by Christine Francis
 

     "I still think it's superstitious nonsense."  Commander Benjamin Sisko complained, as they boarded the runabout.  "Either that, or Kai Wynn is looking for another excuse to get me out of the way."
     Major Kira scoffed at this.  "So you think she plotted to have all the heads of grain turn red, and all the animals to give birth to stillborns?  All over the entire planet?"
     "I don't know."  Sisko squirmed in his seat.  "But is seems to me we'd be putting this runabout to better use scanning Bajor for viruses and diseases, rather than chasing...signs."
     "We'll get them to cooperate more easily,"  Dax took her seat, "if we exhaust this option first.  So we spend some time in the wormhole, and when nothing happens,..."
     "Then we scan for biological reasons."  Sisko concluded.  "Your reasoning's fine, Dax; I just hope we're not wasting time."
     "The scriptures are clear."  Kira muttered, running a diagnostic program and preflight.  "When the crops are dipped in blood, and the new generation of kith are born without souls, the prophets shall the emissary require."
     "Plain as day."  Sisko scoffed.  "Where's Worf?"
     "Here, sir."  Worf ducked in and closed the airlock.
     "Have a seat, Mr. Worf."  Sisko strapped in and sighed.  "Let's get this over with."
  There was a brief whistle of displaced atoms, and Dr. Bashir appeared in the back.  "Sorry I'm late."  He smiled and took a seat.
     "Disengaging."  Kira announced, as she and Dax puled the runabout away from the station.
     "You cut that one pretty close, Julian."  Dax teased.  "If you were too busy, you could have stayed behind."
     "The emissary shall go, with one who is learned in the healing arts at his side."  Kira quoted.
     "In case I get a paper cut, flipping through the scriptures."  Sisko muttered.
     "Scoff if you want."  Kira smiled to herself.  "You can't tell me you can explain everything that's happened.  If not the prophets, then who?"
     "Course set for the wormhole."  Dax interrupted.  "We should be there in just a few minutes."
     "The sooner, the better."  Sisko sighed, sinking deeper into his chair.  This emissary stuff was a real pain in the ass, sometimes.

     Sisko was thinking that same thing, when they entered the wormhole.  He was trying to decide which would be worse:  to find this was all a goat rope as he suspected, or to find the prophets actually did want him.  Going another enigmatic round with the wormhole aliens, was not something he looked forward to.  Unfortunately, that was exactly what was in store for him.
     When the runabout faded out of existence, and he found himself seated at Dodger Stadium, he hardly raised an eyebrow.  "Too bad there are no hot dog vendors."  He breathed, and sat back to wait.
     Sandy Kolfax came out of the bull pen.  "The Sisko."  He announced, smiling.
     "You wanted to see me?"
     Sandy seemed to think about that.  "Did we?"  Pausing to spit, he squinted at the ersatz sun.  "You are here, so I suppose we must."
     "Was there a reason you wanted to see me?"  Sisko tried again.
     "There is always a reason for everything, yet everything happens for no reason at all."
     In spite of himself, Sisko had to smile.  With the wormhole aliens, it was simply a matter of asking the right question; but that usually meant asking all the wrong ones, first.  "Are there certain conditions which should be met?"
     Sandy paused, then nodded thoughtfully.  "That is one of the interesting things about time.  It would seem that, over and over, conditions are met to bring about certain results.  The consistency of this, leads us to believe this is as it should be."
     "And I am here because all is not as it should be."  Sisko concluded.
     "Not at all."  Sandy smiled.  "Your being here, is exactly as it should be.  The conditions for effecting correction are nearly met.  All that remains, is for time to pass."
     "Can you be..."  he knew he was asking too much, but he had to try, "a little more specific?"
     "Those who set themselves up as gods, will-did-are interrupting the natural flow of conditions.  Since their point of origin is the same as that of the Sisko, we feel the Sisko would be the proper counterpoint; restoring conditions."
  Sisko took a moment to translate.  "Someone moved through time?"
     "Did move-is moving-will move."
     "Right.  Would the ones who set themselves up as gods, be the ones who call themselves The Dominion?"
     "At some point in time, yes."
     Sisko sighed, tired from the effort of bending his mind around non-linear terminology.  "And you want me to go after them."
     "The conditions are met.  You are-were-will be successful."
     "Thanks for the vote of confidence."  He scoffed.  "Understand that once you place me back in time, it will be nearly impossible for me to determine where the change was made."
     "Just so."  Sandy smiled, and Dodger Stadium evaporated.

