Reunion

Rahel just sat glaring at the screen in front of her, the tea she had been drinking forgotten. The image on the screen shocked her to the core of her being, the face her own, but not. This face belonged to Shara Mikori, born five years before Rahel. The whole day was getting more confusing by the minute. She already knew that she had a sister, a twin.

When Zack Dare had walked into her sickbay two hours ago, she could never have guessed that by the time he had left, she would not only have discovered that she was related genetically to him, but also that her twin sister was also a mother of twins.

She needed to get away from Sickbay and the Leviathan, she needed to find Logan.

"Computer, locate Lieutenant Logan McQueen." She requested.

[Lieutenant Logan McQueen is currently on Bajor with Captain Taybar.] The computer replied.

"When are they due back ?" She asked.

[Captain Taybar and Lieutenant Logan McQueen will arrive back at DS9 21:00.] The computer reported.

She checked the chronometer on her desk it was only 13:00. *They won't be back for another eight hours.* She thought.

"Computer, locate Lieutenant Ashraf Kahfre." She asked.

[Lieutenant Ashraf Kahfre is currently on the USS Taurus, Deck eight, crew quarters.] The computer replied.

"Sickbay to Lieutenant Ashraf Kahfre." She stated, tapping her comm badge.

<Ashraf here. It's good to hear you Rahel.> The voice came back.

Rahel hadn't so far spoken to her brother since she had come back to Deep Space Nine. They had both been busy and Rahel had been spending a lot of her spare time with Logan.

"Are you free to meet up with your little sister ?" Rahel asked.

<I think I can find a spare hour or two.?> Ashraf replied. <I'll meet you at airlock three.>

"See you there." Rahel stated. "Ten minutes."

<Ten minutes.> Ashraf replied. <Kahfre out.>

Rahel took a deep breath and stood up from behind her desk. She was still very effected by the events of the past few hours and her mind was racing, images coming one after the other. She walked into sickbay and picked up a hypospray, injecting herself with a mild sedative. It wouldn't be enough to put her to sleep or effect her judgement severely, but it would block the thoughts she was fighting against. She stepped out of sickbay and headed for the airlock.

As soon as Rahel stepped off the Leviathan Ash was there to envelop her in his arms. She'd hardly had time to react to his presence, but she was glad to see him.

"I was so worried about you !" He said, holding her tightly.

She melted into his warmth and comfort. It was wonderful to see him safe as well. She'd been worried about him, especially after hearing about the Taurus and what shape she was in.

"I should be the one worried !" Rahel replied with her smile. "The Taurus was almost destroyed !"

"Yeah, but you were on the planet with the Jem'Hadar . . ."

She smirked. "Haven't you learned yet that the Jem'Hadar can't stop your sister ?" Her green eyes sparkled, but Ash picked up on the dark memory she was keeping hidden . . . when she had killed one of the Jem'Hadar.

"It wasn't a picnic for you." He said.

She shook her head. "I doubt it was for you either." She replied.

"But I didn't have to kill anyone." Ash replied as he gently caressed her face. "Are you really okay ?" His dark eyes were filled with concern. He wasn't prying into her memories. He had glossed over a memory that had shot itself to the forefront of her mind. One that caused her a certain amount of pain.

"I'll be okay, Ash, I promise . . . We all do what we have to do in times of battle." She replied stoically, but a darkness entered her green eyes. More memories were cropping up, but she pushed them away. "I have an idea . . . why don't we forget talking about what just happened and enjoy some time on the station. Just you and me . . . "

"That sounds like a plan." He smiled. "What do you want to do ?"

"Well, first I want to window shop !" She said with a devilish grin and a twinkle in her eyes as he groaned.

"Oh no !" He replied. "What did I get myself into ?"

She laughed and kissed his cheek. "What did you expect while hanging out with your sister ?"

Her smile was enough to have him agree to anything. It was good to see her happy and healthy. "And just what do you want to do after that, oh sister of mine ?" He asked.

"Well, we can grab a bite to eat and see what they have to offer on the station . . ."

"They have holosuites…" He replied. "….your favourite activity ! I'm sure we can find a program to your liking."

"Well, one we both want . . ." She said.

He shrugged. "Shouldn't be too hard. You and I like a lot of the same things !"

She smirked again. "I wonder if they have that beach program for Timaran II? Remember that one time ?"

"Where I was jumping the waves as a dolphin and you had the bright idea of getting on my back and almost downing ?" He asked as he gazed at her.

"I did not !" She replied back. "I'm an excellent swimmer !" She nudged his shoulder as they walked. "I just remember having such a good time . . . The sun, the sand, the water . . . It would be a good place to relax and have some brother/sister bonding time . . ."

"Then the holosuites it is." Ash replied. "If they don't have that beach program, they're bound to have another. I'm sure we'll find one we like."

She nodded her agreement. She snaked her arm around his waist and looked at him. "Have I told you how much I love you, Ash ?"

A smile lit his face. "You always do . . . and I love you too, sister-o-mine."

She let out a breath as she rested her head on his shoulder as they walked. It was time to forget for a while and reconnect . . .