Title:  Triad 
Author: Kim Riley a.k.a. MYSTIC 

Disclaimer: The characters belong to Paramount. Again
since they are no longer using them I've decided to take
our boys out of the `closet' and let them play and be
happy. Enjoy. 

Summary:  In the MU Rom is a powerful Ferengi that wants
revenge for his brother's death, but not in any typical
manor. Having found an ancient scribed document believed to
be from the Prophets, the deity of the Rebels, and rouge
Bajorans, he discovers that it leads him to a powerful item
that will give him control over the Triad- the three people
who will be the key to destroying his enemies…or so he
thinks.

Note: The song "River Lullaby" is from the Prince of Egypt
soundtrack 

Rating: R for language and a hint of sex

Pairing: Chakotay/ Paris/ Bashir- Rom/Paris (All in the
Mirror Universe) 

Feedback: Please! Mysticmcknight@hotmail.com


"Triad" 

The summer rains were banging against the glass of the
closed window, adding a spiritual chill to the dark, lush
room. A fire in the fireplace flickered off the gold satin
pillows on the large soft white couch, and the pale creamy
skin of the slim figure laying stretched out along it. The
dim light also gave an angelic glow to the figure, a
beautiful blue eyed blond human, dressed in tight gold
satin shorts, with several gold chains around his neck, and
a large sapphire the color of his eyes in his left ear, and
gold twine the held his long hair back in a braid. He was
propped up against several of the gold pillows, holding
several yellowish papers, as a shadowed figure paced around
the sofa. 

"Tell me again what is says, Sapphire" the shadow spoke. 

The blond clears his throat, "He who possesses the power
of the Triad will hold the key to the universe around them
and all its wealth. To find the three vessels of power one
must first find the key stone, it will lead you to the
three that when joined will hold the power to destroy one's
enemies. To find the key stone…"

"Yes, yes, I know all that," the shadow growled, as it
moved toward the nervous blond. A dark skinned, long nailed
hand rested on the creamy smooth shoulder, and the Ferengi
leaned over and caressed the blond hair, "I have the Key
stone my precious, that's how I found you…remember? What I
want to know is how to use it to find the other two!" he
growled, pulling the blonds hair back, so the blond was now
looking up into his large alien eyes. 

"Y…yes, Master Rom," the blond stuttered. Then when his
hair was released he shifted though the pages quickly,
searching out the information. After a looking over the
three sheets of paper, he looked again at the last one and
gave a sigh, knowing his answer would not please his
master. "It only says that the Key stone will lead the way
to one and one to two and two to three…nothing else." 

He was right, this didn't please his master, which was
evident in the smack he got to the back of the head that
sent him flying off the couch. "You disappoint me,
Sapphire." Rom growled as he stormed around the sofa
looking at the blond sprawled on the floor, not darning to
move. "One of you is worthless!" he hissed. 

"Pl…please, Master. I'm sure you will find the others, it
states so in the prophecies…one `will' find two and two
`will' find three. I'm sure it's only a matter of time…" he
covered his head, fearing another hit, but it wasn't
forthcoming. 

Rom stood silently contemplating the human on the floor
before him. Had he not seen the power of the Key stone
first hand he would not be pursuing this madness, but the
proof was right before him. As he stood silently he
recalled when Quark sent him the scribed notes of what was
called religious rederrick, but was still being sought
after by the Alliance. Rom was going to hold on to the
papers till right time and make a small fortune, and give
his foolish, idiotic brother a tiny share, just enough to
keep that stupid bar open…that was till the attendant had
him killed. Rom was no fool, he was a wealthy Ferengi,
seats away from being the Grand Nagus, and tolerated his
brother's antics with the slaves, but none the less, Quark
was `his' brother. 

It really had been an act of luck that led him to have the
papers in hand several days after he received word of his
brothers death, that he decided to see for himself why the
Alliance want them so badly. It took him months but he had
found the tiny triangle shaped stone, divided into three
segments with a white crystal background. From that day
forward he wore the necklace, and tried to make heads or
tales out of the rest of the papers, but it was in an odd
language, only the first part was legible. 

He had been returning to his hotel room on Kearth, the
human's old home world, now used for slave breeding and
other experimentations, when he felt a tingle in his chest,
and saw the Key Stone glowing a light blue in one of the
sections, and it was growing weaker or stronger depending
on which way he faced it. Soon it lead him to a clinic, and
to the blond before him, who was about to be put to sleep,
for he was beyond the cost it would take to fix him. It
turned out that the blond was a pleasure boy whose last
patron rode him so hard, he broke the poor young human's
back. Acting quickly, Rom stepped in and offered to take
the slave off their hands, for a modest fee of course. The
clinic was more than glad to make a profit then the waste
of funding they were facing and Rom had his guards take the
sobbing idiot to his hover car.  

Once in his car, the human could barely speak, not from
any injuries, just lack of training…he was after all a
pleasure boy, he didn't need to know much. Rom noticed the
Key stone vibrated in his hand the closer it got to the
young blond, who seemed in fear of his life, not sure what
was going to happen to him. Rom took off the necklace and
on some instinct placed it around the blond's dirty, sweaty
neck, and watched in awe as it began to glow and bathe the
human in a whitish blue light. When it stopped, the human
was asleep, and though Rom was disappointed at this fact,
he was sure something had happened. He had his guards take
the human to his servants and get him cleaned up. Later he
discovered he was right, the Key Stone did do something,
Sapphire, the name on the sales receipt no longer struggled
for words, and though he could not walk, he was suddenly
able to read any language, and write in them as well. He
was the only one able to read the rest of the documents,
and the young human had a gift for thinking things out
beyond anyone Rom had ever met. This was obviously only
part of the power of the Triad, and Rom knew it would only
be a matter of time before he had all three of them and get
his revenge on the Alliance, especially the Intendant. 