     Sisko woke thinking he'd gone blind, but the subtle changes of shadow and light told him he was merely in a dark place.  "Dax?  Kira?  Worf?"
     "Shhh!"  Kira appeared, holding a small light.  "Julian said you should lie still for awhile."
     "Where are we?"
     She glanced around.  "We're not really sure.  We know we're in a cave, and we know outside the cave looks like mostly desert."
     "Did we crash?  How did we get in a cave?  Where's the-"  As he tried to sit up, a flash of pain shot through his head.
     Giving him an 'I told you so' sigh, Kira did what she could to make him comfortable.  "We just materialized in here- runabout, and all.  Everything's fully functional, but we have no way of getting the ship out.  Julian and Worf have gone out to see what they could find out, and Dax is finishing up some diagnostics and preliminary scans."  She looked around.  "So far, we're not picking up any sub-space traffic.  It's as if everything's gone dead."
     "Or hasn't been invented yet."  Sisko made her go get Dax, then told the two of them what had happened inside the wormhole.
     "So the Dominion wants to make things easier in our present, by altering our past."  Dax nodded.
     "But who's past?"  Kira mused.  "Bajor's?  Earth's?"
     "Or maybe Vulcan's."  Dax concluded.  "After all, they have the most pivotal role in the Federation's history."
     "That would explain the desert."  Sisko agreed.  "But..."
     "What?"
     "The Vulcans would have remained passive observers, without the humans to influence them."
  Dax nodded.  "And, logically, when presented with the Dominion, they would offer no resistance.  After all, once homage was secured, the Dominion would leave them pretty much alone."
     "Earth, then."  Sisko decided.
     "Does it always have to be Earth?"  Kira protested.  "You would think the universe begins and ends with Earth, to hear Terrans talk.  The Prophets are Bajoran.  It would only make sense that this is Bajor.  We're probably in the early days of the occupation.  Think about it:  if Bajor had never been liberated, the Dominion could have easily come through the wormhole and gotten a good foot-hold in the Alpha quadrant.  After all, the Cardassian presence then, couldn't have offered much of a challenge to the Jem-Haddar."
     "She has a point."  Dax conceded.
     "For that matter,"  Sisko shifted, "Maybe this is pre-disaster Kling.  After all, it wouldn't be the first time the Dominion tried to infiltrate the Empire.  The could re-orchestrate history, and accomplish the same results they were going for the last time.  Or maybe they want an alliance.  A Klingon-Jem Haddar combination would be pretty unbeatable."
     "That's true."  Dax nodded.
     "Don't be so damned agreeable!"  Kira snapped.
     Dax grinned back.  "I just know we're not on Trillian.  We don't have deserts."
     "It's Earth."  A voice said, and Kira turned her light on the source.  Julian Bashir stood, brushing sand out of his hair with his fingers.  "Or something remarkably like Earth.  The Middle East, during the Roman occupation, it would seem."
     "The Roman-"  Sisko's voice trailed off.  "Why would they go so far back?  Where's Worf?"
     "Stealing clothing from a Bedouin encampment."  He answered.  "If we're lucky, we can pose as itinerant shepherds and blend right in."
     "Blend in?"  Sisko sat up carefully.  "Worf's hair and teeth may blend in perfectly, but what about the rest of him?  And Kira and Dax?"
     Julian rummaged through his bag and gave Sisko something for the pain.  "Luckily, people in this region wear lots of scarves.  Especially the women.  A nice pair of veils should take care of these two."  He nodded at the females.  "Our universal translators are still operable, and I have a working knowledge of Latin, Hebrew, and certain dialects of Arabic.  The women won't be required to speak at all, Worf can pretend to be mute, and if you're my employer no one will think it odd that I do all the talking."
     Sisko smiled.  "You seem to have all of this thought out."
     "This is the desert."  Julian quipped.  "What else is there to do, but think?"
     "This should do."  Worf announced, dropping a pile of what looked like dusty rags.
     Kira gingerly picked up one shred of clothing, and tiny creatures jumped in all directions.  "Agh!  These things are alive with bugs!"  she said, dropping the shred and backing away.  "I'm not putting that on my body."
     "Lice and sand fleas are common here."  Julian shrugged.  "You'd be conspicuous without them.  Now we should hurry.  I have no idea how much time we have."
     "You sound like you know why we're here."  Sisko tried standing, and found his head didn't explode.
     "I think I do."  Julian stood, looking Sisko in the eye.  "Ten kilometers from here, is the road from Galilee to Judea, and I over heard some travelers on that road.  Quirin'ius, governor of Syria, has told them of a Roman edict; that everyone must go to their birthplace to register."
     Sisko caught on, rejected it, and took it up again.  "Why?  Why this time?"
     Julian broke eye contact, pacing a little.  "In view of the subsequent crusades and various other atrocities traced to this one event, and despite the fact that everything in my cultural upbringing makes me want to sit back and do nothing, there's no denying it.  For good or ill, the emergence of Christianity provoked certain social and technological catalysts in Terran history.  I know, in order to return to our Federation, we can't allow the Dominion to jeopardize this moment in history;"  He looked back at Sisko.  "But I don't have to like it."
     Sisko nodded, understanding.  "Let's get dressed.  We can hide some tricorders and weapons in bundles, but code them for self destruct if they're handled by anyone but us.  Better a few dead centurions, than a loose phaser in the year one BC"
     "I don't understand any of this."  Kira complained.
     "Neither do I."  Dax added.
     Sisko tried to come up with the quickest explanation.  "We are going to a town called Bethlehem, where...an important...rebel leader is supposed to be born.  Take my word for it, it's a very vulnerable and pivotal moment, in Terran history."
     Kira nodded; not understanding still, but understanding enough.  Dax just stood there with her mouth open.
     "The Bethlehem?"  she asked.  "The birth?"
     "Complete with cow barn and star, unless I miss my guess."  Julian said, covering his head and showing Worf how to hook the end of his scarf so it covered his face.
     Dax was flipping through files on her data board.  "Got it."  She said, finally.  "The local king, Herod, feels threatened by the prophecy and searches out to kill every male baby in the area."  She looked up.  "I guess this time, he'll get some help."
     "We can't count on that being the only infiltration.  Everything down to the animals in the barn, should be suspected."  Sisko shrugged into an itchy robe.  "And the three kings bearing gifts; they're likely suspects."
     "Kings?"  Dax bent back over her databoard.  "Oh, yes.  Kings."  She looked up.  "Benjamin, look at this."
     On the screen was a picture of an artists interpretation of the three gifts.  "You could hide anything in one of these.  A bomb, a changeling,...anything."
     Worf glanced at the data board, absently scratching his shoulder.  "You can not bleed one of those."  He commented, implying he was prepared to bleed everyone and everything else.  "And our tricorders will not be good enough.  How will we flush out the changelings?"
     Kira tapped her chin.  "Do we have the right parts to put together one of those emitters?  The ones that make changelings freeze in whatever form they're in?"
     "That will not prevent them from attacking."  Worf shook his head.
     "No, but it will give them a time limit."  Sisko mused.  "And it certainly will make them uncomfortable.  Plus, if they come disguised as an animal or inanimate object, they'll be locked into that form."
     "That will not stop them for long."  Worf grumbled, scratching under his arm.
     "It doesn't have to."  Dax said, reading her databoard again.  "We only have to stall them until the family escapes to Mesopotamia."
     "But wouldn't the Dominion know that?"  Kira held up a dusty veil, wrinkling her nose even more in distaste.
     Sisko nodded.  "Maybe we can convince them to go someplace else?"
     "Leaving the Roman empire is out of the question; it's just too big.  Maybe Assyria, or a boat to Cyprus?"
     "Maybe.  We'll figure that out later.  First, let's put that emitter together, and get out there.  We need to find out where in the time line we are.  Let's hope the prophets haven't cut things too close."
     Dax nodded, and felt her way through the dark to the runabout.

