
 
     Major Kira sat in the proferred seat in Captain Sisko's 
office. "Sir, I have recieved a communication from Nova Nipan 
about a certain problem of theirs. It requires my immediate 
attention. But.....I'm not sure what to do." 
     Sisko leaned back in his chair. "What is the problem?" 
     "A few days ago a man by the name of Nicholai Serva was 
killed in a transporter accident. He had one child that in his 
will he signed into my care." Major Kira explained. "I don't see
myself in the position to take on the role of a parent. We are at
the brink of war with the Dominion." 
     Sisko nodded thoughtfully and tossed hi baseball in the air.
"Why did he sign the child to you?" 
     "Nicholai was always looking for adventure. He found it with
the Bajoran resistance. He and I were caught in crossfire and it
didn't look like we would survive. We both had family that needed
us at the time so we made a promise. If the other died we would 
care for the other's family. We both survived, but we let the 
promise stand. He must have written it into his will." Major Kira
explained. 
     "Thn you are oathbound to care for the child. How old is 
she?" Sisko asked. 
     Sh handed him a pad. "I haven't checked yet." 
     He turned it on and studied it. "Nobuko Imagine Serva. She 
is fifteen years old. She is through school. She only needs a 
place to stay and someone to feed her basically. I don't see any
problem." 
     Kira nodded. "I guess she can have adjoining quarters to 
mine." 
     He tossed the ball to her and grinned. "Welcome to 
parenthood." 
                          *1* 
     A few days later Kira stood waiting as the shuttle let off 
it's passangers. She spotted a girl with a miriad of tiny red 
braids that hung past her waist, bright green eyes, a silver 
outfit, and a green band on her forhead. She carried two bags. 
     Kira walked up to her nervously. "Ms. Serva?" 
     The girl nodded. "Yes, Major Kira?" 
     "Yes, I am Major kira Narice. I knew your father." she said.
     "He told me of you. You should hear.....I mean you should've
heard him." she corrected herself softly. "Anyway, he never 
forgot you." 
     Kira nodded. "Nor I him. Let me help you with your bags." 
     "Imagine?" she heard and turned to see a tall black man. "I
am Capatain Sisko. I knew of your father only by reputation, but
I give you my condolences." 
     "Thank you Captain." she replied with a respectful Japanese
style bow. "He was a wonderful man." 
     He grinned. "Call me Ben. Welcome to Deep Space Nine." He 
picked up her other bag. "Your quarters are next to Kira's." 
     As he walked he filled in Kira' solence wih cheerful chatter
that warmed Imagine's heart. "By the way, would you two like to 
come over for dinner tonight. We could get to know each other Ô   
h)          ÔŒbetter." 
     Imagine looked to the Major. "I will come if Kira-San 
agrees." 
     Kir nodded gratefully. "We'll be there." They reached her 
quarters. "See you later Ben." 
     Imagine put her bag's against the wall. "Thank you for 
taking me in. I know you're busy with the Dominion and all. I can
take care of myself. You don't have to keep a constant eye on 
me." 
     Kira nodded. "Tell me about yourself. I don't know much 
about your homeworld or past." 
     Imagine nodded. "Nova Nipan is a mixture of many cultures 
from earth. It was started by a group of ludites, people who 
don't like technology. We use more now that we are in contact 
with the Federation, but we are still limited. Each child is 
brought up in a trade they are best at. I was chosen to be 
trained as a Wordsmith. A wordsmith can sing, write, tell stories
and poems. I can play just about any instrument after a while of
practice." 
     Kira nodded. "Like a bard or minstrel," 
     Imagine nodded. "Every chld is also taught to fight. I am a
master in barehanded and with a glaive." 
     Kira grinned, happy to have found something in common. "Want
to spar? I may be able to give you some pointers." 
     She shrugged. "Sure," 
                          *2* 
     Ben Sisko nodded in satisfaction as the two came in ten 
minutes late. They were laughing. Kira grinned apologetically. 
"We were sparring and we lost track of the time."  
     Imagine smiled more demurely. "Kira-San is a good fighter."
     "Ha," Kira said. "I've never been beat so bad in my life!" 
     Ben laughed. "She beat you? She must be good." He put a hand
on Imagine's shoulder. "Congradulations." 
     A young man a little older than Imagine stepped in. "Hey 
dad! I'm home." He saw them. "Oh, hi major." 
     He stared at Imagine a moment and then held out his hand. 
"Hello, I'm Jake Sisko." 
     She smiled and shook his hand. "I am Nobuko Serva, but I am
called Imagine." 
     Jake looked to his father questioningly. "She is Kira's 
charge." Ben said. 
     Jake nodded. "Welcome to Deep Space Nine." 
     Dinner was a huge success and Kira walked Imagine back to 
her quarters. 
                            *3* 

Imagine explored the promenade that night after Kira was
asleep. Many people were still up and around. She was leaning
against the railing when she saw trouble out of the corner of her
eye.

A bajoran pulled out a phaser and was aiming at a creature
she didn't recognize. She reacted immediately seeing the security
guards would be a few seconds too late.

She put her hands together and reached within herself. She
pulled out the energy based on love and sister hood. She pooled
h)
it in her hands, threw it, and shouting, "Xalen's Cantandet!"

The ball of energy rushed at the bagoran and enveloped him.
He collapsed onto the floor with wide eyes. 

Her heart stopped. Surely it was over now, she would be sent
home. Damn.

                                  *
She was brought back to her senses by a voice next to her.
"Miss Serva, are you alright?"
She looked into the concerned eyes of Odo the security
chief. "Yes, of course."