Rom himself was no fool either, and kept a close eye on
his new treasure. It seemed that even if Sapphire could
think circles around others, he was still naive, and this
served Rom well, for it made it easier to remind the human
who he was and who he belonged too. Of course the fact that
the pretty human couldn't walk helped as well, for no one
but Rom would want a defective human…even a pretty one such
as his Sapphire. 

"Get up," he growled, and moved off to get a drink,
irritated, for he would have to get himself, a tiny draw
back to having a pleasure boy that couldn't walk. He saw
from the corner of his eye the blond human push himself up
and then with thought moved so he could push himself back
up to the sofa, then shifted himself to lie as he Master
had directed him too.  Then Rom smirked, the blond had his
talents beyond his new founded intellect, and with this in
mind, he finished his drink and made his way back to the
sofa, and sat down, laying back against his human, "Relax
me," he said, and closed his eyes as he felt soft delicate
hands touch him in ways that only his treasure seemed able
too. Yes, that had been one hell of a bargain, and one hell
of a find. 

***********

        "What the hell is your problem?" Smiley shouted
into the face of his best pilot, while standing in what
served as his office here in the rebel base. 

        "My problem is that your plan sucks! And if I'm
going to put my ass on the line, it's going to be fore at
least something that stands a chance of working," snapped
back a scruffy dark haired, dark eyed human. 

        "Look, Bashir, you just remember who the hell you
talking too," Smiley snapped right back. 

        "Oh, I remember alright. Because if it had been
anyone else `but' you, I'd be long gone from this vole nest
long ago, but even you have to see the stupidity in this
plan. I mean, I'm good, but hell, even I would have trouble
in the Defiant much less that piece of shit, you want me to
fly!" 

        "The Defiant is too valuable to risk…"

        "Oh, but I'm not…is that it?"

        "That's not true and you know it. Sheesh, man, get
off you high horse for a change. It `is' because you are
our best pilot that this plan has a chance of working. And
just you remember who helped you to become one of the best
pilots around." 

        Bashir folded his arms, his scowl clear on his
face, "I haven't forgotten anything," he growled softly.
"And for your information I am the best pilot, not one of
the best…the best." 

        "Damn it man, one of these days…" Smiley huffed,
and then took a deep breath. "You know, you're an awfully
arrogant son-of-bitch for a man that can't read or write
his own name."  Smiley O'Brien saw the dark eyes narrow,
and had he been anyone else, would have fallen for the
dangerous look he received, but he knew Julian Bashir very
well, and knew that all the young man's posturing was just
that. Only he could see the tiny tremble in the young man's
lip, and it served as another reminder as to why Smiley
tolerated this young man; not just because he turned out to
be the best damn pilot ever, but because this young man did
have a soul, it was just buried deep, like so many who had
been used and abused since birth. Of course, having met
Bashir's counter part, gave him an insight to this young
man, that drove Bashir nuts, and Smile was not going to
tell him about it either…he needed all the edge over Bashir
he could get. 

        "Look, the plan is not the best, this I will agree
with, but it will work, you have to trust me," Smiley said,
gently laying a fatherly hand on the young man's shoulder,
for he was the only one who could…and not find himself in
the infirmary. He could feel Bashir's tension ease under
his hand. 

        "Okay, but if I die, I'm going to haunt you day
and night old man," he snapped, though most of his anger
was now gone. He turned and started for the door, then
stopped, "I hope you know what you're doing…"

        "It will work," Smile said, and gave a warm
fatherly smile at the young man and watched him leave. 

Smiley O'Brien took a drink directly from the bottle, as
he stood looking out the landscape of the tiny world they
were based on, //That's what I said…it will work,// he
thought, having recalled his last conversation with the
young feisty pilot…that had been two weeks ago. O'Brien
took another drink, //He was right, the plan sucked, and
now…now he's…what? Captured, dead…// he sighed. He wanted
to get drunk, but he couldn't afford the luxury, there was
so much to do, especially after losing their best pilot. He
took one more drink, and then smashed the empty glass on
the rocks with a curse toward the universe and headed back
to work. 

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

        The games were a good excuse for the powerful and
wealthy, which were in need of a distraction to gather;
where they would talk, gossip, trade slaves, and show off
their latest prize, with the fullest of intent at making
everyone else feel envious. Rom played the game well, this
time bringing his Sapphire with him, carried on a lounge
chair, by four other strong humans, his pretty blond looked
like one of the old human rulers; accept there was no
mistaking the slave collar around his pale creamy neck. 

        Rom himself walked, for he knew this would only
add to the value of his treasure, for why else would the
human ride, and the master walk, unless he was a rarity
indeed. Oh, Rom knew that the others were aware that the
human couldn't walk, but since he was playing up the blond,
it only would ad a minor set back in his game, but not
much. Besides, he really only needed his blond with him,
for through him, he'd find the other parts of the Triad. If
Rom had learned anything from the games, those the powerful
played, not the slaves in the pit, was to be patient…and
all things would present themselves, it was just a matter
of time. 

        Rom felt his skin craw when he heard the
Intendant's voice, for he was well aware that that woman
had found a way back into power, and it annoyed him twice
as much. But one glance at Sapphire, and he was able to
ease himself, for soon, he would be able to fix her once
and for all. He turned and faced the Bajoran woman, dressed
in red skin tight leather, walking like a cheap whore…which
she was, as far as Rom was concerned. 

        "My dear Rom," she purred, as she extended her
hand, palm down, expecting him to take it and kiss the back
of it. "How is Ferenginar these days?" 

        "It is well, Intendant," Rom replied charmingly,
and took the Intendant's hand and leaned down to kiss it,
and was relieved when she suddenly pulled it away, knowing
this was meant as a slight against the Ferengi. 

        "Again, I'm sorry about your brother…what was his
name…Dork…?"

        "Quark, and as I have said before, he was a fool,
and only my half brother…so nothing lost," he lied
eloquently. 

        "So…what's with the pretty blond, too sore to
walk," she chuckled, looking at her Bajoran flunkies as
they laughed with her. 