     Donning her veil, and instantly regretting it, Kira walked over to where Worf was sharpening his  half-batleh'.  "Won't that seem out of place, here?"  she asked.
     "I saw several men with swords; some of an odd shape.  It would not be impossible to make one of these during this time, and perhaps the exotic shape will draw their eye from me."
     Kira nodded.  "Well, I guess I won't have to worry about that.  They can't see enough of me, to notice anything."  She sat down on a pile of rocks.  "I guess we're the only ones here who have no idea of what's going on."
     "We know enough."  He replied, gruffly.
     She nodded at this, taking it at face value.  "Humans, and their...personal problems."
     Worf grunted, but said nothing else.
     "You know more than you're telling me.  Come on, Worf; you were raised with Terrans.  If this "rebel leader" was so important, you must at least have some idea of who he was."
     "He did lead a rebellion, of sorts; but not the way you or I would think."
     "Oh?"
     Worf looked up.  It was no use; everything Bashir said was true.  As stupid and insignificant as he wanted to believe this point in history was, so much that happened later depended on it.  Even if none of it were true; even if the event itself was half legend and half trickery, as he always suspected, what came later was irrefutable.  He told Kira, but he told her all of it; without the stained glass and miracles.

     "You could have told me."  Kira said to Sisko, interrupting a scratching session.  "Out of everyone here, I think I best understand the significance of religion in history."
     He looked at her for a moment, then nodded.  "Some of us aren't as...comfortable about it, as you are."
     She nodded.  "So...do you believe?"
     "I don't know."  He scratched his neck thoughtfully.  "I'm trying very hard not to think about it, right now.  I'm just trying to concentrate on doing what has to be done; on doing the right thing."
     She smiled briefly.  "Some people might call that faith."
     He smiled back.  "Then faith and soldiering have a lot in common."
     "You wouldn't be the first one to make that comparison."
     "Unfortunately."  Sisko stopped scratching, and looked over at Julian.  "The doctor's ancestors had some long and terrible wars, as a result of what's about to happen."
     "Let me guess; they weren't on the side we're defending."
     "No."
     She nodded.  "You know, as horrible as the Cardassian occupation was, I think if thousands of years of history depended on it..."
     "You wouldn't stop it?"  he looked at her.
     Kira thought it over, then shook her head.  "No, I wont lie.  I'd do everything I could, to stop it.  But, then again, I don't have the benefit of thousands of years of perspective."
     "Well,"  Sisko started scratching again.  "it's not like the man himself was responsible for what came later.  And I can't condone infanticide, under any circumstances.  If we think of it on that level-"
     "And not on the level of meeting a God?"  she asked, smiling.
     Ben sighed again.  "I'm just not used to thinking about these two things occupying the same space.  I mean; some things you just naturally think of as separate.  Untouchable.  Un..."
     "Real?"
     He nodded.  "I guess so."
     "Well, if these sand fleas don't convince you how real this is, I don't know what will."  She smiled, even though her veil covered most of her face.
     Sisko watched her walk away, scratching his legs.  "If she thinks this is bad,"  he muttered, "wait until we get around some sheep."

     They came down from Mount Ephraim, carrying bundles on their backs and heads.  They found a caravan to join, paying the guide a fee in replicated coins.  Walking over sand and rocks, they made their way to Jerusalem, then Bethlehem.

     "It would help, if we knew what we were looking for."  Kira grunted, a newly filled water jug on her head.
     "I honestly don't know."  Sisko looked around.  He was posing as a Ethiopian merchant; with his two wives, his manservant, and his guide.  Here and there they bought some trinket, just to look authentic.  "Every stable I see, has people living in it.  The whole place is swarming."
     "Did you expect a sign?"  Julian scoffed.  "I tell you this much:  contrary to western art, the family isn't going to have blonde hair and blue eyes."
     "I realize that."  Sisko answered, trying to keep his patience.  "Dax, see if you can scan for pregnant human females."
     "Already did.  One thousand, two hundred, seventy three, to be exact."
     "How about only the ones in their third trimester?"
     "Four hundred and six."
     "That narrows it down."  Kira quipped.
     "Commander."  Julian said quietly, looking across the street.  There, an older man led a donkey carrying a girl.  She was only a child, but her face had a tired knowing look.
     "Dax."  Sisko whispered, and heard the warble of a tricorder.
     "Third trimester.  Nearly ready to give birth."  She confirmed.
     "What do we do?"  Worf asked, his eyes wide.  If asked, he couldn't possibly describe how he felt.
     The older man had knocked on a door.  When the door opened, another man came out and shook his head.  Resigned, the first man made noises to the donkey and moved on.
     "We follow."  Sisko decided.  "Don't let them out of our sight, and watch for anything unusual."
     "Unusual?"  Kira scoffed, shifting her water jug.  "How would we know?"

