul who had not received the information on her Order connections with distrust, but had readily accepted her skills, nor had she been treated any differently to his other staff. Apart from her regular duties on board and in the tasks involved in establishing colonies, Melset had volunteered to implement additional projects, some of which were geared towards subversively striking at the Federation. Gul Jasad was exacting even by Cardassian standards, often as verbally abusive as any Klingon, yet his successes won him his crew's loyalty.

After her promotion to Glinn 2nd Level, Melset had been assigned to Gul Jorad's crew. Gul Jorad knew about her Order training; in the beginning, he had disguised his distrust – everyone was well aware that the Order deployed agents throughout the population and Central Command's staff, but resented, even despised them. They functioned clandestinely, often relying on chance conversations and details gathered via surveillance devices. The distrust operatives invariably encountered was not without reason: Military operations often were distinguished from potential treason by a very thin line; the fact was ignored if actions met with success, but spelled disaster if they failed. After some initial, carefully-hidden reservations, he had first spoken to Melset about the matter, subsequently requesting she take over a group – to be selected on her own – whom she would give courses in surveillance techniques, forms of interrogation and diverse other essential skills. To his surprise, her first candidate had been one of the lowest-ranking crew members, a Glan 1st level named Jovra. Together with him, she had gone about choosing fifteen in all. Melset had further defused Jorad's attitude of suspicion towards her by giving him audiovisual recordings of each session, citing his right to be informed on everything that was happening on his ship.

After 18 months, the notification from Central Command's Educational Agency came in as expected. Gul Jorad immediately called her into his ready room. "Glinn Melset, I have been notified that you are slated for recall to the Academy to attend intensive courses and take your tests for Glinn Third Level. The Planzet will be meeting us in another day, so you can transfer to Cardassia Prime without further delay. That will be all."

Glinn Melset did not reply, only waited motionlessly, still standing at attention, for Gul Jorad to hand over her padd as the official sign of termination.

The Gul rose, came around his desk and gave Melset the padd containing her data and her superiors' evaluations. He looked down at her for a moment to meet her eyes before saying, "Succeed, Glinn Melset."

She gave a salute, then left. With that, her assignment to this posting had ended. She well knew her Order training had disquieted him in spite of her other commanders' commendations; Gul Jorad had concealed the fact during her posting aboard his cruiser, but it was very obvious he was relieved the 'agent' as he had insisted on calling her, was due to leave his ship.

While she was packing, the door slid open and her cabin mate came in. The Glinn watched her curiously for some minutes, then inquired, "A transfer already? To whom have you been assigned?"

"This is no reassignment, Glinn Marik. My recall to the Academy for further courses and interrogations came in this morning." She did not turn to face him, finished putting in the last articles. Her roommate had been one of the few who had accepted her association with the Order  without problems.

Glinn Marik stared at her. "After but eighteen _months_? How _did_ you do that?" he added before he could stop himself. "Glinn Melset – I meant no offense!"

"None taken, Glinn Marik. This is probably due to my results during training, supplementary courses with the Order, the courses I have given selected crew members on this ship." She sat down on her bunk, undid the armour and stretched. "Glinn Marik, you have been here for over two years – your own recall should come in soon."

He shrugged, then said, not meeting her eyes, "It will be my second – and last – attempt. I _have_ to succeed when I take it again, thus have opted to take my exams during the next session."

Melset hesitated a moment, then wordlessly got up to go to her locker, gathered up a handful of data rods and said, not sure how he would react as this was a sensitive subject, "These are yours, Glinn Marik. I have copies of my own with the exact same data. You will find useful information on strategies, mission reports, analyses of the same, technology, troop leadership, provided with comments and evaluations. This _is_ permitted, you know."

The Glinn took them without a word, put them into his own locker, "Glinn Melset, if I succeed, I owe you not one, but as many favours as you have given me rods."

**********

At arriving in the Registration Bureau at the Military Academy to pick up her pads and security codes, she saw that Glinns from all over the Empire had been recalled to submit to this renewed series of examinations. All the candidates knew these tests would be far more rigorous as Glinn Third Level was already a high rank with a marked increase in responsibility, with the rank of Gul being the next step in the hierarchy; in essence, a Glinn 3rd level was expected to take over command if the commanding officer was killed or incapacitated. For now, they would follow two months of compressed courses that would demand unceasing work, both individually and in groups; all skills they had acquired would be needed to cope with the demands. During that time, they were assigned quarters within the Academy's area, the rooms were austere but serviceable, offering everyone sufficient place for work and rest.

When she input her code in her communit, Melset found a message waiting for her. It consisted of one sentence. "Iníki, you are still invited – you have but to accept."

To herself, she said quietly, "Thank you Tain, perhaps I shall, someday …."

The exams lasted over a month; they consisted of three weeks of interrogations on all areas of administration, security protocols, functions, technology, leadership and strategy included, followed by one week of rigorous physical evaluations which meant day after day of hours-long combat simulations, hand-to-hand combat drill at unexpected times, under all conditions they could possibly encounter, in all forms of dress, and finally, a series of endurance tests which came at the end of the entire series, each of these tests followed by a medical exam.

The element that was the most dreaded was the final test: transporting a pack of equipment weighing 45 kilograms over unmarked terrain for a stretch of at least 19 kilometres within an arbitrarily determined time in spite of simulated attacks and obstacles, followed by setting up the weaponry within a set time limit, repacking, returning to the Academy via a different route. No one knew just how long his or her stretch would be. The command to stop came over communicator, thus there was no way of managing one's strength. While shouldering her pack, Melset considered the first obstacle: a wall nearly three metres high. That wall was not totally sheer, however, offering some rough spots of which she could make use, and a hint of a crack just below the rim, and, even better, roughly two metres before that wall, she discovered a small elevation which could be used to get some impetus.

At being given the command to start, she made a dash for the hump, leapt onto it and up against the wall with a running jump, kicking down hard against the surface at just the angle required to gain additional height. It sufficed for her to get her hands on the edge. Arching her back, the Cardassian pushed off again with a massive effort to get her legs over the top before letting herself drop. She landed on her feet on the other side ready to take on the 100 metres timed run. A flash of light just at the very edge of visual range had her hit the dust, crawl over and under various obstacles, squirm under a low passage, pushing the load ahead, respectively dragging it after her. Another rule was that everything had to be done with a minimum of sound. Silence during all combat or reconnaissance missions was critical, and Cardassians were skilled at moving virtually noiselessly in most areas. Melset had begun developing a system of barely noticeable gestures that could convey the most important details and could come in useful later. For now, other things were more important.

"Begin!"

On command, Melset set off at a trot, orienting herself in the half-darkness of early morning by sensing the radiation, the direction of the little light there was through the nerve endings concentrated in the slightly concave surface of her central scale. _At least ten kilometres one way – I've done more and under incomparably worse conditions during my time as a Var and up to now.… _She kept up a steady pace until the command came through. "Halt!"

There was no real need for her to look around for potential shelter as she had automatically registered details of her surroundings in the course of the run, recognized  and analysed the possibilities offered by cover that would permit her to see but not to be seen. Quickly unfastening and laying down the pack, she set up the equipment; suddenly, a slight rustling alerted the Glinn. Reaching for the phaser rifle slung over her shoulder, she hit the ground and, on her stomach, crawled to a place from where she would have an unobstructed view of the terrain to find the source of the sound. At seeing a slight movement to her left, Melset activated her phaser and shouted, "I have you covered! Drop weapons, hands behind your head – on your knees, legs apart. No rapid movements!"

            The person adopted the posture demanded then, slowly, turned towards her voice, looked around before calling, "At ease, Glinn Melset!" It was obvious she had hidden too well for her quarry to spot her.

There was no reaction, only silence, followed by her reiteration of the previous command followed by the demonstratively loud release of the safety, the hum of the "ready" signal.

            "Code J-P-OXZ – red." The code was the expected phrase which showed her that the officer was who he claimed to be; the Glinn jumped to her feet to walk over to her 'station.'

            The interrogator, Gul Franios, first considered her before turning to inspect the equipment in detail, its condition, the set-up, and afterwards only commented, "Off the record, Glinn. Well done."

She remained standing at attention to receive his next order, "Repack. Return."

Within minutes, the procedure had been reversed, and she was on her way. Half-way through, a civilian glider matched its pace to hers. "Glinn, I have a son in the service. For his sake, I offer you a short lift – win you some time."

She looked to the side; the speaker was a civilian, an older female she did not know, yet who admittedly seemed friendly. Melset shook her head and gave her a brief wave and nod as acknowledgement of the offer. _The oldest trick in the book. Never accept unsolicited aid from strangers, Cardassians or no, in battle or field training: it could be a trap – never leave your equipment out of sight for even a minute or you may find it being used against you_. Towards the end of an endurance test like this such an offer was a great temptation, but one which, in real time, could be disastrous if indulged. This person could also be an observer sent out to check on progress together with the candidates' adherence to the rules of the last endurance test – to accept would mean failing the entire interrogation.

After eight hours, the final phase of the exams was over as well with her arrival at the Academy's grounds, setting up her equipment once again and standing next to it, at attention. Melset could not quite conceal her accelerated breathing rate; she had kept up a brisk pace, not once stopping for a breather.

The interrogator gave the equipment a final inspection, then input some more data into a padd before stating, "At ease, Glinn Melset, You are dismissed. Return to quarters. Notification of results at 10;00 tomorrow." With a slight smile, he added, "Some downtime would be in order."

_Accept praise or criticism with equal calm. Both are only given when deserved – the one to encourage, the other to correct_. She did not react to the approval in his voice, only saluted, did a perfectly executed about–face and left for quarters at a steady pace, as though the exertions of the past days had been negligible; it would have been inconceivable to openly show any signs of the sustained efforts of the past weeks. Anyone who did would be judged weak, without the necessary resolve. It would inevitably mean losing points off ratings. In combat, endurance combined with mental resilience were essential; a weak link in the team would potentially endanger the whole.

At arriving in the room which she shared with five other Glinns, one of whom had departed a week ago, she took off her armour and uniform, then offered herself the pleasure of a vigorous rubdown with a cloth first soaked in warm oil, then wrung out. The Cardassian appreciated this simple luxury which would have constituted true indulgence in the field – the entire final interrogation as such was nothing compared to what really was expected on duty, what she had already experienced in the course of the past seven years. Eight hours … combat took hours, days, even weeks … Filthy trenches, only very basic rations, hardly any rest, no privacy worth mentioning, often climatic conditions paramount to torment for a Cardassian, but … everything was well worth enduring if it meant serving the Empire. After redressing, she sat down, then, luxuriating in the feeling, slowly let herself fall back on her bunk with a low hiss of pleasure - the very act of lying on that bunk felt good. _My comrades should be back soon as well_… Three Varagasi, one Kelani, one Gerschechi and a South Continent Cardassian – it admittedly could be a volatile combination, but at their level ethnic conflicts had become a thing of the past. They had never meant any form of enmity – they all were Cardassians, yet the reputation of Kelani for conservative values in many areas provoked jokes comparable to those told about the Bajoran kava farmer, the Klingon Ketta Lowlands population on their respective worlds.

Glinns Derasi, Budren, Joldek and Nabros entered barely half an hour later, "Ah, you are back already, Glinn Melset." With a sigh, one of them let himself collapse onto his bunk before stating, "The last one of those four interrogations was incredible."

The others nodded in silent agreement, but there were no comments on the questions posed, the physical demands exacted; there was no need to ask, it was that obvious: they all looked as though they had been through an especially gruelling session of endurance training, which, in fact, had been the case. Yet, all had experienced far worse on active duty; had they proven incapable of supporting the mental and physical demands of military life they would have been forced to demission as potential risks to military readiness.

Derasi, the group leader, looked around at his comrades as they lay on their bunks or slumped on their chairs, "Ah, don't fall asleep just yet! We'll be called to the mess hall in an hour, and should be in full uniform, or be considered incapable of pulling our weight – as weak as humans." With a grin, he stood at attention, "Formation – march! Next test – survival of sonics. We attack at once! Take no prisoners!"

His 'order' raised some hisses and dubious gestures, but was obeyed promptly enough; the sonics massaged the tension and soreness out of their bodies so that, once they were back in uniform, refreshed and relaxed, the Glinns' mood had lightened markedly.

"Section D-24, proceed to mess hall." The notification was given via intercom.

All students and militaries who were taking their exams at a given time were kept separate from regular students and even from those taking lower-level exams. This was no precaution to preclude an exchange of information – there were enough options at the disposal of the interrogators - but rather a form of downtime to permit undivided attention to the demands set upon them.

The five Glinns covertly looked around upon entering the mess hall, then exchanged glances. Some of the tables were now empty, a few occupied by one, two or three candidates. There was no exchange of information, only total quiet, nor did any of the others join a comrade who was not of his group. After receiving their rations – more generous than those accorded during the past weeks – they settled down to eat, and soon were engrossed in a sporadic discussion of strategies, of developments along the border, and the odds of being assigned to a given cruiser. Every Gul had his supporters among the students at the Academy, especially as all Glinns had served under at least five different commanders in the course of their careers. These frequent shifts in posting were considered necessary to further flexibility, ensure immediate recognition of a superior's methods and the ability to anticipate orders which guaranteed smooth operations in crises. Only at becoming a commander in his or her own right did the privilege of decision-making enter into a junior officer's area of competence. A Glinn 3rd level had the prerogative of suggesting strategies after the first six weeks of observing procedure on board and that only after having proven him- or herself. If the strategy failed, decision-making privileges would be revoked for two weeks, an entry made into his or her files, accompanied by the Glinn's personal detailed analysis of the weaknesses of these plans. In  the fleet itself, it was the Gul of highest level who had the final say, of course with input from the others in his fleet.

Guls honed the decision-making abilities of their Glinns from Second Level onwards by assigning them groups of Vars and Recruits to lead into combat, troops for whose training they alone were responsible. That, however, was the limit of their command authority unless the Gul commanding the cruiser was exceedingly tolerant.

"Clear mess hall – Dismissed." As one, the Glinns rose, disposed of their trays in the cleaning units before filing out.

This order meant that they now had the liberty of doing whatever they wanted, even going off-base until lights-out; as of common accord, however, Derasi and his fellow Glinns headed towards their quarters to sleep off the exertions of the past weeks, a luxury in itself, too. On a cruiser, there _was_ downtime, but everyone knew that he or she could be ordered to replace another officer at a minute's notice. As a result, many active duty personnel had adopted the habit of sleeping in uniform so as to only have to put on the regulation armour at reporting to their post. Their respective areas in the rooms of the Academy's dormitory complex were separated by weighted curtains to ensure a measure of privacy, in the same way as was the case on a cruiser; furnishings consisted of a bunk, a locker and a chest, at the other end of the room, communits and computer annexes.

A low whisper that was meant to be heard came from Glinn Joldek's compartment, "After all these interrogations, I think a nice Kelani Cardassian would make such a comforting companion."

There was no verbal reaction from Melset's area, only a protracted, malevolent hiss mixed with an undertone of derision.

Nabros commented with suppressed laughter, "Did you hear _that_? Give up, Joldek. You've been shot down – literally – each time. They're hot-blooded, all right, those Kelani females, but as standoffish as Romulans."

A laugh from Derasi, "No chance at _all_, Melset? You've heard Joldek, he likes Kelani. He is an admirable strategist, too. Pull back – regroup – attack from another sector."

The retort was not long in coming. "If he wants to spend the night manacled, with the floor as his mattress, he's welcome to try for some companionship." She was silent for a moment. "Perhaps _you_ should suggest another series of tests devised just for him, Glinn Nabros – undercover operations. I understand the Order is always looking for highly-motivated candidates and am sure Joldek would make an excellent recruit."

The very thought was unnerving for the others. "Never," Joldek said carefully, feeling his way  very carefully to avoid any phrasing that could be seen as critical of the Obsidian Order of which it was said it heard and saw everything that happened on Cardassia. "I want to find a good Cardassi mate, have a family and thus serve Cardassia on both fronts. Order operatives are, of necessity, obliged to make even more sacrifices for the common good, and not all of us are suited to make them. I know I am not."

There was a murmur of agreement from all those present. Duty, Family, Cardassia, they were the most important elements for their people. They transcended differences in custom, could defuse various conflicts. The deadliest enemy was the one whose family had been harmed by a fellow Cardassian – that could never be forgiven, conversely, help was never forgotten, either. No family ties … for a member of their people, it was the hardest sacrifice conceivable. For that reason, Order members often mentored young operatives who appeared promising candidates – this offered them the semblance of a family.

There was a moment of silence until Derasi said, "Glinn Melset, you studied with the Order."

Her answer was immediate, honest. "Yes, and it was most interesting. Let me assure you that the agents I have met are all good Cardassians, totally dedicated to our Empire. Tain told me that not many have the resolve requisite to serve in that capacity. But – all of us can do so in our respective duties. If I should be offered the privilege of becoming a liaison officer at some time, he has assured me that I will not be obliged to renounce to having a family of my own."

Renewed silence, then a low murmur from Joldek's cubicle – "… and raise our children to be true Cardassians who will serve the greater glory of Cardassia." His voice reflected pride and hope. "All of us will have to choose our priorities carefully."

"For now, I'll serve my own interests and priorities alone. Sleep!" called Budren.

The comments and counter comments, now reduced to whispers, went on for a little while longer before they too faded into silence.

