"He's still with us." She grinned. "He's smiling. Look."
The small sign of life made Odo smile, too. "Aleexa says he can hear us."
"She's right." Kira pulled the blankets back down. "Here, you massage his hands."
Odo grasped both of his mentor's hands and slowly rubbed his fingers. They were so cold and pale. Blue had crept into his nail beds overnight, same as his toes.
"I'm not ready to lose you," whispered Odo. "If you can hear me...if any of this ridiculous nonsense is true, don't die tonight."
Doctor Mora's fingers grasped Odo's hands. Tightly. Then they relaxed again.
"He heard you." Kira said. "See?"
"Odo?" Aleexa hurried up to the doorway. "I need you to come here."
Odo noticed the worried expression on Aleexa's face and followed her into the back garden. Kejal was slumped against the trunk of the deka tree.
"I noticed him sweating heavily a minute ago." Aleexa's brow creased in worry. "Is he sick?"
"No. It isn't sweat." Odo saw the familiar shimmer on Kejal's skin. "It's all right, Aleexa. Thank you."
"What's the matter with him?"
"A lack of regeneration. If we don't revert to our liquid state once in awhile, we temporarily lose our ability to hold a shape."
Aleexa breathed a sigh. "That scared me. Will he be all right?"
"Mmhmm."
"Mother?" Kejal couldn't lift his head.
Odo gathered his son into his arms and carried him inside. "Shh, Kejal, I'm here. Everything is fine."
"Father needs me...he hasn't produced urine since sunrise. He's leaving us so soon."
"No. Not tonight, he isn't. He needs you to rest, Kejal. When was the last time you had a proper regeneration?"
"Fif-- sixteen hours. Held it off...hurts...hurts so bad, mother."
"Sweetie, you're wearing yourself out." Aleexa touched Kejal's hair, only to pull back when it almost melted. Despite that, her hand came away dry.
Odo gestured at the large vase. Aleexa brought it closer.
"Everything is fine, Kejal. Rest now. Please, for Doctor Mora, you need to regenerate."
"I can't." Kejal groaned. He writhed in Odo's arms, fighting his body. "Mother, I-- "
His head lost cohesion and actually fell off right before his torso melted. It rejoined the rest of his substance when Odo guided him into the vase.
If the sight scared Aleexa, she didn't show it.
Kira poked her head out of Doctor Mora's bedroom. "Is Kejal okay?"
"He'll be fine." Odo stated calmly. "He needs to regenerate for a long while to recover. He overexerted himself. Aleexa, where is that large frying pan lid?"
Aleexa retrieved it from the kitchen. "This one?"
"Yes." Odo placed the lid on the vase and set the vase in an out of the way corner. "There. Now he won't be disturbed. This vase is excellent at blocking outside stimulus."
"Should I monitor him?" asked Aleexa.
"No, thank you. Right now, the best thing we can do is leave him alone." Odo patted the vase. "Typical. He tries to do everything."
"I can't blame him." Aleexa squatted by the vase. "Sleep tight, Kejal."
Odo straightened, prompting her to do the same. Kira joined them in the kitchen.
Soon, the sounds of cooking and chatter filled the twilight air. While Aleexa and Kira ate, Odo checked on Doctor Mora. He hadn't moved at all, and wouldn't for the rest of the night.
.o
A vibration under the vase snapped Kejal to awareness. He flowed past the obstruction above him and, after some difficulty, assumed humanoid form. His eyes adjusted to the darkened room.
Mora sat on the couch just outside his bedroom door. He looked clean-shaven and alert. His hair was combed back in perfect order for the first time in several days. He'd swapped his blue short-sleeved nightshirt for the long-sleeved white one, which he wore with matching pants made of the same silky material.
"Father!" Kejal gasped. His hopes rose and suddenly sank upon realizing what this meant.
"Shhh, don't wake the whole house." Mora smiled. "Good morning, Kejal."
Kejal rushed to curl up in his father's lap like he did so many times in the past. Mora caught him in a strong hug.
"I'm sorry. I know this is difficult for you."
"Don't apologize, father...you can't help it." Kejal looked towards the window. "Oh, here it comes."
The golden sunrise made Mora's eyes gleam like clear blue oceans.