     They followed the couple to the inevitable barn.  At first Sisko was afraid just standing around would get them noticed; but it looked like half the population was loitering, for one reason or another.  There simply wasn't anything else to do.  Julian came back with a bundle of fruits and breads, along with some meat for Worf.  They squatted in the shelter of an unattended awning, and picked the bugs out of their food.
     "When it gets dark,"  Sisko said around a mouthful of the grainiest whole grain bread he'd ever tasted, "we'll plant the emitter in or around the barn.  Right under the manger would be perfect, but I doubt we can get that close."
     "I think I can."  Dax said, watching people walk by.  "Women are hardly ever noticed here.  I can bring some food to them, as an excuse.  I don't think they'll suspect anything."
     Sisko nodded.  "It's a good plan.  Here; take a water skin, as well."
     "Wait."  Julian pulled something out of his robe, and pressed it against the bread.
     "What's that?"
     Bashir looked away.  "Vitamins.  That's still a pregnant woman in there, and I'm still a doctor."
     Sisko put a hand on his friend's shoulder.  "I'm glad to hear it."  He said, soberly.
     "Just don't ask me to attend the birth.  That would be a little too much."
     "I think they can manage on their own."  Sisko assured him.
     "I'm ready."  Dax interrupted, her spots well hidden.  She held a full water skin, a bundle with food in it, and the emitter hidden in her belt.
     "Good luck."  Sisko nodded, and watched her go.

     Keeping her eyes lowered, Dax entered the barn.  The stench nearly knocked her down, but she made herself go on.  Ahead, in one of the stalls, the man and girl slept.  Relieved at not having to lie, she simply laid the bundles at their feet and planted the device under the manger.  She was about to go, when a voice said "Wait."
     Turning, she saw the man sitting up.  The girl was just opening her eyes.
     "Who are you?  What do you want?"  the man demanded, suspiciously.
     Dax smiled and shook her head.  Then she pointed at the food, then at the girl.
     "What is this?"  He scooted over to the bundles, and opened them.  "What is the meaning of this?"
     "Joseph, be still."  The girl laid her hand on his.  "If someone wishes to share their meal with us, are we too proud to refuse?"
     "She looks Roman."  He answered, still eyeing Dax.
     The girl ignored him, and smiled up at Dax.  "Thank you."  she said slowly and clearly, nodding.
     Dax glanced from one to the other, smiled and nodded, and scurried away.
     "Strange."  Joseph said, picking through the food.  "Did she think us beggars?"
     "She was just being kind.  Generosity is rare enough, without us discouraging it."  Picking up some bread, she broke off a piece and ate.
     "You are far too trusting, wife.  And what is this?"  he pulled a metallic thing from under a nearby manger.
     The girl took it from his hands, turning it over and over.  "Some fine new thing.  It must be very expensive."
     "Good.  I can sell it, and perhaps bribe that innkeeper to give us decent lodgings."
     "No!"  she held it away from him.  "It is a gift, for the child."
     "Mary."  Joseph smiled, shaking his head.  "You act as if you were the first woman to ever have a child."
     "You know it is more than that."  She examined the strange bauble some more, then put it back under the manger.  "His first gift.  I will keep it always, and give it to him when he is old enough."  Suddenly, she bent and gasped.
     "Another pain?"  he said, holding her.
     "They come more often."  She said, once she could speak again.  "It will be soon, I think."

     "Dax?"  Sisko tried to get her hands from her face.
     "Jadzia!"  Worf whispered, concerned.  He put his hands on her shoulders, and let her lean into him.
     "What is it?  What happened?"  Kira asked, giving her a rag to blow her nose into.
     "I...I don't know."  Dax shook her head.  "It went fine.  I just...can't seem to stop crying."
     "It's getting dark."  Julian looked around.  "We should decide what we're going to do for the night."
     "We're staying right here."  Sisko answered, giving Dax a cup of water.  "We'll need to spread out.  Watch the crowd."
     "What crowd?"  Kira looked around, as the streets emptied of people going to their evening meal.
     "Don't worry, there'll be a crowd."

     "How long?"  Kira winced, as another wail came from the barn.
     "Hard to tell."  Julian rocked himself, hugging his knees to his chest.  "Could go all night."  This was harder than he thought it was going to be, withholding care from an obviously needful patient.  Even without the drugs and instruments, he held the skills to help a woman suffering a few scant meters away.  He felt he was lucky to have the excuse of temporal law to fall back on.  His ancestors' sensibilities proved insufficient to override his medical training.
     Sisko was pacing nervously, glaring at every person who walked by.  Worf, too, was scanning faces.  Dax leaned against a wall, sleeping.
     Suddenly, everything stopped.

     Much later, when they compared notes, they all agreed it couldn't have been more than a mere moment.  But at the time, it seemed as if an eternal silence fell over the city; making everything (including time) stand still.  Then, the silence was broken with the thin wail of a newborn child.  Time moved again.  Animals snorted, people talked, and in a distance singing was heard.
     As the shepherds walked by, they entered the crowd and watched the faces.  At the barn, some knelt down so others could see.  There were no halos, no angels, no bright beaming stars.  No miracles could be seen, except the miracle of a new healthy child; but that seemed enough.  Suddenly, Dax pushed her way to the front.  "Julian, I know what to do."  she said, grabbing his hand and pulling him forward.
     He had no time to protest, before he found himself in that barn, before that manger.
     Mary had just set the baby down, and looked up to see Dax.  She smiled serenely, and nodded her hello.
     Dax smiled back, and knelt beside the exhausted girl.  "Tell them, Julian."  She said quietly.  "Tell them about Herod.  Tell them they have to go to Egypt."
     "Egypt?"  he looked at her.  "They'll never go to Egypt!  Their ancestors fled from Egypt."
     "So no one would suspect it, right?"  she reasoned.  "Just do it, Julian.  I know it's right."
     Still trying hard to not look at the child, he finally agreed.  In broken Hebrew, he whispered about Herod's plot.  Apparently, Herod was quite a character; the idea came as no surprise to the couple.  Then he suggested they flee to Egypt, until it was safe.  Joseph, as he'd predicted, balked.  But Mary never took her eyes off Dax.
     "We will do as they say, husband."  She said, in a calm voice.  "Can't you see they mean us no harm?"

