Title: Purpose Author: Ainzfern Series: VOY/MU DS9 Code: Quinn/MU Bashir Rating: NC-17 (M/M – VIOLENCE) Disclaimer: Paramount owns STAR TREK ... etc and so on and so forth! My only pay here is personal joy. Summary: Quinn, the renegade and suicidal Q, is brought back to life by the continuum in a final effort to make him seek purpose to living again. Archiving: Certainly- if you want to- please let me know. Feedback: Yes please! All comments welcome. ainzfern@hotmail.com Author's note: The MU Julian I have here is quite different from the Rebel Captain of the DS9 series. This one is almost AU, I have again put poor Julian into this place as a body slave to the rich and powerful. (Hmmmm. A disturbing pattern emerging, LOL!) Once more, my sincerest thanks to Cait for her wonderful BETA! Cait, I grovel at thy feet! Purpose PROLOGUE: Looking back, I suppose I can't be all that angry with my family. <SIGH> They did what they thought was best, after all. And I believe that, at least on *this* occasion, they acted out of *good* intentions. I *was* upset at first. Well... could you blame me? There I was, dead, and happy enough to be so too, oh my, yes. Yes I was. And all of a sudden I was back and *not* happy to be so, let me tell you. But... it all worked out in the end. <SOFT LAUGHTER> Oh yes, it certainly did... ****** //Live, Quinn.// The blessed warm embrace of death receded steadily. His heart began to beat. The fluid that formed his blood began to flow, reaching his extremities and slowly warming them. //Live, Quinn. My gift to you.// Anguish. Despair. Confusion. All of these things and more raced through his consciousness. And he *did* have consciousness. "Why?!" he screamed into the black void of waking limbo. "You broke your word! WHY?!" //Because you were wrong. You *do* still have things to learn. This little fact makes our previous agreement null and void.// "Noooo!" he wailed, tears of suffering pouring down his face. His immortal face. He was Q again. He was Q. "You lied!" He was filled with rage. Small stars could have birthed and died within the heat of it. //We did not lie...Q. We were mistaken. This place that we have found for you has potential.// He howled. Howled in his grief and dismay. Howled in anger and in torment. "Do you hate me so much, Q?" //No.// The awareness that came back to him was strangely touched with affection. //We love you. That is why we want you to live. To find... purpose.// "How?" He shook his head helplessly. "I have done all that I can possibly do! What is left for me?" //Much, Q. You just can't see it yet. Your powers are still returning. You'll get stronger over time.// "Please don't do this, Q," he pleaded. "I beg you!" //You tried that before and it didn't work. We will give you a suitable period of time here. After that? We shall see.// Hope flared in his chest. "You'll return me to death if I find no purpose here?" There was a pause, then... //Yes.// "And *this* time, will you keep your word?" //Yes.// "Very well," he sighed in defeat and closed his eyes. "Send me where you will." ******* TWO: So, as you can see, I was *not* exactly a happy riser. My goodness, no. I was so angry. I can't recall when I was *ever* that angr... no wait, wait... there was *one* time. Oh yes, now *that* was a display of temper <SOFT CHUCKLE> but, that comes later. Much later. Please don't rush me... I'll forget things if you do. Where was I? Oh yes! They sent me to another *dimension*, can you believe that?! I can't begin to imagine the sheer amount of concerted effort it must have taken to do it, particularly since I wasn't feeling especially cooperative. <EVIL SMILE> Q don't normally work together in that fashion... unless, of course they are presented with a common enemy or, as with *me*, a common irritant. Oh, *goodness*, they must have wanted this for me badly. Makes me feel sort of... loved. Now that I understand what that *really* means, of course. Now that I have some basis for comparison. Love. Considering *that*, I wonder if the Q meant for me to have such a rude introduction to my new enforced home. <LAUGHTER> They probably did... ***** "Terran vessel," the harsh voice came out of the comm link. "This is your final warning. Drop your shields, power down your engines and prepare to be boarded. If you do not comply, we will destroy you!" Quinn's eyes snapped open. He looked around wildly for a moment, assessed his surroundings, his ragged clothing, the large ship outside the view screen, and came to an instant decision. He dropped the shields and cut his engines. He did, to his credit, attempt to prepare for boarding, but looking around the rather well used interior of the battered little runabout, he realized there was little he could do via presentation. This ship looked like it was held together with hope. The hum of a transporter beam turned his attention away from interior aesthetics, and he rose to his feet, his face pursed in polite query. Two Cardassians appeared, heavily armored and well armed. They looked at him with profound contempt. "He's not young," one remarked to his companion. The other shrugged. "That's not our concern. We'll get some decent payment for this ship as scrap. What they do with the Terran doesn't matter." "Why not just kill him now?" the first asked, raising his weapon. Almost in spite of himself, Quinn suddenly felt interested. He wondered how this pair of lizard-men would react when they tried to kill him and found out that they couldn't. He reasoned with wry amusement that his *value* would increase markedly after *that* fact was revealed. "No," the other replied. "The Intendant wants all Terran trespassers brought to Terok Nor for questioning. There's a rumour of rebellion lately. Any free roaming Terran is suspect." "Erm... Hello there," Quinn smiled. "I thought I should mention, I'm not actually a Terra..." The first Cardassian spat at Quinn's feet. "Shut up, Vole!" Quinn blinked. "Oh, uhm, I'm not actually a Vole eith..." The Cardassian stepped forward and struck him across the face. The sheer sudden shock of the blow startled Quinn to silence. It was an interesting sensation, Quinn decided. He'd never actually been hit before. He couldn't say that he'd enjoyed it very much. The Cardassian leaned into his face. "You keep your mouth shut, or there'll be more of the same, you got it?" Smiling, Quinn nodded. //Intriguing...