"It's the last one," Mora murmured.
"Hm?"
"Winter is over." He quoted Bajoran scripture against Kejal's hair. "'...then Death's cool veil lifted, clearing the way for Life eternal.'"
Life eternal...
Something glimmered in the sun's glare. Kejal squinted at it.
"Oh. Father...the first bloom on the deka tree! Look!"
Mora nudged him. "Go pick it and bring it in."
Kejal didn't know how he got outside without making enough noise to wake the planet. He plucked the star-shaped blossom off the tip of the branch and cradled it between his hands.
"Here." He scooted back inside and placed the flower on Mora's palm. "How does it smell?"
Mora sniffed it. "Sweet like the spring air."
"It's early...usually my tree takes another week to bloom." Kejal gazed at the flower in his father's hand.
With his fingers, Mora spun the flower around once and leaned forward to set it on the table. "Perhaps your tree is saying goodbye to me in its own way."
"Why do you say that?"
"I'm going to die tonight." Mora said simply.
At that, Kejal curled up in his father's lap again. The panic he used to feel didn't rise in his substance. After seeing Mora so sick and in pain, he knew trying to keep him would be torture.
"How do you know?" he asked.
"Because," Mora made a face, "I feel like I've held this shape far too long. It's time to let it go."
A sensation Kejal actually felt that very moment. The dull headache, the exhaustion and the desire to break out of himself-- he knew it well. He once explained holding his shape for sixteen straight hours probably felt like a humanoid waiting too long to empty their bladder. Eventually, both bodies took over and did what came natural regardless of time, place or circumstances.
Some of Mora's physical nuances edged into Kejal's awareness. He breathed shallower and more frequently than he used to. His skin was cooler and his pulse rapid. And his hands and feet were swollen. Not to a terrible degree, but enough for Kejal to notice a difference.
"Please don't tell the others. I'll tell Odo myself later." Mora sighed. "I want my last day to be a happy one."
Nodding, Kejal chewed his bottom lip. "Don't go if I'm not with you. I want to be there."
"Deal." Mora squeezed Kejal's shoulder. "I lived a good life, Kejal and you're part of the reason I found it worth living again. You made my last thirty years wonderful. Always remember that."
"I will." Closing his eyes, Kejal hid his face against Mora's shoulder. "I love you, father."
"I love you too, son." Mora patted his back. He moved one hand away. "I'd like to give you something."
"Oh? What?"
Mora took Kejal's wrist and placed something metal on his palm.
His Bajoran earring. Simply made, yet strong.
"My grandfather gave it to me just before he died. Now, I'm giving it to you. I'll be close to you forever."
"Father...I-- " Kejal bit his lip and placed the earring on his right ear. It was heavier than it looked. "How does it look on me?"
Mora took his chin and turned his head. His expression softened into a smile. "Like it was made for you."
Kejal nearly crushed Mora's shoulders in an embrace. The chain on the earring jingled faintly. He shook his head side to side a few times, listening to it. "It's noisy."
"Heh! You'll get used to it."
Once more, Kejal clung to Mora's clothing. "I still can't picture tomorrow. Not without you."
"Time is funny like that."
"Mmhmm. So, how about some deka tea?" Mora lifted his eyebrows. "Nobody makes it like you do."
Kejal grinned. "Coming right up!"
Steam rose as he brewed the tea until it turned dark reddish-purple. He tried a sip.
"Mmph!" Kejal's tongue burned. He spat the tea out on the counter and carried the mug to his father. "Ow. My mouth."
"You silly brat! What did you expect?" Mora held the mug in both hands, sipped from it and tipped his head back with his eyes closed. "Ahh, fantastic."
"You don't have any trouble drinking it hot." Kejal pouted.
Mora ruffled his hair. "It takes practice."
"I was trying to taste it." Kejal huffed.
"Your mother can't smell or taste yet. Be patient, Kejal. You have a long time to grow and evolve."
"Yeah, I know." Kejal sighed. He often prayed for patience...and he wanted it right then. It never worked.
Mora slurped another sip from his mug. Like a plant, he seemed to perk up more and more in the sunshine coming through the windows.