     As Julian and Dax quibbled, Sisko and Worf watched the crowd.  Suddenly, Sisko noticed the man beside him had the driest skin he'd ever seen.  As the man began to back up, his skin flaking, Sisko and Worf came up behind him.
     "How are things, back in the twenty fourth century?"  Sisko asked, pressing a phaser against the changeling's back.

     Kira waited for Dax and Julian, then led them to the ally where Sisko and Worf held the changeling.
     "I'm not here alone, you know."  The changeling said.
     "Neither are we."  Sisko replied, hoping he bought it.  "Where are the others?"
     "You think I'd tell you?"
     "I thought I'd give it a shot."  Sisko shrugged.  "Not that it matters.  As soon as they get too close to the device we planted, they'll be revealed as easily as you were."
     "Luckily,"  the changeling smiled, "We're not the only ones who want it dead."
     Sisko frowned thoughtfully.  With the number of observers we have assigned to this case, and given the technology they have, I'm not sure that presents much of a challenge.  We'll follow all the way to Mesopotamia, if that's what it takes."
     "But-"  Dax began, but Julian gently nudged her to be silent.
     "Kill me, or let me go."  the changeling insisted, still smirking.
     Under normal circumstances, and considering what this being was here to attempt, Ben Sisko would have had no trouble setting his phaser on maximum, and melting the shape shifter to slag.  But in this place, so close to... He backed up, and lowered his weapon.  "Well, Major,"  he sighed, as the changeling became a goat and fled, "I guess I'm more of a believer than I thought I was."
     "I don't pretend to understand any of this,"  Kira glanced around.  "but I'm sure you had your reasons."
     "So what now?"  Julian rubbed his arms.  It was getting decidedly chilly.  "Are we going to follow them all the way to..."  he glanced at Dax, "wherever?"
     "I'm open for suggestions."
     "Is the danger averted?"  Worf asked.  "Won't they simply try again, at another time?"
     "Can we decide this someplace warm?"  Kira shivered.
     Sisko smiled.  "We'd better find an open fire.  There's no room at the inns."
     "We have eight days to kill."  Julian offered.  "Then they'll go to Jerusalem, to the temple.  After that, they can escape."
     "They told you this?"
     The doctor gave Sisko a dark look.  "Let's just say I read it, somewhere.  Now shall we find a fire, while shepherds keep their watch by night?"
     Sisko cleared his throat.  "I think we all could use a little rest."  He was just about to lead the way, when screams were heard.  A knot of people ran by, looking panicked.  He pulled out his phaser, as Worf dashed to cover the other side of the street.  Suddenly, a huge wolf dashed by; too quickly for anyone to get off a shot.  It leapt upon the backs of shepherds watching the stable.
     "I can't get a clear shot!"  Sisko shouted.
     "There are too many people!"  Kira said at the same time.
     But the changeling made a fatal error; he allowed himself to be trapped in the body of a wolf, among those used to dealing with wolves.  Dozens of shepherd's crooks and staffs beat down on the gray pelt.  The wolf yelped and writhed, trying to get away, but shepherd's crooks caught on it's neck and legs.  When the pulverized mess that used to be a wolf began to dry into dust, those nearby marveled at the fact that the beast never bled, and called it a miracle.

     The night, and subsequent nights, passed without incident.  Sisko had thought they would look suspicious, hanging around the stable, but the whole street was full of little knots of people just hanging around to see what would happen next.  This made for good cover, but it didn't make the wait any easier.
     "Not at all."  Worf was saying to Bashir.  "I have never embraced the religions of Earth.  I simply find it reprehensible that someone would plot to murder a child.  Not only is there no honor in it, but anyone who would stand by and watch it happen has no honor, either."
     "Even if you knew this child would bring grief to millions?"
     Worf thought about it.  "I choose not to think in terms of fates and destinies.  My heart demands I deal with life in the here and now.  Even if I were convinced that murdering a child would spare many lives, I am equally convinced my soul would be damned for doing it."
     "And what about the other side of the coin?"  Dax interrupted.  "By allowing this child to die, you would be denying millions of solace and peace."
     "People are perfectly capable in finding comfort elsewhere, or in each other."  Julian groused.  "I mean; why do we feel the need to have deities, at all?"
     "That's easy."  Kira answered.  "Because deep down, we really need to feel like someone's in charge; that life isn't as random and out of control as it seems.  We want things to make sense."
     "I'm not sure I agree."  Dax said.  "I think we just need to believe in something better than ourselves; a higher purpose.  We need an example of perfection to strive for."
     "Or a cause to fight for."  Worf added.  "And laws to obey.  There must be limits set, and guidelines marked."
     "Maybe,"  Sisko interrupted, avoiding everyone's eyes, "we just want to feel loved; even when we're at our least lovable.  Acceptance.  Forgiveness."
     "I still say we can give all of these things to ourselves."  Bashir shook his head.  "We can set our own standards and goals, and agree on laws, and be in charge of our lives, and accept ourselves."
     "But we won't."  Sisko shrugged, and smiled ruefully.
     They all were quiet, then; each lost in their thoughts.