// he thought as he looked his new companions over. The Cardassians he'd met in the other universe where quite different from this pair. They were urbane, deadly, cunning, subtle and brilliant. Dangerous to be an enemy to and even more dangerous to be friends with. These two were just thugs. Silently, as per instructions, he waited to see what would happen next. In short order, he was transported up to the Cardassian's vessel. Metal restraints were snapped around both wrists and ankles and he was unceremoniously pushed to the floor in the back of the cockpit. He felt a mild sense of amusement rise up in him as he looked down at the contraptions they had placed on him. He could erase such petty encumbrances with a single thought. He chose not to. His interest had been piqued, something that had not happened to him in a long time. At least for now, he was content to let things play out... to see where this intriguing scenario was leading. He sat up slightly and peered up so that he could look between the Cardassian's shoulders out the front view screen. "Uh, excuse me?" he asked diffidently. "But where are we going now?" Without looking at him the first Cardassian laughed. "Somewhere where you *won't* want to be." Quinn blinked. "Oh. Really? Well. That's interesting." The Cardassian turned and stared at him for a moment as if he had just grown another head. "What did you just say, Terran?" he asked. Quinn smiled brightly. "I said `that's interesting'. You know, that you should say that, because I don't quite see how I could not want to be somewhere when I haven't been there before. I might like it." His captors exchanged a long look. After a moment, they burst out laughing. "Well, how about that?" said the second Cardassian. "Its mind is broken!" "Must be," his companion chortled. "But it's sort of amusing at the same time. Maybe this one will be worth something after all." Quinn shrugged and turned his attention to the inside of the ship. This one was *much* cleaner that the other one. He nodded approvingly. He was fond of ordered surroundings. "Hey, Terran," the first Cardassian called out. Quinn continued to look into the rear of the craft until he felt a booted foot nudge his leg. "Terran!" the Cardassian repeated. "Me?" Quinn looked around into the grinning sliver face. "Yeah, *you*. What were you doing in Alliance space, anyway? Spying?" Quinn shook his head, smiling politely. "Oh, no... no no not spying. Just... searching for purpose, apparently." His captors laughed again. "This one really *has* gone, hasn't it?" the second Cardassian chuckled. "Hey, ask it another question..." ****** THREE. Terok Nor. That's where they took me, it's a space station. Did you know that Terok Nor is Cardassian for Dark Jewel? Interesting isn't it? Yes indeed. My two hosts seemed almost regretful when they handed me over to the guards on the station. They'd been having such a lovely time, you know, all at my apparent expense. <SOFT CHUCKLE>. Of course what they *didn't* know was that I was gleaning a great deal of information from them. Oh my, yes, I was. And they thought that *I* was amusing... Hmmm. See, from *them* I learned that I was considered a Terran, and that Terrans were considered as animals. Quite a sad thing really. I've known many Terrans in my time and I always found them to be charming, witty, and capable of great sensitivity and intelligence. <SMILES GENTLY> And of course, there's *one* that I am *particularly* fond of. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Again. Anyway, I was rather quickly introduced as a "mind-broken Terran", of *all* things, and then marched away from my two new friends into a dimly lit corridor. You know it's funny, but I actually did *feel* something, even then. A sense of, oh I don't know... homecoming, maybe? Like there was something *good*, just around the corner... ***** A booted foot connected with Quinn's thigh as he stood in front of the open cell door. He blinked and looked at one of the guards who escorted him. "You really are mind-broken, aren't you?" the hard faced Bajoran said. "Do you even feel that, Terran?" Quinn smiled. "Oh, yes. I do have quite excellent sensory perception. But what you call pain... well, since I know that I can't actually be hurt, I don't pay it much mind. Am I doing it wrong? Should I make some noise when you do that?" The guard drew his foot back to kick Quinn again. Then, apparently deciding that it was wasted effort, made a curt gesture with his head. "Just get into the cell, Terran. And behave yourself. You'll be processed in a few days time." The guard shook his head and looked at his colleague. "Although what *this* one will be any use for is beyond me." His companion shrugged disinterestedly. With a final scathing glance, the Bajoran slammed the heavy door shut, leaving Quinn standing there staring at it with interest. He wondered for a moment at the futility of shutting him in a room like this. He could get out at any time, so what was the point? Of course, it had already occurred to him that the guards didn't *know* this, and in spite of himself, Quinn was becoming more and more intrigued with this place. He wasn't about to suggest to himself that he would find anything worth living for here, but at least it would be an interesting diversion before he would be retuned to his coveted death. "Hello." A soft voice startled Quinn out of his reverie and he whirled around to face the interior of the cell. He made a brief but detailed inspection of his surroundings and was pleasantly surprised. Although spartan, containing only two floor pallets and a toilet unit, the cell was clean. It was dimly lit, but there was sufficient light to see by without Quinn having to resort to enhancing his vision. "Better accommodation than you expected, huh?" his cellmate asked, drawing Quinn's attention. The Q assessed his companion. A Human. Fairly young. Remarkably attractive. He was slender and reasonably tall. His skin was a deep golden hue and his large hazel eyes were soft and luminous. His hair was thick and dark, falling in soft, unruly waves over his shoulders. He exuded a kind of sultry sensuality. To Quinn, it was evidently an unconscious attribute, because the expression on the Human's exquisite face was nothing more than friendly. "Hmmm, yes. I must confess, I did expect something a little more unpleasant." Quinn said. The Human smiled a little. "The cells on the lower level must be full. I'd say that's why you were thrown in here with me." His face darkened slightly. "I get... special consideration." For a moment, Quinn was tempted to push his mind out towards the Human. That last remark had intrigued him, making him briefly consider reading the young man's thoughts. He decided against it. The less he used his powers, the slower they would return. He was eager to keep things simple. If the Q continuum kept their end of the bargain, he would be much easier to kill if he were not in full possession of his powers. It was all a matter of will. Instead, he verbally queried, "Special consideration?" "Yes. A better cell, for one." Quinn was still a little unsure. "Why? What makes you different?" The Human blinked in surprise and peered at him suspiciously. "Most other Terran's can tell just by looking." "Tell what?" The Human sighed. "I'm a body slave," he said dully, dropping his eyes. Quinn continued to gaze at him with an expression of polite interest. Finally, after a long period of silence, the Human looked up at him again. "You don't hate me?" Quinn smiled. "Well, you see, I don't actually *know* you. Why would I hate you?" "Many of the other Terran slaves... the ones from the mines, believe that body slaves have an easier time of things," the Human explained. "And is that true?" The Human looked away again. "So, how did you end up here?" he asked, dropping gracefully onto one of the