Kejal brightened. Why take in the sun from indoors? It was the first day of spring-- one of the warmest mornings of the year on Bajor!
"Hey, father...I have an idea. It's perfect outside. Do you feel up to helping me water the plants?"
"Let's find out."
Mora set his tea aside and struggled to his feet. He walked very slowly and rested on his cane twice, but he made it to the back door without assistance.
The deka tree's drooping branches brushed their faces.
Yes, old friend...I know. He won't be here long.
Kejal let Mora lean on him for support while he filled up the pail.
"How are you doing?"
"I'm fine, Kejal."
"Great!"
They held the pail between them and gave every plant in the garden a refreshing drink. Kejal didn't know where his father found the strength, but he admired it. He decided not to think about how little time they had and focused instead on existing moment to moment.
The chants he sang over the garden begged the Prophets for Mora's safe passage.
Once the plants were tended, Mora needed help going back inside. He resumed his place on the couch and finished off his tea. Kejal plopped down next to him. He could barely hold his shape, and Mora noticed right away.
"You feel mushy, Kejal. Are you regenerating properly?"
"I, um...but what if you need something?"
"I have what I need." Mora put his empty mug down. "Rest, son. The others will be up soon. I won't be alone for long."
"If you're sure."
"I am."
Kejal nodded, closed his eyes and let his solid form lose cohesion. He melted into Mora's lap. Like relaxing his hand after keeping it clenched in a fist. Relief overcame him instantly.
A short while later, he felt Mora move him into the vase by the wall.
"The others are up," he said. "I'm fine. Keep resting. You will need your strength tonight."
Yes, father...if you're right about later, I agree.
Two hours passed. Kejal sensed footsteps, laughter and voices. The noise passed his vase and faded outside. He reassumed his humanoid form without effort. His new earring migrated to his right ear. Another burst of laughter sent him peeking out the oval window.
Odo, Kira, Aleexa and Mora sat together in wicker garden chairs under the deka tree. Mid-morning sunlight bathed them. They all wore smiles-- even Odo.
Odo rolled his eyes at the story Mora told. Kira took his hand. Aleexa covered her mouth while she giggled.
"...so the wall panel turned into Odo, and the Cardassian officers ran like someone lit their back ends!"
"Yes, and the stunt almost resulted in Gul Dukat shutting down the lab," Odo grumbled. "But it was amusing to see three adult Cardassians running in terror. Weren't they reprimanded for their cowardice?"
"Oh yes." Mora wiped his nose.
Kejal made his way to the back door. Everyone except Odo had plates of Kira's fruit salad in their laps. Mora handed his to Aleexa after finishing half his food. She happily ate what he didn't.
"Father?" Kejal called out.
"He's up again!" Mora tapped Odo's arm.
Kejal saw a Tarkalean hawk flap out of Odo's chair. Aleexa and Kira suddenly took intense interest in their meals.
"Father," Kejal stepped outside. "What's going on?"
Mora shrugged. "I had Odo bring me out again. It's such a nice day. Come on," he beckoned Kejal closer and offered him the chair closest to the deka tree's trunk. "Have a seat. We saved a special spot just for you."
"Ooh!" Kejal bounded off the steps and plopped himself down in the chair.
"I see where your earring went," Aleexa giggled. "Kejal, it looks nice on you."
Kira chewed and swallowed. "Let me see?"
Smiling, Kejal turned his head to let them look at Mora's earring on his ear.
"Now!" Mora called.
"Wha-- " Kejal heard a swish and suddenly an entire sack of deka seed pods poured onto his head. The impacts sounded like firecrackers. By the time the deluge finished, Kejal had seed pods in his hair, seed pods stuck in his clothing and several seed pods piled up in his lap.
He looked up to find his snickering mother sitting on a branch, holding the rope to the bag.
Mora roared with laughter. He slapped the arm of his chair. "That's my revenge for all the deka seed pods!" He guffawed. "How do you like it?"
Beside him, Aleexa and Kira failed to stifle their giggles.
Kejal shook the seed pods out of his hair and joined their mirth. "You got me. You all got me!"
Odo hopped down. The smirk hadn't left his face. "So sorry...didn't you spend a day raking these up?"