     In the afternoon of the seventh day, another ruckus was heard.  Ready for a new attack, the crew spread out.  This ruckus, though, was not screaming and snarling.  People were chattering and gossiping all up and down the street.  The crown began to part, and three camels passed; each bearing a man in rich clothing.
     "The kings."  Sisko concluded, and nodded for the others to work their way up the street.
     They observed the presentation of the gifts, carefully scanning each one to check for irregularities.  Apparently, though, everything was as it seemed.  When the kings repeated Dax's warning about Herod, Mary nudged Joseph, then found Dax's face in the crowd.  They both nodded to her, and Mary smiled.  After the kings departed, Joseph sought Dax out.
     "I must apologize to you." he said, looking down.
     "No need."  Julian translated for Dax.  "You were just being cautious and protective.  That is the wise thing to do."
     "Perhaps."  Joseph glanced back at his wife.  "It would honor us if you would travel with us to Jerusalem.  We go to the temple there, to present the child."
     Since this fit in with their plans, they agreed.  This point, at Jerusalem, would be the point of divergence.  If they could just see the family safely on their way to Egypt, the danger should pass.
     "How much do you think this will alter things?"  Julian asked Sisko, later.
     "Doctor,"  Sisko admitted, "I'm having enough trouble concentrating on what's going on now, without worrying about what will happen over the next six thousand years."
     "It's not the first time we've done this."  Julian shrugged.  "You had no problem standing in for a legendary hero and averting riots in San Francisco."
     Sisko gave Julian a look, and said "This isn't the same thing, and you know it."
     "Why not?  We're still effecting millions of lives.  We're still preserving the time line."
     "If the Dominion ever decides to kill off Madame Curie, or Albert Schweitzer, or Hippocrates, I'll remember to ask you the same questions."
     "What about that?"  Julian leaned against a wall, getting comfortable.  "Isn't there any way to stop them from doing this again?  I mean; I don't know much about tactics, but it seems to me distracting us with a series of time line interruptions would be a good way to catch us off guard."
     "Only if we're not able to go back to our start point.  But I admit; it is becoming quite a nuisance.   Unfortunately, this is one of those situations you have to improvise in."
     Julian nodded.  "I can't help but wonder if there are consequences:  If perhaps the fabric of time becomes worn and unravels, after being traversed the wrong way round so often."
     "That wouldn't be the only thing coming unraveled."  Sisko said sternly, then smiled at his friend.  "I know this has been hard on you.  The two of us are the only ones who can come close to understanding what's going on here, and as clueless as we are, that makes things pretty scary.  I'm afraid we're both going to have to put our personal feelings aside, so that all of us can get through this."
     Julian nodded, looking away.  "This is one of those Starfleet Officer things, isn't it."
     "Yes, it is."
     "Get a hold of myself, and behave like a professional?"
     "You have been reading the manuals."  Sisko teased.
     The doctor nodded again.  "Maybe if I think of things from a Starfleet Officer perspective, it'll be a little easier to deal with."
     "That's the point."
     "Point taken, then."
     "Good."  Sisko folded his arms.  "Now I'd better go have a talk with Dax.  I think she's getting a little too wrapped up in things."

     "It seems so useless."  Dax said, staring at the stable.
     "What's that?"  Sisko asked.
     "He's going to die, anyway."
     "In thirty years, or so."
     "Still..."
     "Dax," he turned her toward him.  "We have to concentrate on preserving the timeline.  I admit, I've been a little dazzled by where and when we are, but that doesn't change who we are."
     A small smile came to her lips.  "Is it time for the Starfleet pep talks, already?"
     He smiled back.  "You know the drill."
     "I admit, I tend to get a little sentimental, but I think I can hold on to my perspective."
     "Can you?  You seem a little..."
     "Oh, I know.  Meeting an icon in person is a daunting thing."  she smiled again.  "Watching her scold her husband, though, is downright unnerving."  Her smile slipped a bit, and she nodded.  "I can handle it, though."
     Sisko nodded back.  "Good.  Pretty soon we're going to have to concentrate on getting home, and I want everyone up to the task.  I'm not even sure if I remember where we parked."
     "Not a problem."  She showed her communicator, pinned inside the neck of her dress.  "I'm maintaining a link with the runabout.  We can remote command a beamout, whenever we're ready."
     Sisko smiled.  "I'm impressed.  But then again, I should have expected as much.  Sorry to have doubted you, old man."
     "Don't give me your vote of confidence yet; I still haven't figured out how to get the ship out of the cave."
     "I'm sure you'll come up with something."  He clapped her shoulder lightly, and moved on.
     "Glad one of us is sure."  She muttered.

     "I am fine, sir."  Worf answered Sisko's inquiry.  "In fact, I have not eaten this well since..."  he squinted slightly, "I can not remember."
     Sisko made a face.  "Glad the food agrees with someone."
     "In fact, if it were not for the insects, I would actually be enjoying myself.  And I think I am getting used to them."
     "You...like it here?"
     "I think this is a good period in Earth history.  People speak plainly, and settle their differences with blades.  Beliefs are believed strongly, and defended with blood.  Laws are straight forward and easy to understand, and one needn't worry about..."  he grimaced, "hurting people's feelings."
     "Yes, but most people have no rights, and poverty is common; not to mention filth and disease."
     Worf scoffed at this.  "The strongest survive, the weak are weeded out.  It is the natural order of things."
     Sisko stared at him.  "Well...don't get too used to it.  We do plan to go home, once we're done here."
     The Klingon nodded distractedly, something obviously on his mind.
     "Something else?"
     "I do question..."  Worf looked hard at Sisko, then looked away.  "It is nothing, sir."
     "Spit it out, Worf.  I assure you, my feelings are not as fragile as you suppose."
     "It's not that, sir.  It is not my place to say."
     Sisko smiled off his frustration.  "Speak.  If you're wrong, rest assured I will let you know."
     Worf took a deep breath.  "If these events, as certain religions claim, concern an actual god, why are we needed?  Can a god not defend himself?"
     Taking a moment to think, Sisko nodded.  "My best answer is I don't know.  All I can come up with, is the concept that deities traditionally choose champions or tools for reasons no one understands until much later.  This particular case is a little too close to me to consider that objectively, but I suspect my father would tell me it was all part of a plan; a higher purpose."
     "We are being tested, then?"
     "Possibly.  But I know one thing for certain."
     "And that is?"
     Sisko stood a little taller.  "Whatever the Dominion plans to do here, I know I'm duty and honor bound to stand against it.  And until I get an order contrary to that directly from God, that is exactly what I plan to do."
     Worf thought it over, nodding slowly.  "That, I can understand."
     "Carry on, commander."
     "Aye, sir."  Worf replied with enthusiasm, and went back to staring down passers by.