pallets. Quinn nodded. Apparently his companion wished to change the subject. Quinn smiled and also sat down, making himself comfortable on the other pallet. "I was sent here." "Really?" The Human blinked. "By who?" Quinn smiled bleakly. "By my family." The Human's expression suddenly changed, becoming warm and filled with compassion. Quinn was surprised to see those beautiful eyes fill. "You were sold too?" "Your family *sold* you?" Quinn was outraged for some reason. The Human nodded sadly. "Yes. It's very common, I'm afraid. My parents had other children to keep protected, and as I was a *pretty* child," his face twisted momentarily, "I fetched them a good price." "A child?" Quinn shook his head. "How old?" With a thoughtful expression, the young man considered the question. "I'm not too sure. Ten... eleven, maybe?" "You were made a body slave *that* young?" Almost in spite of his promise to remain detached from this place, Quinn felt his anger rising. "No. First I was trained. I was sold to my first Master at sixteen." "If I may ask...what is your name?" Quinn asked suddenly. "Julian." "I'm ...Quinn." Quinn looked closely at his young cellmate. "So, who was this Master of yours, Hmmm?" Julian smiled. "You're a curious one, aren't you?" "Oh. Oh goodness, I'm sorry!" Quinn said promptly. "You don't have to tell me. I must admit, my talent for conversation has slipped somewhat. I'm afraid I may have been a little forward." "No, it's OK." Julian shrugged one elegant shoulder. "I don't mind. My Master was Gul Garak, First Officer of this station." "Was?" Julian sighed, the briefest touch of sorrow passing over his flawless face. "He died. Poisoned, I think. No one would tell me. That's why I'm here now." Quinn felt a sudden surge of concern. "Oh dear... do they hold you responsible?" Julian chuckled. It was a very pleasing sound, Quinn decided. "No, Quinn. I'm being held for the new First Officer, Gul Broca. The Intendant told me Garak used to give very good reports of me... so if Gul Broca likes me, I'll become his property." Quinn shook his head, amazed at the casual way Julian simply accepted his position as chattel. "It doesn't bother you? That you are treated like this?" Julian shrugged again. "It's what I have been trained to do. It could be a lot worse you know. If Gul Broca doesn't want me, I'll be sent to the processing plant or planet side to the mines." His huge eyes grew frightened. "I wouldn't live for very long in either place, Quinn. If the conditions didn't kill me, then certainly the other slaves would." Quinn sighed. "Well, I'm sure he will like you, Julian. You seem quite likeable to me." Julian laughed again. "I don't think I've ever had *that* description applied to me before. You're very unusual, Quinn." He sobered slightly. "I heard the guard call you mind-broken. Is that true?" Smiling, Quinn shook his head. "No, Julian. Oh no, not at all. I'm just... different." Julian smiled back at him. ***** FOUR. So, I was incarcerated. My yes. Locked away for the crime of being Terran. But I must say, my company was exceptionally pleasant. He was such a friendly little creature, Julian. From what I gathered, his kind, uhm... body slaves, you know, weren't highly thought of by other Terrans. I suppose even the lowly need to feel superior to *someone*. Seemed a terrible misjudgment of character to me, but... I got to know him quite well over the next few days. He was surprisingly good company. <SOFT SMILE> I shared my food with him, you know. After all, *I* hardly needed to eat it, did I? And he struck me as too thin anyway. He was astonished by that. He seemed most concerned that I was not getting sufficient nourishment. <SIGH> That still touches me you know, goodness yes it does. It always will, I think. Here was this young Human, who had *no* idea of what the future would hold, and he was concerned about *my* welfare. Such a sweet creature. Hmmm. Now, don't let me drift off... I have things to tell you! Our new friendship was changed quite dramatically shortly after I started sharing my meals with him, oh yes indeed it was. A quick visit from a station official was all it took, and suddenly, everything was different... ***** "I would hardly think *you're* the one I want to talk to," the richly dressed Bajoran looked down at Quinn with a superior sneer. He looked over at Julian. "Stand up, Terran," he ordered. Obediently, Julian rose and moved forward. The Bajoran looked at him with appreciation. "Very nice," he murmured. "Very nice indeed. The Gul should be reasonably happy with you." Julian's eyes widened slightly, but he kept his mouth tightly shut. Quinn got the feeling that the Human knew very well what was expected of him here. "I am Gul Broca's attaché to the station. You may address me as Vizier Tahnos." The Bajoran said grandly. "If you have a question, you may ask it now." Julian nodded. "Forgive me, Vizier Tahnos. When is the Gul arriving?" "In two days time, Terran. He will view you then. *I* rather like the look of you, but the ultimate decision rests with him." Julian bobbed his head again, passivity and compliance oozing out of ever pore. Vizier Tahnos looked pleased. "You maintain those sorts of manners and you will do well, pretty one. Gul Broca does not like willful pets." Quinn felt a strong sense of unease growing in him. He knew this was not his concern. He had no rights over Julian's person, no say in his fate. Yet, he found that he was deeply disturbed by the notion of this young man being bound into sexual servitude. The Humans he had known in the past had been wonderfully willful and had rightfully insisted on choosing their own mates or paramours. It just didn't sit right with the Q to see this Human so calmly accepting this unnatural situation. When the Bajoran left, Julian vented a deep sigh and turned away, staring down at the floor for a long time. "Julian?" Quinn rose and moved over to him. "Are you all right?" Julian looked at him, his eyes haunted and afraid. Quinn suddenly realized that Julian hadn't been accepting of the situation at all. It had all been an act. A very good, very well taught act. "They were right," Julian blurted suddenly. Quinn blinked, baffled. "Who was right?" "The other slaves. They were right about me." His huge eyes stared up into Quinn's, pleading for understanding. "I *did* have it easy with Gul Garak." "Julian. You are a slave. That you followed the orders of your Master, is nothing to be ashamed of, oh no, not at all. What choice did you have?" Julian shook his head, guilt in his face, tears in his eyes. "No. You don't understand, Quinn. It was *different* with Gul Garak. He didn't treat me like a... a thing. He... he was good to me. Kind. Gentle. I didn't submit to him because I had to. I did it because I *wanted* to." His face twisted with sorrow. "He said he loved me," he whispered, "and I believed him because I *wanted* to. I went willingly, Quinn! Every single time, I went willingly." "Julian..." Julian cut him off, his words tumbling out in a breathless rush. "And I'll tell you something else, Quinn. I'll do the same thing with Gul Broca, if he