        "Once again, Intendant, you have hit the matter
right on target," he replied with a toothy grin. "So, may I
inquire who you have chosen for your champion for today's
games?" he asked changing the subject. 

        "Oh, I found this new Romulan…totally gorgeous,"
she squealed with delight. "It's the best part about these
gatherings…finding fresh meat. What about you?"

        "I have just arrived, and have not had time to
look over the selection…"

        "Oh," she pouted with fake sadness, "I guess then
you've lost out on all the good ones," she said, and then
laughed. "Oh well," he shrugged and moved on, her group of
flunkies with her. 

        Rom watched her go, doing his best to keep his
true feelings to himself, then moved to where his people
were waiting for him. He saw Tom was placed next to his
chair that would over see the fight in the slave pit. He
moved and took a seat, not really interested in the games,
but knew it was expected of him to play…and he couldn't
afford to offend anyone…not yet. 

He sighed, "With me," he ordered, and gestured for his
guards, but one, to follow him as he went to look for a
fighter to sponsor in today's events. He was across the
compound when his sensitive hearing picked up the problem.
As he moved back, he could hear the chain of events playing
out…

"Look, human. Pretty or not, go…get…me…a…drink…" The
Intendant said, her hands on her hips, looking evil, for
she was quite aware the human couldn't walk. She was
reveling at watching the young blond turn colors, with fear
and trying to figure out what to do. By law he had to
listen, but he was unsure how.  She snapped her fingers and
one of the Bajoran males next to her struck the human
across the face. "Now, do I have to repeat myself?" 

Shifting on the lounge chair, the young human pushed his
way off, and was hoping that his attempt would be enough
humiliation to please the woman…it wasn't. "Get up and get
me a drink," she snapped. 

"I…I can't" he stuttered, not knowing what else to do, for
he couldn't walk, and he could see by the cold look in her
dark eyes knew this too. 

"You dare to talk back to me!" 

"No…no my lady." He said, bowing his head, fear filling
him, for though he could think of a million things, he was
unable to do any of them at the moment. "I am unable to
walk," he said, hoping this would ease the punishment he
knew he would receive for disobeying. 

"Talking back and refusal of orders," she said coldly, as
she eyed the human male at her feet. 

"What is going on here," Rom snapped as he stepped up to
his box to face the Intendant. 

"Your slave…"

"I know what was said, what I want to know is why you
chose to put him in a situation he was unable to handle.
You know damn well he can not walk," he snapped, not caring
if his temper was showing, for many knew he was not the
weak fool like his brother was, but able to make things
happen, especially when angered. It was because of this
reputation that many were surprised that he did nothing in
response to Quarks death, little did they know his plans. 

The Bajoran female just shrugged as if it didn't matter
one way or another, "is it my fault you bring a defective
human with you?" 

Rom snapped his fingers and his guards helped Sapphire
back to the chair. "Defective or not, he is mine, or has
that suit cut the blood from reaching your brain, that you
forgot that little matter?" 

Kira looked annoyed, "He broke the law," she snapped. 

"No he didn't. He attempted to follow your orders, and you
can not charge him with disobeying orders he can not
follow." 

The Intendant seemed suddenly preoccupied, than turned to
face Rom again, another sudden change in attitude, "I guess
your right," she laughed. "Oh, you better hurry, they're
about to close the pens," she added and then walked away. 

//that woman is mad, // he thought. Then he thought about
it, //Damn!// he realized this was all a distraction to
keep him from getting any good fighters for the games. He
growled. "With me," he snapped, this time meaning everyone. 

He was right; all of the fighters were claimed already. He
sought out the pen keeper, "are there no fighters left?" he
asked dreading the answer. 

"Just the rejects, which I had moved to the back pit, but
you're welcomed to look them over, the Cardassian stated. 

Rom moved with his group down the long hall and when he
reached the wall to the bottom pit, looked over, and sighed
with disgust. He knew that if any fighter was here, there
was a problem with them and once again wondered just how
they managed to continue living. There were several humans,
one Vulcan, and a few other races, that were durable, but
lousy fighters over all. Then he spotted a dark bronze
human male in the far corner, which looked like a warrior,
and was a bit surprised at this. "Keeper," he cried out. He
then waited till the Cardassian stepped up to the wall next
to him, "that one," he pointed to the large human. "Why is
he here?" 

"Oh, that one," the Keeper said with disgust. "Talk about
a waste of money. He's from that experimentation
planet…Dorvan five…six… whatever. Genetically altered, so
I'm told, to be a fighter, and after years of being the
best…suddenly stopped fighting He just stands there, gets
the crap knocked out of him; how he survives is uncanny,
but he does. His last owner gave up claim to him not too
long ago, and nobody wants him. Probably after today I'll
have to put him down if I can't find another use for him…I
mean, if he won't fight in the arena, I don't think a whip
will make him work in the mines either. No, sadly, he'd be
a waste of time and money."

"Thank you," Rom replied as he turned from the pit,
accepting that the Intendant had gotten one over on him
today. He gestured for the others to follow him out, when
the unthinkable occurred; when the group of guards were
turning, the chair slipped and the blond human fell…into
the pit. 

"Sapphire!"  Rom shouted as he dashed back to the wall and
was amazed at what he saw. The dark human from the
otherside of the pit had moved quickly and managed to catch
the blond, saving his life. He turned to the Keeper, "Take
me down there," he snapped. 

The Intendant sat on her long soft red sofa, eating some
fruit in which one of her servants were feeding her,
relaxing, waiting for the games to begin. She surveyed the
others, waiting for just the right time, for timing was
everything in this game. She knew of Rom's pretty human,
and she was more than able to show that little Ferengi up.
First embarrass the little shit, then keep him from making
a profit in the games, and to top it off…she had her own
little human to show off tonight.  "Bring in my Julian,"
she purred in dark delight. 