For all the joking and insinuations, intimate relationships among students and students who were completing their studies at the Academy were strictly discouraged. The higher ranks already had fiancés or were married, those who didn't adhered to the regulations. Surveillance was instituted in all areas of the buildings and the grounds. The goal during these years was to become soldiers and officers of the Cardassian Empire, strong, prepared to make even the most wrenching sacrifices, determined to see to Cardassia's affairs at all costs… Indulgence of any kind was seen as a sign of weakness; at times of physical closeness or even during celebrations with generous amounts of food and drink at the disposal of those present, more than one officer had become too communicative, with direst consequences. Such cases were publicised, the officers involved exposed to public censure, then demoted. They obviously were a high-risk factor for Cardassia's security that had to remain in non-essential areas of work only; their careers ground to a permanent standstill from the moment of discovery on.

Downtime as such was virtually non-existent – from lights-out to reveille, seven hours at most, was the time at their disposal for rest and recreation. These hours were kept irregular, subject to unexpected shifts, to ensure the candidates' flexibility under shipboard conditions.

Melset still lay awake for some time; she was well aware that her Order training inevitably made her stand apart from the other militaries, and yet, her superior officers had invariably welcomed her skills after a more or less lengthy period of covert observation. Each Gul had assigned her duties which again served her well as to furthering her own abilities. With a sigh, she settled down. It was just another element to be dealt with.

When they were called to receive their results the next morning, Melset quickly glanced around the hall at entering and realized the group of candidates to which she belonged had become substantially smaller, by at least two thirds. Apparently the physical exams had weeded out a few more individuals. Seventy-two of 250 had passed all of the required tests. Just the day before, one of her five room mates had packed and left while she was out attending the last series of tests. He would no doubt return to his posting for another two years as Glinn second level, then retake the exams a second time – there was no disgrace in that - but if success did not materialize during the second series of interrogations, there would be no more possibility of advancement within the service proper – the remaining option was administration. All personnel accepted that only a very few openings were available for higher positions within Central Command, leading to merciless selection procedures that made no allowances for any factors whatsoever, in the same way as combat made no allowances for errors in strategy or reactions. Only the very best were destined to lead, a detail that paralleled the principles of all other societies.

            In contrast to human graduates, the young Cardassians waited in silence, ranks of Glinns standing at attention, ready for service. Their relatives did not have the authorization to attend  - graduation from the Academy was a strictly internal affair, the success of each graduate solely ascribable to the candidate's efforts. If there was any kind of celebration, it would take place within the family alone. Most Cardassians, though, thought celebrating success meant that it had been unexpected, and thus gave an opening for doubts as to the individual's true level of competence.

At the back of the hall, the doors slid open to admit the interrogators who walked along the aisle in silence to line up at the back of the hall, expressions neutral. The Supreme Administrator, a Gul First Level, of whom there were but nine in all of Central Command, marched forward, followed by the interrogators who formed ranks, then took their seats on the podium, not meeting the eyes of any of those present.

The tension rose when a table was beamed in with the padds for the graduates, arranged according to rank and area of duty. The results were registered on them, complete with each Glinn's evaluations, his achievements, experience in areas connected with command and leadership… all of it important information for the Guls to whom these officers would be assigned.

The whole process was completed quickly, so that Melset found herself called up within moments. She was given her padd, accepted it with a salute and the call of "Talsvar Kardassu." Walking back to her place, she surreptitiously gave the padd a quick glance – sixth in rank. She suppressed a brief feeling of disappointment, but 6 of 72 was excellent, considering the demands.

A speech followed, then they were authorized to activate their pads for information on their postings. This, too, was effected in silence, with only the sound of a muted intake of breath when someone or another discovered that a hoped-for posting had materialized.

With a surge of pleased surprise, Melset saw she was assigned to the Orissà under the command of Gul Dukat. There was not the least indication of her pleasure at the news as the Glinn calmly deactivated her padd, waiting. Those Glinns 3rd level to serve on the same ships would depart together after having been given the chance to notify their families.

"Orissà personnel, you are to report to the Likura at 4 hours standard time tomorrow." You are free to leave."

Melset saw that they were a group of five among whom she only knew Glinn Kovar. _One ally_. She went to stand next to him. They had frequently cooperated, had been posted together twice; he was of Gerschechi stock, tall, slender, a standard Cardassian. Melset was aware that there would hardly be any other Kelani serving with her. It made no difference to which ethnic group a given member of personnel belonged. The only elements that _did_ count were the Cardassian virtues of perseverance, dedication, hard work and determination. Otherwise, the others with whom she had studied had learned, sometimes at a price, that her ethnicity was as Cardassian as the predominant ethnic groups as pertained to viciousness of retaliation.

At the very beginning of studies at the Military Academy, it was expected of conflicting parties to resolve their differences on their own. Anyone who requested a mediator was considered contemptible and weak. Melset did not consider this option for even a moment, preferring to retaliate effectively, seeing to it that there were no witnesses, but that the target knew exactly why the attack or sabotage had taken place. Afterwards, the matter was considered closed and the former opponents openly cooperated.

The administrator called out: "Speak the Pledge and never forget it as long as you are in the service of the Empire, as long as you live."

The hall resounded with the voices of the Glinns who called out the three stanzas with firm voices, each word pronounced separately, the rhythm a surge of sound, like an immense heartbeat. The last words were followed by the salute and "Talsvar Kardassu!"

"Remember this Pledge always, bring honour to our people, to your families and leaders and always be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice. You are Cardassians, destined to rule the Alpha Quadrant if you do not cede. Dismissed!"

In formation, they left to return to quarters where they put on the armour of Glinn 3rd level, clipped the insignia of rank on their left sleeve, took their duffles and departed the Academy for good, everyone to his or her home or to the communications centre prior to departing for their respective assignments.

This time, wanting time to think, she slowly walked part of the way home before taking the public transport system's shuttle service. That posting given her had been one of the most coveted. Gul Dukat was well-known as a gifted strategist, a deeply patriotic officer who furthered those under his command provided they were dedicated, devoted to serving Cardassia in all things no matter the price exacted. From what she had heard so far, he was also just in his decisions. In one case, as a Var she had met during her last posting had told her, he had insisted on giving a Glinn 1st Level the chance to redeem himself after having made a near-disastrous error, and that in spite of the fact he could have had him court-martialled and dismissed from the service. The young officer in question had never forgotten Dukat's act of generosity and had become one of the most promising candidates for later promotion.

At returning home, Melset saw Losir Damar was already waiting for her – he had been given some hours off while his ship was being repaired after Ghemor's fleet had fought against an overly curious set of Starfleet captains. No ships had been lost on either side, the skirmish had served as a warning only.

"Gul Damar," was her greeting, followed by a salute. In uniform he was her superior and thus expected the formality.

His response was "At ease, Glinn Melset," before he dropped the formality and inquired, "Which rank did you attain and – which is your posting?"

"Rank six, my posting is on the Orissà, under the command of Gul Dukat.," she handed her father the padd. "I am to report to the Likura at 4:00 standard tomorrow."

Losir quickly read the evaluations, his expression neutral. "Tain will be gratified when he obtains these details; he does take a measure of interest in your career and has already inquired about you."

Melset smiled briefly. She liked Tain as well as the operative he was presently mentoring; in spite of his crowded schedule, he had frequently taken the time to demonstrate some detail or another, such as how to modify carrier waves or disguise surveillance devices, reroute signals, or had challenged her to get her signals past him. _The only ones who fear the Order are those who are guilty_. Both she and Tain had agreed on that point. "He suggests I consider becoming an operative, Attàmi Damar." She hesitated a moment before admitting, "His proposal _is_ tempting – I have never seen so much information or imagined such postings … Yet, I do want to stay with Central Command for a minimum of three decades."

Losir Damar nodded. "You are on his list of potential candidates. Remember that he demanded copies of all your evaluations in the course of the past years." The Cardassian changed the subject, "Attávi Melset and Åvron are due back shortly."

Together, they went into the main room where they discussed the situation on the border, new colonies in the planning stages, impending expansion of the fleet in response to provocations by the Klingons and the Federation. Melset became very pensive; _This development could mean early promotions to Gul for some of us, provided we prove ourselves_. For now, though, it was none of her concern. She had chosen Central Command and the standard fifty years of service would offer many possibilities of advancement for officers who served well.

Afterwards, they set about preparing dinner; the food was simple but there was enough for all as the renewed shortages had ended two years ago. The Cardassian population still did not have overly much at their disposal as to food and consumer goods, but what they had sufficed for at least a sense of well-being; that was already enough for the general population to consider itself privileged and wholeheartedly support the work of Central Command together with that of the Obsidian Order and Detapa.

Delhin and Åvron arrived together; it was a rare privilege for all four of them to be at home, in spite of allowances made for families at such occasions. Officers' families often were apart for four or five years at a time; this life style was hard for family-oriented people like Cardassians, that was undeniable, but joining Central Command as active-duty personnel was a consciously made decision, and the consequences of this decision were known to all well in advance; anyone, be it family member or officer, who complained about the fact became an object of ridicule and even censure. Duty superseded personal desires and, this was an important fact, families of military members were assured of support at all times.

For Cardassians, the very idea of having officers accompanied on their cruisers by a wife and children as was the case in the Federation was inconceivable, a serious risk to military readiness. This entire concept appeared a sign of unparalleled arrogance, as though Starfleet considered its ships so invincible that they could be like small towns, safe, peaceful, with officers going 'home' to share downtime with their wife and children after a shift… Cardassians did not consider this a luxury but rather imprudence of the worst kind imaginable. How could an officer possibly concentrate on his duty during a serious conflict when, at the same time, he or she was concerned about family members living on the very same ship that might be destroyed at any second? There was another consideration as well: a cruiser was just that, a military vessel – any non-essential personnel were so much dead weight that demanded resources and space with no returns as to providing supplementary personnel in a crisis; valuable energy had to be committed to non-essential passengers, additional installations such as schools, open areas, larger quarters would be required – unthinkable. No wonder the Federation could not match Cardassians for fierceness and flexibility – everything they had was geared to comfort, to making things easier on the officers and their families: no sacrifices were made except for frequent transferrals from one luxurious base to another, generous quarters on board, hours of communications time every month…

*********

The Orissà was just outside the Cardassian central system when the Likura arrived with the new personnel. They beamed over in a group to be met by one of the Glinns who was to transfer off. The newcomers would have various stations and, during their first two shifts, observe and participate in various duties as required, in decision making if asked. Together, they were accompanied to the ready room where their commanding officer was already waiting. He had the personnel list which he was reading before entering their files onto the ship's main computer, and subsequently add comments and evaluations.

"Glinn Kovar of Locarian City, rank 11 – navigation, shift II tomorrow."

"Glinn Jelad of Rodinian City, rank 9 – engineering, shift I, tomorrow."

"Glinn Melset of Perali City, rank 6, weapons, shift III tomorrow."

He went through the list, making and sustaining eye contact with each officer in turn. "For now, you are welcome to familiarize yourselves with the cruiser, come to the bridge, meet your fellow officers. There are no foreseeable emergencies, so I can put this time at your disposal for orientation. On the communits in your quarters you will find the layout of this cruiser together with a compressed form of mission files which you are welcome to read at your discretion. Should you require further information, Glinn Terpak will assist you."

Gul Dukat turned to his adjutant, "Glinn Terpak, show the new personnel to their quarters and give them their access codes."

The new officers had been assigned rooms on separate decks - it was always considered advisable to distribute newcomers throughout a ship to facilitate integration. At entering her code, Melset went into her cabin and looked around: standard quarters, austere, yet they would serve well; there was even a replicator, deactivated, but installed. Glinns second level still shared quarters, so having an area of her own offering more than five square metres and with 'real walls' at that was an unfamiliar but pleasing novelty. She quickly unpacked her duffle, then requested a diagram of the ship to memorize the most important areas. Conduits, tubes, all that would come later, once she had cleared the question of gaining access to all areas of the ship via these passages with the Security Officers.

At reporting to the bridge the following day Melset's first impression was the prevalent atmosphere of unity. The Orissà was a military vessel, there was no unnecessary talk, everything ran at peak efficiency, but she could recognize a sense of unity and loyalty to the commanding officer, true loyalty, not just that due his rank.. She took her place at weapons, quickly checked all the displays before adjusting her seat. Melset well knew that, at some point during her shift, there would be a simulation, but she was accustomed to that from other postings; at times, these simulations could present unheard-of, highly critical situations to gauge reactions and stability of the officers in question; they always constituted a challenge, at times even confronting the bridge crew with a no-win situation.

When all was completed, she found herself wondering about Gul Dukat, what his methods would be. Her previous commanders, Guls Previn, Jorad and Jasad, they had been vastly different to one another: Dukat had the reputation of being one of the finest officers in the fleet. All of the Guls were directed and duty-bound to assist their subordinates in reaching their full potential. Gul Jasad had been her last commander. She had feared him, as had most of the others. He was one of the best strategists, gave his Glinns and Vars an excellent basis as to operations and strategy, but his temper was by far too volatile; even a minor error usually meant a massive, often humiliating dressing down in front of the other bridge crew. It _was_ a Gul's right, there were no rules against these actions, yet only very few ever did thus except in the most extreme of cases. Once, just some days after she had transferred to his cruiser, Melset had witnessed such a scene: a Var just missed being hit by a padd which Jasad had thrown at a Glinn who had disturbed him at the wrong moment, then had found himself the target of Jasad's rage at catching the padd just before it had impacted with the communications array.

*******

Conflicts were escalating along the Federation-Cardassian border after some months of relative quiet. On both sides, there were reports of annexations, complaints were filed with their respective governments, there were mutual accusations of atrocities committed, statements broadcast within the Empire and the Federation respectively; both parties consistently maintained with great vehemence and indignation that they were only settling what was theirs.

At present, violent encounters were a given, and for a simple reason, too: the border as such was in a constant state of flux. There was no established demarcation line – the only way you could perhaps state that there was a border of sorts was an increase in the number of Cardassian settlements towards the Empire, whereas those of the Federation became more numerous in the other direction. The border itself was wherever you could register a 1:1 balance of the two peoples….

Due to this as-yet undetermined border, all three institutions of the Cardassian government had unanimously decided to push ahead with settlement projects at all costs, expand their territory as much and as rapidly as they could so as to make their predominance within the contested areas an established fact for when the time came to sign a treaty. Most of the planets in these sectors had rich resources that would ensure the Empire a measure of prosperity. The Federation certainly didn't need them all that desperately: that union was immeasurably wealthy by Cardassian standards, had such incredible amounts of resources at its disposal that it could well afford to leave a fair number of them undeveloped, in reserve, as it were; this alone made claimed but unsettled worlds fair game in the eyes of the Cardassian Empire.

Yet the two Unions did not rely on military actions alone. At intervals there were serious attempts at settling conflicts on the diplomatic level, with the Federation prepared to make some few concessions in an effort to bring peace to the contested zones. The Cardassian government invariably agreed to participate in said negotiations but what proved unexpected and very unnerving to the Federation was the rejection of all proposals for a negotiated peace by the Cardassian Empire.

The first Ambassador sent by Central Command reflected the very properties the Federation had already encountered in Cardassian militaries in the course of the conflicts. He, as all his compatriots so far, did not even attempt to disguise his fanatism, xenophobia and total conviction that Cardassia was destined to rule over all other peoples. That coupled with his people's reptilian aspect, their light eyes, so startlingly human in form and colour, that seemed cold, calculating, emotionless, their uniforms whose armour was reminiscent of a carapace … all this served to make Cardassians frightening. Their character traits were described as arrogant, vicious, territorial, brutal and merciless, to use but the kinder terms. What made it even worse was that no one had the least information about their background, knew nothing whatsoever of their culture, social structures, nor were their representatives forthcoming regarding these elements. The only element that became obvious at once was that they always worked in teams of at least three .. this habit of secrecy did not do anything to dispel the idea that they were a mass of reptilian enemies that derived great satisfaction from the fear they provoked in other peoples.

From the Cardassians' perspective, any one who dared oppose them or did not pay them the respect due their Empire was an enemy – and to negotiate with others on equal standing? Never for peace, only for surrender. This principle did tend to simplify matters quite remarkably. Non-Cardassian allies were only acceptable provided they had something to offer combined with the military power to keep Cardassia from coming to take what she needed. In spite of their reputation, however, for the eighth time in as many days, Gul Dukat's fleet had been alerted. Shift had just changed when the notification came in.

"Five Federation starships located within the borders, Colandra system. Are scanning planets for resources and have not responded to warning hails." The Gul looking out at them from the screen seemed calm, yet the inflection in his voice and the glitter in his eyes reflected the anger he felt. "Gul Dukat, you are closest to that area. Proceed."

Dukat, outraged at the renewed incursion, struck the armrest of his seat a resounding blow. "Move to intercept."

There was but one thought in the minds of the entire crew: One of the planets in that system had newly established Cardassian colonies, all emplaced there to lay a claim on desperately needed resources that had been discovered on those worlds. They knew their civilians had nothing to fear: the Federation generously protected even enemy populations from harm, did nothing that could endanger them. The safety of the colonists was not the problem, it was the desperately-needed resources that were at risk.

Some hours later the fleet had arrived within sensor range prior to selecting a more circuitous path permitting them to see before they were discovered. There were the starships, scanning the first planet of the Colandra system as though they had every right to be there…

"Communications – transmit message."

Var Laset opened hailing frequencies.

"You have penetrated Cardassian space. Cease operations at once. I am Gul Dukat of the Second Order, and it is I who invite you to leave this sector. To remain here constitutes an act of war."

He waited for some minutes, staring at the central screen. It remained blank, nor did the captain respond to the hail with even an audiomessage. The Captain of the lead ship apparently did not consider a Cardassian worth a reply.

"I repeat: leave this area immediately. We shall otherwise be forced to render your ships defenceless, subsequently take you prisoner to see exactly what your purpose is in committing this breach of territory." Gul Dukat's voice was calm but the threat undeniable.

Finally, an answer. "Captain Fendrichs here. We are within Federation territory to conduct scanning operations prior to colonizing this planet. I am transmitting the details of our claim now."