lets me. If he lets me, I'll go willingly to him, too." Stunned, Quinn opened his mouth to reply, but for the first time in his long existence he had no words. He found it so difficult to relate to what Julian was trying to tell him. For a being that had always been self-contained and self-reliant, Julian's confession was hard to comprehend. Quinn made a decision. Partly out of innate curiosity and partly because he actually did like Julian and wished to understand, he opened himself slightly and allowed Julian's thoughts to come to him. He was unprepared for it, to say the least. The feelings... the sheer sensation of Julian's emotions washing over him was far more intense than he had anticipated. The Human was nowhere near as self-controlled as he appeared. Waves of dread and regret poured out him. His mind was jumbled, erratic. Quinn wondered how in the universe the young man was able to function at all with such a whirlwind of complex thought screaming around in his head. Julian missed his old Master, but was ashamed of himself for doing so. He was afraid that this new Gul would not want him. He was afraid that this new Gul *would*. He was a chaotic mix of memories and feelings and fears and underneath it all, a single theme shone through. Julian needed. He needed warmth, he needed affection. His late Master had given him such things and it was all that he had ever known. He *needed* it now. Needed love and hoped so desperately that he would find it. Quinn felt a sudden compulsion. He didn't know why exactly, but it was undeniable. He wanted to comfort. He knew it was required. Julian would need all his strength in the coming few days. He would need resilience. Quinn understood now how much this confession had cost the young man. He did not want Julian to think that he would turn from him because of it. The Human stood in front of him, his expression clearly showing that he was expecting the worst. His beautiful face grew stunned when Quinn silently opened his arms, smiling sadly at him, allowing all the compassion and affection he felt for the young man to flow from his eyes. After the briefest hesitation, Julian made a tiny sound of distress and stepped into Quinn's embrace, clinging to him like a frightened child. He burrowed his face into Quinn's chest as if trying to hide himself away. "It's all right, Julian," Quinn soothed him. "I don't care about that. No I don't, not one bit. I still like you. I think I always will." He tightened his hold and rocked the young man gently, swaying back and forth slightly. For a long time they stayed there, Quinn holding the Human to him, feeling his warmth and vulnerability, feeling the surge of protectiveness rise up in him. Slowly, he felt Julian's arms creep around him to return his hold. As they stood there, the timbre of the embrace changed. Julian's hands were moving, stroking over Quinn's shoulders and back in a most pleasant way. The Human's breath became a little faster. His body began to move slowly, pressing against Quinn with gentle rocking motions. With a shock, Quinn became aware that his own body was growing aroused by this. Belatedly, he realized that he had not closed himself off from Julian, and he could feel the Human's own heightened sexual receptiveness jolting through him. He prepared himself to close that mental door, but before he could, Julian looked up at him, his luminous eyes filled with desire and desperate need. "Please, Quinn," he whispered softly. "I'm so cold, so alone. Please let me love you now. I want to." Quinn was lost. Looking down into that perfect face, smelling the rising scent of Human arousal. The young man felt so warm and pliant in his arms, ready to be shaped and molded by Quinn's touch. Two days from now this sensual creature would belong to someone else, but for now, he was Quinn's. Neither knowing nor even caring that he might be committing some sort of unalterable error of judgment, Quinn cupped Julian's head in his hands and lowered his mouth to the Human's. It was the first time he had kissed another living creature. He had to confess that it was quite a remarkable experience. Those Q who sneered down their noses at mortal kind's penchant for carnal pastimes had obviously never kissed *this* particular mortal. He gave himself utterly over to the experience at that point, and found every part of it satisfying. The feel of Julian's warm mouth moving over his body was beyond wonderful. He knew the theory of course, but the practical had never really interested him until now. He spared one final thought about his failure to withdraw his mind like he should of, and then Julian was pulling him down onto the pallet, pushing his clothes away and bending his head to his heated sex. The body that he had crafted for himself was not exactly like a Human's per se, at least not on the inside. However, it knew all the required responses and performed admirably well. His first orgasm was a simply astonishing experience. He was a cerebral creature, like all Q, and the analytical part of his mind was quite interested in what a centralized physical experience coming actually was. Although his whole body *did* tingle with the feeling, the most intense sensations were centered on his groin, bleeding slightly into his upper thighs and his abdomen. He was quite pleased to discover that Julian seemed to enjoy the experience just as much. Pushing the Human over onto his back, he returned the same kinds of caresses with hands and mouth as Julian had given to him. He felt a sense of power and wonder when Julian cried out loudly and released his slightly salty essence into Quinn's mouth. He found he rather liked the taste of the young man. The highlight of the experience though, had been when Julian guided him into his body. What a unique sensation. He found himself caught up in it, his hips thrusting almost of their own accord. He felt every inch of Julian's exquisitely soft skin pressed against his own. He could hear his heartbeat, feel his rising heat, taste his sweat, and when he came again, deep inside that warm, tight body, he was helpless to stop the cry of fulfillment that came from his throat. Quinn had never had such intense physical stimulation before. As he lay there, cradled in Julian's arms, panting against his soft neck, he hazily wondered *why* the Q felt the need to ignore this part of their existence. Julian twined his slender fingers into Quinn's hair. "Thank you, Quinn," he murmured into his ear. "Oh Julian," Quinn chuckled, "don't thank me, sweet creature. Oh, there's no need for that. Do you feel better?" He rose up on his elbows to look down into Julian's flushed face. The Human smiled. "Much." Quinn rolled over, pulling Julian with him so that the Human was cradled against his shoulder. He released a soft sigh as he felt Julian's body grow limp and slightly heavier and he realized that the young man had fallen asleep. He lay in the dim cell that night, holding Julian close to him and feeling unfamiliar emotions lancing through him. Even as he pressed his face into the Human's hair and breathed deeply of his sweet warm scent, he