Side by Side.

Ever since receiving that wonderful message from Kira, my mind has been flooded with memories of her, and of our time together when I was Jadzia, and then Ezri. It didn’t take long for those memories to spur me into action. I simply had to reach out.

I got in touch with Dezi Zoler, who is still en route to Bajor. They kindly provided the details I needed to establish a subspace communication link directly to Kira.

Careful to calculate the time difference so I wouldn't call too early in the morning or too late at night, I finally opened the channel. The moment my face appeared on her screen, Kira’s face lit up with pure thrill.

We talked for just over an hour, stepping back into the past. We spoke of everyone: Benjamin, Kasidy, Jake, Garak, Miles, Keiko, Rom, Leeta, Worf, Quark, Julian, Morn and, of course, Odo.

Our conversation was a tapestry of laughter, shared tears, and occasional moments of solemn reflection. She thanked me once again for looking after Dezi, and I told her, with absolute sincerity, that it had been a pleasure.

After we disconnected, I pulled up old images of those dear friends and colleagues on my display. Looking at their faces, I remembered the good times with fond affection, feeling deeply grateful for the unwavering friendship that carried us through the darkest days of the Dominion War.

True friendship is when people can walk in opposite directions, yet remain side by side.