        She could see that just about everyone that
mattered was getting settled, and the sudden appearance of
her new boy toy would cause just the right amount of uproar
she was looking for. She eased herself to her side and from
the corner of her eye saw her guards brining in her latest
find. She felt the moisture build up between her legs in
anticipation, for when she last saw her latest toy, he
still needed some work, but had faith in her handmaidens to
prep him properly for tonight, for if they didn't, they
would pay…she was not disappointed. 

        Dark golden skin shinned with just a touch of
scented oil, as the light reflected off it and the silver
chains that were draped around the tall, slim, muscular
male. He wore silver satin shorts, and silver chains about
the neck and tiny anklets to match. His hair had been
lengthened and it gave the young man a wild exotic look. He
wore silver slave bracers, but no collar, for there was no
mistaking this human for anything but a slave with the
sliver and tiger eye earring for anything else. He toy
could walk, and didn't have a leash… it was part of the
charm for her slave to appear willing, even if they were
not. Only those who got close and took the time to look
into the human's dark eyes could see he was drugged, but no
one would care to look at his eyes when there was so much
more interesting aspects about the young human male to look
at. 

        "Sit," she ordered, and though she pretended not
to notice, she could tell that all eyes were on her latest
prize, and from the hiss of jealousy and envy, she was a
hit. She saw the dark beauty sit down on the floor with a
bit of guidance and immediately rested his head on her
sofa; to others this looked like an act of acceptance and
willingness, but she knew it was a reaction to the drug in
the young man's system. For the reaction she got tonight at
the party, she was more than tolerant enough to attempt to
train the normally tenacious human, and if he would not be
trained, she was sure she'd fine another to replace him
soon enough. 

        "My, you are looking delicious," she purred as she
stroked the long dark hair, receiving a light moan, and it
pleased her to no end. "Look's like we may have some fun
after all," she chuckled. "Hmm, my precious Julian?" She
laughed wickedly and sat back, one hand stroking the dark
hair, the other to accept her wine, and look upon the
others with her usual smugness. 


***********

        Deep blue eyes looked into rich soft brown and was
held there, just as warm and safe as the arms the held him
tightly, and he felt drawn to this man, and never wanted to
leave his arms again… ever. Then a voice broke into the
midst of the moment…

"Okay, Chief, you can put him down now." 

The blond turned to see that a Cardassian male, most
likely the Keeper had just entered the area to retrieve
him. Though he didn't want to go, he was surprised to
notice the strong large human who held him, simply turned
his back, keeping his body in between the Keeper and
himself, and he felt…touched. "I don't wish you to receive
a beating on my account," the young blond said softly,
raising his hand to caress the dark bronze skin that
tantalized his senses. He knew he could become easily lost
in this man's arms…for though it was only a matter of
seconds, minutes, he felt deeply for him. 

The older human only increased his hold, though not
hurting the young man he held, and snarled over his
shoulder in defiance. 

"Look, Chief, if you don't cooperate, you know what will
happen," the Cardassian threatened, for it was only because
of the blond that he didn't use his electronic whip. 

"Sapphire, are you well," Rom asked as he stepped in, of
the few acts that separated him from other Masters, an act
of concern, even if it was for other reasons. 

"Yes, Master, I am well," the young blond replied as he
gently laid he head on the strong smooth shoulder. Then it
occurred to him, "Master…?" he looked at Rom, using his
eyes, and gesturing with his head, that perhaps this was
the second they were looking for. He was not allowed to
speak of the project out loud and hoped that his Master
would understand his meaning. 

It took a moment before Rom understood what his human was
trying subtly to suggest. "Keeper, give us a moment," he
ordered, and watched a reluctant Cardassian leave into the
hall. He reached for his necklace but still felt nothing,
and thought it was a waste of time, but it was worth a
shot, "Very well, Sapphire," he said, and moved toward the
large human. 

The large man was about to growl and snarl at Rom when a
soft delicate hand on his face eased him, "Its okay, he
won't hurt you. He just wants to see if we are destined to
be together," the blond said softly with a loving smile. 

The bronze warrior stood his ground as the Ferengi
approached and held out the necklace to the blond, who took
it in his hand, and to Rom's surprise, not only did the
first segment glow the light blue, the second one lit up as
well, a rich fiery red. He watched as the blond placed the
necklace around the large human's neck, and like before,
the human was bathed in light, this one red and vibrant. 

This human dropped to his knees, but didn't drop his
precious cargo, and he closed his eyes to stay the
dizziness he felt, then as quickly as it started it passed.
He continued to kneel, breathing heavy, sweating, but still
mindful of the young man in his arms. When he opened his
eyes, he looked around, as if seeing the place for the
first time, then at the blond in his arms as smiled, and
leaned his forehead to the young man's and smiled from ear
to ear. Then after a minute looked at Rom and nodded. 

"Well?" Rom asked impatiently. 

"Master, he said he would like serve you," the blond
replied. 

Rom looked at the blond, "He didn't speak," he snapped.

"He is not able too, Master, for it was part of his
alteration. But he can communicate…to me," the blond
smiled, his blue eyes shining bright. 

//Telepathy…in a human…hmm.// he knew this was not the
time to explore all he had at the moment. 

"Forgive me, sir," the Cardassian stated, "But I must
close now, the games are about to begin. If you like…"

"I will take this one, but not only for the game, but for
purchase," Rom stated evenly as he turned to face the
Cardassian Keeper. He could see that the man was surprised
and a bit appalled, but a sale was a sale. 

"Very well, after the fight…"

"No, now; I will buy him now," Rom replied, giving the
Keeper the look that he was serous and if he had any smarts
wouldn't question him. 

"Very well," the Keeper replied. "I'll get the sales
docket," then left. 

Rom turned to the latest addition to his gathering. "You
think you can do more than survive the games today?" He
watched the dark human look at his Sapphire and after a
moment nodded to the blond, who grinned ear to ear himself,
the turned to face him. 

"He said he could do more than survive, Master. That he'll
win." The blond didn't see any reason to mention that the
large warrior, whose birth name was Chakotay, not Chief,
would fight for him, and not the Ferengi. 