wondered what had happened to him tonight. He wondered how all of this would end. He wondered if he still wanted to die. ***** FIVE: Oh goodness, what a glut of confusion had gone through my mind that night. And to *think* that after all that time, I was actually starting to waver in my commitment to my death! I didn't really know it at that time, but I had surrendered to one of the mortal foibles that the Q used to spend all their time laughing at. <SOFT SIGH> Oh, Julian had felt good though. In my arms, around my body. Hmmmm. How lovely he was to me, so fresh and new. I didn't care that he had belonged to someone else, that he *would* belong to another shortly. I just wanted to hold him. I made a terrible mistake however, as circumstances conspired to show me later. Oh my yes, a most regrettable mistake. You see, I still wanted to cling to the notion that I would return to my death sleep, so I didn't take Julian from that place, and I should have. I really should have. <BITTER LAUGH> I don't think I will *ever* forgive myself for that lack of judgment, for that poor show of sheer stubbornness. When I think of what happened... ***** Gul Broca arrived on time. Accompanied by his attaché, Vizier Tahnos, he entered Quinn and Julian's cell and assessed his inherited body slave. "Come here," he ordered, his voice deep and soft. Julian rose, licking his lips nervously and approached his new Master with downcast eyes. Tahnos nodded approvingly. "It is as I said, Gul. He is not proud." "Hmm," Broca grunted noncommittally. He reached out and cupped Julian's chin, gently raising his face so that the Human would look at him. >From his unobtrusive position by the far wall, Quinn could clearly see Broca's eyes warm as he took in his newest possession. "He's quite appealing isn't he?" the Gul said to his hovering attaché. Tahnos nodded. "Indeed, Gul. Do you want him?" Broca gazed at Julian a moment longer, silently considering. "What is your name, Terran?" he asked softly. "Julian, my Master," the Human replied promptly. Broca stroked his thumb along the line of Julian's jaw and Quinn clearly saw the young man move into the touch. Just as clearly, he saw Broca's expression become considerably more heated. "You've been trained well," the Cardassian said to him, his voice still low. "I hope to please you, my Master," Julian replied huskily. Gul Broca nodded. "I'm sure you will." He turned to his attaché, his expression decisive. "I will take him. He's quite acceptable." Without further word, the Cardassian turned and strode from the cell. Tahnos looked at Julian. "Well, come along! Attend to your Master." Julian took a deep breath and left the cell. As he turned to walk away down the corridor, the Human cast one last look back at Quinn. In his gaze was a wealth of feeling. His calm mask slipped for an instant as he met the eyes of his brief lover. Looking at that expression, Quinn realized that the whole scene with Broca had been yet another act on the Human's part. Self-preservation. The need to follow his training. But it wasn't what he wanted, Quinn was sure of it. What Julian wanted, was to stay with him. Because with *him*, Julian had meant it. As the door shut, Quinn slid to the floor and stared at the pallet across the room. Well, the Human was gone. Accepted by his new Master and by all appearances, going to be treated well. The fact that they had shared a brief moment of true affection meant little. Quinn knew that Julian had no choice in this matter at all. He had been chosen, and he would serve. Quinn knew he should turn his thoughts to his own immediate future, to the next step in this stage little odyssey that the Q had sent him on. He could not. All he could think about was Julian. ***** "Get up Terran," the guard's sharp voice brought Quinn out of his reverie. The Q had not moved in over a week. He had simply sat, back pressed to the wall, waiting for whatever would happen next. Now, he got to his feet and fixed his visitor with a look of polite enquiry. "You've been given a special honor, Terran." Quinn smiled blankly. A vessel waiting to be filled with information. "Our Intendant needs a new wine steward," the guard said, reaching forward and grabbing Quinn by the arm. "I'm sending you." Quinn was pulled out of the cell and pushed in front of a richly dressed Cardassian. He smiled again, not really expecting to get one in return. He didn't The Cardassian gave him a brief once over. "Hmmm. Well, she said she didn't want a young and nervous one and this one doesn't appear to be either." The guard nodded. "He's quiet too. Doesn't say much." The Cardassian laughed. "He doesn't have too. Just so long as he can pour wine without spilling it. He could be mute for all I care." The Cardassian fixed him with a critical eye. "Well," he sighed, "Come with me. I'll get you some suitable clothes and then you can meet your new Mistress." He turned and strode down the dimly lit corridor. Intrigued, Quinn followed obediently behind. ***** SIX. Well, I can't say that I cared much for my new Mistress. She was a pretty little thing, Oh yes, I'll give her that. But what a black soul she had! I didn't need the powers of a Q to see that, Oh goodness no. Did you know why I was chosen to be her wine steward? No? Well, of course you wouldn't, I haven't *told* you yet, have I? <SOFT CHUCKLE>. I can be a bit absentminded at times, I apologize. She had killed him! Can you *imagine*? A young Vulcan, apparently. He spilled the wine during one of her sumptuous dinners and she drew her little dagger right there and then and *stabbed* him! In the throat, no less – ugh! I shudder, I really do. So casually cruel. <SHAKES HEAD> I really don't know what motivates some people. It's a mystery even to the Q. Still, there was one good thing about being in my new position. I was told by my new Mistress, (*Mistress*... how amusing. A *Q* with a Mistress...), that we would be hosting a lavish dinner for her First Officer. I was very pleased by this news. It meant I would get to see Julian again, Oh *my* how I had wanted to do that. To see him. To assure myself that he was well. <SAD SIGH>. What a terrible, terrible thing I discovered during that night... ***** The evening had passed well, as far as Quinn could see. Both host and guest were apparently pleasantly soused. Quinn had been an unobtrusive presence all night, repeatedly and discretely re-filling glasses as the night wore on. He had however, continually watched Julian, kneeling at his Master's side, his eyes averted, silent, hands folded in his lap. He looked every bit the patient and docile body slave that he had been trained to be. Something was wrong with him. Quinn had not exactly opened himself to the Human as such. Not in the way he had during their lovemaking. But he had nevertheless sensed something from Julian, and as the evening progressed and The Intendant and her guest became more relaxed, Quinn became more and more concerned. Julian had not moved. He had also not been attended to once by his Master. He had not been given food or water. He had been essentially ignored. Quinn had now way of knowing