Dukat's expression did not change as he read the information that scrolled down his screen. His voice low, just short of sneering, he responded, "This is a forgery. You passed Endok'Nor, an Outpost dating back 10 years, on your way here. It _is_ a quite large station, recognizably Cardassian and, to my knowledge at least, it has not been shifted from its former position, nor has it been cloaked. You cannot have failed to see it – or were your external sensors off-line? …. Regrettably, I do not have the time to indulge in unnecessary verbiage, although it could be entertainment for both of us. I have issued a ultimatum and strongly suggest you comply with my demands or face the consequences for yourself and your crew." He leaned back, his blue eyes cold, unblinking as he stared at the human. "You have ten seconds."

The image suddenly faded and, simultaneously,  the Var at sensors called out, "Phasers fully charged! Shields up on Federation vessel!"

No explicit command from Gul Dukat was necessary – all bridge crew reacted as though they were one organism. Within seconds, all stations were at the ready, the cruiser's entire complement of personnel waiting to man stations, respectively serve as backups in case of injuries, the harsh blare of the signal 'red alert' resounded throughout the quarters and corridors.

All bridge crew waited in tense silence – possibly it was the human captain's purpose to save face with a show of defiance – at least that was the method used by Klingons or Cardassians – at times it did made their opponents back down.

It was not thus this time. The Federation vessels came around in standard battle formation, facing off against the Cardassians. The main screen activated briefly to show the human Captain and his bridge. "You want a fight, Gul Dukat? You can have one. We are not ceding this system – or any system to your Empire. We have claimed this world, it is within Federation borders and we will not withdraw." The image faded. 

"Engage!"

With that the battle began. The bulky-looking Cardassian cruisers were surprisingly manoeuvrable, and the shuttles deployed when 'skirmishes' had to be terminated quickly were provided with very effective, though miniaturized weaponry. It was obvious that both groups were well-matched, with no one possessing a decisive advantage over the other that would quickly determine the winner of this encounter; it would be a question of tactics and endurance alone. Fire was exchanged for half an hour with no results that would have determined who would win.

"Glinn Melset, reroute section 24 of the main weapons station; Var Kailas, take over secondary systems." He briefly looked over at Melset. "You have given him training in that arrangement to achieve marginally greater firepower and quicker responses."

The Glinn was taken by surprise at Gul Dukat's remembering this fact in such a situation. _He really does track and evaluate everyone's work and initiatives_… She met Var Kailas' eyes and inclined her head slightly in encouragement. He was a Var 1st level, very determined, very motivated to serve the Empire.

There was a brief lull in the exchange of fire, then, apparently, the Federation captains decided to concentrate on the lead ship, only doing enough to keep the others in Gul Dukat's fleet busy. A fleet commander would be a fine prize indeed.

There was a blinding flash of light followed by the impact of a phaser blast that had hit the body of the Cruiser, but luckily had not breached the hull. _They seem to know that bright light is unpleasant for us, even incapacitates us for seconds…_ The ship lurched so heavily that four of the bridge personnel were thrown to the floor, while the others clutched at any support they could find. After the impact, Gul Dukat shouted a series of orders in response to the reports that were coming in from the various areas of the cruiser; damage was minimal – evidently, the Federation captains were trying to incapacitate the Orissà without destroying it so as to take a Cardassian cruiser – a nice trophy that would be….

On the viewscreen, they saw the Starship come around for another run.

"Ready phasers!"

Melset got no response from her array and reported, "Gul Dukat, I have to fire manually." Quickly inputting the coordinates while speaking, she managed to hit one of the ship's nacelles, gave a hiss of triumph, but then saw that damage was minimal.

The Orissà once again shook under the impact of a phaser beam – damage reports came in, but none of the details meant greater danger to ship or crew, making everyone draw a surreptitious breath of relief. 

 "What are you waiting for, Glinn? Return fire! I repeat: 'Fire!'" His voice was harsh, irritated.

Var Kailas looked over at Melset, shrugged, then quickly tapped his display, choosing a series of surfaces that made his neighbour look away apprehensively.

"Ready, Glinn Melset." Var Kailas waited – three torpedoes at one shot…

"Phasers offline. Launching torpedoes." She fired the three missiles Kailas had activated for close sequence without waiting for the direct command of her superior, determined to put the ship out of commission. In combat there was some leeway for Glinns to make autonomous decisions.

This time, finally, the damage was severe enough to force its captain to call for withdrawal. One of the nacelles had been severed from the body, another torpedo had penetrated the central disk, leaving a gaping hole. In the message they intercepted via their communications, however, it became clear that the Federation captain had managed to get out a distress call to request reinforcements while his own fleet was regrouping to reengage the Cardassians

In the meantime, rescue pods began literally pouring out of the ship. When he saw that, Gul Dukat commanded, "Beam in as many as possible!"

At the very same moment, the report came in, "Two more Federation ships entering sensor range." There would be no captives this time…

"Reform battle line, prepare to engage." The fleet of six ships under Gul Dukat's command smoothly came about in standard formation; on each one, though, crews were hurrying to repair damage as quickly as possible.

"Weapons?" His voice hinted at impatience.

"Phasers still off-line, Gul Dukat." She spoke into the intercom, "Engineering - We need those phasers!"

The answer came at once, "Circuits fused. Replacing them. Only torpedoes."

When Melset turned to give the report, she saw Dukat coming to her station and bristled inwardly as he reached across her console, thinking he considered her incapable of interpreting the readouts, that he suspected the phasers were on-line after all.

The Gul had recognized the Glinn's slight reaction and only said, "If you permit, Glinn Melset," input a code she did not know but memorized with some satisfaction, then shook his head in disgust before notifying the other Guls in his fleet, "Gul Dukat of the Orissà – weapons are severely damaged, repairs being affected. Situation?"

The responses came at once, all with lists of damage sustained - it seemed one of the other cruisers had been taken out. Gul Lessan had barely managed to reach the border under cover of the fighting and was now concentrating on the most essential repairs, supported by a team from a nearby colony.

Gul Dukat was still standing next to her so, in a very low voice, Melset inquired, "Gul Dukat, request permission to suggest an alternative."

The very act of openly addressing her superior officer in this connection was a risk as the hierarchy was strictly respected and enforced. She waited with no sign of impatience, did not look up at Gul Dukat as he seemingly inspected her station's readouts. If he ignored her query, that was her commanding officer's right; if not, she would perhaps get her chance. Gul Dukat considered the Glinn for a moment, then nodded, and stooped as though to examine her displays more closely; her lowered voice had implied the proposal was something she did not know would be acceptable.

"Proceed, Glinn Melset." He looked over at her.

The reply was immediate, given in a very low murmur so that only he could hear the words, yet clear enough that the surveillance device she knew had to be there would record it.. "Gul Dukat - Orissà withdraw as if forced to. Simulate severest damage, plasma leaks, hull breach. Next: debris – eject with mines. Detritus carry them out of range of cruiser if our departure speed matched to scrap. Mines from cruiser about to explode unexpected. Other priorities." She hesitated, "Others – move off now, as though withdrawing. Re-engage after detonation."

To her surprise, his response was a low hiss; he straightened, rubbing his hands, his expression pleased, "My thought exactly." Gul Dukat relayed the order to engineering, then again turned to Melset who explained, looking up at him, " _We_ fight and withdraw, regroup, come in again, but this is a different pattern. We are said to keep to patterns, thus a change of method will take them by surprise."

His response was to quickly grasp her shoulder in approval before returning to his seat. Confused, Melset concentrated on her station – she had only done her duty in suggesting this procedure – why had Gul Dukat responded as though she was deserving of the highest praise? The gesture was totally unfamiliar to her, made it seem as though he doubted her knowledge.

The command that came next resulted in some muted hisses of frustration from the bridge crew. "Withdraw!"

Severely damaged, under impulse power only, the Orissà limped away towards the Federation-Cardassian border, leaving a trail of drifting debris in her wake. The lights that usually flashed along her hull were dark, at irregular intervals energy discharges coated the hull in flickers of bluish light … severest damage…

"Open frequencies. Let's listen in on their little discussion," Dukat suggested with a hint of a smile.

The bridge crew listened to the exchange of news among the Starships, satisfied by what was being said.

"Best to attack while the Cardies are effecting repairs. Can get captives. To judge by the detritus, that cruiser has sustained heavy damage to its hull… weapons are out, plasma leaks on various decks... loss of atmosphere …"

"Structural damage, no disintegration of hull so far, but possibly imminent. They'll be lucky if they even reach their first outpost."

"Disable further, but not destroy – attempt to take prisoners or gain access to ship's computers."

On the Orissà Engineering notified the bridge crew, "Provisional repairs effected. Phasers back on line. Enough power provided no larger impact destabilizes the jury-rigged systems."

While listening, Melset stared at the screen, eyes slightly widened, as did the others, felt the commander come to stand at her side. "Get ready."

Quickly, Dukat nodded over at Glinn Bogdan who briefly activated impulse to give the cruiser a slight spin to the side, effectively angling the weapons array to have a clear aim just over the debris to strike the starship after it had sustained damage by the mines.

Turning to communications, Dukat ordered the var to transmit messages couched in static to the other cruisers. "Battle formation. Converge at my signal." To the Federation starships, the random bursts of static would make it seem communications had gone down as well.

Every detail was now prepared, strategy implemented…. Any time now…. For a moment, Melset felt slightly apprehensive – if this ploy did not meet with success, she would have failed her first critical test, a test her superior had granted her, trusting her instincts. She felt someone come to stand next to her, slightly touch her arm, then say in a low, nearly comforting murmur, "Steady now, Glinn, … steady…" as the starship slowly drew closer. She shifted in her seat as though getting ready for an attack, tensed her neck membranes to full spread, didn't notice him glance down at her in a mixture of curiosity and interest in spite of the situation.

Dukat's shout of "Fire!" was virtually simultaneous with the detonation of four mines and Melset's lunging forward to strike the phaser section to release a barrage of blasts.

"Yes!" was his sibilant exclamation when the force of the detonation marginally  impacted the Orissà at explosion of the starship's nacelles. The captain had still managed to separate the disk to get the crew and other personnel to safety, but the Orissà was well out of range of the main shock wave. At the same time, the other cruisers in Dukat's fleet, which had been 'withdrawing' and were now just outside of visual range, reappeared to converge on the remaining starships in a surprise move, thus implementing the last phase of the strategy. After a brief but violent encounter, the Federation starships were beaten into retreat.

"Well done," was his comment to no one in particular as he returned to his station, exchanging a few words with some of his bridge crew.

"Withdraw to just within border. Effect repairs. Orders to transfer to Suyyok'Nor for redeployment."

This constant reshuffling of fleets and individual ships was a normal process. No one outside of Cardassia knew exactly how many ships were under Central Command's jurisdiction; the names of the ships and their commanders were unknown as well, with very few exceptions. Moreover, each military had a series of code names, at times ships' serial numbers were changed at random; all of these precautions made it seem Cardassia had immense reserves of manpower and ships at its disposal.

Once, at the very beginning of the Cardassia-Federation conflicts, Central Command, the Order and Detapa had permitted a most 'unfortunate leak' that would have 'gravest consequences for those responsible' to occur. It was the final phase of an Empire-wide celebration. Row upon row of primary school children in basic uniform marched out onto the parade grounds, preceded by three pre-teens bearing the Cardassian flag. With military precision, they passed the podium with the dignitaries, looked towards them as one,  saluted. As the militaries before, they executed a number of manoeuvres before taking position in the centre of the grounds, then, at their leader's call, changed position to form the contours of Central Command's emblem. At the end of the ceremony all of the young Cardassians called out the Civilian's Pledge in unison, then, in one accord, shouted "Talsvar Kardassu!" in clear, firm voices before marching off the grounds in formation, with military precision. This was part of a yearly ceremony commemorating the inception of Central Command's, the Order's and Detapa's joint rule, but that little detail was left out of the leak to make it seem that Cardassia had a huge population at its disposal, virtually limitless manpower, that each single individual, be it man, woman or child, was determined to do the utmost to support the goals of Central Command, to serve Cardassia.

Conversely, the parents of these children, their instructors, the general public considered this ceremony a matter of pride and hope. Everyone derived comfort from the thought that, no matter what the hardships they would inevitably be called upon to endure, the sacrifices exacted by the Empire, their people would survive thanks to their strength, determination, and unwavering loyalty to Cardassia. For those _outside_ the Empire, however, it was a frightening sight – masses of children raised from toddlers on up to the aggressive, xenophobic view of the universe typical of all Cardassians encountered so far.

Once the fleet had crossed the border and was well within the territory of the Empire, Gul Dukat rose to go into his ready room. On his way, he passed by Melset's station to address her, "A word with you, Glinn Melset."

She followed him, matching his pace, and, when her commanding officer had taken his seat behind his desk, stood at attention, eyes straight ahead, nearly unblinking.

He considered his new Glinn quietly, his expression neutral. Impeccable dress as expected of even the lowest ranks, good instincts, combative, committed to duty, yet rarely showing much reaction to occurrences except for, as during the skirmish that had just taken place, a hiss or 'positioning' herself as before a direct attack. In the month since arriving on his ship, she had spent most of her downtime in the company of only a few peers; listening devices revealed her interactions with them to be on a friendly but neutral basis alone, restricted to that of comrades-in-arms. Via an audiovisual monitor, he had listened to and observed a meeting she had called with the six recruits and twelve vars she had been assigned on her first team. The questions she had posed them, her responses to their replies had shown her skill in Order techniques of acquiring information about individuals, judging their abilities and mentality without the fact becoming immediately obvious. She subsequently had assigned them positions to further develop those very abilities she had found, thus ensuring effectiveness of later operations.

"Your proposal was not standard practice," he began, "… but effective. Who instructed you in that form of response in combat? Not many Glinns would have even considered this slightly unconventional procedure."

Her voice and expression remained neutral, matter-of-fact, with no hint of pride or satisfaction as she stated. "Gul Dukat, Enabran Tain, Entek, Guls Parn, Jasad and Previn strongly advised me to make it a rule to analyse every situation down to its slightest details, no matter how irrelevant it may initially appear, as to its potential usefulness in predetermining an enemy's probable response, to recognize any weakness in strategy or defence. In this specific case, Federation captains will inevitably try to rescue survivors, will not break _Federation_ patterns, thus you can count on having two enemies engaged in rescue operations. In our case, their fleet was reduced to three, thus markedly shifting the odds in our favour." She then added with distaste, "As to those mines, it _is_ Federation settler technique, but also that of Bajoran terrorists who attack our enclaves; a common method is to attach explosives under gliders or suborbital transports carrying Cardassian settlers or goods for an enclave; one such act of terrorism was perpetrated only two years ago, in Dahkur Province. In comparison, our own methods are quite straightforward."

"Very commendable, Glinn Melset. You appear to keep track of specifics as to relevant occurrences and…" He hesitated, or at least seemed to do so, "… even adopt enemy methods on occasion. The latter _is_ rather unusual, don't you think so yourself?"

"Gul Dukat, I realize that, under circumstances, this may be considered a shortcoming," she said honestly, "Yet even enemy methods, provided they ensure success, should be an option if they further the interests of the Empire." For a moment, her eyes grew hard. "All of the Empires and Unions around us, Klingon, Romulan, Federation, Breen, are trying to take us into a stranglehold, annex our outlying systems one after the other, or even penetrate our borders in an effort to force us back into our central system, leading to total economic collapse, a loss of most of our population to starvation and disease, reducing us to an impoverished people dependent on outside assistance." After a deep breath, she added, "Central Command is the front line of defence, thus the goal justifies all methods employed to preclude such a future."

The Gul nodded his agreement. "The unsolvable dilemma of the past four centuries, my dear Glinn Melset. Alliances bring trade, goods we cannot obtain otherwise, but that is already the limit, unless you consider smuggling trade of sorts. Negotiations with other groups as equals bring even less: deliveries are always manipulated, or goods hoarded to drive up prices for the most necessary commodities. Fight, annex, expand, this is our only choice if we want to keep the level we have attained and not regress." He rose, commenting with a slight smile, "You realize, of course, that this little conversation has been recorded?"

Her expression did not change, her voice remaining even as she replied, "I expected as much. With all due respect, Gul Dukat, even if this had not been the case, or this a room without recording devices, my responses would have been the same." Her reply was unsmiling, even, her stance respectful, yet he had seen a brief flicker of some undefined emotion, was it anger or disappointment, in her eyes.

"This comment was not meant to express any doubt as to your integrity, Glinn Melset. Your sincerity and dedication is evident in your attitude and in your words to your troops," was his response. Gul Dukat again waited for some reply, but none was forthcoming, nothing but the same respectful attitude, the attentive waiting for orders he had come to expect from her. "Dismissed. Return to station."

The Glinn saluted, "Gul Dukat," and turned to leave. Her commander waited for some moments, listened to the recording again before returning to the bridge. Every now and then, as he walked around the bridge, his glance strayed over to her. _She mentioned Tain and Entek. Normally, members of the military have no contact with the Order unless in case of security breaches or exchange of information. Her stance and manner would indicate intensive training with the Order as well… An operative? Hardly. For a liaison she is far too young_. _Furthermore, her reactions in combat are too typical of officers._

Back in his commander's seat, he could not refrain from repeatedly glancing over at Glinn Melset, who was occupied with her duties. _Seen up close, she appears fragile, but is physically and mentally highly resilient; that Glinn anticipates commands – she adapted to my command style within barely two days; excellent instincts, a quick grasp of situations and possibilities_. He recalled one of the comments in her personnel file. 'Glinn Melset's dedication to Cardassia and her motivation to further the Empire's interests have been revealed equal to those of the very best of previous graduates. Her abilities, strategic and otherwise, are not to be underestimated and should be furthered together with her creativity in dealing with various situations. Her strategies may at times appear unconventional, but have met with success more often than not. I therefore recommend her transferral to Gul Dukat's command.'