     "A little disappointed."  Kira admitted.  "I mean, I'm glad the Dominion didn't target Bajoran history, but... I can't help feeling a little jealous."
     Sisko nodded.  "Who knows?  Maybe in the future, Bajorans are the controlling members of the Federation."
     Kira smiled at this, and laughed a little.  "Not very likely.  I have to face it; our people are mostly peace loving, and like to keep to themselves.  That's what made us such an easy target for the Cardassians."
     "What about you?  The resistance?  The Bajoran members of the Maquis?"
     "Freaks."  Kira kicked the dirt.  "The resistance wasn't easy to start, you know.  Our culture makes us traditionally passive.  Eventually,"  she looked away.  "the resistance became a haven for misfits and social rejects."
     "No."  Sisko shook his head.  "Anything that is worth having, is worth defending.  For that, you need people who are willing to act as defenders.  It's fine to dream about a utopia without soldiers, but reality won't let that happen.  There are too many like the Cardassians, waiting to swoop in and take advantage.  And I'm afraid, there always will be."
     Kira smiled to herself, a sad little smile.  "Somehow, the knowledge that everything fragile and beautiful exists only because someone is willing to give up their soul to defend it, tarnishes that beauty a bit."
     "Not at all."  He smiled gently.  "There's something beautiful in the mother who endures hunger to feed her children, or the man who loses sleep to watch over his village, or the soldier who accepts pain and death to defend a place where people create wonderful works of art.  As soldiers, we have to believe that the universe is richer because of the things we strive to preserve.  We have to believe that the idea that others are free, is enough to justify giving up our own freedom.  We have to believe, or we do lose our souls."
     Kira nodded, thinking.  "Well,"  she sighed, "I guess that's why they call you the emissary."
     "Let's deal with one life crisis at a time, shall we?"  he groused, making her laugh.
     "You're right.  The art of sacrifice."  She said, smiling at him.  "Like a commander, who puts aside his own fears and feelings, to make sure his troops are in good spirits."
     "It's my job."  He shrugged.
     "You do it well."
     "By the seat of my pants, major."  He admitted, "But don't tell anyone."
     "Your secret's safe with me."

     Early the next morning, they packed up their few belongings and joined the small caravan headed for Jerusalem.  Flat bread was passed around, and sunrise was viewed on the road.  Judging by his stride, Worf was loving the early morning road march.  Julian was busy slipping bits of food containing medicine and vitamins to children of other members of the caravan.  Dax stayed near Mary and the baby, the warble of her tricorder barely audible.  Kira was enjoying the scenery, while trying to ignore the bugs, and Sisko was keeping himself busy keeping tabs on everyone.
     By late afternoon, they were in Jerusalem.  Many in the caravan went on, though some went to the temple.  Sisko and the others waited outside.
     "What if there is a Changeling inside?"  Worf asked.
     "I can't bring myself to disrespect these people, on the off chance there might be a Changeling inside."  Sisko answered, taking up a position near the temple entrance.
     "I doubt the Changeling would have any such compunction."  Worf muttered.
     "The Commander's right,"  Julian pointed down the road.  "That's not the direction the attack will come from."
     A few blocks away, a squad of Roman centurions meaning business were heading right for them.  Kira reached for her phaser.
     "Too many witnesses."  Sisko said quietly.  "We'll have to use swords and knives."
     "We don't all have swords and knives!"
     "No,"  Sisko nodded at the clattering troops, "but they do.  Are you telling me, major, that you can't disarm an overfed, half drunk, Roman centurion with his armor two sizes too small?"
     There was no time to answer.  As the Romans tried to shove their way into the temple, the crew attacked.  Worf stood directly at the temple door, fighting off as many soldiers as could fit in his way at one time.  Through virtue of being ignored, Dax and Kira easily waylaid soldiers and stole their swords; tearing their veils away, to better see their enemies.  Sisko and Bashir had the hardest time, pitting knives against heavy swords; but each of them, too, were able to acquire a sword.  Every one of them fought with ninety nine percent of their concentration, saving one percent to watch out for soldiers who might melt into another form.  Apparently, though, the Changelings were waiting before showing themselves.  The soldiers all bleed real blood; but so did the crew.  All of them were wounded, some of them badly.
     "Merely scratches!"  Worf roared, shoving Julian away.
     "Doctor?"  Sisko asked, holding a rag against his own shoulder.
     "If we don't get him out of here,"  the doctor worked feverishly, "he will bleed to death."
     "Dax!"  Sisko looked around, and found her trying to revive Kira.  "Is she..."
     "Just a concussion, I think."  Dax quickly assured him.  "But I don't think we should stay here much longer."
     "Agreed.  Use the remote to beam the four of you back to the runabout."
     "What about you?"  Julian asked.
     "I have to warn them.  I'll be fine.  Keep a lock on me, and wait for my signal."
     Dax knew that tone of voice.  She nodded, and keyed the proper commands; losing Worf and Julian's objections in the scream of dispersing atoms.
 