if this was normal, or not. But it *felt* wrong. Finally, he had his chance to talk to his former cellmate. The Intendant, growing serious for a moment had turned the conversation to the Terran Rebellion. With a short wave of her hand, she had instructed Quinn to leave the room. "Take this little one with you too, Terran," she had added. "Stay in the Galley. I'll call for you if I need you." Quinn had watched as Julian rose carefully. To all but the keenest eye, his movements were no different than before, but Quinn was most observant. Julian's motion lacked its usual grace. He was holding himself very carefully and when he walked, his graceful stride was slightly shortened. When they reached the small Galley, just off from the dining room, Quinn quietly shut the door and turned to the young man. "Julian..." He didn't get to say much more than that. To his deep distress, the beautiful young Human began to cry. Terrible, silent tears that flowed down his face. His eyes were dreadful, pained, filled with horror and confusion. Feeling anguished by the sight, Quinn reached out and pressed his palm to Julian's damp cheek. "Tell me, sweet creature. What has happened?" "He's not like Garak," Julian whispered shakily. Quinn felt his heart sink. "He's cruel," Julian continued. "He likes to hurt me. He says it pleases him." The Human swallowed painfully. "He... he does things to me, awful things." "Oh Julian." Quinn stepped forward. "I wasn't trained for this, Quinn." Julian's voice was filled with shame. "I don't know how long I will last with him. I... I think he's going to kill me... eventually. I think it will just happen. When... When he's worn me out." With a low cry, Quinn wrapped his arms around the trembling man and pulled him close. He was appalled to feel Julian stiffen in agony, to hear a strangled cry of pain break helplessly from his lips. Pulling away, Quinn stared at him with deep distress. Without a word, the Q reached out and pulled open the Human's soft tunic. He felt his mouth drop open, sick dismay rising in him as he looked at the young man's formerly unmarred skin. "Oh my..." he breathed softly. "Oh, Julian...how?" Julian hitched in a soft breath. "He whips me." The Human whispered it fast, as if ashamed by the very idea. "I had heard of such things, of course... when I was being trained. You heard stories. But... I never imagined that I..." he broke off, his voice failing him. Quinn felt the rage building up in him. He felt the despair, the utter futility that was Julian's life. "What will you do, sweet Julian?" Julian met his gaze, his beautiful eyes dull. "I will carry on, Quinn. What else *can* I do?" Quinn shook his head. "How can you bear it, Julian? How can you bear to keep living like this? What makes you want to hang onto this life?" "Because it's *my* life, Quinn," Julian replied with simple, quiet dignity. "It's the one thing in this universe that belongs to *me*." Quinn felt his world shift, his perceptions change. He felt an urge so strong rise up inside him that for a moment, he actually thought his legs might fail him. "Julian," Quinn said softly. "I swear to you now. You will only spend one more night in that animal's company." "Quinn, no!" Julian hissed at him, suddenly terrified. "Please don't try anything! He'll kill you! I couldn't bear it..." Quinn leaned forward and gently kissed that soft mouth, effectively cutting off Julian's words. "Don't fret, Julian. I will not be killed." "But..." The panel by the door suddenly buzzed, signaling that their presence was required in the dining room again. Quinn quickly refastened Julian's tunic and wiped his face gently. "Trust me. Please." With their controlled expressions back in place, they left the Galley and entered their owner's presence once again. As Quinn stood quietly by while the Intendant bade her guest farewell, his formidable mind began to work in earnest for the first time since he was sent here. He would need this night to reacquaint himself with his powers, perhaps to practice a jump or two. He wanted to be sure that he wouldn't make any of his old mistakes. He didn't want to harm Julian by accident. He continued to ponder as he cleared away the night's dishes and tidied up the dining area. Then, with a whirling mind, he retired to the small pallet in the Galley where he supposedly slept and considered what had taken place. ****** SEVEN. I thought all right. I nearly thought the paint off the walls. But I had forgotten how powerful the thoughts of Q could be. <SIGH> I should have realized. I *should* have been more careful. But I was so angry with Broca for hurting that sweet creature, you see? *My* sweet creature. I hated him for not realizing the value of what he had. All I could think of was that I wanted his wretched neck broken. Hmmm. Oh yes, I certainly did. I wanted him *dead*... I've never hated like that before. I didn't think it was possible to feel so much passion in anger. My word, was *I* learning few things about myself. I should have been more careful. I was directly responsible for what took place that night. *And* for the horrible events that followed. Oh yes, all my fault... ***** "You!" One of the Intendant's bodyguards, a huge Klingon named Kerg, leaned through the door of the Galley. "All slaves are to assemble in the main room!" Without comment, Quinn rose to his feet and obeyed the order. His mind was still filled with images... scenarios. He had given much consideration to what he next move would be. He had felt the power returning to him as the night progressed, swelling in waves. But he has hesitant to act. Past unfortunate mistakes had made him wary of simply releasing his talents again. He shuddered when he thought back on what had happened during his short sojourn on board the ship, Voyager. How he had tried to erase himself and instead had erased every male on the vessel. He did *not* want anything like that to happen to Julian. As the hours had passed, Quinn had found his thoughts turning to Broca, and he had felt the rage seething through him. In his mind's eye, he had pictured the heavily featured Cardassian with his Human body slave, a hideous grin of lust and cruelty plastered across his face. He pictured him thrusting carelessly into Julian's supple body with hard and unremitting strokes. He could so clearly see the Human's silent grimace of agony as he struggled to endure without complaint, as he had been taught. With rage boiling through him, the sound of his own heart pounding in his ears, Quinn had envisioned that Gul Broca would not be satisfied with just taking his slave like that. Images of a solid fist connecting with a fragile body had filled his head, images of knotted whips and blood welling through broken golden skin washed through him. And his fury grew. A sudden picture of Gul Broca, lying replete and satisfied on his soft bed, while his body slave lay crumpled on the floor nearby. It was so clear. Uncaring of the Human's soft sounds of pain and distress, the thuggish Cardassian sighed and rolled over, getting himself comfortable. Across the room, half hidden in the shadows, a beautiful