Shortly before picking up his new personnel, he had met Guls Jasad and Previn on Outpost 47. At speaking about crew, he had mentioned the new Glinns he was to get. The reactions had been unanimous, corroborating the evaluations he had read shortly after in every point. Even Jasad had shown grudging approval as to Melset, albeit with the words, "You will be in for a few surprises with _that_ one; she served on my cruiser as Glinn 1st level." then he added, "Unusual. In all, you are receiving good personnel."

***************

Some months later, a message which had the crews and their commanders outraged reached the fleet that was under Gul Dukat's command.

Gul Shengir stated, "The Federation has annexed a system within our borders for itself, has deployed beacons to legalize its claim and sent a notification to Starfleet headquarters to have it registered as Federation territory. Proceed there immediately. If the settlement is not abandoned voluntarily, take whatever measures are necessary, and if it means eliminating all inhabitants and levelling the settlement proper."

For a Gul 1st level to give a command directly was a sign that the situation was far more serious than a mere attempt at annexing one system. His presence could be indicative of possible troop buildup in preparation for a massive offensive against the Federation. If Gul Dukat's findings hinted at a parallel Federation buildup along the border, 'skirmishes' would definitely evolve into a localized war.

The response was immediate. "Commence battle drills at once – two each shift with random changes in personnel." Gul Dukat nodded at Glinn Jelan who had called up information on the system that they were assigned, transmitted it to all communits on the cruiser to bring the crew up to date.

Gul Dukat then addressed the entire crew via intercom. "The Glinns in command of troops commence intensive training as of now. They are the following: Glinns Kovar, Jelad, Melset, Prenar, Yadir and Mossa. Those concerned are freed from regular duty effective immediately."

At once, the teams and their leaders met in what passed for a lounge on the cruiser: an empty storage bay that, at times, was converted to provisional quarters when used to ferry either prisoners to their 'work assignments' or settlers to their colonies along with their equipment.

Glinn Kovar activated the screen to display the terrain they would be entering, gave all present time to consider details and subsequently analyse them prior to the discussion.

"Suggestions." This order was meant for the Glinns alone. The Vars and Glans who were present were relegated to watching and seeing whether their own plans coincided with those of their superiors.

Not much was said at first while the Glinns discussed procedures in a group. Jelad, then Melset came forward to present an analysis of the terrain around the illegal settlement: flat, not much cover, trenches would be essential, in spite of some slight depressions in the surface – only possibility to operate singly, spread out, possibly surround before attacking from all sides at once to destabilize the population psychologically by submitting them to the stress of constant readaptation, thus finally rendering them incapable of prompt responses at least during the first crucial moments. This would also serve to make the Cardassian liberators appear far more numerous than they were. Counting the teams from the other cruisers, they would have sufficient manpower, roughly 600 troops in all with 700 waiting to be deployed at a moment's notice, thus not risk having their forces spread too thin, making them easy to pick off. This initial simultaneous attack from all sides could throw the settlers and the protecting forces off balance, permitting the sixth group to breach defences, distract the defenders thus allowing for some few captives, and making annihilation of the entire settlement possible. To judge by the circumstances, the settlements could not yet be all that advanced as to development and defence systems as they were in the beginning stages.

Melset heard a subdued argument from her group and went over. "You were saying?"

Glan Varko met her eyes unwaveringly, "Cut off their energy and water supply from orbit, no explosion, that would alert the settlers, but a destabilization of current and electronics components. A narrow-beam, low-frequency signal could effect that, even set off some 'inexplicable' explosions of sensitive equipment such as communications arrays, sensors. Beamdown of forces immediately after. The distraction will win us additional time." He added, "The terrain is the problem. Contrary to Federation custom, they have their settlement on a hill…"

"Glinn Mossa, what is the composition of the top layers?" Glinn Jelad inquired.

"The usual. Topsoil covering igneous rock over a layer of mudstone, followed by sandstone, shale … Nothing potentially useful." His expression was disgusted. All of them had been hoping for some even marginally volatile substance in order to save explosives and cause unexpected – for the settlers – widespread damage.

"Then we work as agreed. The other ships will be sending in their teams as well, but that you know."

After the short discussion, the Glinns outlined their plans to the very last details, then under the supervision of Gul Dukat's second-in-command, attended a joint discussion of strategy before their plan was approved in parts and subsequently relayed to the other cruisers, to be combined with those approved there. A final plan would be presented within the next hours and automatically transmitted to the communits of all the crewmembers involved.

In the meantime, all those troops and Glinns to be deployed went to quarters to check their equipment, then reported to Shelan's office for supplements – phaser packs, medikits and rations. That done, they returned to their respective areas and waited for the go-ahead.

Two days later they were called; the troops went to the transporter area in silence. There was no need for detailed orders. Everyone knew his or her role within the team and what was required. To speed up the beamdown process, the cargo transporter would be used – the teams assembled in the bay, waiting in silence, mentally reviewing procedures, considering alternatives to strategy.

A telltale vibration showed the battle had been engaged and, at the same time, the groups rushed for the pads where they dematerialised and appeared on the planet's surface in a crouch, facing in all directions to oversee the entire area. At once they hit the ground to blast shallow trenches which would be deepened, if need be.

The plan initially worked as expected, but it soon became evident that the Federation had either moved with unusual speed or that the settlement was one of longer standing. Within two hours at most, the original defenders had received reinforcements, a mass of personnel, both Starfleet and civilian, from other regions on the planet. _Where have they come from? No doubt clandestine activity has been going on for months already. Who was the officer responsible for this part of the border?_ This negligence was inexcusable. To judge by the expressions of the troops and her fellow Glinns, their thoughts paralleled hers. _The traitor must be found and submitted to disciplinary action_ _lest this set a precedent_. Melset compressed her lips in anger. All of the teams were effectively pinned down, unable to advance, unwilling to retreat even a metre. 

The next order was relayed throughout the various Cardassian groups. "Deepen trenches – allow for overhang facing the defenders."

A smell of burning earth and rock promised better cover in an hour's time.

Glinn Yadir contacted the others, "Concentrate fire in southwest after trenches completed. They will try to take out the 'nest.' When detonations begin, stop fire, no sound, nothing. They'll think you've been neutralized, thus either come within easy range to inspect the situation or concentrate on the remaining areas so that we can strike a massive blow against them from the other side. Leave sensor-triggered charges behind in empty trenches to create some distraction, then close again. Begin forcing Federation personnel in that direction. Prenar – begin!"

In the distance, the troops could hear - and feel – the vibrations of phaser fire issuing from the cruisers which were in orbit. Melset exchanged glances with Yadir, saw he had the same idea – if they did not manage to obtain a quick and decisive victory, even the cruisers who had joined the attack would be of no use … It had become obvious installations had been established underground, thus effectively concealing them in direct imitation of Cardassian methods.

The battle was reengaged, but now with rapidly shifting concentrations of fire from Prenar's area, sporadic from the others, then shifting in intensity yet again in a random pattern.

The Cardassians waited, fought, prepared for whatever would happen, imperceptibly moved their trenches forward by blasting the forward wall and letting the overhang collapse on itself.

"Mossa here. Movement towards Prenar."

A nod to her neighbour, then, cautiously, they looked over the rims of their trenches. Not all the defenders had joined the movement – they were not as naïve as all that – but even the slight shift could make a difference. All could visualize Prenar's men getting ready.

In about two kilometres' distance the troops from Gul Turrell's ship were engaged in battle – the situation there would be much the same – monitoring progress from the cruisers themselves while selecting targets to destroy or disable communications, infrastructure and level non-essential buildings while simultaneously beaming down additional troops at intervals, in unexpected locations to wear down the defenders by constantly forcing them to revise and change their own strategies.

"Glinn Ulašin here. Massive reflux of Federation forces. I am trying to hold them off. Notify …." His message was cut short by heavy fire followed by a violent detonation.

In the far distance, a cloud of smoke and soil rose, then collapsed in on itself with a rumble. Little later, the force of the explosion was felt through the ground. No one could have survived such a massive detonation …

From the other end of the trench, Yadir met her eyes. Glinn Ulašin and his troops had been eliminated to the very last man. In helpless rage, Melset struck the side of the trench with her fist. _Unnecessary loss! These men were, all of us are, being sacrificed in a battle of attrition to rectify the outcome of one officer's lack of vigilance and dedication to duty! These casualties! The Federation will pay double and triple price for each Cardassian who dies today!_

Two days later, they still remained stuck where they were; nearly each one of them had sustained injuries, but no one requested beamup or even thought of suggesting to leave – two of the more severely injured literally had to be forced at phaserpoint to return to their cruisers. Through the clouds of earth and smoke detached by phaser blasts, the Cardassians saw the mixed group of Starfleet officers and civilians draw closer, ever closer, making use of every element of cover, at times systematically blasting the upper layer of soil to form ridges of earth for shelter. Their voices were already audible, as were some of the words. _How many are there anyway_? That however did not matter: the planet would be reclaimed, the invaders eliminated, the entire system returned in the hands of those who legally owned it. Worrying about odds was an exercise in futility – the only thing they could do was to even out the balance by whatever means at their disposal.

With a violent surge of outrage, they saw how one of the advancing Federation men stopped next to a dead Cardassian to remove his insignia, badge of rank and communicator then turn him over with the butt of his phaser rifle to see whether there was more to be had before stuffing his finds into his pocket like a Ferengi would latinum. With a smug grin, he slung the dead Cardassian's phaser rifle over his shoulder. The human then shouted to one of his comrades to check two others, a Glinn and a Var, lying a little further off. Admittedly, Cardassians did not hesitate to search the bodies of their victims either, trying to acquire data rods, pads or weapons, all of which could contain important information or offer ways of creating effective defences to counter Federation weapons. At times even elements of warm clothing or protective gear to supplement what they had were liberated, especially when troops were deployed on planets with a cool climate; temperatures of below 20°C could seriously incapacitate and even kill a Cardassian. The act of searching a casualty as such disturbed neither Melset nor the others, it was tacitly accepted custom in combat situations. What _was _offensive for her and her troops was the knowledge this specific search was not being done for the sake of information or gear, but to obtain souvenirs to show off at home, to support claims of 'having picked off some Cardies'. No doubt these objects would be prominently displayed on some shelf for a time, to be gloated over, shown to curious neighbours or traded for other souvenirs, later to serve as entertainment for this man's children when he told them stories of great, incredible battles against the 'scaly bastards'. _Too bad he is out of range… He would pay for this._

Suddenly, she felt someone touch her wrist just as she was taking aim and quickly glanced over to see Var Sanjol next to her, "Found depression there, crater opened by initial attack – far less exposed - can see better to fire, Glinn Melset."

She immediately relayed the detail to the nearby personnel before beginning to move out. Melset looked over at her neighbour; he was a recruit going through his first taste of combat whom Gul Dukat had assigned to her group. To her pride, he looked totally unshaken, not firing at random but systematically picking targets with the greatest of calm and efficiency as if on a training range; Glan Varko passed on the information without missing a shot so that, within seconds, the entire group began moving towards the depression. Increasingly, however, the battle shifted in favour of the Federation forces in spite of the Cardassians' efforts. Some 500 metres away, the situation was no better. The way it looked, the Guls would be obliged to recall their forces within hours. The very thought of retreat made her feel chilled – to give up, withdraw, leave this system to the Federation when it was on the very border of the Empire, already had a colony that was on the verge of becoming productive …. Their first battle as Glinns 3rd level – lost. And yet, their strategy had been approved by all of the Guls, had met with success in the beginning… She suppressed her apprehension, drew on the cold anger she felt.

_This must not end in defeat!_ was her thought. Detaching a small but powerful explosive from her belt, she quickly held it up for Glan Varko to see. He nodded in understanding, keeping up his fire while waiting until she had cautiously crawled to the lip of the trench then raised herself up on one elbow to throw the grenade with all her strength. He fired, the beam passing just below the projectile, the detonation giving the grenade added impetus, propelling it towards the enemy in a cloud of dust and soil that served as camouflage. With a triumphant hiss, they saw it explode on impact, in the middle of the forces, saw a number of Federation personnel fall. The Cardassians pressed themselves against the ground to ward off the pieces of soil interspersed with shreds of tissue raining down on them. It did not make much of a difference, only decreased the intensity of fire for a short time, allowing the Cardassians to shift their positions very slightly.

Hours of unrelenting battle dragged on, defenders and attackers engaging, retreating, retreating and advancing in turn, in a mind-numbing ritual; slowly, however, it seemed the Cardassians were finally driving the others into the defensive. The Cardassians showed no signs of exhaustion; the high-energy field rations kept them alert as did the hope of victory. Encouraged, they again began pressing forward, some shouting "Talsvar Kardassu!" as a rallying call.

Suddenly the news spread that Starfleet reinforcements were arriving, news corroborated by the message from the Guls that came in via their communicators. "Starfleet reinforcements, three starships on their way, ETA in under 90 minutes. Prepare to beam up."

Encouraged by the news that had reached the civilians and the Federation forces at the same time, but in their case evoking triumph and renewed determination, both the settlers and the Starfleet personnel present shouted the information to each other as soon as it came in, then pressed forward in spite of the determined resistance of the Cardassians. Suddenly, with an ear-splitting explosion, the ground beneath the group seemed to heave, then burst outwards. Melset felt a surge of incredible pain. Everything around her became a blur filled with urgent activity, shouting, a struggle against increasing physical weakness before she lost consciousness upon feeling a strange, numbing sensation.

When Melset opened her eyes again, she realized she was in sickbay, immobilized. She fought for full awareness and, that accomplished, to move her lips, feeling she had to know just one essential detail before ceding to numbing weakness again. A hoarse whisper, "My troops – saved?" Someone she could not see as her view was obscured by a sterilight, came to stand by her bed. With an effort she repeated, her voice slightly stronger, "My troops, …?" She fought for breath.

"Sanjol, Adral, Vardran and Kadrai are here, too. The others sustained minor injuries, are already back on duty." She recognized Medic Jeskor's voice.

"Varko?" She struggled to pronounce the name – trying to overcome the exhaustion she sensed overwhelming her.

"Lost him, Ledro and Kemikor." In a gesture of comfort, he briefly grasped her left hand which was free of sensors and packs.

Her reaction was a low moan of distress and to her humiliation, she felt her eyes burn with tears. _They were all good Cardassians; they died defending the Empire, but what potential lost_…. She felt Jeskor arrange the thermal cover a little more tightly around her for warmth and tried to suppress her shivering.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Doctor Kedra's words, "You will be able to retake your post in eight days. For now, rest, Glinn Melset. You will be kept sedated for a few more days. You sustained severe injuries to your right leg and arm, concussion as well as lacerations, internal injuries, broken ribs and damaged gastralia." Bending down so that only she could hear, he added, "Your reaction is forgotten – the sedative is destabilizing at times. You and the other Glinns did what you could, thus need not make yourself any reproach. Nor does Gul Dukat see any reason for a reprimand either, as you feared. He has authorized me to tell you that much." He made a minor adjustment to an aggregate in the side of the bed, "I shall increase the heating to body temperature to encourage the healing process."

She heard the hiss of a hypospray and felt awareness fade again.

Five days later, renewed consciousness. Melset tentatively tensed her muscles in turn, felt some slight discomfort but it was evident healing was already well advanced. At opening her eyes, she saw Gul Dukat standing next to her bed, looking down at her, smiling, his eyes friendly.

"Ah, Glinn Melset, you are with us again." The concern in his glance showed it was an attempt to lighten the mood after he had heard from Jelad and Dr Kedra about her reaction to the loss of some of 'her' troops, her fear that she and her fellow Glinns had failed, thus  compromising Cardassia's advance. "You and the other Glinns performed well considering the circumstances. You are to be commended. We expected to lose far more personnel – all of the forces deployed had a very narrow escape from being taken captive or killed. I have already notified Central Command – the one responsible for this sector was arrested and tried five days after. If it is any comfort, his execution has already taken place – in public. I shall put a recording at your disposal so that you can witness it as well." After a moment, he added, "Your initiative was truly commendable, as was your sense of solidarity with and responsibility for even the lowest ranking."

"Gul Dukat, what do you mean? Which initiative?" Her pulse accelerated painfully as she said, "Why don't I remember of what you are speaking?" Briefly forgetting he was her superior, she tried to touch his arm, apprehensive about what he could say. At seeing her unease, her commander grasped her hand in a gesture of reassurance.

Melset heard someone come over quickly, but was unable to move her head to see just who it was.

Just outside her line of sight, Dr. Kedra hurried over and held up a hand in a gesture of caution that Gul Dukat not say anything that could disturb his patient. "Gul Dukat, Glinn Melset can give you a preliminary report in a few days, but for now I would strongly advise you not to exhaust her either mentally or physically – in another three days she will be released to recuperate in her quarters. You can speak to her in detail then."

"Understood, Dr. Kedra. I only wanted to see how they were doing and to assure this one, …" Gul Dukat gestured at Glinn Melset, "that she and her fellow Glinns are not considered responsible for the defeat." He drew Kedra aside and quickly gave him some information. The doctor nodded in agreement, obviously pleased.

The other four left in the course of the following two days; on the third, Dr. Kedra came over to her, detached the last of the sensors and supports, then waved over Medic Jeskor. "I have to file some reports – you know what to do. There should be no problems."

The medic directed her to sit on the edge of the bed and waited. "How is it?"

Pushing herself up on her elbows, Melset got into a sitting position, inhaled deeply several times, waiting before she swung her legs over the side. "Slight vertigo, but fading rapidly." Her intonation showed clearly that she resented the residual weakness, wanted nothing more than to report for duty at once.

