In the end, the trio didn't return directly to the Supply Base. Kim spent the good part of an hour detailing everything that had happened to her for the last few days -- how she'd accidentally met Thomas Riker back on the station, how he'd convinced her to help him leave Federation space, how they'd stolen her Banshee and then the desperate fight against the three Jem'Hadar fighters resulting in their marooning on the Smelly Jelly's planetoid.
As she talked, Garek just sat, finding the whole thing a little hard to believe. He trusted Kim though, so he believed her, and he found Riker's story of his long incarceration and daring escape from the Cardassian labor camp heroic and inspiring. So, it wasn't very difficult for Kim and Thomas to talk him into taking the Flier on a little detour to drop Riker off someplace safe.
"I've got just the place," Garek said cryptically, and began setting a new course into the nav-computer.
Kim and Riker looked at each other, and Kim just shrugged. She didn't know what Garek was up to, but as the Lambda Flier aligned on its new heading straight into the Briar Patch, she thought she might have a guess. A look at Garek was enough to confirm her suspicion. He smiled cleverly and winked at her.
An hour later, the Flier had set down near a small village on the Ba'ku Planet. The village leaders, Sojef and Anij, had come out to welcome their visitors, and had readily agreed to shelter Thomas Riker for however long he wished to stay.
Twenty minutes after that, all good-byes having been said, the Lambda Flier was off again, this time with only two occupants. All record of Lieutenant Thomas Riker, former Starfleet officer, ex-Maquis, escaped Cardassian prisoner, were wiped from the ship's memory banks. His secret would be safe with Garek and Kim.
When everything was taken care of, the two sat back in their chairs. Garek finally broke the awkward silence that followed.
"You're gonna have a little explaining to do when we get back to the station."
"I know," said Kim, a little dejected.
"Well, I'll help out if I can," said Garek. "I'm just glad you're back." Suddenly smiling impishly, he ribbed, "I missed that little tushy of yours!"
And with that simple sexist statement, Kim knew everything would be all right. She smiled that simple smile, and reclined in her seat.
"I'm going to sit back in something more confortable. I'll be in the back." Garek kissed Kim on the forehead as he made his way aft into the living compartment on the ship. Garek sat down in the lounge chair that was infront of the computer terminal in the aft compartment. He turned the chair, and reclined, bringing up the foot rests. His eyes began to close when he was awoken the sudden downward force of extra weight upon him. He opened his eyes to see Kim's eyes looking into his.
"It's too cold in there," she said simply. She rested her head on Garek's chest. Garek smiled and closed his eyes again. Everything was going to be fine.