young man slowly curled up and leaned against the wall. Sweat dewed his face, his breath was shallow and reedy. He trembled uncontrollably from pain and shock while the blood from his ravaged torso soaked through the soft cloth of his torn tunic. Quinn felt all the towering anger of his own soul directed at the brutish Cardassian who had caused such pain to the young man. He pictured Broca's eyes suddenly widening in horrified realization as the strange pressure began to build in his neck. He pictured the hapless First Officer pulling in a breath to cry out. He pictured it as far too late. In his mind, Quinn could even hear the muffled crack of heavy bone as Broca's neck snapped. Of all the scenarios Quinn had imagined that night, this one had been by far the most satisfying. Now, as he followed the Klingon through to the Intendant's luxurious drawing room, he wondered what this was all about. He had such plans for today... The Intendant's attaché, the same Cardassian who originally taken Quinn from the cells, was waiting for them as Quinn joined the gathered ranks of the Intendant's humanoid possessions. "You will form up and follow me to the Promenade," he told them without preamble. "You will watch what takes place there very carefully and you will learn from it. Value this lesson." The Cardassian seemed to be seething with outrage as he turned away and led them out of the Intendant's quarters, the Klingon guards bringing up the rear. As they reached the Promenade and assembled in the place designated for the Intendant's slaves, Quinn realized that nearly every single Terran on the station was gathered here. They were all heavily guarded and the atmosphere was oppressively silent and fearful. Quinn leaned over and whispered to the slave next to him, a young Trill female who he knew was the Intendant's current favorite. "What is happening?" She looked back at him with huge, frightened eyes. "An execution," she replied softly. "I was with the Mistress last night when the murder was reported." Quinn blinked. "Murder?" The trill nodded. "The First Officer was found dead late last night. His body slave had broken his neck while he slept." Suddenly cold with shock, Quinn stiffened and gasped. Could it possibly have been..? He had envisioned it so clearly... could he actually have killed the monstrous Gul last night? Rubbing his hands over his face, Quinn decided that it very well could have happened. Dismay swamped him. Julian would have been alone with the Gul last night. Julian would have been the only one there to blame. Desperately, Quinn scanned the assembled crowd, wondering where the Human could be. He had the answer to that question almost immediately as the Intendant made her way through the clear path in the center of the gathered Terrans. Behind her, two burly Klingons dragged a young and slender Human. Quinn breathed hitched in with horror. It was Julian, and he looked half dead. He shook his head in helpless denial. How could they *possibly* believe that Julian, with his slender hands and his slight build, was capable of breaking the solid neck of a fully-grown Cardassian male? The Intendant mounted the podium at the front of the crowd and looked out over them sternly. As the Human was dragged up, unresisting and passive behind her, she began to speak. "You are here today to witness the execution of a murderer," she declared in ringing tones. "This Terran behind me committed an unforgivable transgression. He killed his Master, and so in turn, he will be killed." She smiled at them. "Witness this, my poor little Terrans. See how merciful I am, even though I am so deeply vexed by this terrible act of treason on a good man who always treated his Terrans fairly. This one will die quickly." Her face hardened. "The next slave who dares to defy his Master will *not* be so fortunate." Quinn did not hear her. All he knew was Julian. He shook his head as the young man was tethered to a steel cross- frame to one side of the podium. The sharp eyes of the Q took in every single mark on him. The Intendant had said she was merciful, but Quinn saw no evidence of that. Julian had been beaten to within an inch of his life. His face was barely recognizable, so bloodied and swollen that Quinn doubted that Julian could even see. Quinn also sincerely doubted that Julian knew where he was. Or what had befallen him. Blood soaked his clothing, and his hands... Quinn shuddered as he focused on those slender, delicate hands. They had been broken, the long fingers grotesquely twisted and swollen. The Intendant nodded at the guards. The hard-bitten Klingons raised their disruptors. Quinn could feel it rising in him, flowing through his blood, surging through his flesh. Julian... all that beauty, all that warmth and affection, all that potential... about to be destroyed. About to be wasted. "A purpose..." Quinn whispered. Around him his fellow slaves turned to him, one after the other, their faces draining of color and their eyes widening as they felt wave upon wave of power buffeting out at them from Quinn's body. They began to move away from him, clustering together like frightened sheep. No one on the podium noticed the commotion below them, so intent were they on their dreadful display. At a ringing order from the Intendant, the guards sighted along their weapons. Quinn's eyes, his mind, his entire being, focused on one point and one alone. He opened the gates of his mind and allowed the full power to flow through him. The power of Q. "My purpose..." he whispered again. Coldly, the Intendent gave the order. The guards primed their weapons to fire. Quinn noted that one of them started to smile. "I HAVE PURPOSE!" Quinn screamed, his voice ear shattering, augmented by his anger. The power burst from him in a sudden, furious whirlwind. It flung the assembled mortals, both Terran and others, to the floor, tumbling them like rag dolls. Around the Promenade, glass plate frontages and windows detonated into millions of twinkling shards, one after the other, as Terok Nor shuddered from the force of Quinn's wrath. Quinn, his eyes flashing, his face determined, strode towards the podium with streams of energy crackling around him, warping the very air. There would be *no* mistakes this time. With slow and terrible grace, he raised his hand. ***** EIGHT. I *told* you I got angry, didn't I. <LAUGHTER>. Hmmm. Yes I did, oh my. It was enormously satisfying too, might I add. I was only sorry that I hadn't acted earlier. Poor sweet Julian. He was in a terrible way. His mind was nearly flat with his fear and confusion. Could you *imagine* what it must have been like for him? He knew *nothing* of what I had done. He was simply dragged from his crumpled place by that dark wall and brought to the Intendant. From Julian's perspective, it would have been for no apparent reason that he was beaten and ravaged. He would not have been given any chance to speak. You know, the only thing the Intendant insisted on was that he be left alive to face his execution. <GRIM SMILE>. I won't repeat some of the terrible things they did to him in the space of a few short hours. You don't really need to know. Take it from me, his poor, poor hands were the *least* of it. Oh yes, I had my work cut out for me there. Lots of repairs to do. But first there was a brief conversation that could no longer be denied... ***** //So, you made your decision.