He saw her impatience and explained, "Only to be expected – you were sedated for roughly nine days in all to accelerate regeneration." Some moments later, he said, "Now, Glinn, try to stand." Jeskor held out his arm which she grasped tightly, easing herself over the side, gradually putting her weight on her legs before taking some tentative steps. Melset looked down at her body and saw that her legs and left arm were still slightly swollen and discoloured, her side and abdomen bruised even beneath the thicker scales that were reinforced by bony plates.

Jeskor followed her gaze and commented, "The swelling will subside within another day or two, as will the discoloration. That entire area looked far more … interesting … when you were beamed in. Dr. Kedra has requested you be granted three more days of recuperation in your quarters; report here on the third day for a final physical, and he will decide." Not responding to her suppressed hiss of annoyance at the delay, he went over to the storage room to return with clothing.

Melset grinned amusedly while he was helping her dress and, when she noticed his curious expression, explained, "Just remembering when I was taken prisoner; it was during my time as a Var on Gul Previn's ship. This, …" She indicated herself – she was still half-naked, "… would have been unthinkable. That _was_ an experience: separate cells, rooms and facilities for males and females, a 'chaperone' as they called it when a male medical officer treated a female prisoner or patient, or if he had to go into her cell, respectively to her bed. …There were even privacy screens installed in all of the cells." She shook her head, "Crew quarters as we have them? They considered them primitive beyond belief; 'demeaning' was the term they used."

The medic held the leisure uniform top closed while Melset hooked the fastenings together, then gave it a slight tug to adjust the tight-fitting garment.

Fascinated by what she had told him, Jeskor wondered about those concepts which were so very alien to them both. Cardassians were highly-disciplined, geared to duty. If the presence of a fellow troop of the opposite gender proved distracting, that was to the discredit of the distracted. All served Cardassia – there was time for service, there was time for other elements, but not on duty, not in crew quarters, but within their families and homes in the Empire. Apparently Humans transposed their own norms to all other aliens, especially those they considered either a threat or, conversely, attractive. With a gesture of respect, Jeskor said, "Provided you feel safe enough with me, Glinn Melset, I am to accompany you to your quarters." When she wanted to protest, his expression became serious, "It is some distance, and a fall could have severe effects at this time."

Melset shrugged in unwilling resignation; Cardassian ships' corridors with their elevated elements that were part of the inner support of the vessels made no allowances for any disability. With a wry grin, she stated, "Wouldn't want more downtime in that sickbay of Dr Kedra's."

They were nearly at the door when Dr Kedra entered to give Jeskor a data chip. "Just a moment! The commander has authorized her replicator to be activated for those three days to produce level 7A to 7C foods with supplements."

Not believing that she had understood him correctly, Glinn Melset could not help staring at the medical officer incredulously. Level 7 rations! She had never even seen, let alone had this unheard-of luxury. 'Legate's rations', they were called by the lower ranks.

"Gul Dukat insisted on this, stating that you and your fellow victims have to regain your strength quickly. He was quite concerned." Anyone could recognize that the doctor was pleased about the fact.

"This is most kind." The Glinn's gratitude was unmistakable.

"Ah, yes, one more thing: he will come to your quarters to debrief you in roughly six hours; he needs the remaining information for his reports and says that he will keep the session as short as possible as he has already obtained many of the details from your comrades."

The way to her quarters went smoothly, but very slowly, much to her disgust. In one of the corridors, they met Var Kadrai who saluted, then asked, "Glinn Melset? I trust you are well?"

She returned the salute with a friendly nod and replied, "Yes, Var Kadrai. Three more days and I can finally retake my post. And you?"

"On duty since five days ago. I only sustained some fractures and lacerations. The Gul was most generous with our rations – I have never before experienced that." Var Kadrai added, "Gul Dukat said that this is the least he can do for us."

"It would appear he is concerned about all his subordinates' well-being. The reports I have heard about his actions towards his crew are an understatement." She smiled at the var._ That is one thing I must always keep in mind – show concern for your subordinates, see to their interests; it will create loyalty and trust_.

Kadrai looked at her, strangely hesitant, before saying in a very low voice, "I am in your debt, too, Glinn Melset." He saluted once again then went to rejoin the bridge crew, leaving Melset staring after him wonderingly.

            Once they had entered Melset's quarters, Jeskor helped her to the table, quickly programmed the replicator and brought her the meal. "Enjoy. In the meantime I'll get the replacement uniform from quartermaster Shelan. He could do nothing with the other one – irreparable. You should have seen his face when he saw what was left over of the thing." He laughed briefly, commenting as he went out, "He parts with material as hard as does a Ferengi with latinum!" Half an hour … _Kedra said this one will not touch those rations in front of anyone not entitled to them as they are far beyond standard fare_. Jeskor hoped that his manner had put her a little more at ease about this luxury which she was so reluctant to accept.

            Once she had finished and replaced the dishes in the replicator, Jeskor was back with the new uniform and armour; he held them up for her to inspect for flaws before laying them in her storage compartment.

"Standard Glinn's Issue." He commented with an exaggerated look of disappointment.

"Third level, I presume?" She inquired with a sigh of mock resignation.

The reply was a low, amused hiss, "Only issue he was willing to part with, I fear. He was quite firm about that little detail. I know. I tried." He turned to leave. "The commander will come to debrief you in roughly five hours."

Outside of duty, there seldom was time for relaxation, some joking, discussions, interrogation games, or games of strategy; considering the fact that, in principle, everyone was on duty even during downtime, periods of total relaxation were a luxury deeply appreciated by all. The medic, provided he had downtime as well, often joined the officers. Sickbay staff, while not necessarily military personnel, was always welcome – they were essential to the efforts of Central Command, at times had access to unexpected information. Medic Jeskor was popular among the troops on Gul Dukat's ship; he was competent, concerned, yet kept his distance; Jeskor was no Kelani, but his South Continent ethnicity had virtually the same principles as did Melset's; he often spent some time together with the others, and every now and then, Jeskor joined in practice sessions, specialized as he was in Romulan techniques in hand-to-hand combat; his father had been with the Order and had once taken him along for a year's stay on the main world. Everyone knew Jeskor had desperately wanted admittance to the Academy, but a medical condition had precluded his selecting an officer's career. True to Cardassian mentality, he had wasted no time regretting the fact, immediately opting for duty in a capacity that would support Central Command's efforts just as effectively.

"So," he had told her during her first physical, his expression serious. "I decided I could just as well help our personnel get back on their feet, respectively keep them there. Everyone can serve the Empire, no matter what the task."

            As soon as she was alone, Melset lay down; the effort of walking to her quarters and the relatively large, very rich meal had her deeply asleep within moments. Four hours later, she rose, cleansed herself, then dressed in uniform, complete with the armour. In no way was she about to submit to a debriefing in leisure attire or even basic uniform. That done, the Glinn waited quietly, reading a data rod one of her comrades had brought by during her absence.

The door chime activated.

"Enter."

It was Gul Dukat. Melset rose to stand at attention and saluted him with the words, "Talsvar Kardassu!"

Her commanding officer answered in like, then said, "Ah, Glinn Melset, I wish to say that Dr. Kedra has informed me that you should be back at your post in three days. For now, all I want to do is to ask you for an account of the combat, together with an evaluation of your troops' actions under fire."

Still standing at attention, the Glinn began her report. "Notification of operations Stardate…"

He gestured to interrupt her after considering her for a moment. "At ease, Glinn Melset. Sit down – I shall do so myself. You may still be feeling some residual weakness." At seeing her hesitate, he took a seat first, indicated she take the other chair.

She reluctantly followed suit and gave each detail of the situation of which they had been apprised, subsequently had encountered, the strategies used, defence tactics up to the point of the detonation, followed by troop evaluations. Gul Dukat still asked some questions to clarify a few aspects, then nodded, satisfied.

"A most comprehensive report – it corroborates the statements given by your troops in their entirety." He took a separate padd before asking, his voice very low, "One last duty to perform: about Recruit Varko… Glinn Jelad has already seen to Vars Ledro's and Kemikor's files."

            She drew a deep breath and recounted her observations, concluding with, "According to his files, he had no prior combat experience whatsoever apart from basic training and combat simulations at the Academy, yet remained calm under fire even when the situation became critical. There was no panicked shooting, as is often the case with first-time combatants. Glan Varko chose his targets quickly, efficiently, showed excellent reactions, fine aim. Not one blast was wasted. He was very quick, too, at anticipating moves. When I held up the grenade, he understood my plan at once, firing at precisely the right angle underneath so that the explosive would not be prematurely detonated, but rather gain added distance and impetus." With a hiss of satisfaction, she added, "It fell into the middle of that nest of Federation forces, eliminated a fair number of them, I should hope." Her voice became very low in her attempt to keep it even, "He died like a true Cardassian, fighting to the end, even though the situation was hopeless." The Glinn bit her lips, slightly inclined her head. "They were good troops, all of them who were lost in that battle."

            At noticing her surreptitious struggle for control, Gul Dukat looked at her quietly, recognized the pain in her eyes, and said, his voice distant, recalling his own experiences in the course of his career, friends lost, fine officers all of them, even a fiancée a long time ago when he was a Glinn 2nd level. "I know the feelings you are presently experiencing, have experienced them repeatedly myself. Whoever doesn't is not suited for command as he would sacrifice lives far too lightly and thus lose the loyalty of his men. The loss of personnel is never easy, nor does it become easier with time. These events are an integral part of command. You are responsible for the troops and, as such, feel commitment to ensure their well-being, take them into battle, bring them back safely; they become nearly like family; as a Glinn you will soon be leading up to 120 men into battle. As a Gul, you have up to _650_ lives in your hands. When we sustain such traumatizing losses, all that can be done is to channel grief and anger into even greater determination, to exact retaliation for each single Cardassian, be it civilian, troop or officer, who has given his life for The Empire."

            The answer was a barely perceptible nod as she said, "Gul Dukat, I also grieve for the potential that has been lost due to Glan Varko's death. The others are irreplaceable, too, all would have had so much to contribute to our efforts - you assigned me excellent troops - but Glan Varko …" She hesitated briefly, choosing her words, "…had the potential to rise through the ranks to the top echelons. When Glinn Terpak gave me the list of troops, I requested my personnel assemble in one of the empty storage bays so that I could speak to and evaluate them. I thought it essential to have some preliminary impression of those I was to lead. It was obvious from the very beginning that he was destined for greatness."

"How did you recognize that?" Gul Dukat met her eyes, his own reflecting curiosity.

"He was always looking to gain more knowledge, studied everything he could find about strategy, weapons systems, analysed previous conflicts and the tactics used by our enemies, our countermeasures, transferred them to present conflicts, creatively working with strategies … I have rarely seen such dedication. During the establishment of strategy for this past conflict, my fellow Glinns and I discussed the situation, then I asked for input from the Vars and Glans." She hesitated briefly. "I _realize_ they are the lowest echelons, thus normally excluded from planning, but at times the rank and file have excellent instincts – with your permission, I should like to help my troops develop them."

"You have it without asking, Glinn Melset. Those troops are your responsibility; by the way, my second in command and I have decided to expand your own team to sixty men." When she met his eyes at absorbing this unexpected development, he added, "You have deserved this advancement."

"Gul Dukat, permission to ask a question." Her voice was even.

"Proceed, Glinn Melset."

"Gul Dukat, what _did_ I do after that explosion? Var Kadrai addressed it, you did when you came to Sickbay the first time." She sighed slightly, "It seems I am the only one who does not recall the matter."

"You tried to get as many of the injured out of harm's way as you could; together with Glinn Jelad, you must have pulled seven or eight of them to safety so that they could be beamed out simultaneously, which most likely kept them alive as fire was increasing to such a degree we were already considering strategic withdrawal. Jelad finally stunned you when he realized that you were seriously injured." He waited a moment, "Even unconscious, you refused to let go of Varko. They had to cut off the piece of uniform you were clutching in your attempt to drag him away before they could even get you onto that biobed."

A nod of acknowledgement was the only reaction. "Thank you, Gul Dukat. You are most kind. But I recall nothing of this." He saw a brief flicker of apprehension in her eyes.

"There is no cause for concern; you have a mild form of shell shock that will wear off in another day or so. You may have experienced combat more than once, but this was … different, far more intensive. Short-term memory loss can happen to all and constitutes no sign of weakness, is only a form of mental self-defence; even we occasionally need some time to process traumatic memories." Gul Dukat considered her while remembering his own time as a Glinn: the conflicts, the questions …

Pensively, Melset looked at her hands; obviously Jeskor had tried to take care of her nails – the edges were slightly jagged in places where they had been split to the quick. For some reason, the fact annoyed her. She shook her head, muttering disgustedly to herself, "Not regulation…"

"Your uniform is, Glinn Melset," was Gul Dukat's comment. "Your troops were exactly the same – exemplary. Not one came to his debriefing in leisure attire or basic uniform, even though they had just been released from sickbay."

Her response was immediate. "It is but duty. A superior is due respect."

            All the while, her commanding officer had been looking around her quarters as if in thought while listening to her reports. Now, with the debriefing at its end, he commented, shifting position on his chair to fully take in the living area. "Glinn Melset, I have noticed there is nothing here at all to show anyone occupies these rooms, apart from that spare uniform in the closet." His voice had shifted to Varagasi mode, with slightly greater differences in pitch. His attitude was now relaxed, even friendly.

            She looked up at him in surprise. _Why is he asking this?_ Melset decided to answer honestly. "I consider it best to have nothing on display that would show my interests, heritage or preferences. Quarters should be a neutral setting. In case a subordinate has to be counselled, it prevents his trying to ingratiate himself in the hopes of avoiding disciplinary action by creating a bond of common interest."

"And, conversely,  this permits _you_ to see where security might have installed listening devices, so as to try and deactivate them for a brief time? Or perhaps discourage an undercover Order operative?" His intonation was very serious, unsmiling, belying the glint in his eyes..

Startled at what she considered an implied accusation, she answered, "No, Gul Dukat, the very idea is inconceivable! Those devices are essential to ensure our safety. To attempt to sabotage them would be irresponsible, a court-martial offence! Quarters are the most probable place for indiscretions to occur. As to the Order, it is one of the three pillars of our society."

            There was a moment of silence as he absorbed the words. "You _do_ appear to very much appreciate the Order," was the half-sneering, drawled reply as his eyes, so intensive a shade of blue, became cold, evaluating.

            She did not react to the apparent shift in his manner, realizing at once that he was one of the Militaries who resented the Order. "Yes, Gul Dukat. It is the first line of defence within the borders of the Empire, uncovering dissident movements or agents from offworld who could destabilize all we have gained over the past five hundred years. Detapa administrates civilian affairs in all their complexity, and Central Command ensures the integrity of Cardassia's borders at all times, in conjunction with securing resources in other systems, helping us expand our territory, without which we would be lost, regress to a third-rate power open to invasion." She met his eyes, her own unwavering, their expression open. "They all three serve Cardassia in equal measure." _I do not understand – this is common knowledge already taught in the first year of education. Have I made such a serious error that my commander feels compelled to make me reconsider these basic facts_?

            He did not answer at once, considering the Glinn sitting across from him. _Unusual colour of eyes and very attractive features. For all her control, there seems to be quite a temperament and passion under that calm surface, to judge by what the troops said about her actions in battle_. "Well, my dear Glinn Melset," he said, leaning back and looking at her over the tips of his steepled fingers, "I have taken the time to read your complete file and seen you took a year of courses with the Order. In spite of this unusually extensive workload, you graduated Glinn 3rd level a few weeks ago, 6th in rank, at barely age 24, which is quite an accomplishment in itself." With a mocking smile, he asked, "The Order _was_ helpful, wasn't it? It _is_ said to further and protect its own."

            Her answer was immediate, even, without the slightest hint of the resentment she felt at the insinuation. "With all due respect, Gul Dukat, my success was _not_ … suggested … to the Military Academy by the Order. It was with Enabran Tain's express permission that I attended that year of courses parallel to the Academy's specific curriculum and, during exams, was offered individual Order training when the workload threatened to become unmanageable. I received no favours, nor would I have accepted them or even considered requesting any. Every month I had to submit a comprehensive evaluation by my instructors at the Academy to the administrator of the Obsidian Order's educational center and vice versa. If there had been even the slightest doubt of my ability to sustain this accelerated course of instruction, the privilege of Order training would have been revoked at once. Tain was very clear on that specific detail." Her voice hinted at slight irritation – the query was just short of insulting, making her wonder about the purpose of this train of inquiry.

            He kept on eying her, "Most clever, my dear Glinn Melset, don't you think? To hedge your bets, as it were. In case you did not manage one area of competence, you would have the other to fall back on and still pursue a prestigious career in one of our key organizations … one of the 'pillars of Cardassian society' as you choose to call them." His amusement was barely hidden while he waited for her to rise to the bait he had thrown; a Gerschechi or Varagasi female would already have recognized what he was doing, begun to fight back verbally.

            She decided to ignore the amusement, although it made her feel he was playing some sort of game with her, a game in which she was not willing to participate as it involved her professional reputation, and replied, "Gul Dukat, I took those courses precisely _because_ I wanted a career with Central Command. I simultaneously inscribed in the Order's courses because it has developed highly efficient techniques in interrogative procedures, offers intensive language instruction, courses on behavioural patterns of offworld humanoids, methods of manipulating them into complying with one's expectations, and – this is the most important element: installation of surveillance and security devices, diverse codes, weapons modifications… all valuable skills of which I may have need at some time, skills I am willing to share with my fellow officers whenever requested provided there is interest in or need of them. This in itself should be sufficient evidence of my intentions in accepting the option to which Tain gave me access."