"Good, let's go." 

*********

Rom took his seat, with his treasure by his side on the
lounge chair, feeling good, no matter what occurred today,
for he found the second piece of the key to his power. He
could feel it in his bones that it was only a short matter
of time before he had all three. He sat confidently,
knowing his champion was in the side pit, and relaxed,
letting his hand enjoy the soft blond strands of his human. 

He then noticed the tiny commotion and looked to see the
Intendant's latest toy, and felt a slight irritation, for
he knew she chose him as another slight against him. Rom
figured that since he did nothing directly in response to
his brother's death that the Bajoran woman felt above his
reach, but he knew better and so decided to let this
annoyance go. 

Soon the word was out on who he had chosen for the games
today, and like most, the betting began. He always waited
after the first round to let the meek at heart fall to the
way side before stepping in, and when he was about to speak
up for the second round, he felt a hand on his thigh. He
looked to see it was his human, trying to get his
attention. "What," he snapped quietly. 

"Forgive me, Master. But, I have listened to the betting,
and they favor against your champion. If you wait longer,
and pit him against a more worthy opponent, you stand to
gain a great deal, not only profit, but more," the blond
whispered. 

He was going to risk a bigger fight, but according to
Sapphire, he could risk a lager fight, and the odds would
be tremendous, since word of his champion's lack of
fighting had spread. The only fact that he would consider
this was that this new human was part of his Triad, and out
of curiosity, and a desire to show up the Intendant, and
the fact that Sapphire had indicated he'd win…and his
having been a winner before, made it appealing. It was also
why he bought the male before the fight, for if he did not,
and the human won his fight, his price would double. He
nodded, for this did sound like a good idea. 

Rom remained quiet during the second round of betting, and
saw that this nerved a few people, and was rewarded with
the expected taunting that he had no faith in his fighter.
Of course it was the Intendant's taunt that he had been
waiting for…

"You seem to like defective humans," she chimed, while
letting her fingers play in the dark strands of the man at
her feet. 

"What you call defective, I call profitable," he retorted
easily. "In fact, I am quite confidant that my `defective'
fighter would best yours easily enough." Rom showed his
sharp pointy teeth, knowing the challenge was made. 

He saw the Intendant's eyes narrow, "What are the odds,
ten to one? I accept, at one thousand," she spat. 

"Agreed," Rom said easily, knowing he could push for more,
but it was not the profit he was seeking, and by his easy
acceptance, led to the Intendant's confidence. 

After the final round of betting, the matches proceeded,
in order of finalized bets. Rom and the Intendant had to
wait for the third round, since it was then they made their
agreement. Some matches were quick and others drawn out,
though the length didn't always add to the entertainment,
long could just bet that…long, and fast could have been
exciting, depending on what technique the fighter took down
his opponent. Most matches were not to the death…it saved
on finding other fighters for the next game…but they didn't
get much medical care either, for either they were strong
enough to survive or they died…one way or another. 

Finally their match started. Rom watched as his champion
walked out, tall, and with an air of superiority that was
rare among humans, looking more than ready to face his
opponent.  Then he saw the tall slender Romulan enter, and
to those who were not aware of their streanght would think
the human out classed the other alien, but normally that
was far from the case. Romulans and Vulcan's were known for
their strength, and Romulans for their added passion that
made them almost as good fighter as the Klingons…accept
that they chose to fight the Alliance instead of
joining…foolish really. 

The match began, and Rom felt like he had been betrayed as
he watched his human simply stand there and take attack
after attack. He was about to say something to Sapphire
when he heard the young human's whisper, "Make a side bet.
He's holding back because I asked him too." 

Rom took in the words, //when did he ask him…? Telepathy…
amazing.// Then he looked to see the Intendant squeal in
delight, as her Romulan landed another blow to his human.
"Enjoying the match?" he asked in tone that purposely
sounded embarrassed. 

"Oh, what' the matter, Rommy, your human defect, let you
down?" She squealed again, as another blow found its
target. 

"You know what they say, it's not over till the last coin
is spent," he replied defiantly. 

"You still think your human can win?" she asked in
astonished disbelief. 

"Yes, and I'm prepared to make a side wager to prove it." 

She narrowed her eyes, wondering what the catch was, but
seeing the human taking a beating as his reputation stated
she felt it was like taking candy from a
baby…//Candy…hmm.// "Okay, but not money. I'll wager…" she
looked around, then down at her side, "My new toy versus
your prized blond." 

"No. If you can't afford it…"

This angered the Bajoran, "Very well, an additional
twenty," she snapped. 

"Agreed," Rom replied then looked at Sapphire, who gave
only a slight nod. Then Rom watched as the Romulan moved
into what would appear to finish off his opponent, when
suddenly the human became alive with energy, and grabbed
the alien and whirled him in his arms like a child. Then
placed the Romulan's neck in a tight hold that would cut
off his air and no amount of struggle from the alien could
break the hold, and soon the match was over…the dark human
warrior won!

"NO!" a female screamed. Everyone knew it was the
Intendant, for she was known for being a sore loser. Today
seemed to be no exception as she jumped to her feet,
screaming, kicking at the human at her feet in the head,
and started tossing everything in reach at who ever was in
sight. Those who could would run from her, and those who
couldn't had no choice but to take her wraith, specifically
the dark human by her feet, who she was kicking his head
in, her temper flaring. Then as quickly as her tempered
flared she brought it back under control. 

"Clean up," she snapped, as she wiped the red strands of
hair from her face, trying to compose herself, after losing
thirty thousand to the Ferengi. She couldn't but feel set
up, but she was unsure how, for everyone knew that this
human had stopped fighting weeks ago. She breathed and
composed herself. She looked at her feet and saw the bloody
mess she made of her latest toy, who was cradling his head.
//At least he isn't dead, // she sighed. "Sit up," she
ordered.  She watched the dark human slowly obey, and
noticed his face was covered in blood, his own. She looked
at her attendants, "Well, clean him." Then she looked over
at Rom who sat smugly, too smugly for her liking. If she
was sure that her leaving wouldn't hurt her position, she
would be leaving, but she had to stay, at least for one
more round of matches, even if her fighter would not be
involved. 