     Alone, Benjamin Sisko faced the temple doors.  As he entered, he made sure his head was covered.  Just across the threshold, an old man blocked his way.  He tried to step around, but the man gently took Sisko's arm.
     "It is accomplished."  He said.
     Sisko stared.  "Are you-?"
     "I am Simeon."  He increased his dense wrinkles, by smiling.  "And you are the Sisko."
     "Simeon?  One of the prophets?"
     The man demurred.  "I have dedicated my life in preparation of this day, but as to whether or not I'm a prophet..."
     "You're a human?"  Sisko was now thoroughly confused.
     "I was, up until about a quarter hour ago.  By God's grace, I was allowed to pass away; once that which I waited for came to pass."
     "Simeon."  Casting his mind back, Sisko recalled the story of the old man who lived to see the Christ child, then died.  "But...you called me the Sisko."
     "Did I?"  He smiled again.  "I tell you; since I have been dead, so much passes through my mind it would take an eternity to keep it all straight.  But I guess that is devised to keep us from being bored.  It did occur to me, very strongly, to tell you that you have fulfilled the conditions you were sent to, and that you may return to the place from whence you came."
     "I don't understand any of this."
     "That's life."  The old man shrugged.  "I wish I could tell you death was any different, but so far,..."  his voice trailed off, and he shrugged again.  "On the other hand, my back feels better than it has in years."  He sighed, then shook his head.  "My heart breaks for the children who will soon die, though."
     "Herod's massacre."  Sisko deducted.  "Isn't there something we can do?"
     Simeon led Sisko along the streets, oblivious of the soldiers and people running by.  He noticed Sisko looking back at the temple.  "Don't worry.  The priests let them out the back way.  As for Herod, well; if the Lord did not give us the choice of being the very worst we could be, where would be the blessing in choosing to be the very best we could be?  Evil hurts people.  That is what makes it evil.  Sometimes, for the sake of personal freedom, intervention is just not logical.  Otherwise, we may as well be cattle.  Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"
     "I think so.  But if that's true, I understand even less why we were brought here."
     "Choices made, should stay made.  We must all stand by our mistakes, as well as take credit for our victories.  Let one go back to change things, and they will all be doing it.  Then, the choices themselves will be valueless.  If the past is to mean anything to the present and the future, it must remain solid and unchanging."
     "Are you saying time travel is a sin?"
     "You tell me.  Does it seem right to you?  Does it seem fair?"
     Sisko shook his head.  "I suppose not.  I know the Temporal Police consider it criminal."
     Simeon looked at the sky.  "I'm losing more and more of my Earthly self.  It is time for me to move on."
     "Thank you for explaining things."  Sisko reached inside his clothing for his communicator, but suddenly he was in Starfleet uniform again; once again standing in Dodger Stadium.
     Sandy Kolfax smiled enigmatically.  "The conditions are met.  You were-are-will be successful."  Before Sisko could respond, he tipped his hat and added "And you're welcome."

     >>Rio Grande, is something wrong?<<  Chief O'Brian's voice came over the comms.
     The crew startled, finding themselves once again on the runabout at the verge of the wormhole.  Worf patted himself down, looking for the injuries that were killing him, a scant few moments ago.
     Dax snatched up a data board, and began to search.
     "We're fine."  Kira answered the hail, sounding doubtful.  "Let me guess; we've only been gone a few moments?"
     >>If that.  Did you forget something?<<
     "For beings unfamiliar with linear thinking,"  Sisko muttered, "the prophets' timing is impeccable."
     "No, we're finished."  Kira answered Miles.  "We're coming back in."
     "They made it."  Dax whispered over the data board, then looked up.  "They did go to Egypt, and avoided the massacre."
     "So we were successful."  Worf nodded.  "Do... the texts mention us, at all?"
     "No.  I already scanned for that.  There's no mention made."
     Worf seemed disappointed.  "The battle, though brief, seemed worthy of at least a word or two."
     "Against a bunch of fat soft spoiled Romans?"  Dax scoffed, smiling.  "Personally, I'd rather forget it."

     "What about you, doctor?"  Sisko moved to the back of the ship.  "Think you'll be able to forget it and move on?"
     "Of course."  Julian shrugged.  "All in a days work, eh?"
     "If you want to talk about it-"
     Julian raised his hand.  "I'm pretty much talked out.  I'm sure I'll be fine, but there's bound to be some...residual feelings."
     Sisko nodded.  "I can definitely identify with that."
     "I know it'll be awhile before I choose an Historic program in the holo-suites."  He grimaced.  "Other than that, though, it's not as if anything's really changed.  History's back where it belongs, and so are we."
     "And so are the sand fleas, thankfully."
     They both laughed a little, and Sisko turned to go back to the bridge.
     "Commander,"  Julian called, then walked up to Sisko when he turned back.  He held his hand out, grasping Sisko's and shaking it.  "Merry Christmas."
     Sisko shook his friend's hand, glad he had been right: nothing really had changed.  "Thank you, doctor."

     Dax tactfully looked on, waiting till Sisko moved away before coming over.  "I know I should be exhausted,"  she said, sitting beside Julian, "but I actually feel pretty invigorated."
     His brow puckered slightly.  "So do I.  You up for a few rounds of handball, once we finish up?"
     "Hmmm."  She looked up thoughtfully.  "Actually, I was thinking of getting some time in a holo-suite.  You know, Trillian has no deserts; so I never had the chance to explore one before.  There's a certain stark beauty-"
     "Which you'll have all to yourself."  Julian finished for her.  "I've had enough desert rambling, for a good long time."
     "Oh?"  She shrugged and got up.  "Too bad.  I thought you looked pretty dashing, as a Bedouin."
     He watched her go, wondering if playing desert prince would really be all that bad.

THE END