Gul Dukat did not answer at once, only shifted position, placing his elbows on the table, leaning his chin on his hands, considering Melset quietly, his expression curious. "Well, well, well, you _are_ most generous, my dear Glinn Melset. Tell me: should I also request an Order agent to ensure greater security on the Orissà?"

There was a moment of renewed silence before she replied, "I would never presume to make any such suggestion, Gul Dukat. Determining the scope of on-board security arrangements is the prerogative of the commanding officer alone." It was obvious the Glinn was disturbed at the questions, not knowing what to make of them.

Gul Dukat nearly smiled at hearing the intonation of surprise, the marked variations in tonality that fascinated him as they were so different to those used in Standard Cardassian_. I would like to hear her converse in her own form of Kardassi_.

"Ah, most regrettable – no suggestions from you then. I _was_ hoping for input, you know. After all, you are Glinn 3rd level, thus entitled to submitting proposals concerning shipboard affairs." Gul Dukat's voice hinted at disappointment, but he was now smiling openly, his eyes glinting with renewed amusement. It was obvious he, at least, was greatly enjoying the exchange.

The Glinn most certainly was not… With sudden, chilling apprehension, Melset remembered her Varagasi room mate at the Academy, realized what her commanding officer was doing, albeit in a far more sophisticated way. After a moment, though, the apprehension yielded to the challenge in itself. She had put Jedrol in his place directly, quickly, yet in a way that left him with his pride intact, making for continued friendly relations, but a superior? That was another matter altogether. _He is Varagasi. They have the custom of selecting companions during missions… Gul Dukat is interesting, highly intelligent, admittedly a very attractive male, but it is not our way, especially as he has joined_. _As to myself_, _Glinn Kovar and I will speak to our families when we next stay on Cardassia Prime thus making our agreement official _… Inwardly, she relaxed, now anticipating what would follow._ Attack – Counterattack – Shields up… _She replied evenly, "This is not the case as to shipboard arrangements, Gul Dukat. This prerogative is restricted to questions of strategy and, in some rare cases, posting of personnel."

            He ignored the last sentences to pounce on the Order's techniques, "So you mean to imply that Central Command is incapable of safeguarding Cardassia's interests without the sustained support of the Order?" His expression had shifted to cold again, yet a smile seemed to be hidden in the depths of his eyes as he awaited the Glinn's response. __

            Purposely ignoring the flicker of humour she had seen, Melset countered, "No, Gul Dukat. The Order shares the information it obtains from its networks of agents and operatives with Central Command and places all new developments made in its laboratories, all innovations regarding arms and defence systems at the disposal of the military, thus giving Central Command its full support, in the same way as we have our personal networks of information, cooperate for the greater good. That ultimately results in better protection for all of us, not only for one segment of the population. We are _all_ Cardassians, regardless of status and duties."

He sat there for some moments, waiting, then, very slowly, inquired. "Glinn Melset, I am most curious to know: a short time ago, you described Glan Varko as a true Cardassian. Now tell me: How would you evaluate yourself? Would you designate yourself as one?" He leaned back, head slightly to the side, with the barest hint of a smile. _It will be interesting indeed to see how she solves this problem …_.

This query seemed to momentarily shock the Glinn into speechlessness as she stared up at him, eyes bewildered, lips slightly parted before she answered. "I would _never_ presume to do that, Gul Dukat! It would be presumption of the most reprehensible kind – undeniably a sign that the individual evaluating himself thus is in potential danger of committing treason in the long run. Whoever is so overbearing as to call himself a true Cardassian is so arrogantly convinced of his own dedication, qualities and importance that he disregards the accomplishments of those who have come before, those who are now and those who are yet to be. It is to Cardassia as a whole and to Cardassia _alone_ to pronounce judgement on who is and who is not a true Cardassian. Only deeds and history will speak." Her voice was passionate, vibrant with the intensity of her emotions.

Gul Dukat stared at her in surprise. _There are very strong feelings in that Glinn, a deeply ingrained sense of patriotism. She takes everything at face value, however, does not recognize this exchange as a challenge and the wish to get to know her better. _He did not reply, watching her curiously, trying to evaluate her.

To his discomfort, she inquired in a very subdued though even tone of voice, her eyes nearly pleading, "Gul Dukat, I ask permission to voice a question in face of this inquiry."

_This should be intriguing_. "Permission granted, Glinn Melset."

She hesitated briefly, "You are my commanding officer, Gul Dukat, and have observed me, as is regulation. Have I done something that would place my patriotism and fulfilment of duty in doubt? If so, I respectfully entreat you to inform me of my error so as to enable me to rectify it."

When no reply came apart from his calm, unmoving gaze, she continued, her voice barely audible, her posture subtly different, so that her shoulders now seemed to slump marginally, as if she was in severe emotional distress. With a surge of conscience, he suddenly noticed she had clasped her hands together as though struggling for control when she said, "Gul Dukat, I have been raised to always consider Cardassia, Family and Duty first and foremost, as have my parents, and their parents before them. Cardassia is our family, our very existence, our life, has the greatest culture in the Quadrant, the most glorious history. What would we be without her and all she offers? We _must_ keep on fighting, at home and on the borders, expand our sphere of influence whatever the cost. For us, Cardassia is _everything_. I for one would sooner die than to see her integrity damaged by my acts or thoughts." She said the last with such deep love and devotion, her eyes lowered, her voice strangely uneven, that Gul Dukat got the discomforting impression he had deeply injured her by posing that last question and found himself wishing to make amends.

After a moment, he said gently, wishing to reassure her, "Glinn Melset, I assure you I never meant to question your loyalties or put your integrity in doubt, certainly have not doubted your patriotism for one moment; your files display what you have accomplished so far. I should hope you have not won the impression I am the kind of Commander to make a pastime of humiliating a subordinate whose best interests and talents it is my duty to further. I ask you to forgive me should you think this is the case. It was never my intention." To his relief, he saw her tension dissipate marginally, her hands relax.

"Gul Dukat, it is your right as the commander of this cruiser to question and analyse any subordinate's ideas and concepts. The unwavering dedication of the entire crew is of critical value for our cause. If dissent and treachery gain a foothold in Central Command, defeat and ultimate collapse will follow. Your questions are necessary, give impetus for due consideration, and I will, once I am back on duty, also discuss them with my troops in one of the orientation sessions I have instituted." With a hesitant smile, she offered, "Gul Dukat, if you wish, …" she did not end the sentence, apparently thinking her suggestion might have been too presumptuous. Her voice was firm again, as if the distress of only seconds ago had never been.

"You are all right?" He asked when she looked at him uncertainly. _Perali City, Kelan Province. A Kelani Cardassian, of all things!_… He sighed inwardly at realizing the implications. _No wonder there was no response to my challenges. They have far different customs and are rather conservative. It may be for the best. Sarika – when I had the contact with Siёtani …_ _Decidedly unpleasant reaction indeed_…

"I have kept you too long already, for over two hours. Dr Kedra cautioned me to avoid overtiring you." With those words, he rose and she followed suit.

Again coming to stand at attention, Melset saluted and called out "Talsvar Kardassu!" to which he answered in like.

Just before going out, he quickly glanced back into her quarters only to see her suddenly grasp the back of the chair and remain standing there quietly. Concerned, he went to Melset's side, slipped an arm around her for support.

"Glinn Melset, you can barely remain on your feet. Allow me." Gul Dukat felt her tense up against the physical contact. "This is no sign of innate weakness. You were seriously injured." He helped her over to her bunk. _Hardly reaches my shoulder – and yet put up a fierce fight, dragged those recruits into safety before Glinn Jelad stunned her, even though she must have realized Glan Varko was dead, in spite of being half unconscious and seriously injured herself, only running on sheer determination and adrenaline. 'Don't underestimate her' – a fitting comment_. Melset did not yet recall what she had done, thus he had told her, but the others well remembered it… and, more importantly, it was included in her file.

She sat down and met his eyes, her own reflecting the gratitude she felt. "You are most kind, Gul Dukat. There is one more thing: I thank you in the name of my troops and in my own for your generosity in according us those supplementary rations." Nearly shyly, she inquired, "Gul Dukat, is there any possibility of placing records of the events of the past 10 days at my disposal? I fear I have been unable to keep up with developments due to circumstances."

He nearly laughed at her phrasing which he recognized as humour, the first hint of which she had shown in his presence so far. "Of course, Glinn Melset. I shall direct Glinn Terpak to see to it at once."

Once in the corridor, he shook his head, amused in spite of himself by the turn the whole latter part of the conversation had ended up taking. _Strategy misfired due to subversive tactics instituted by one Kelani Cardassian. Too bad I can't get into the Order's personnel files_… _They would be well worth reading._

A young officer came towards him and passed after giving the regulation salute before heading directly for Glinn Melset's door.

"Var Tepek," Gul Dukat appreciated the young military for his efficiency and knowledge, but there was something about his demeanour that made him suspect this Var was an agent. Yet, up to this point, he had never been able to pin anything down. No transmissions, no encoded messages… Oddly enough, Glinn Melset appeared to trust him implicitly. Dukat had heard some of their conversations – strategy, developments along the border, family, studies, methods of intelligence and interrogation … nothing that would have hinted at a more intensive connection between the two outside of work. Friends…

Now, however, he saw Tepek stop to touch the access panel of Glinn Melset's door, then wait.

He felt strangely defensive while considering the young officer. "She has just been debriefed and is no doubt resting as the inquiry took longer than expected. Glinn Melset was just released from sickbay a few hours ago."

"My comrades and I were waiting for her to return to quarters before giving her this, Gul Dukat; we had promised her one of her own." He held up a data rod. "I shall be back at once."

From where he stood, Dukat heard a short conversation, a pleased exclamation from his Glinn, then Var Tepek came out again. At seeing his superior's curious expression, he explained, "Gul Dukat, we had a copy of a captured data rod containing Federation codes. The file has been recorded in the central computer, and I have obtained the authorization to give her a copy. My immediate superior, Glinn Chedrol, gave me permission to do so as it contains no classified data. Glinn Melset said she wanted the practice. I did owe her a favour."

In spite of the friendliness of his words, Dukat had a strange feeling about Tepek. _Yet, there is nothing except for his detachment, his total neutrality and constant watchfulness…. Perhaps I am overreacting due to what happened to my father_. With a shrug, he turned away – it was, after all, not his concern with whom Melset associated on his cruiser.

Var Tepek saluted, then walked off briskly. Gul Dukat turned away, lost in thought; it was possible new information had come in, new orders…. In retrospect, he felt slightly guilty about the latter part of the interview with Melset; in spite of her words, he had the impression he had deeply injured her with his manner of interrogating her as to her loyalties even though he had meant no harm, he had only made suggestions that would have had a Gerschechi or Varagasi respond in kind. _I have to make things right – she is an excellent officer, totally committed to the common goal. She has not deserved this humiliation as she no doubt considers the contents of our conversation._

Three days later, Melset returned to duty accompanied by Glinn Jelad who had informed her that her station was still weapons. She was pleased as it meant the defeat had not discredited her after all.

The bridge crew was silent as always with everyone concentrating on his or her station or checking systems, realigning elements for more efficiency.

The following two weeks were very quiet – unusually so; all they met was one small Federation shuttle poking around a minor system. Its commander had all too willingly accepted the Cardassians' invitation to depart, much to Glinn Melset's disappointment and that of the others. Those people taken from shuttles were often quite good entertainment – by Cardassian standards.

Towards the end of that day's shift, a message came in. "Fleet – Section D-84; Deploy to Argolis Sector." The Var at  Navigation, Tepek, laid in the course so that, within moments, they had altered course. These changes were usually anticipated as they meant a change of pace, new challenges they all appreciated.

After her shift had ended, Melset went into the canteen where she joined Glinn Kovar and Medic Jeskor at table. They were discussing a new development that had serious implications for Cardassian security along the border. It appeared that the Federation outpost near the border, only some light years away from the Colandra system, had received a warning that Cardassian forces had been deployed: to make the situation even more ominous, that warning had come from deep within Cardassian space.  The three officers had the same thought – the leak would have to be found and neutralized as quickly as possible or engender the risk of having Cardassia's integrity worn away progressively, leaving her wide open to a massive influx of Federation elements. Was the suspected Dissident Movement truly willing to go so far as to commit treason of the worst kind? Open the Empire to whoever wanted to claim a piece of it? Disquieted, the three finished their meal in silence and left, either for duty or for downtime.

Melset chose her way to Var Tepek's quarters, spoke into the communit. "This is Glinn Melset. Are you free, Var Tepek?"

The door slid open to reveal Var Tepek already standing there waiting, in basic uniform; he stepped aside to let her in. "Come, Glinn Melset. I was expecting you."

She smiled at the insinuation. Tepek was indeed an order operative – Tain had informed her on that detail just before she had left for the Orissà. Ah yes, the Order took care of its own by putting them into contact with other operatives in the same area to ensure growth of its networks of informants. She considered being part of this system an honour.

As soon as she was inside, he added, "No doubt you have come because of the Colandra incident." It was a statement that left no alternatives.

"Yes. There are … disquieting rumours which I suspect may be true, though I would not say as much to anyone until we have the evidence." Melset recapitulated, "Leaks in the Fleet, on outposts, settlements … operatives have to narrow down the possibilities as quickly as possible before even more damage is done."

"And the first suspicions have been corroborated. The perpetrator must have been assigned to this very fleet, in Gul Dukat's division. The operatives on the Outpost who monitor all outgoing and incoming messages, especially private ones, have found nothing – even the static was clean. Just a moment, Glinn Melset." Var Tepek pressed a button on his communicator, and explained. "You should appreciate this: at this very moment my communicator is transmitting a conversation about that battle which landed you in Sickbay for nearly two weeks. This gives us the time for an interesting discussion on another subject."

He sat down next to Melset, "Now, to get to the problem at hand. I have contacted the other operatives stationed on the ships in this division. They are presently evaluating all communications and expanding the network of surveillance devices to leave no area unobserved. While you were recuperating, I took the liberty of installing supplementary units in various critical areas." He went to his locker and took out a small pouch which Melset slipped into her uniform, then pressed the button on his communicator again, waited for the all-clear on the monitor. "It was kind of you to place these rods at my disposal. There were some codes that were totally new to me."

"Any other supplements you need, you have but to ask. You did give me one series which proved invaluable. Without constant practice you lose your edge… " She shrugged imperceptibly, then nodded at Tepek to acknowledge she knew exactly what the pouch contained, and left.

The next day the Fleet made sensor contact with a Starship just outside the system, but undeniably in Cardassian space. For a moment, Gul Dukat looked around at the Glinns who were present, then made his choice. "Glinn Melset?"

She rose to stand next to her station, waiting, at attention.

"I am planning to commence negotiations with the captain of that Starship, but have decided on a little .. change." With that, he got up to take the place next to the centre seat.

Glinn Melset stared at him, waiting for orders, not understanding, until he said, "Glinn Melset, if you please," and gestured at the place he had just vacated. "_You_ will do so."

It was a normal part of training; each Glinn was called upon to try his or her hand at negotiations, beginning with simpler situations and proceeding to complex, volatile negotiations that could cause a prolonged conflict.

She quickly considered the situation at hand. One Starship, non-military in spite of its configuration, which was that of a Galaxy-class ship – most likely a decommissioned cruiser sold to a mining consortium as surplus goods. No doubt it was manned by a Federation survey team with a former officer captaining it, a mixed bridge crew, probably carrying a number of civilian specialists to initiate operations on arrival together with potential settlers to make laying a claim to a planet or system a foregone conclusion. "Status?"

Var Kadrai's answer came at once. "Non-military, a survey ship according to sensor readings, scanning planet just within border." His voice became sibilant with irritation when he added, "That planet is listed as one of those slated for colonisation within the next year."

Melset exchanged glances with Gul Dukat, her own serious, unsmiling. She first made some subtle changes to the hair at her temples; as that of most Kelani, hers had slight reddish highlights and tended to curl at the sides. That done, she took the helmet from under the seat, put it on. Gul Dukat followed suit as did the others.

"Var Kadrai, reduce lighting by 15%, shift towards red by 6%," This command was unexpected, but followed at once.

"In visual range," was Var Gaffal's report.

"Open hailing frequencies, visual."

"Federation Starship, you are violating Cardassian space in direct contravention of the terms stipulated by the Empire. You are invited to withdraw or prepare to engage." Glinn Melset's voice, to Gul Dukat's surprise, was slightly higher in pitch than usual, gentle, without the sibilant undertone. Her stance was not military, but more that of a civilian, her entire attitude softer.

The bridge crew remained totally silent, all of them staring at the screen, expressions cold, unmoved, eyes cold, even more so than usual as a few of them had realized just what the Glinn was attempting to do.

The screen cleared after some moments to show the other bridge. As expected, the captain was obviously a former Starfleet officer who had made a second career of piloting for mining companies or accompanying survey missions into hazardous areas. He gazed out at Glinn Melset from the screen before stating, "Captain Hoffmann here. This system is two light years within Federation Space, nowhere near Cardassian territory. If you think we will withdraw from our own space, leave this system to you, you are mistaken." His intonation and phrasing was contemptuous, obviously associating the Cardassian female's aspect with a lack of experience and a good deal of insecurity, especially as she repeatedly, covertly, looked over at the tall officer next to her.

"Ah, but you have no other option, you know," At that moment, Gul Dukat noticed Var Kadrai surreptitiously glance at Melset's hands, rapidly input a message to transmit it to the other ships in the division. At the same time he could see its contents scroll down his screen. Disperse, keep out of immediate sensor range and await further orders. "We have claimed this system together with the entire sector and have a settlement in the planning stages."

The captain interrupted her, "But there is none there as _yet_, not one single incipient mine or foundations of buildings, at least that is what our scan has revealed, thus your claim is unsubstantiated." As soon as he had closed communications, Melset gave the order to advance within weapons range and power up phasers.