She sat back and tried to relax, and noticed that the
Ferengi was talking to his human, who nodded and then
whispered back, and it was Rom that suddenly did the
nodding. Her eyes narrowed, //perhaps there is another
reason he took the pretty defect, // she thought. 

"M…Mistress," one of her servants stuttered. 

She looked at the young Bajoran male, "What?" 

"We have cleaned him up, but…" he fell silent. 

"No what," she growled and grabbed the human and looked at
him. He would have a tiny scare on his temple, but that
wasn't the problem, she could tell by the unfocused look,
that this human could no longer see, she had blinded him.
She released her hold on the male, wondering if he was
worth the effort to fix him, since she had to waste the
drug as it was to get him to cooperate. She was about to
order him put down when an evil idea occurred to her and
she grinned wickedly. 

********

"Tell me, Sapphire, can you communicate with him, even
when he is not in the area?" Rom asked in a hushed tone to
the blond human by his side, whose delicate hands were
slowly beginning to become a pleasant distraction, as they
caressed his lobs. 

"Yes, Master, as he can to me, but he is the only one. I…I
told him you were pleased," Sapphire replied, knowing what
part of is words were true and what were lies. He knew
Chakotay didn't give a damn one way or another what his new
Ferengi Master thought, only him… Tom, his birth name, or
Sapphire by sales slip. Having Chakotay's strength, even in
his mind gave him courage to form the delicate lies,
something he would have never done on his own, but he knew
he had to protect the strong silent man, as if his own life
depended on it, and if it meant kissing up to is Master on
behalf of the strong warrior, he could do it. 

He continued to stork the sensitive ears lobes of his
Master, knowing just how much presser to use to excite and
or relax, depending on how he wanted his Master to feel; at
the moment relaxed was the key. He let his Master handle
the next round of betting, he only interfered to show what
he could offer via the dark warrior to assure his staying,
even if he was part of this Triad that Master Rom was
looking for. The thought of the Triad brought shivers to
him, for he never had thought of human's having power, but
experiencing it, by his new found intellect, he could
imagine much. Then this unique connection to Chakotay was
stimulating, exciting, and scary, for what would the third
bring, and how would Master Rom use them? A noise from his
far left caught his attention, and he looked to see the
Intendant up to one of her vicious games she was famous
for. He could tell, even from his vantage point that the
poor human she was using today, had recently been blinded;
not only from the dried bloody scare on his temple, but the
fear in his face, as he was being made to walk and fetch.
He could hear her giving him instructions…so many steps
till a step down, and sometimes she told the truth, but
most of the time she lied, causing the human to fall. He
silently admired the dark golden human, not only for his
beauty, but his strength of character, for he never cried
out, or panicked, he simply did his best to follow orders
with a quiet defiance. 

"Go on, fetch me some more wine," she shouted in between
laughs. "Ten paces forward, Julian…go on," she encouraged. 

Slowly she was directing the blind human to the edge of
the pit, where he would most likely fall in and die, for it
was a twenty foot drop. Normally there were guards around
the edge to prevent anyone getting close, but she had waved
them off, he intent clear on the fate of this damaged boy
toy. 

Some continued to watch the side show as others followed
the group of winners being led into the arena to prepare
for the second round of matches. He felt it in his heart as
well in his mind, the fear and anguish running through
Chakotay as he looked upon the golden beauty getting ready
to plunge to his death…and he knew!

"Stop or you fall into the pit," he shouted. 

The dark golden beauty froze in place to the words of
warning, as others in the area either quieted or murmur as
to who dared to interfere with the Intendant's little game.
"Who said that?" the powerfully deranged Bajoran woman
shouted as she stood up and looked around. 

"What do you think you are doing?"  Rom snarled under his
breath, as he reached up and grasped the human's hand in
his, causing pain. 

"Master," he said while trying not to shout in pain. "He's
the third," he hissed as he felt his wrist come close to
being broken. 

"How do you know this?" he asked, looking as dangerous as
those who knew he could be. 

"Ch…Chief, he knew, so I did. Master…he's the third, and
she's going to kill him." 

Rom looked at the I Intendant who still had not figured
out who had spoken and interrupted her fun, then at the
slim human, who didn't move a muscle, realizing he was
inches away from the edge of the twenty foot deep pit. Then
he looked at Sapphire, wondering if it could all come
together so easily, but then again, why not. He was about
to speak, when he saw the Intendant walk up behind the
human and gave him a shove and pushed him over. 

All his life he felt like a wild animal instead of the man
his mother and father had told him he was before being
taken away from them at the age of fifteen. He was a
contrary youth and it cost him his gift of speech for those
in the lab didn't like it, and he was too stubborn to shut
up. He lost his voice, his way of communicating beyond
grunts and growls, and learned his lesson. He was placed
through rigorous procedures that altered his internal
muscle and skeleton structure, for the goal was to make
humans durable for fighting while still looking weak on the
outside, giving the enemy false expectations. For a human
he looked strong anyway, but he was able to take on
Klingons, Cardassians, Vulcan's, Romulan's and more, and
not break a sweat. He was built to be a killing machine,
and to his masters disapproval, did his best not to kill,
determined to keep some part of his humanity intact. 

That was when he was transferred to the arena, for if he
wouldn't kill for them, at least he could rake in some
profit, and for awhile he was okay with it, till one of his
opponents died. Not at his hands, but his owners, for
losing the fight, and that's when Chakotay decided to stop
fighting, for he would rather die than kill another, but he
was far from a coward, and took what ever the fates had to
dish him, never expecting the gift he received today…twice! 