"More like two hours." Kejal pretended to look scandalized. "I can't believe you helped them. Traitor!"
"Hmph!" Mischief gleamed in Odo's eyes. "I'll clean this mess up. Nice earring, by the way." He nodded towards Mora and lowered his voice. "I think he needs help."
"Thanks, mother." Kejal beamed at Odo and headed towards a still-chuckling Mora. "Ready to go inside?"
Mora nodded. "I'll rest in my favorite chair. Don't move me if I fall asleep. I want to be part of the household for a little while."
"Sure. Do you need to use the commode at all?"
"No...thank you." Mora wrapped his arm around Kejal's waist. "You have a seed pod on your shoulder."
They looked at each other and broke into laughter once again.
Kejal helped Mora stand. When he saw how wobbly his father was on his feet, he scooped him up in his arms and carried him to the chair by the oval window.
By the Prophets, you weigh so little now.
"Well, that's one way to do it." Mora coughed a laugh. "Bring me my triptacederine hypospray."
Kejal did that. He returned it to the bedroom once Mora used it.
Kira edged in next to Kejal. She placed a water jug and a glass on the table. "Pol, how are you doing?"
He smiled, looking tired. "I'm all right...just resting a little."
"Do you need anything? I can bring it for you."
"Oh, thank you. The water is fine for now. You're so kind, Nerys. No wonder Odo loves you like he does. Thank you for making him so happy."
Kejal felt rather than saw Kira blush. She leaned over to kiss Mora's cheek. "Thank you for discovering him. He wouldn't be here without you."
Mora's eyes softened. He took Kira's hand. "If we don't talk again...always remember you're a sweetheart, Nerys."
"Ah, Pol, so are you." Kira patted his hand. Mora smiled and rested his head against the back of the chair. She gently laid his hand in his lap.
Kejal turned to Kira. "Should we go help mother clean up those seed pods? Father's prank made one hell of a mess out there."
"Yeah. Wa
it, hold on." Kira stopped him and picked a seed pod off his collar. She held it up, grinning. "So, are you going to tell me about this prank war?"
"Oh, sure! But, so it's official, father definitely won!" Kejal let Kira step outside first. "It started when I climbed my deka tree for the first time and knocked a seed pod onto his head, so I decided to perform a couple of cause and effect experiments..."
Chapter 16: Life Is...
Morning became afternoon. Mora sat comfortably by the oval window, watching the happenings in the house and out back. Kejal checked on him often. Aleexa made sure his pain stayed under control. Odo brought a seed pod inside and set it on the table by the flower Kejal gave him earlier.
Leruu walked out of his bedroom. Her pregnant belly gave her an adorable waddle. She leaned over and kissed his nose. "I have everything ready for you." She led his hand to her gravid midsection. The baby kicked. Her green eyes twinkled.
"Take me with you," Mora pleaded.
"Soon, my love." Leruu tapped on his nose.
Mora took a deep breath and stroked her belly. "How am I going to find you?"
"I'll come and point the way." She let her forehead touch his and giggled. It sounded like birds on a spring morning. "The rest will be up to you. Just follow your heart."
He closed his eyes. When he opened them, Leruu was gone.
As the day wore on, Mora had trouble breathing. His back hurt despite the pain medicine. Dozing let him escape it. Nobody disturbed him while he napped.
When the shadows outside grew long, Mora heard a voice calling his name.
"Doctor Mora? Doctor Mora."
Mora lifted his head. He smiled sleepily. "Sorry, Odo, I keep falling asleep."
Odo shrugged his shoulders. "It's all right. I let you sleep, but it's almost time to dose you again. Do you want to go back to bed?"
"Yes, please."
Mora could tell he was overdue for his medication. A gnawing ache filled his back and abdomen. His face twisted. He gripped the grab poles by the chair, but no matter how hard he tried he could not pull himself up. Each attempt sent stronger pains shooting through his spine.
Odo's eyes widened. "I'll go get-- "
"No!" Mora grunted.
"Doctor Mora..."
"I don't want anyone here...ex-except you." He sank back into the chair to rest. "I'm going to walk to my bed like a man."
Beginning: A Star Trek Novel (New Frontier Reloaded Book 2) Page 26