Again the screen cleared. "I repeat: We shall not withdraw Your trumped-up claim is nothing more than an attempt at a show of power without the backing to follow up your threat. Your one cruiser is not all that impressive." Looking at Melset amusedly, he stated, "Tell me, have you by any chance lost the rest of the division someplace? Or have you even become lost yourself? There _should_ be more than one ship in your group, come to think of it." The next comment was openly sneering. "Perhaps you should at first go back home to complete what you call Military training before presuming to give orders, then come back again to try and impress us." Dismissively turning his back to the screen, he ordered, "We go into standard orbit. Prepare to engage sensors."

This time, Melset's voice and manner were totally different, hard, aggressive, when she stated, "Starship Captain Hoffmann, you have received ample warning. You will depart at once or bear the consequences and responsibility for all ensuing results for and procedures effected as to your crew and yourself personally. I am quite convinced you would dislike observing them facing their end like true members of the Federation." She struck a section of the communications array on the armrest, then settled back, once again smiling, expression open, even friendly.

Within moments, the other cruisers had joined them. Melset slouched ever so slightly in her seat, now arrogant, overbearing, neck membranes fully tensed before stating with a contemptuous undertone in her voice, her eyes cold, her whole bearing confident, "As you can see, my dear Captain, I have the firepower to encourage you on your way and have even brought along some friends who will gladly give you added impetus. Use your sensors, provided you are capable of operating them, to see whether you can find my friends. _I_ have!" Her voice had become playful, at least by Cardassian standards, "Now, what shall it be? I give you a choice: Immediate withdrawal or a battle you cannot win."

Next to her, Gul Dukat stared at the screen, avoiding observing Melset even peripherally. _I was warned_…

This time Var Gaffal quickly looked over and immediately fired a volley that just missed the other ship.

"It may well be a most interesting experience to be the focal point of a phaser barrage, an unimaginably splendid pyrotechnical display, actually, but I shall spare you this specific sample of our highly-developed sense of aesthetics, provided you finally come to your senses." The sneer in her voice was very pronounced as was the contempt in her attitude.

            On the other ship, the captain quickly deliberated with his navigator who stated, "No Federation or Cardassian ships within the immediate area."

Captain Hoffmann was about to speak again, but at glancing at Navigator Schmidt's sensor display seconds after the report, he nearly jumped, asking no one in particular, "What the … ? Just how many of them _are_ there anyway? Where did they come from?"

Stunned by what he saw on the screen, his navigator replied, "Six in all, sir. The one in front with that Cardassian female in command, five others just within sensor range, weapons fully charged, ready to come in. With all due respect, sir, we do not stand a chance against that lot."

            "Those damn spoonhead bastards! I, for one would like to get my hands on that female. That little snake actually seems to think she can play with us." He looked up at the screen and saw her look at them quietly in turn, very obviously enjoying what she was seeing and what – unbeknownst to the personnel of the starship – she was hearing. "Register this world with all details. We will be back, with the personnel and military support we need." He turned to communications. "We withdraw."

            The solicitude in her voice was coloured by just a hint of mockery, the sibilant undertone very marked. "You are free to do so. We shall be generous for once in the interest of furthering amicable Cardassain-Federation relations and escort you to the border to assure you do not meet with any unfortunate incidents." Her manner had now shifted to friendly and concerned, as if speaking to a frightened child. "This is a most dangerous area of Cardassian territory, Captain Hoffmann. Too many … " she lowered her voice to a clearly audible whisper of horrified warning at pronouncing the racial slur, " …  far too many spoonhead bastards around. You cannot be too careful these days, you know. And their females … better not even think of what those snakes are capable. Ah, they are such a _horrible_ race, those bloody Cardies…"

Without another word, realizing each of his comments had been registered, the human closed the channel.

The escort detail as she chose to call it, was uneventful and, with a parting shot for good measure, the starship was left to withdraw. Melset turned to Gul Dukat, "If I may presume to make a suggestion, Gul Dukat?"

"By all means, Glinn Melset. I am quite curious." He watched her.

"This world does possess important resources, thus I would suggest contacting Central Command, section Civilian Deployment to place an urgent request that a population of approximately 6000 individuals be transferred here as quickly as possible; the official schedule has to be disregarded in this case. They should be accompanied by a supporting contingent of more than the usual complement of 900 troops, I would suggest roughly 1200, these under the command of two Guls. Prior to departure I heard that some were waiting for postings and pushing temporary duty on outposts. Mining equipment is stored on Outpost 36 - it should be feasible to have it delivered here within five days at most. Admittedly, this may lead to a short-term strain on available resources, but would be well worth the effort." She had given her suggestion quickly, without hesitation. "We do need these worlds."

"Before you begin your downtime, I ask you to come to my ready room after your shift." He was watching her very carefully, trying to analyse her with a marked lack of success.

All too conscious of his scrutiny, Melset retook her station, leaving Var Gaffal free to return to his monitoring array. There was a quick exchange between the two, one brief hiss of amusement, then the usual silence.

********

"That performance you gave while 'negotiating' with that human, I was wondering about it. Then, too, the shift in lighting you requested, your rearranging your hair. Rather unusual procedures in preparing for negotiations, don't you think?" He put his head to the side, a gesture Melset found strangely disarming.

"Gul Dukat, the shift in lighting is in direct response to the human phrase of our _having crawled out from under a rock_ _someplace_, that is, a warm, moist dark place where you will find all kinds of unsavoury creatures only a Ferengi could possibly appreciate. Our helmets, though revealing, provoke a certain unease as well, perhaps because they stress our 'alien' features. As to my manner and hairstyle, look at me as a stranger would, Gul Dukat – I am Kelani, smaller than your average Cardassian female; next to you and the others I appear rather inoffensive. This…" She smoothed her hair back into sleek regulation style, "…added to the impression. These seemingly minor details inevitably make them underestimate me. My change in intonation and voice underlined the fact, putting the human off-guard, subsequently leading him to become overconfident, less observant of the immediate area, thus the ease with which our ships could take their defensive positions and surround him. The other abrupt shifts in manner were meant to keep him off-balance, as it were. That method, however, cannot be used in more than a very few encounters, as Federation personnel probably share information to the same extent we do. Perhaps some other time, in a few years, but not in the near future."

"Next time, however, I should appreciate a warning." He was openly smiling with amusement now, "I would not have recognized you as the Glinn I know – your 'insecure Cardassian officer on her very first command' was most … outrageous, to put it mildly." He hesitated a moment, then asked, "One more thing. Those two Vars, they glanced at you, you said nothing, yet once a message was transmitted, in the other an order to fire a phaser volley relayed to weapons. Explain."

"Verbal communications can be overheard in battle situations, much as we overheard the conversation on that starship. That will permit the enemy to launch a pre-emptive strike. Together with my … contacts … I devised a system of gestures, some of them conveying an entire sentence, which means communication is more rapid, nothing can be overheard and responses are immediate, thus take the enemy by surprise." Melset added in a very low voice, "Gul Dukat, it _is_ your prerogative… Should you consider this method an element that would compromise security in any way, I shall refrain from its further use."

"No, Glinn Melset, by all means, continue, it is effective. There is but one condition: I should appreciate at least being able to understand what you are 'saying.' Your two decisions came as quite a surprise to me and to the other crew. This detail alone proves its value." He rose and, with a nod, said, "This will make a good entry in your file. Tell me – was this method taught you by the Order?"

"No, Gul Dukat, I devised it myself, with my comrades when I was a Var on Gul Previn's ship, and have instructed my troops here as well – we agreed it could be useful in combat, under the right circumstances. We found it invaluable when we were taken captive." She briefly hesitated, "Report 237-F – OTK has details on the incident."

"I shall avail myself of your offer." was the reply. "Dismissed, Glinn Melset. I think your downtime is to begin in another hour? There will be no calls. It is yours to enjoy."

He considered her, briefly suspicious, yet with growing respect: everything she did, be it work or the little act she had just played out on the bridge, to her suggestion of a few minutes ago, all was done for Cardassia. He could recognize that, for all her sense of duty, she was enjoying these actions, made a game out of planning, deception and obfuscation. _Tain and Garak .._ he thought with resentment .. _yet she is nothing like them. Of course, appearances can be deceiving…_ He thought of the Federation Captain who had been taken in by the 'inexperienced young Gul,' as if Central Command would ever allow a person of such an abysmal level of incompetence onto the bridge of a cruiser, let alone admit this individual into the Military Academy.

Melset quietly submitted to his evaluating stare, showed neither impatience nor irritation, fully understanding what was going through his mind. Tain and Garak – there was some unfortunate history there, to judge by the way he had reacted to their names; it had been a moment of cold withdrawal, as if he were shutting a part of himself away.

"Glinn Melset, as to your proposal, I shall do just that and underline the urgency of the plan. We shall deploy troops to prepare housing and first elements of infrastructure within a week at most. Outpost 39 is closest and has manpower stationed there for just such an eventuality.. You are dismissed." _And I have another entry for your file_…

Just before leaving, Melset turned to say, "Gul Dukat, we may have some information for you within a few more days." At the door, she called "Talsvar Kardassu!" The intonation of her salute reflected pleasure at his acceptance of her proposal, then, expressionlessly, evenly, she went to her quarters.

In the next months, it appeared she increasingly pushed some of her fellow Glinns forward, meeting with them, cooperating intensively, even requesting authorization to offer supplementary courses in Order techniques and strategies, obviously furthering them in every way at her disposal. That, too, was a method of creating networks of favours owed, an invaluable resource for Cardassians that gave access to often scarce goods, critical information, assistance. Interdependence was the key to success and security…

Dukat observed it all with interest, as he did the actions of all his higher-ranking subordinates. He estimated Glinn Melset to be ambitious, with an insatiable desire for information. She had, as far as he could judge, a remarkably extensive, constantly growing network of contacts within Central Command and the Order. Usually Var Tepek was included in the courses, taking over some details. All went smoothly, to judge by the recordings which she unfailingly gave to Gul Dukat, Glinns Chedrol and Terpak to ensure security and proper surveillance.

It was only a week after they had been deployed to yet another sector that a smaller cruiser intercepted the Orissà; within moments, its Captain contacted Gul Dukat. Without any formalities, he stated, "There is a matter that must be resolved without delay. Colonel Rajin and Corporal Mardal will beam over at once."

No time was lost; two Cardassians came onto the bridge uninvited, accompanied by Var Tepek. What drew attention to them at once was the fact that they wore civilian attire and showed no expression at all.

Irritated at what he perceived as an intrusion, Gul Dukat rose, turned to them and inquired coldly, "May I inquire as to the reason for your presence on the bridge? This area is off-limits to non military personnel."

Unimpressed, the higher-ranking officer stated the purpose of their presence, "I am Colonel Rajin of the Obsidian Order. I regret the intrusion, as you choose to phrase it, Gul Dukat, but we have traced the source of the security breach. The traitor is on your bridge at that very moment. We have been directed to arrest this individual immediately."

There was a silence that was unlike the usual one: it was the silence of tense waiting, the bridge officers refrained from the slightest movement, as if everyone was holding his breath apprehensively.

"Proceed. I do not want that … on my bridge or cruiser any longer than necessary." Gul Dukat's voice was filled with loathing and anger. The leak had cost the division he led nearly two hundred troops and hundreds of injured.

To everyone's carefully-disguised shock, the senior Order officer who had come in with Tepek went directly to Glinn Melset's station, took her by the shoulder, roughly forced her to face him, then backhanded her with all his strength, nearly throwing the Glinn off the seat. Startled, she raised a hand to her cheek, then became totally expressionless when she heard what Colonel Rajin said.

"You thought you would remain undetected, it appears, my much respected 'true Cardassian'. We have traced the informational leak to this ship, more precisely, to your quarters. Your sentence has already been pronounced – it is public execution in Loo'Wess. The trial is scheduled to start the moment we arrive on Cardassia Prime. You have already been dishonourably discharged from Central Command and the Order, your family has disassociated itself from you because of the disgrace. Your young brother's reaction should prove gratifying. I quote, 'A traitor can no longer be my sister. Enemies of Cardassia stand alone.'"

Caught in a feeling of unreality, as if all of this were a nightmare, Melset said nothing, her eyes did not even widen, she was as expressionless as the operatives who had come for her even though her pulse was febrile with shock. In an automatic response, she got up, then held out her wrists to be manacled before they led her off the bridge at phaser point, Tepek and Mardal at her sides, Colonel Rajin following. She looked neither to the right nor left, only walked out calmly, confidently, as if unmoved by developments. Melset was in shock, however, frantically reconsidering the past months. She had put additional surveillance devices in place herself, processed recordings together with Var Tepek, had copied and sent them to the various operatives involved in the search. What _had_ happened to bring her under suspicion? There was nothing, absolutely nothing which could present an explanation for these procedures.

"You will remain in the brig, under guard." With a gesture of contempt, Rajin gestured at her to enter and when she went past him, he gave her a heavy blow to the shoulders that nearly had her fall. Melset did not react to this either. The element of physical violence was a normal part of routine in Cardassian treatment of prisoners or criminals to demonstrate their total loss of status as Cardassian citizens. It was this rather than anything else that made her feel all of a sudden that this was no nightmare but reality. An inconceivable reality that she had never expected to materialize for her.

She was left to herself for some days, only periodically a guard checked to ensure that she was not attempting to commit suicide as many officers did in that situation. Her guard stated, "Any attempt at self-termination will see you sedated and immobilized until you are delivered into the hands of the Obsidian Order. You will not escape justice."

She got her rations once a day from that same guard, but he did not address her, nor did she attempt to speak to him even though she knew the officer well; he was a member of Glinn Kovar's team. As a suspect, she was considered a non-person.

Her reply was only, "To try to escape justice would be an act of cowardice and prove my guilt beyond a doubt. I want the truth to be found whatever the consequences, that is all."

After a week, she heard via intercom, "Entering standard orbit around Cardassia Prime."

Little later, Var Tepek and Corporal Mardal, accompanied by Rajin came to transfer her to Order Headquarters. "We will go by Order Shuttle. It has arrived in the docking bay."

Melset rose in silence, followed them out. On the way to the docking bay, they met various personnel, none of whom dignified the group with even a glance – it was as though they had never seen Melset or Tepek before. Melset caught sight of Dukat as he came out of quarters. Her erstwhile superior stared at her for some moments, his eyes cold, contemptuous. "You traitor. It was _you_ who cost us the lives of those men, of your highly-esteemed Glan Varko; and _you_ presumed to speak about the glory of Cardassia, your love for the Empire. All of this but lies to cover your back, to conceal your duplicity. Be assured your trial and execution will be transmitted throughout the Empire." With those words, he turned his back to the group, and strode off through the corridor. Numbed, Melset stared after him until Colonel Rajin gave her a shove. "Move. No one will help you, traitor, and certainly not Gul Dukat."

Transferral took but a matter of minutes; once they had arrived, she was taken to the interrogation area of the subterranean complex. It was the usual routine. Guards shoved her into a darkened room where blinding lights were aimed directly into her eyes. 

"Remove your clothes." Was the order that came from an Order operative who sat in the shadows.

She complied immediately, then put on the prisoner's overall issued to all accused which another guard threw at her contemptuously. Only at execution or during the trial were the accused permitted normal clothing.

The guard led her into the cell, then waited outside, but did not activate the screen. Melset remained standing, expecting interrogative procedures to begin at once. _They will be thorough, that is for sure – a traitorous officer is a serious affair … At least I will know what has happened_.

Strangely enough, Rajin entered and briefly stayed behind after waving away the guard. "Glinn Melset, Tain has been notified of the matter, and has requested we gather all the evidence we have, thanks to you: recordings from surveillance devices, your transponder. There are some serious doubts as to the evidence that has led to pronouncement of your sentence. It may well lead to a renewed examination of your case. The procedure as such would be unusual, but nor unheard-of." He hesitated. "Do you know a Glinn Sefral?"

"Yes, he attended two of the six-week courses Var Tepek and I gave on the Orissà and was one of the best." Melset was puzzled. What did this question have to do with her situation? Why did Colonel Rajin address her by name? Normally, a suspect was only addressed by the designation of his crime. Apparently, there was more to this, but she did not permit herself to hope. That was one time-honoured way of undermining a prisoner's resistance and she had successfully used the method herself on more than one occasion.

"There is far more to him than any of us would have expected. His grandfather was interrogated by a certain Delhin Melset twenty years ago, found guilty and sentenced to hard labour for a period of fifteen years. He did not survive."

Melset gripped the edge of the bunk so tightly that the scales on her knuckles became nearly translucent. "I .. didn't know," she whispered. "He _was_ very interested in voice modification, programming of listening devices, clandestine data transferral." A wave of nausea left her trembling when she finally understood: she had fallen into a trap she could only describe as of her own making … 

In a gesture unusual for an Order member, Colonel Rajin went over to her, clasped her arm. "That was all I had to know," he said in a low voice. "You will be spending some days here until everything – and another matter, too – has been resolved. Your captivity and subsequent disappearance are necessary to ensure the success of our mission."

She nodded, then said in a low voice, ignoring what Rajin had just told her, not trusting his words or placing confidence in the kindness of his gesture, "I am aware that all traitors maintain this, but – I _never_ did anything to harm Cardassia and her people, or I would never have taken courses with the Order." When she looked up again, he had already left. _All I can do now is preserve my pride as a Cardassian. If the truth is brought to light, and I am proven innocent, I will be freed; if the truth turns out to be my guilt, I will face the consequences as is my duty._

Hours later, the guard came in with her rations, placed them on the floor just inside her cell. Melset stayed where she was, staring at them, hungry, yet nauseated at the very idea of eating. The guard watched her for some time, then addressed her with a sneer, "I warn you, traitor: if you refuse to eat, you will be kept alive by force, not a very pleasant experience. Cardassia will not be deprived of witnessing your trial and immediate execution."