He knew his time was limited when he started to refuse to
fight, and having been placed in the reject pit, he
imagined today would be his last day, and so sat quietly,
unless he wanted to growl, for he couldn't talk, and
contemplated life in general. He was fairly educated for a
human, not that anyone would guess, only every hearing him
grunt or growl. This of course led to his masters to talk
and discuss things around him, for they thought he was as
stupid as an animal too, but he wasn't and he listened.
When no one was around, he would sneak a book and read it,
loving the words, using them as an escape…but today, he
feared no escape from his fate. Then he suddenly looked up
and there he was an angle, skin white as snow, eyes blue as
the sky, falling…he moved. 

The next thing he knew this angel was in his arms, and it
felt so good to hold him, and he had never felt this way
about anyone, and it warmed his soul. When he looked into
those eyes he fell, and he never wanted to stop…that's when
the sound of the Keeper's voice broke the spell, or part of
it. He decided that this man would be his, and from the
look in his angel's eyes, wanted the same thing, so he was
determined to keep him, fight for him if he had too. 

Then the Ferengi entered into the picture, and a strange
conversation between his angle, called Sapphire and his
Ferengi Master, and then the creature was daring to come
closer, and had it not been for the gentle touch, he would
have struck at the thing, but he soothed under the soft
touch from his angel. Before he realized it, a strange
necklace was being placed around his neck, and his world
turned upside down and sideways, but he would not give into
the darkness, for he feared for the angel in his arms. Then
when all settled down again, he felt…different, stronger,
and strangely in control of his destiny. The next time he
looked at the angle in his arms, he felt it…his mind, and
for the first time in years, he could communicate with
someone, to his angel…Tom. 

He learned quickly about Rom, and what the deal was with
Tom and his Ferengi master, and what he would need to do to
stay with the beautiful blond, and of course he agreed.
Then when the fight began and Tom asked if he could hold
back so he could make a point to the Ferengi, he was about
to disagree, till Tom explained it would show Rom a taste
of power, and that would assure the two of them would stay
together, and so he agreed. He took blow after blow, barely
feeling a thing, even less then he usual did, but it could
be that this Romulan was not as strong as the others he had
faced; then when the signal came he took down his opponent
as quickly and painlessly as possible. 

This assured him another fight unfortunately, but if it
meant being with Tom, he could handle it, and so he entered
the ring, waiting, looking up to see his angel only to see
another, this one contrasted compared to Tom. This one was
dark and golden like the moon, his dark main flowing
freely, made him think of a wild majestic cat he saw as a
youth, but with the grace and poise like his angel, as he
stood like a jewel in the night. Then he too was falling…he
had to act. 

With a speed that surprised even him he closed the
distance in time to catch his falling star and held him
safely in his arms. He didn't expect the young man in his
arms to understand, but he held him tightly, protectively,
hoping to convey that he was safe, and would not come to
any harm. He then looked down and saw his night star, his
jewel was unconscious and was hurt, but not from the fall,
but from injuries just prior to this atrocity. He reached
his mind out to let Tom know that this young one was safe,
and unintentionally shared his feelings, for he had no
control over his new gift. 

He could feel Tom's relief, then fear, then acceptance
when he understood that he held a special place all his own
in the large man's heart, and this young man was no threat,
but a possible addition. Tom instructed him to take him off
the field and wait with him till someone from their Master
came for them both, which he acknowledged and did so,
ignoring the guards that were shouting at him to release
his other part of his heart, the first being his angel, and
of course he had no intention of doing so, and ignored the
electronic whips as they struck his back, for he used his
body to cover the young man in his arms till he made his
way to his cell, and waited, keeping everyone at bay, and
was relieved that after a while they gave up, so he could
focus his attention to the young man who was still out
cold. 

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

Rom was no fool, he knew from the commotion that his
latest purchase saved the newly blinded human, and matching
that to what Sapphire had said, this was the third, but
this one would not be so easily retrieved. But he had a
plan, and sent one of his messengers to one of the lower
ranking Cardassians that owed him a lot of money; for he
would use the male as a front to purchase the human, and
then legally take the human off the Cardassian's hand in
trade. Rom knew if the Intendant got wind that it was him
that wanted the human, she'd kill him with her bare hands,
and that was unacceptable. 

The sleek looking Cardassian moved to stand before Rom,
and waited nervously, and Rom could tell the young
Cardassian thought he was being summoned to pay a debt that
he was in no position to do so, and Rom let him sweat this
point for a little while; it would make the deal easer to
forge. "You owe me," he said in a flat emotionless tone. 

"I…" the Cardassian was about to speak, but with a hand
held up from Rom, he became silent. 

"I will make this simple for you. The human that almost
died in the pit…buy him." 

The Cardassian looked at Rom as if he just told him to
kill himself. "Buy him?" 

"You heard me. I want you to purchase him from the
Intendant, and she is `not' to know I have anything to do
with this sale, understand? Then when it is legal, you will
sell him to me for one piece of latinum, and in exchange,
I'll…clear half your debt." Rom knew he could have offered
a quarter of the debt, but he felt in a generous mood. 

"Are you serious," the Cardassian replied, believing this
to be some cruel joke. 

Rom's large eyes narrowed, "Have you ever known me to be
otherwise? I am sure even you can see the benefit to your
wellbeing to accept this…one time offer…yes?" 

"Ah…yes. Yes, I see, and yes I agree," he said eagerly
with a nod. 

"Good. But note, that human must be mine before I leave
here, and he must be alive; otherwise…I will double your
debt…due tomorrow."

"You…can't…"

"I can and I will," Rom spat. "Just think of it as an
incentive to achieve you goal; now go!"  He watched the
Cardassian leave and turned his head slightly to the blond
human that had such wonderful hands. "You'd best be right
about this one," he said easily, but the threat was still
noticed by the human. 

"I am, Master," he replied, and gave an internal smile,
for he could feel that something wonderful was on the
horizon. 