// Quinn turned and saw Q, striding across the featureless black plain towards him. //How...// Q smiled smugly. //We felt you. We brought you back here.// Those brilliant eyes sparkled. //You don't think we would have *actually* let go of you completely, did you? We kept a watch on things.// //Where is he?// Q shrugged. //You're little mortal? He's fine. You'll get him back. If that's what you want...// Quinn nodded, his eyes narrowing. //It is.// Q looked at him for a long moment, his face speculative, almost pensive. //It seems so odd to me that out of *all* the things you could have done in that universe, out of the myriad of possibilities opened to you, you chose to find purpose in one single being.// Quinn smiled. //Is it really so odd, Q? I always was fond of the more personal touch.// //Hmmm. Yes, you never *were* much for the grander gesture, were you? Although I *must* say, that little scene on the Promenade – most impressive.// Quinn inclined his head. //So,// Q asked him. //What will you do with your mortal now?// //Teach him. Learn from him. There is much I can do on this smaller scale. I had never considered it before, but... there really *is* purpose in caring for one.// Quinn smiled at Q again. //You cannot give him immorality, you know.// //I know. But I can extend his life.// //Not forever.// Quinn shrugged. //For long enough.// Q stared at him again, his face settling into a serious expression. //You have met your side of the bargain, Quinn. We will not interfere. Just don't fiddle with the fabric of time and reality if you can at all help it. That always gives me headache.// And then he was gone. Quinn concentrated, found what he was looking for in short order and raised his hand. In the blink of an eye, he was gone too. ****** EPILOGUE. Julian woke slowly to the sound of wind sighing through trees. He opened his eyes and spent some moments just staring up at the patches of blue sky that showed through the canopy of leaves above him. Where the dappled sunlight touched his face and arms, if felt warm. He smiled. It was wonderful. He hadn't felt the sunlight in along, long time. He was lying in soft, deep grass. The earth under him smelt fresh. The breeze that touched his skin was gentle. He sat up and looked around, bemused, but not really afraid. He was in a small clearing surrounded by trees. A tiny creek babbled endlessly at one side of it and little white wildflowers were dotted about the place. He looked at his hands, staring at them in amazement. He put them to his face... ran them over his chest and sides. He was healed. Completely healed. "Did I die?" he asked himself softly. //No. You didn't die, Julian,// a familiar voice murmured softly in his mind. "Quinn?" //Yes. I'm here. Come to me, Julian. I want to show you something.// Baffled, Julian got to his feet and followed a small track that led away from the clearing. He didn't question how he knew which way to go, he simply went. Presently, the trees thinned out and he found himself walking up a grassy knoll. At the top stood Quinn, dressed in light, flowing linen. Absently, Julian acknowledged that he was dressed in the same fashion. Quinn was smiling at him as he approached. "Where are we?" Julian asked him. "A special place," Quinn replied. "A place I made for you." "For me? How..?" "Look!" Quinn pointed off into the distance. Julian's eyes followed and he felt his jaw drop in astonishment. Paradise. Flowing, rolling fields of flower carpeted grass, crossed here and there with shimmering creeks and small, clear pools. It stretched on for miles. Off in the far distance, was the smallest outline of low hills on the horizon. "It's beautiful," Julian breathed. Quinn stepped close to him and wrapped one arm about his slim shoulders. The gesture was welcome, his nearness was comforting. "It's ours," Quinn said softly. "It looks... so free," Julian replied, tears coming to his eyes. "How did... who *are* you Quinn? Really?" "I'm your friend, sweet Julian. For now that is all you need to know." Julian pressed closer to him. He had learned a long time ago not to question why. So Quinn was not what had seemed? So what? It was obvious that he could do things that ordinary Terrans could not. Quinn had power. Julian knew how to behave around men with power. He burrowed his face into Quinn's warm shoulder. Quinn had saved him, had healed him, and had brought him here. There was really only one thing that Julian needed to know. "So, am I yours now?" he asked. Quinn laughed gently. "Oh yes," he replied. "You're mine now... although not *quite* in the way you are used to." He looked fondly down into Julian's face. "Very soon, I think, you'll come to understand that I am *yours* as well." Julian sighed and looked at him with a tired smile. Quinn's face, though not handsome, was kindly. It was an appealing face, he decided. He trusted Quinn's face. "I don't understand you at all, Quinn." Julian shook his head. Quinn kissed him gently. It was just as nice as Julian remembered it. "You will, sweet Julian. In time. I have, oh... *so* much to tell you. So much to explain to you and to show you. It could take a very long time, you know." He paused, frowning, then he shrugged. "No matter. We'll have *all* the time we'll need." "Why, Quinn?" Julian touched his savior's face with gentle fingertips, feeling the wonder of all of this flowing through him. "Why did you do this for me?" Quinn smiled. "Because you gave me purpose." ***** LAST WORD. And he has, you know. Every single day since the day I took him away from that brutal place. It hasn't waned... hasn't faded. His *wonder* at everything... his *joy*! Oh, it makes it all fresh again in my eyes. It's really marvelous. <FOND LOOK DOWNWARD>. He's so delightful. So enchanting. I adore him, you know. I adore filling up his mind and senses with new experiences. And in return? He fills me up with new experiences too. <WICKED CHUCKLE. SLOW STROKE OVER SOFT HAIR> He's such a sexual creature, oh *my* yes, he certainly is. I love that. Hmmmm. I love to *wallow* in it. I'll bet my family never had me pegged as a sensualist. Take him now for example, curled up beside me, his head in my lap. He's dreaming about birds again. He loves birds. He's always doing that, you know. Not dreaming about birds, I mean, but crawling into my lap. Or ducking under my arm so that I have to hold him. Or pressing his beautiful face into my neck and just *breathing* me in... He still looks the same as when I first brought him here. <GRIN>. I cheated. I've kept him young. He'll remain young for as long as he's with me. <SIGH> I thought it was time. You know... to tell the story. After four hundred years, oh, well at least *Earth* years, I can't blame you for wanting to know. So there it is. I'm still alive and happy to remain so. Because I found purpose. Simple isn't it? Purpose. END