She did not waste any time on protesting the allegations or acknowledging the threat, only shook her head, whispering to herself, "No, _never_ a traitor to Cardassia, _never_ that…" With an effort, she forced down the rations. When the lights were dimmed for the night, she lay down face to the wall, and wept in despair until she fell asleep, exhausted.

The next days were no different – constant observation, insults, threats, no contact at all with anyone but order guards and, once only, an interrogator who had briefly stood at the entrance to her cell, looking at her evaluatingly while she met his eyes directly, with no indication of fear, then leaving again. Only Tepek came by nearly every day, accompanied by Rajin who asked various questions, spoke to her in Cardassi standard, Federation Standard, Bajoran, even in Kelani Cardassian, invariably recording the responses. What made her wonder was that she was not interrogated – that would have been standard procedure – it was a prospect everyone considered with dread as Cardassian interrogations were horrific by anyone's standards, leaving the victim with no dignity, no pride, no right to personal integrity, be it mental or physical. Yet, if it preserved Cardassia's integrity, the choice was obvious … Nor were any other suspects' interrogations conducted in the open area, either – this was normally considered essential to demonstrate to prisoners what would happen to them in good time – Tain had impressed this necessity on her as an excellent, even essential way of undermining a prisoner's resistance, to abbreviate the process which could be quite lengthy at times, all depending on the prisoner's stubbornness and determination.

Roughly a month after the accusation, she was addressed from outside her cell by a familiar voice, "Ah, my dear Glinn Melset! I _am_ pleased to see you, but not in these circumstances!"

Startled, Melset rose and went over to the screen to find Tain himself standing there. _Then it is more serious than I would have expected if he is to be my interrogator_. "I am ready, Enabran Tain, and have only the wish to take responsibility for what has happened should you find me guilty. May it be a warning to others and comfort to those who have suffered the consequences of my treason."

He shook his head, "You do not understand, Iníki, do you. We have found the person responsible for the transmissions. After your alleged arrest for treason, we intensified Order presence in Gul Dukat's division, added more surveillance devices, and finally found our treacherous friend. Var Tepek and Colonel Rajin analysed the voice recordings with the help of those they made of your statements in this cell: the recordings presented as evidence were manipulations, it _was_ your voice, certainly, but the sounds recomposed to give the impression that it was _you_ who was passing on the information. A most clever ploy, don't you think?" He was smiling in amusement, knowing that, in spite of her situation, Melset also could fully appreciate the irony of it all. "Just imagine! Turning Order methods against an Order-educated officer!"

Stunned by what Tain had just said, Melset did not react at once, then only whispered, "Tain, what happened? I was incapable of finding any reasons for my arrest."

"Listen carefully, Glinn Melset. You never even came close to that area from which the transmissions allegedly took place; that little fact was established thanks to the multifunction transponder with which you so persistently demanded we equip you at the beginning of your career. It was a wise precaution indeed. Finally, you gave your commanding officer, Glinn Chedrol and Var Tepek all recordings, even those of surveillance devices you had personally installed, another excellent decision." Tain briefly laughed in amusement. "Gul Dukat was rather … surprised when he saw us removing those specific ones for detailed analyses." He added, "The perpetrator confessed willingly enough when we took him into custody some hours ago."

"And the leak, Tain? _That _is my main concern. There _must_ have been more than one individual involved. The process would be far too complex and too much of a risk to effect alone." Melset had nearly forgotten her own situation in her concern for the Empire's safety. "If even one of those traitors escapes, he can recruit new fellows."

"Indeed. We found them all – fifteen on various ships and outposts. Be assured their fate is sealed. As to yours, …" he deactivated the screen, went in to sit next to her on the bunk, half-turned to her. "You, my dear Iníki, are free to return to the Orissà. Your duties are waiting for you, and you, no doubt, are impatient to reassume your posting. Transferral will be no problem. The Orissà is in standard orbit, is presently transporting troops and settlers to that planet you had 'taken in charge' as it were, and will take on new personnel upon its return within the next five days."

"Gul Dukat said he wanted me off his ship," she said in a low voice, not quite believing what she was being told. "And even if he can be convinced to reinstate me, Enabran Tain, my career will be over – an officer who has been a suspect once will remain under permanent suspicion. In effect, this person's career is over." With a sigh, Melset repeated, "My career will be over."

"Your superior officer knows the truth now – It was part of our plan to give the traitors the feeling they were safe; we had the best decoy imaginable; you, an Order-trained Glinn 3rd level of all personnel. With you out of the way those stationed on the Orissà thought they could operate just a little more freely. Even Var Tepek let himself be recruited. Now who would have expected such a thing from him…" He again smiled broadly, "It would seem you have made quite an impression on Gul Dukat. He was outraged at the Order's way of 'using' personnel, even though he did agree that the end justifies the means. I fear, however, that he may still be rather suspicious because of your installing those supplementary devices."

"And with reason. His concern is for the security of his personnel, his cruiser and our collective duties to Cardassia. Any incident of treason on one ship weakens the entire unit." She looked up at him, expressionless, hiding her joy at being free, her honour untouched.

"You _do _enjoy this little game of taking everything at face value, don't you." He rose, gestured at her to follow suit, "Come. Unfortunately, I cannot arrange for any downtime to compensate for this most unpleasant experience, but I think the knowledge of your innocence and the fact that the real traitors have been brought to justice should prove reward in itself. The details of this entire affair must of course remain our little secret."

A silent nod was the answer as Melset fell into step at his side. She felt no resentment, no anger at having been used. Much to the contrary, her faith in Cardassian justice had been reinforced once again and she parted from Tain with sincere affection.

After two months in all, Melset was now officially free to return to the Orissà; it was Entek who was to escort her there as he was assigned a tour of duty on Soukhara. His duty was to restructure the branch of the Order established on that planet. During transit, he spent most of the time in the lounge together with Melset, concentrating on various details, addressing methodology, possibilities of implementing intensified surveillance, all of it disguised as plans for settling on a colony planet.

Outside of the Cardassian enclave established on Soukhara, the environment of that planet presented a definite challenge in more than one respect. This world was lush, densely vegetated; its immense jungle offered any amount of potential places of concealment for dissidents.

The other personnel of the cruiser observed the couple with a certain amount of suspicion, but did not dare voice their concerns – Melset and Entek _could_ have been Order members, yet they interacted like any other Cardassian couple, showing a sense of togetherness without the need of demonstrativeness, at times exchanging covert glances, a slight smile. Only once did a young Cardassian woman, a Glinn 1st level, come to join them.

"Yasidok Pares, Jevarra Monar, I found this in the corridor, just outside the entrance to your quarters. Is this yours by any chance?" She held out a small container with a set of data rods.

"Thank you, Glinn. This is indeed inexcusable." He smiled then, "I shall mention your attentiveness to your superior. You have saved me from some … annoyances.""

Thus dismissed, she left, but not without giving Melset an icy glance that showed the latter that there would be further, but definitely not amicable, contact with her in future. They went over the details once more, then Entek suggested, "Let's return to quarters, Jevarra. We are due to arrive tomorrow." They had adopted the role of a young couple travelling to a colony planet.

Once back in quarters, Entek explained, "There is a new development. Terok'Nor is to be established as an iridium-refining plant. The requisite facilities have been installed, are ready to take up operations, and Bajoran labourers are being recruited at this very moment. You may remember that this station is in orbit around Bajor. The prefect there is to be promoted to Legate within the month and transferred to the main planet of the Olmerak System. His replacement has already been determined, which means," he gave Melset a slight smile, "The Orissà will be in need of a new commander."

Melset's expression did not change. Personnel turnover was high at the upper echelons of command. She said pensively, "It will be difficult to replace Gul Dukat. His abilities in the area of troop leadership and warfare as well as negotiation are remarkable, if I may presume to say as much."

"Indeed." Entek then stated, "He is due to put forward his own proposals for personnel – roughly 70 members of the present staff will follow him to Terok'Nor, and the Guls of his fleet as well as he himself will suggest a Glinn to take his place after promotion. The proposals will be transmitted in a month, the transferrals will be effected two weeks later. This choice should prove most interesting."

"The Orissà has a number of personnel who would merit early promotion: Glinn Terpak is excellent at all levels, as is Glinn Chedrol or Glinn Shelan. We have cooperated repeatedly, shared information … and they are respected leaders, have the devotion of their troops." The praise was honest. Melset did not even think of promotion, not after but two years of service as Glinn 3rd level. Her hope was to be one of those personnel chosen to accompany Gul Dukat to Terok'Nor. Outpost duty _was_ hazardous, but would mean new challenges, becoming familiar with a further aspect of Empire activities.

The next day they were notified that they were cleared to beam over to the Orissà. Melset, on the advice of Entek, arrived in her own quarters, Entek directly in the ready room. Gul Dukat, notified by the commander of the other cruiser, entered, barely disguising his irritation at this, as he considered it, renewed intrusion by the Order.

"Welcome, Commander Entek. I trust that your arrival is due to a matter of some importance?" His intonation and phrasing were barely civil.

"Yes, Gul Dukat, or Tain would not have sent me here. The matter concerns your Glinn, Iníki Melset." Entek raised a hand when Dukat opened his mouth to speak. "She is already waiting in her quarters." He spoke into his communicator. "Glinn Melset? Please report to the ready room at once."

"On my way, Commander Entek."

Gul Dukat's eyes narrowed, glittering with suspicion when he heard the Glinn's voice. "What is the purpose of this? I stated I do not want a former suspect on my ship!"

Entek saw the shift in Gul Dukat's expression and commented, "I take it you are surprised about this development."

"Indeed, but the Order, or if I may quote a certain Glinn 'the second pillar of Cardassia' never fails to have surprises in store," was his reply which came very close to a sneer. Normally he would have had any intruder taken to the brig processed, then left at the next outpost, but Order members were, as he chose to phrase it, 'long-term hazards.'

At that moment Glinn Melset entered, stood at attention and saluted, her manner unchanged by the experiences of the past two months. "Glinn Melset reporting for duty."

Gul Dukat responded to her salute, but as curtly as he could without it being insulting. _So, an Order operative after all…_

"An explanation is in order," Entek began, "You will recall the informational leaks in this fleet. Var Tepek and Glinn Melset had already narrowed the list of suspects to roughly twenty-five, but required much-needed final evidence, thus notified Tain as to the problem. Without Melset's knowledge, we agreed to trace and arrest a traitor of our own making to give the true traitors a feeling of false security, flush them out of hiding when they thought that suspicion was no longer concentrated on them. This one, … " he nodded at Melset, "was a decoy, a convenient victim. She was never, and I underline the word, _never_ a suspect. I say this as a Cardassian and as a member of the Obsidian Order. As she had studied with us for a time, we knew that, even if she had found out the truth about her arrest before she was meant to, she would have kept up appearances. This amply demonstrates she can be relied on to serve with true dedication and preparedness to bring whatever sacrifices are required to further our common goal." The operative added, "She is _not_ Order, only had the foresight to consider our methods essential for the demands of her own career."

Gul Dukat inclined his head, remembering the conversations he had had with Melset. _No more suspicion, so, back to normalcy_. There was not one moment of hesitation when he ordered, "Glinn Terpak, Report to ready room."

Terpak came in at once, saluted and gave Entek a quick but curious glance.

"Inscribe Glinn Melset into the duty roster as of the second shift tomorrow." Gul Dukat commanded. "All suspicions have fortunately been revealed insubstantial; they were a ploy to discredit her."

Terpak nodded, and at passing in front of Melset, whispered, "Positive news," to which she responded with a barely perceptible smile.

With that everything returned to normalcy. There were no questions, no comments when she retook her station. Whoever was freed by the Order was officially considered innocent, fully reintegrated, and Entek's accompanying Melset had amply demonstrated that she had the Order's support.

****************

It was but six weeks later that Gul Dukat ordered his Glinns and two members of their assigned troops to report to the meeting area of the cruiser. When they filed in, they exchanged surreptitious glances; evidently some event of which they had obtained no prior information  was due. The banners showing the Cardassian emblem and that of the Second Order were displayed on the walls. Once all officers had taken their places according to rank, Gul Dukat entered, accompanied by his adjutant, Glinn Terpak.

The commander walked up to a lectern that had been placed there, raised a hand for attention, then said, "This is a glorious time for Cardassia. Thanks to new resources we have secured for our Empire, Central Command has initiated a massive expansion of our fleet; within the next two years, numerous Glinns who have proven themselves worthy of advancement will be honoured with commands of their own. The Orissà has been selected to be first in this project of renewal.

I have called you to witness a change of Command. Central Command has entrusted me with development of the ore extraction and -processing facilities on Bajor, a project to be developed concurrently with preparing the planet for full-scale colonization. This task of making Bajor's rich and invaluable resources accessible to the Empire will further Cardassia's quest to claim her rightful place in the Quadrant, to achieve true supremacy. The scope of these new responsibilities effectively preclude my further presence as commander of the Orissà.

Central Command's top echelons have evaluated the files of all eligible Glinns and transmitted the decision to me late yesterday evening." He turned to Glinn Terpak who activated the padd before handing it to him with a gesture of respect.

"Central Command has designated the following Glinn 3rd level to be promoted to Gul 9th level and, due to the afore-mentioned expansion, this officer will be granted immediate command of a cruiser, notably the Orissà, not serving two more years under the Command of a superior officer." He went to the side of the lectern, facing his staff.

"Glinn Melset, after due consideration of all factors such as performance ratings, given by the commanders under whom you have served in the past nine years, your results in external and internal examinations, Central Command's and the Order's, past and recent actions in the course of combat, preparedness to serve in all capacities, your willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for Cardassia, it is my honour to notify you of your promotion to Gul 9th level. After this mission, you will report to Central Command for a phase of exams and tests for this position, but I have no doubt but that you will succeeed."

Too stunned by what she had just heard, Glinn Melset remained sitting next to Glinn Jelad, motionless. _This is impossible! Glinn Terpak had seniority, as did Glinns Chedrol and Shelan _…. Still in a state of absolute disbelief, she finally rose and walked forward to salute Gul Dukat.

At the same time, Glinn Shelan came over from the side of the hall, carrying the armour of a Gul 9th level, the insignia on the right was edged in silvery-gold. Melset removed the armour she was wearing with the words, "I accept the responsibilities connected with my new position."

Shelan helped her put on the new armour and whispered so that only she could hear, "Not long to wait for this uniform after all, Gul." He was referring to the joking discussion he had had with Medic Jeskor some months previously. She smiled in response, remembering.

She turned to face Gul Dukat. "I am prepared."

"Then, Gul Melset, take the Pledge to Cardassia and never forget it for as long as there is an Empire and you are alive to serve."

Her voice clear and steady, she pronounced the words which, to her and to all the others in the service, meant life, existence, and embodied all they valued and in which they unwaveringly believed. She did not avert her eyes from Gul Dukat's for one minute.

When she had finished, he opened a flat case and presented her with the insignia of command. "With the acceptance of this insignia, you take command of the Orissà. Wear it, command her with dedication and pride."

"It shall always serve to remind me of my – our - duty to Cardassia. She is our life, our future, our very existence. Whoever would endanger her integrity both from within her borders and outside of them is to be crushed, all traitors brought to justice – this until and beyond the day when we have taken our destined place in the Quadrant to the greater glory of Cardassia!" Impulsively, she turned to the others, saluted and called out with fervour and love, "Talsvar Kardassu – for all time!"

The witnesses, including Gul Dukat, responded in like.

With that brief formality, transferral was completed. In another hour, Melset and Dukat would meet in his ready room to discuss shifts in personnel as he would be taking along 78 of the staff to fill places on Terok'Nor, a station which, for some time, had come close to being abandoned. He would bring it back to life, make it an invaluable element of Cardassia's future … On that very outpost,  her new personnel was already waiting to be taken on board.

Terok'Nor finally came into visual range, a fragile-looking, strangely beautiful structure orbiting Bajor, a lush, green planet scheduled for full-scale colonization within a matter of years. Some few Cardassian enclaves had already been established, but were under constant threat by the résistance that had sprung up twenty years ago when the occupying forces' purpose had become clear to the Bajoran people. Suppressing this very resistance movement that apparently was gaining in impetus and recruiting fighters all over Bajor would constitute Gul Dukat's most critical task. As yet, Cardassians could not risk leaving an enclave without escort, and, at night, security forces guarded the perimeters. Yet again and again devastating attacks, some of which claimed up to eighty lives, were perpetrated on these very enclaves. Gul Dukat was expected and determined to set an end to these acts of terrorism by whatever means necessary,

In a gesture that took Gul Dukat by surprise, she accompanied him and the others to the transporter area. Noticing her, he lagged a little behind, then stopped to look at Melset. "You wish to say something, Gul Melset?"

"Yes, Gul Dukat. I am in your debt for your instruction and the lessons in leadership you have given me– you have demonstrated all that must be considered when in command. It was a privilege serving under you." She met his eyes directly, her expression serious, before giving him a brief smile of thanks. He caught sight of her hands – they were positioned in the sign denoting gratitude.

He responded with a nod and smile of his own in acknowledgement of her words and the gesture, "You will be successful, Gul Melset. I had put your name forward because I recognized your abilities. Enjoy the challenges of your new duties – as will I!" With this friendly comment, he got on the transporter padd, saluted and beamed down to begin a new phase of his career.

The new Division Commander, Gul Jasad, contacted her immediately after Gul Dukat's departure. "We proceed to Algira Sector, Unefra Prime."

Taking the centre seat, she looked around at her bridge crew, "Engage. Course for Algira Sector_." New missions for all of us – in the name of Cardassia._


End file.