Rom sat quietly watching the turn of events, especially
the Intendant who was pitching a royal fit, much to his
personal pleasure. He then brought his attention to the
necklace around his neck and recalled that it didn't come
alive till he handed it to his Sapphire, and it glowed a
fiery red, and wondered, would he have to offer it to the
bronze fighter to see the next results, and most
importantly, what exactly would those results be. One,
though paralyzed, was a little genius, the second, mute,
was a warrior like no other, the third, blind…what would he
offer? He wanted to find out, but if the pay off was as big
as he hoped, it could be dangerous to reveal all in the
presence of these people, but…again, it might be worth it? 

Time passed slowly, but soon enough, word of the purchase
reached him, and he gathered his people to finalize his
aspect of the deal with the Cardassian. Meeting the young
man by the doorway to the pens, he finalized the trade as
agreed upon and handed over a receipt that cut the
Cardassian's debt in half, and moved passed him to seek out
what he hoped was the final piece to unlocking his revenge. 

When he move down to the area where the two humans were
at, he stopped in the doorway and looked at his blond, "Get
the big one to carry you," he ordered. Rom only had to wait
a minute before the large warrior exited the room and
picked up Sapphire and carried him inside. Rom ordered his
guards to stay put and keep everyone out, and then entered
inside himself. Once there he saw that the other human,
dark and golden, was awake and looking rather scared, but
still held a touch of dignity, something Rom could admire,
but only a little, for humans had their place. He removed
the necklace from around his neck and handed it to the
larger human, and at once it began to glow a vibrant green.
With a look at Sapphire, the blond nodded and soon the
warrior moved to the blind human, and placed the necklace
around his neck, gently trying not to hurt him as the man
protested, for he couldn't see what was happening. Then
soon he stopped as the greenish light bathed him, as the
other light had done for the others. When it stopped, the
human was back to being unconscious. 

Rom knew he had to be patient, so he made himself
comfortable on the lounge chair, which normally held the
human, and waited. He saw his blond being cradled by the
larger human, who had the head of the new comer on his lap,
caressing his dark hair. In a strange way it was rather
appealing to see such affection, but he never lost focus of
his true goal, what power would soon be his. After twenty
minutes the new human began to stir. 

"Take it easy," Sapphire said, his had caressing the long
dark locks, as did Chiefs. "You are among friends," he
smiled lovingly. 

"What happened?" the dark golden man asked. 

Rom saw the blond look at Chief, and there was a nod, and
soon he saw the golden youth sit up startled, but some
understanding in his unfocused eyes. "Wow," was all the new
youth said. 

"Well," Rom said impatiently. 

The blond looked at the other two, and Rom was annoyed for
he could sense they were having a conversation. He wanted
to order them not too, but he would have a better chance of
getting them to willingly stop breathing, so he waited
patiently, hoping that his treasures remembered their
position in life. 

Sapphire looked at him, "His name is Julian…"

"I know that, it's on the sales slip," Rom snapped. 

"He ah, doesn't feel any different," the blond states
uneasily. 

"The necklace glowed, he is part of you, and so he must
have something to show for it!" 

"I'm sorry, but if I do, I don't know what it is, Master
Rom," Julian said softly, internally noticing there was no
malice in his voice or in his soul, but he didn't think
that would count toward what this Ferengi was looking for. 

Rom cures in Ferengi, and got up, "Stay here, I shall send
for you when we are ready to go," he spat, obviously no too
pleased at the moment, as he stormed out the door. 

The three men found themselves curling up to each other,
feeling safe, close, and content to be with each other,
while understanding that this was all still new to them
all. They all did feel some change inside the more they
thought about it, and sharing a mental bond, and feeling so
connected to each other, even though till this moment they
never met. Chakotay felt the exhaustion in his two loves;
his morning sun and night star, and started to rock them,
his mind recalling a lullaby his mother sang to him before
he was taken away from her forever. 

It came as a surprise, more to Julian than the others, as
he opened his mouth and started to sing the words of the
song; his voice was that of an angel, and it floated upward
to the heavens, piercing the walls and souls of those
around him. 

Hush now, my baby Be still love, don't cry Sleep like
you're rocked by the stream Sleep and remember My lullaby
And I'll be with you when you dream.

Drift on a river That flows through my arms Drift as I'm
singing to you I see you smiling So peaceful and calm And
holding you I'm smiling too Here in my arms Safe from all
harm Holding you, I'm smiling too

Hush now, my baby Be still, love, don't cry Sleep like
you're rocked by the stream Sleep and remember this river
lullaby And I'll be with you when you dream Here in my arms
Safe from all harm Holding you, I'm smiling too

Sleep and remember this river lullaby And I'll be with you
when you dream Sleep and remember this river lullaby And
I'll be with you when you dream I'll be with you when you
dream…

While his voice lulled the nearby masses, visions of
children being torn from their loving mother's arms filled
everyone's mind and heart, causing personal visions of
separation from their own mother to whirl forward in their
thoughts, as well as the feelings that came along with it.
Then when the voice was finally silent, not a sound could
be heard, accept for a few sniffles, of those hiding their
tears, for their souls were touched like never before. Even
Rom felt it, and though he too felt overwhelmed with
thoughts of his own mother, before she was taken away, he
realized that he needed to get his treasures out of
here…now, before anyone could figure out what just
occurred. Rom turned around with his guards, and hurried to
retrieve his property, wondering the entire time, just how
he could use the golden voice to his own gain, for he knew
if there was a will, which he had, there had to be a way.
And thought it was not quite what he was hoping for, it was
something others did not posses. 

He arrived to the cell, and found most of the guards in a
mellow mood, and took this into account as he retrieved his
property. When he entered into the cell, he saw all three
of them asleep, curled up to one another, and in the dark
pit he also could see the necklace that hung around
Julian's neck, glowing, all three crystals were lit, and
even he could sense the power in this room. //Now that
they're mine, I need to figure out just how to use them,
//he thought smugly.  He turned to one of his guards,
"Bribe the security officer to allow us to beam my treasure
to the ship…now," he snapped, though he kept his voice low,
for he wanted his Triad to rest, they would be needing all
their strength soon enough. 


TBC "Blessed Trinity"